Ariana Grande announces 'retirement' from performing after next tour

Ariana Grande appears to be 'retiring' from the music industry for the foreseeable future.

The 'Thank U Next' singer has spent the past couple of years dipping her toes back into the world of acting, after landing her 'dream role' of playing Glinda in the screen adaptation of the hit musical Wicked alongside Cynthia Erivo.

Grande's starring role has been met with universal acclaim by critics and fans alike, even earning the 32-year-old the honour of being an Oscar nominee earlier this year.

And considering that there's a similar amount of buzz around her performance in upcoming Wicked: For Good, it's understandable why Grande would want to continue re-establishing herself in the world of cinema.

So, what does this mean for her singing career?

Ariana Grande has hinted at a retirement from performing (Kevin Mazur/MG24/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

Well, don't expect Grande to be announcing a new album and heading out on a world tour anytime soon.

The singer made the revelation during a recent appearance on Amy Poehler's Good Hang podcast, admitting that her upcoming run of shows would be her last for 'a long, long, long time'.

"The last 10 or 15 years were very different than the ones that are coming up. And I don’t want to say definitively… I do know I’m very excited for this small tour," she explained.

"But I think it might not happen again for a long, long, long time. I’m going to give it my all. And it’s going to be beautiful and I’m so grateful."

She added: "That’s why I’m doing it. I’m like, one last hurrah. For now."

Grande is scheduled to play a number of dates in the US and Canada for her The Eternal Sunshine Tour in June next year, before holding a 10-day residency at London's O2 Arena.

Grande is currently preparing for the release of Wicked: For Good alongside her co-star, Cynthia Erivo (Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic)

Before Grande fans worldwide go into a collective meltdown, it's important to note the singer hasn't explicitly said she's retiring from music forever, but rather appears to be taking an extended break.

"Never say never," Poehler said of her admission, to which Grande agreed.

So if you missed out on tickets to The Eternal Sunshine Tour, then you can rest easy in the knowledge that your chances of seeing Grande play live aren't over – you may just be waiting for a while.

Nevertheless, fans were still devastated by the announcement, with several Arianators taking to social media to share their sadness about not being able to see Grande live.

"This makes me so sad .. the last tour from ariana grande for a while," wrote one fan on X. "So basically… this is the “don’t ask me for another tour” warning," wrote a second, while a third added: "Catch her now or cry forever, basically."