Ariana Grande has assured fans that her decision to step away from the spotlight following her Eternal Sunshine tour was premeditated well in advance of recent speculation and has nothing to do with online backlash or negative press. In the first of three concerts at Chicago’s United Center, the singer took on the issue directly, responding to concerns that have been mounting in the wake of reports that she would be taking an extended leave from public appearances. Grande was to be dropped from Stephen Sondheim’s West End revival of Sunday in the Park with George, it was also announced, and the conversation reopened.
