Ariana Grande steps out of the spotlight with gratitude at tour closing

On Tuesday night, Ariana Grande concluded her Eternal Sunshine tour and announced her withdrawal from public life. The emotional singer was occasionally teary-eyed, notably during her hit song One Last Time, which gained additional significance as an anthem for Manchester terror attack survivors. Kneeling close to the audience, Grande proclaimed, "London, I'm going to need you to help me on this one."

Following months of speculation about her health and appearance, Grande stepped back from all public-facing appearances, including a production of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George at London's Barbican. Despite a foot injury that required her to wear knee-high platform boots, Grande displayed remarkable composure and stage presence, captivating her audience with her powerful vocals and dynamic performances.

During the song Nowhere, Nobody, a brief lapse in composure was evident as she sang about the difficulty of believing in a perfect ending. Grande expressed her gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support, emphasizing the beauty and extraordinariness of this experience. She acknowledged the relentless scrutiny she faces, stating that her decision to step back was a thoughtful and empowered choice.

Grande assured fans that she was performing at a high level and planned this hiatus for a long time. The tour, which began in the US in June, culminated in London, with the O2 Arena hosting 200,000 attendees. Grande's performance was hailed as flawless and Hollywood-indebted, with her genuine affection for Britain evident throughout the show.