Chicago is now the unexpected final U.S. stop on Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine Tour, with three performances scheduled at the United Center this week. After the arena run, Grande will finish the tour in London before stepping back from public-facing work. For her American fans, the Chicago dates suddenly carry a lot more weight than a standard concert stop.
Grande is slated to perform Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, with her Chicago shows serving as her last U.S. performances before the tour wraps in London on Sept. 1, according to NBC Chicago. Her representative said she plans to take a step back from visibility after completing the tour, citing the ongoing scrutiny surrounding her public-facing work.
Grande’s London Musical Will Continue Without Her
The announcement also changes the lineup for “Sunday in the Park with George,” the planned 2027 London production in which Grande was due to star alongside her “Wicked” co-star Jonathan Bailey. The Associated Press reports that Empire Street Productions confirmed Grande’s departure while saying the show will still open at the Barbican next summer.
“We know this cannot have been an easy decision,” the production company said, adding that Grande’s choice had its “complete understanding and support.” Casting for her replacement will be announced later, so the production currently has a lead role-sized question mark hanging over it.
Three Chicago Shows Mark A Major Tour Milestone
The United Center lists Grande for Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, with the first show scheduled for 9 p.m. and the latter two beginning at 8 p.m. The venue says the tour is Grande’s first return to the stage in six years and supports her album “Eternal Sunshine” and its deluxe follow-up.
Grande’s break comes after a career that began with child-star fame on Nickelodeon and expanded into pop music, film and theater. At 33, she has won three Grammy Awards and earned a supporting-actress Academy Award nomination for the film adaptation of “Wicked,” according to the Associated Press.
The original Barbican announcement described the Sondheim revival as a summer 2027 production directed by Marianne Elliott. For now, Grande’s next public appearance after Chicago remains her London tour finale, followed by a break with no announced return date.
