Ariana Grande reveals the mental health breakthrough that helped her return to the stage
Ariana Grande might be one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, but stepping onto a stage has not always felt easy for her. Now, after seven years away from touring, she is preparing to face that challenge again with a completely different mindset.
The singer and actress, who first entered the spotlight as a teenager, has spoken openly over the years about feeling intense nerves during live performances. But after focusing on her mental health and finding new ways to care for herself, the Wicked star says she is ready to return.
Her upcoming tour will include 10 sold out shows at London’s O2 arena this August, marking her first concert tour since 2019.
According to the Mirror, the 7 Rings singer says: “I used to find touring had a really negative impact on my mental health, but at the same time of course I miss performing for my fans. I think I now have the confidence to do things differently, to know what works for me, what doesn’t and what boundaries I need to put in place.”
“It feels different this time – I feel a lot more mentally prepared.”
Her complicated relationship with touring is understandable, especially when performing in the UK.
In 2017, 22 people were killed and more than 1,000 injured in a terrorist attack after her concert at Manchester Arena. The tragedy deeply affected Grande, who later shared that she struggled with symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder and felt overwhelmed by the intense security around her.
She said: “You try not to give in to fear because obviously that’s the whole point of being here – that was the point of finishing my tour. You want to not be afraid, because of course that’s what [the terrorists] want. If you give them that, then they’ve won. But the truth is, it’s scary. It’s scary going anywhere. You look at places differently.”
Grande has also said she does not think she will ever be able to “talk about it and not cry”.
Nearly nine years later, though, the three time Grammy winner and Oscar nominee says therapy has played a major role in helping her move forward.
She says: “Self-care is not a dirty phrase, it’s something we should all be doing. Talking things through with a therapist has helped me so much. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say it has saved my life.
“I am such an advocate for therapy for all. I understand that I am in a massively privileged position that I am able to fund it, but we have to get to a point where it is available for all.” Despite the painful memories connected to the UK, Grande says she grew especially fond of the country while filming Wicked and its sequel.
She even spent time living in Hampstead in North London while shooting at Sky Studios Elstree, enjoying the chance to experience a more normal life.
Ariana, who is dating her Wicked co star Ethan Slater, 33, after splitting from her ex husband Dalton Gomez, says: “To have to put on more shows because of demand is always an amazing feeling, and I am truly humbled. I love the UK, I love London, and I can’t wait to have a great time with my fans over there.”
Her time in London also introduced her to a new favorite meal. The star says: “It was such a happy time for me. The locals were great – I really started to feel like one of them.
“They didn’t treat me any differently, I got to visit the shops or a café and live a normal life.” And there is at least one reunion she is hoping for during the trip. Ariana adds: “We will meet up, I am sure. She is like a sister to me.”