United Kingdom, Aug. 5 -- Ariana Grande has told fans her decision to step back from public life after her Eternal Sunshine tour is one she made "a long time ago".

Rejecting suggestions the move was an impulsive response to online criticism, it emerged on Wednesday (05.08.26) the singer, 33, paused her concert at Chicago's United Center on Monday (03.08.26) evening to address growing speculation surrounding her plans after a statement from her representatives confirmed she would take a break from public-facing work once her current tour concludes.

The singer and actress, whose Eternal Sunshine tour has coincided with continued success following Wicked and anticipation for the second instalment, Wicked: For Good, directed by Jon M. Chu a...