The pop icon opens up about her next chapter, balancing Hollywood success with her first love—music—as fans gear up for her long-awaited comeback
Ariana Grande might be dominating Hollywood with her spellbinding performances and star power, but she’s reminding the world that music has always been her heart. In a candid Instagram post that lit up timelines worldwide, the Grammy-winning superstar gave fans the reassurance they’ve been craving: she’s not done with singing, and she’s working on a plan to perform live again in 2026. For the millions who have followed her journey from chart-topping albums to blockbuster roles, this update felt like the beginning of an exciting new era.
The announcement came with a clip from her show-stopping Met Gala 2024 appearance, where Ariana performed a stripped-down version of “Into You” that instantly reminded everyone why she’s such an electrifying performer. Alongside the video, her caption struck a balance between vulnerability and excitement. “It’s funny how people assume that because my hands are full, I’m walking away from music… !!!” she wrote. “It has always been my lifeline. There’s room for everything.” She went on to share that while things might not look exactly as they did before, she’s inspired and “having fun” as she balances multiple creative ventures. “I’m working on a plan to sing for you all next year. Even if just for a little while. I love you.”
Fans, who have waited patiently since her last world tour in 2019, were quick to flood social media with emotional reactions, speculating about what form this comeback might take. A full-blown arena tour? An exclusive Vegas residency? Perhaps a series of intimate pop-up performances? Ariana kept details vague, but her words were enough to spark a frenzy across platforms like Twitter and TikTok.
In the years since she wrapped the Sweetener World Tour, Grande’s career has evolved in remarkable ways. She’s captivated audiences on screen with her turn as Glinda in Jon M. Chu’s Wicked, a role that showcased her powerful vocals and nuanced acting. With the sequel Wicked: For Good set to hit theaters in November, Ariana’s presence in Hollywood feels unstoppable. Adding to her already packed schedule, she teased her involvement in the animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, alongside Josh Gad and under the guidance of heavyweight producers Jill Culton and J.J. Abrams.
Despite this shift toward film, Ariana’s love affair with music has never wavered. Her 2024 album Eternal Sunshine debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200, proving her ability to deliver pop masterpieces that resonate deeply with listeners. Singles like “Yes, And?” and “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)” soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, cementing her reputation as one of the defining voices of her generation. By March 2025, she gifted fans with Brighter Days Ahead, a deluxe version of the album packed with fresh tracks that further demonstrated her creative evolution.
What sets Ariana apart is her willingness to grow and adapt without losing the core of what makes her artistry so magnetic. As she juggles film, music, and her beauty brand R.E.M. Beauty, she’s crafting a career that defies the limitations often placed on pop stars. In her own words, she’s “finding a balance between the many projects and ventures I love” and doing it “in my own way.” For fans, this signals an Ariana Grande who’s both fully in control of her path and more connected than ever to her artistic roots.
The idea of her returning to the stage, even “just for a little while,” carries a powerful emotional weight. For many, Ariana’s live shows are more than concerts—they’re communal experiences, cathartic celebrations of love, resilience, and self-expression. After nearly seven years without a tour, her 2026 performances, however they take shape, promise to be nothing short of iconic.
In the end, Ariana’s message was more than a teaser—it was a declaration of continuity. She may be exploring new creative spaces, but her bond with music and her fans remains unbreakable. As 2026 approaches, one thing feels certain: when Ariana Grande finally steps back onto a stage, it will be a moment her fans—and pop culture at large—will never forget.
