New Delhi, Aug. 4 -- Ariana Grande would take a break from public-facing work after the Eternal Sunshine Tour concluded, citing "endless, ongoing public scrutiny" of her appearances. The statement was designed to close down conversation. At her Chicago show on Monday, Grande decided to reopen it herself.

Speaking from the stage, she addressed the crowd directly about a decision she had been carrying in private. "The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing," she told them. "It is something that I had decided to plan." The choice had been made quietly, she said. A long time ago.

Ten shows remain on the Eternal Sunshine Tour, all of them at London's O2 Arena and running through September 1. What comes aft...