Ariana Grande is gearing up for her first concert tour in seven years, a significant undertaking for the pop superstar who has openly discussed the challenges performing live has posed to her mental well-being. The upcoming tour, which includes ten sold-out dates at London’s O2 Arena this August, marks a new chapter for Grande as she navigates the demands of a high-profile career while prioritizing her mental health.
For years, Grande has been in the public eye, first as a child actress on Nickelodeon and then as a chart-topping musician. This constant scrutiny, coupled with a deeply personal tragedy – the 2017 terrorist attack at her Manchester Arena concert – took a considerable toll. The singer previously experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and described feeling “inhuman” due to the heightened security measures surrounding her performances. Now, she expresses a renewed sense of confidence and preparedness as she prepares to reconnect with fans on stage.
“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,” Grande stated. “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.” She added, “It feels different this time – I perceive a lot more mentally prepared.”
The 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, which tragically claimed the lives of 22 people and injured over 1,000 others, profoundly impacted Grande. Following the attack, she initially hesitated to continue her tour but ultimately decided to return to Manchester for a benefit concert, demonstrating remarkable resilience and a commitment to her fans. However, the experience left lasting emotional scars.
Beyond the challenges of touring, Grande has too been navigating personal changes. She and Ethan Slater, her co-star in the upcoming Wicked films, celebrated their first Christmas together in 2023, after both had filed for divorce from their previous partners. The pair first connected on the set of Wicked in December 2022 and went public with their relationship later in 2023.
Grande’s commitment to her mental health extends beyond setting boundaries on tour. She has also been focused on her work in Wicked: For Good, where she portrays Glinda. Recent reports indicate she’s been maintaining a disciplined 5AM routine during the film’s press tour. The first installment of the Wicked series premiered on November 21, 2025, with fanfare.
While the 2026 Oscars saw Wicked: For Good completely shut out of awards, with Ariana Grande notably missing from the nominations, the film continues to generate discussion, and acclaim. Michelle Yeoh, a member of the Wicked cast, recently reacted to the Oscars snub, marking the first public comment from the cast regarding the results.
As Ariana Grande prepares to embark on this new tour, her openness about her mental health journey serves as an important example for her fans and the wider entertainment industry. Her ability to acknowledge past struggles and proactively implement strategies for self-care demonstrates a strength that extends beyond her musical talent. The tour’s success will likely hinge not only on her performance but also on her continued commitment to prioritizing her well-being.
The upcoming tour dates are highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see Grande back on stage. The focus now shifts to the execution of her plans for maintaining a healthy balance between her career and personal life, setting a precedent for other artists navigating the pressures of fame. Share your thoughts on Ariana Grande’s journey in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow fans!
