Ariana Grande Reflects on Her Artistic Journey, Prioritizing Acting Over Music Tours
Touring may not be on the cards for Ariana Grande anytime soon, as the superstar has revealed that her focus for the next few years will be centered on acting rather than music.
Fans were buzzing with excitement earlier this year when rumors circulated about Ariana embarking on a tour in 2025. After a four-year hiatus from live performances, many hoped for a return to the stage following her successful Sweetener World Tour, which wrapped up in December 2019. However, Ariana herself has now set the record straight, saying that she is not planning a tour in the foreseeable future.
In a candid interview with Variety, published on December 17, 2024, Ariana shared her gratitude for the opportunities she has had in music and expressed that acting is now where she feels most at home. “I feel so grateful to the acting, and I think my fans know that music and being on stage will always be a part of my life, but I don’t see it coming anytime soon,” the 31-year-old singer-songwriter explained. “I think the next few years, hopefully, we’ll be exploring different forms of art, and I think acting is feeling like home right now.”
Though Ariana assured fans that music would always be a part of her life, she clarified that she wasn’t envisioning another major musical project or tour for the time being. “I am appreciative for [my fans’] understanding,” she continued. “I’m so grateful for the ways in which we’ve grown together over this whole journey with Wicked. But music will always be a part of my life.”
Ariana’s decision to step back from touring comes at a time when she has been heavily involved in her acting career. After releasing her latest album Eternal Sunshine in March 2024, she has focused much of her energy on her role in Wicked, the upcoming film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. Ariana, who plays the role of Glinda the Good Witch, has been captivating audiences with her performances alongside fellow actress Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba.
“I think I love acting; I love musical theater,” Ariana said. “Reconnecting with this part of myself… I love comedy, and it heals me to do that—finding roles to use these parts of myself.”
This shift towards acting has been welcomed by both fans and critics. Wicked has already seen massive success, with the first part of the film breaking box office records on its opening weekend. The anticipation for the second part, set to release on November 25, 2025, is already building. Ariana’s portrayal of Glinda has been widely praised, and she is now entering awards season with her first-ever Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.
While her music career has been incredibly successful, Ariana’s decision to focus on other creative outlets has been met with understanding from her dedicated fanbase. She has often spoken about how her connection with her fans has grown over the years, and she feels incredibly grateful for their continued support. “I’m always going to make music. I’m always going to go on stage. I’m always going to do pop stuff, I pinky promise, but I don’t think doing it at the rate that I’ve been doing for the past 10 years is where I see the next 10 years,” Ariana shared on the Las Culturistas podcast with Bowen Yang in November 2024. “I love them, and they will deal, and we will be here forever.”
For now, Ariana seems content with her decision to pursue acting, especially with the success of Wicked and the opportunity to explore new roles and creative challenges. With a promising future in both acting and music, it appears that Ariana Grande is setting the stage for a new chapter in her multifaceted career—one that goes beyond touring and embraces new forms of artistic expression.
In the meantime, Ariana’s fans will continue to support her as she navigates this exciting transition, with Wicked set to be a major milestone in her career. Whether she returns to the stage for another album or tour in the future remains uncertain, but for now, Ariana is focused on enjoying the moment and continuing to grow as an artist and actress.