Ariana Grande probably wishes she could just wave a wand and make the whole public discourse about her disappear. But the renewed focus on her image — especially the last few days — has been quite wicked, and the singer addressed it Monday night at the United Center.
“Is it OK if we get a little real tonight, is that OK?” the “Into You” singer politely asked four songs into her performance, the first of a three-night run at the stadium to wrap up the North American leg of her Eternal Sunshine Tour.
Just a day prior, a representative for Grande said that the singer would take “a step back from visibility” beginning in September, including canceling a previously confirmed role in the West End revival of “Sunday in the Park with George.” As the rep noted in the statement widely picked up by media, the break comes amid “endless, ongoing public scrutiny” about Grande’s appearance, which picked up renewed concern over the weekend.
On Friday, the 33-year-old star released her latest music video for the title track of her brand-new album, “Petal,” ironically centered on a storyline of brutally attacking her critics. But as the visible bones of Grande’s shoulder and chest are seen in frame after frame, it has sparked questions about her health and well-being.
Grande wanted to “clear the air” about the topic. Her goal, she said, was “so you know what I’m feeling and not let the world decide and project.” Reading a prepared speech on her phone, Grande clarified that the announcement made by her team on Sunday “was not a reactive or impulsive thing.” As she shared with the sold-out room, “It is something that I had decided to plan that I had quietly made a long time ago, and it’s a decision that was made from a thoughtful and empowered place.
“I just want to be very, very clear,” she added, appearing nervous but keeping her composure. “Multiple things can be true at the same time. Yes — boundaries — they need to be set. Human beings can need a break sometimes. And also, this can be and will continue to be the greatest experience of my professional and creative life. … No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will ever be able to distort my reality or be more real to me. … The rest of that s— is not mine to carry, so I don’t carry it. I needed to get out here and differentiate that from my truth for you all.”
Naturally, Grande was met with supportive cheers from the crowd and passionate screams of “f— the haters.” Her mother was in attendance at the UC, too, and was seen applauding the speech from the sound booth. The Grande family has a busy week in Chicago this week — in addition to Ariana’s performances that run through Thursday, her brother Frankie will take the stage at Northalsted Market Days on Friday.
Grande’s fans are incredibly exuberant — many came dressed as her “Wicked” character Glinda or pulled out the black bunny ears from her “Dangerous Woman” era to wear to the show. They counted down the 10 seconds on the preshow timer as if it were New Year’s Eve and about lost it when she brought up “Ricky” in “Thank U, Next” (referencing her alleged on-again flame, Ricky Alvarez). Most also already knew the word-for-word lyrics of the four songs from “Petal” she whipped out toward the end of the show.
While the Eternal Sunshine Tour is her first in six years, it also comes after a grueling work schedule that included no less than three massive Hollywood movies, three albums, countless collaborations, award show appearances, launching a cosmetic line and appearing as a judge on “The Voice.” Over the weekend, there were rumors she was going to pop up at Lollapalooza.
Her Eternal Sunshine production would’ve made a better headlining slot at the festival than some of the other performers last weekend. The 26-song set list is packed full of Grande’s strongest work, from “7 Rings” to “One Last Time” and her Gaga collab “Rain on Me,” delivered at their best with a live band. Her voice has never sounded more fortified, with her unreal Mariah Carey-level belting and perfect pitch. She looked stunning in her costume changes, designed by Chicago native Law Roach.
The show is also a gorgeous, cinematic affair that offers mini-movie interludes between acts that pull from “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Wizard of Oz” with a storyboard that hinted at Grande leaving behind past lives and entering a new era. By the end of the concert, everyone held their breath as Grande walked over to the circular B stage and appeared to ascend into a bright orb in the rafters. It was a stunning moment signifying there’s a rebirth for Grande ahead — and we can only hope that after this much-needed break, she comes back stronger than ever.
Ariana Grande returns to United Center Wednesday and Thursday.
Ariana Grande set list Aug. 3, 2026, at United Center
“Yes, And?”
“Positions”
“Dandelion”
“The Boy Is Mine”
“Eternal Sunshine”
“Just Like Magic”
“Thank U, Next”
“7 Rings”
“Imperfect For You”
“Warm”
“Safety Net”
“One Last Time”
“Rain On Me (song with Lady Gaga)”
“Break Free”
“Twilight Zone”
“Past Life”
“Dangerous Woman”
“Honeymoon Avenue”
“Hampstead”
“Into You”
“Hate That I Made You Love Me”
“Petal”
“Big Feelings”
“Never Get Over Me”
“We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)”
“Supernatural”