Ariana Grande confirms she’s not going to “abandon” music despite recent focus on acting

Ariana Grande will not be “abandoning” her career in music in favour of acting, the singer has confirmed.

• READ MORE: Ariana Grande – ‘Eternal Sunshine’ review: a compelling mood piece

Over the last couple of years, Grande has stepped away from the spotlight in music to focus on a number of film projects, including last year’s acclaimed Wicked adaptation and its forthcoming sequel Wicked: For Good.

Just yesterday (July 16), it was announced that Grande would be taking on another lead role, this time voicing an unconfirmed character in Warner Bros.’ upcoming animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ Oh, The Places You’ll Go!.

Given the announcement and Grande’s scarce musical output, fans have began speculating that the singer will be moving away from music altogether, prompting Grande to issue a response. In a recently published post on Instagram, Grande wrote: “Very silly of you all to assume that just because I have my hands full with many things that I plan to abandon singing and music…!!!”

She continued, assuring fans that she’s not leaving her music career behind: “It is and always has been my lifeline. There will need to be room made for all of it.” However, she has also hinted that her eventual return to music may not necessarily see her take on a full-time schedule like in the past: “It may not look exactly like it did before but I much prefer how it looks in my head. I am having fun. I feel grateful and excited and inspired :)”

Grande ended her post with a tease that she may be hitting the road for a short tour next year once she’s done promoting Wicked: For Life – something she’s been teasing for about a year: “Finding a balance, between many projects and endeavors I love, and doing it my own way… so I’m working on a plan to sing for you all next year. Even if it’s just for a little.”

Attached to her post was a clip of her performing live at the 2024 Met Gala event. Check out the full post below.

Grande’s last musical output was her March 2024 album ‘Eternal Sunshine’. In March this year, she revealed an expanded deluxe version, which includes six new tracks. She also announced a short film, Brighter Days Ahead, to accompany the deluxe.

Ariana’s last tour concluded in 2019, and she has yet to stage a full concert since then. Between 2019 and 2025, Grande has performed live only a handful of times, mainly at non-profit events and award shows.

In a four-star review of ‘Eternal Sunshine’, Nick Levine wrote for NME: “It’s the most sophisticated project yet from a preternaturally talented vocalist who keeps getting better. Whatever you take away from it, ‘Eternal Sunshine’ definitely isn’t an album you’ll want to wipe from memory.”

Meanwhile, Wicked similarly received a four-star review from NME, with Nick Levine writing: “By the end, you won’t quite be levitating off your seat but you’ll definitely be enchanted enough to stream the soundtrack on the way home. Funny, colourful and full of empathy for outsiders, this film really is the Shiz.”