Ariana Grande fans gathered in London for an emotional final concert on Tuesday as the US pop star prepares to step back from public life following her “Eternal Sunshine” tour.
Grande performed the final show of her 10-night residency at London’s O2 Arena, prompting fans to describe the occasion as a bittersweet end to an important chapter in her career.
Fans Defend Grande Amid Body Comments
Several concert-goers said they expected an emotional evening while supporting Grande’s decision to take a break. Fans have also criticised what they described as toxic online comments about the singer’s noticeably thinner appearance.
A video for her song “Petal” released in July sparked concern among some followers, who commented on her weight and appearance. Grande has previously described body-shaming discussions as dangerous, while her representative said she wanted to step away from public visibility after facing continued scrutiny.
The singer has also withdrawn from her planned West End debut in Stephen Sondheim’s “Sunday in the Park with George.” She described the decision as thoughtful and empowered.
Grande Ends Tour On Emotional Note
Grande began her “Eternal Sunshine” tour in the United States in June before bringing the production to London. Critics praised her performances, with the BBC calling the show a “bravura performance,” although other reviews expressed concern about her physical appearance.
Fans at the London concerts defended Grande’s privacy while acknowledging that supporters may naturally worry about her wellbeing. Some specifically criticised social media users who post harsh comments about her body.
Grande began her career as a teenager on Broadway before becoming a global pop star. She later earned an Oscar nomination for her role as Glinda in “Wicked” and is set to appear alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro in “Focker-in-Law,” due in cinemas in November.
