Ariana Grande speaks out about upcoming hiatus during Chicago concert: 'Human beings need a break sometimes'

Ariana Grande has addressed her upcoming break from public-facing work, saying the decision was made well before it was announced and was not prompted by recent negativity or public scrutiny.

Speaking during the first of three performances at Chicago’s United Center on Monday, Grande told fans that her decision had been carefully considered.

Her comments followed news that she would step away from professional commitments after completing her Eternal Sunshine tour and would no longer appear in Stephen Sondheim’s West End revival of Sunday in the Park With George.

“Sometimes when a story comes out that’s not directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion,” she told the audience.

“The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing,” she said, explaining that the decision had been planned quietly for a long time.

Grande also addressed concerns that negativity had affected her experience, saying, “Yes, boundaries, they need to be set. Human beings can need a break sometimes.”

She added that the tour remains an important part of her career, describing it as “the greatest experience of my professional and creative life”.

A representative for Grande said on Sunday that she would be “taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine tour”.

In light of the recent health concerns surrounding Grande after the release of her "Petal" music video, fans were worried that the singer's break was prompted by the scrutiny she was facing.

The tour is scheduled to conclude on September 1 at London’s O2 Arena.