Cinema VinesAriana Grande’s final London show of her “Eternal Sunshine” residency at the O2 arena on Tuesday was a bittersweet farewell that left fans in tears and sparked a backlash against body‑shaming comments that had swirled around the pop star since July. The 33‑year‑old singer, who had announced a break from public life after the 10‑night run, performed to a packed venue as her team confirmed she wanted to step back amid concerns over her very thin frame.
Attendees described the night as an emotional close to an era that had been building anticipation for almost a year. Kane, 27, an entertainer from Skegness, said, “It’s bittersweet, I’m sad but I think it’s good for her to have a break because she’s been so busy.” His 30‑year‑old sister Heather, a professional Taylor Swift tribute act, added, “We cried enough tears for everyone in the room last night so tonight’s going to be something special.” Dutch travel agent Jadey, 21, reflected, “It’s an end of an era for me and I think for most fans because we’ve looked forward to this event for almost a year now.”
Grande’s decision to pause her career followed a viral video of her new single “Petal” in July that showed significant weight loss and a more skeletal appearance. Fans flooded social media with concern, prompting the singer’s representatives to say she would be taking a “step back from visibility” to escape endless public scrutiny. The same announcement also confirmed she would drop out of her debut appearance in the Stephen Sondheim musical “Sunday in the Park with George” in London’s West End.
Critics praised the tour, with the BBC calling it a “bravura performance,” while the Guardian noted that it was impossible to see the singer’s frame on stage without genuine concern. Grande has publicly called body‑shaming comments “really dangerous,” and fans defended her privacy, labeling the online harassment “toxic.” Kane explained, “I think it’s her business, my opinion is you’re allowed to have a concern.” Emily, 19, from Vienna, working in the fitness industry, said, “I don’t think it’s appropriate for people who have no idea what she is going through to talk about it online.” A 15‑year‑old Italian student, Andrea, highlighted the presence of “toxic fans” on Instagram who “say bad things about her body because she’s thin.”
Grande’s career began on Broadway as a teenager before she launched a hugely successful pop trajectory. The London finale marked the end of a residency that started in June in the United States and closed with a mix of fanfare and a growing conversation about the pressures of celebrity image and the importance of mental health. The singer’s decision to step back has been described as “thoughtful and empowered,” signalling a new chapter in her life away from the relentless spotlight.
