It feels like every time we refresh our feeds, there’s a new headline about how Ariana Grande is sick. Honestly, it’s been a whirlwind. If you’ve been following the Wicked: For Good press tour, you know it hasn't exactly been smooth sailing. From sudden cancellations to fans hyper-analyzing her appearance on red carpets, the conversation around Ariana’s well-being has reached a fever pitch.
The Reality of the Wicked Press Tour
Back in November 2025, just as the hype for the Wicked sequel was hitting its peak, Ariana dropped a bit of a bombshell on her Instagram Stories. She posted a photo from her appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with a caption that read, "moments before Covid."
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She wasn't joking.
The diagnosis forced her to pull out of several high-profile events, including a taped segment for The Kelly Clarkson Show and multiple Q&A panels. It was a massive bummer for fans who had waited years to see her celebrate this career-defining role as Glinda. What made it even more complicated was that her co-star, Cynthia Erivo, had also fallen ill around the same time, losing her voice during the New York City premiere.
It’s almost ironic in a sad way. Both stars actually contracted COVID-19 back in 2024 during the filming of the first movie, right before shooting some of the most iconic musical numbers. Ariana was recovering just as she had to film "Popular."
Why Everyone Is Worried About the 2026 Eternal Sunshine Tour
Now that we’re in early 2026, the big question on everyone’s mind is the Eternal Sunshine Tour. There’s been a ton of chatter about whether it’s actually going to happen.
Ariana herself hasn't helped the "is she retiring?" rumors. During an appearance on the Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast, she referred to the upcoming string of shows as her "one last hurrah." She was pretty blunt about it, saying it might not happen again for a "long, long, long, long time."
- The Schedule: The tour is currently slated to kick off in June 2026 in Oakland.
- The Rumors: Gossip sites and "blind items" have been claiming for weeks that her team is considering a full cancellation.
- The Motivation: She’s making it clear that her heart is in acting right now. With roles in Meet the Parents 4 and American Horror Story Season 13, she seems to be pivoting away from the grueling life of a touring pop star.
Is she actually sick enough to cancel? Her brother, Frankie Grande, told reporters late last year that she’s "doing well" but acknowledged she has been working non-stop. When you combine a viral infection like COVID with a schedule that involves flying across the globe for premieres in São Paulo, London, and Singapore, burnout isn't just a possibility—it's almost a guarantee.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: The Body Speculation
We can't talk about why people think Ariana Grande is sick without mentioning the intense scrutiny of her body. It’s been everywhere. TikTok, Reddit, X—you name it. People have been pointing to her "frail" appearance and visible collarbones as evidence of something more serious than just a cold or the flu.
Ariana has been very vocal about how "horrible" and "dangerous" this commentary is.
Back in 2023, and again recently in late 2025, she reminded everyone that what the public once perceived as her "healthiest" body was actually her lowest point. She was drinking heavily, taking antidepressants, and eating poorly. Her point? You can't look at someone and know their medical history.
Despite her pleas for privacy, "experts" on the internet continue to speculate about malnutrition or exhaustion. It's a toxic cycle. She's dealing with the physical toll of a massive movie rollout while also managing her long-documented struggles with PTSD and anxiety following the 2017 Manchester bombing.
What’s Next for Ariana?
So, where does that leave us? As of right now, the 2026 Eternal Sunshine Tour is still on the books. But it’s clear Ariana is at a crossroads.
She has described herself as a "specimen in a petri dish" since she was 16. It makes sense that she’d want to step back. If the tour does go forward, expect it to be a more intimate, controlled experience rather than the massive, 100-date marathons she’s done in the past.
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What you can do as a fan:
- Check official sources: Don't believe every TikTok "blind item." Follow Ariana’s official channels or Republic Records for actual tour updates.
- Respect the boundary: She’s been clear that comments on her weight are triggering. Stick to talking about the music and the movies.
- Wait for the "One Last Hurrah": If you have tickets for the summer 2026 dates, keep them, but be prepared for potential shifts in the schedule as she prioritizes her recovery and her new acting projects.
Ultimately, Ariana is a 32-year-old woman trying to navigate a massive career shift while her body is under a microscope. Whether she's dealing with a lingering virus or just plain old exhaustion, it’s obvious she’s choosing her soul over the "pop star" machine for the first time in years.
Next Steps for You
To stay updated on the status of the 2026 tour, you should bookmark the official Eternal Sunshine Tour landing page and set notifications for Republic Records on X. If you are planning to travel for a show, ensure your bookings are refundable until the tour officially kicks off in June.