Ariana Grande announces break from music for Wicked commitment, fans react

Ariana Grande has announced she is taking a break from all projects unrelated to her upcoming film, Wicked. This decision comes just two days after she promised fans a tour as part of her music comeback.

The 31-year-old pop star shared the news on her Instagram Stories, expressing gratitude and excitement for her role in the Wicked film. “I love you all so much,” Grande wrote. “I have decided to put a temporary pin in all things that are not Wicked for now. I’m deeply grateful for your patience and mostly, so, inexplicably excited for all that is to come. See you soon.”

Fans quickly took to social media to share their thoughts on Grande’s announcement. On X (formerly Twitter), one fan wrote, “Hope she's well, love you girl.” Another lamented, “We lost.” A third fan pleaded, “No come back please!” while many others voiced their support and understanding.

“If she’s happier doing Wicked then I support her,” one fan admitted. Another pointed out the significance of her role, mentioning previous stars of Wicked: “I mean I can’t blame her. It’s kind of a big thing, people have high expectations after Idina [Menzel] and Kristin Chenoweth.”

In May, an official Wicked trailer was released, showcasing Grande as Glinda and co-star Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. The film is set to be released in two parts: the first on November 22, 2024, and the second on November 26, 2025.

Grande also released her seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine, on March 8, 2024. The album features tracks such as "intro (end of the world)", "bye", and "eternal sunshine". She appeared in music videos for songs including "the boy is mine", "we can't be friends (wait for your love)", and "yes, and?".

Earlier this week, Grande revealed plans for a deluxe version of Eternal Sunshine during an appearance on Evan Ross Katz's podcast Shut Up Evan. However, she noted that it wouldn’t be released anytime soon. She shared her desire to let the album “live in this current state a little while longer” and ensure the deluxe version is “worth the wait.”

Regarding a possible tour, Grande said, “It would be a really lovely idea to be able to trickle in some shows in between the two Wicked films. It would be a mini little sampling of shows, I think. It’s something that my team and I are working on coming up with options for.”

Despite the pause on her music projects, Grande's fans remain eager for her upcoming role in Wicked. The dual release of the film, coupled with her new music, marks an exciting period for the pop star and her supporters.