American singer Ariana Grande expressed gratitude to the packed London audience during the opening night of her O2 residency, a show closely followed by Canadian fans. Her recent chart success has resonated strongly in Canada, where she has enjoyed multiple number‑one albums and sold‑out tours.
O2 Residency Begins in London
The concert on Saturday night, which is the first of 10 nights at the north Greenwich venue, began with a curtain falling down to reveal the 33‑year‑old in a black corset with her band in similar attire.
Towards the end of the show, Grande told the crowd they were "by far the loudest" of the tour so far, before adding that their support throughout the run had been "overwhelming".
The show comes after Grande announced last month that she would take a step back from the spotlight after she completes her O2 residency. She said over ear‑splitting screams from the crowd: "I'm so grateful to be doing this with you all… these 10 dates are the last stop on this tour."
She later added: "You've shown me so much love so I want to say thank you." She also said she was "so, so lucky" and added that she was "grateful" for her fans.
The set drew heavily on Eternal Sunshine, her 2024 album, with some tracks from her latest album Petal, as well as her best‑known hits such as "Into You", "Thank U, Next" and "7 Rings", along with a cover of Lady Gaga's "Rain On Me".
Shortly after arriving on stage she told the crowd: "London, it's so good to see us, isn't it? Welcome to the Eternal Sunshine tour."
Her elaborate staging saw her perform in a rundown house and the lighting rig being transformed into a police helicopter, while Grande waved and blew kisses to fans throughout.
Grande Announces Break from Public Life
Speaking on stage at an earlier gig in the tour, Grande said her decision to take a break from public life came from "a thoughtful and empowered place" and was "not a reactive or impulsive thing".
She has also dropped out of the upcoming London revival of the Stephen Sondheim musical Sunday In The Park With George, in which she was due to appear opposite her Wicked co‑star Jonathan Bailey, with her role due to be recast.
The announcement follows the release of the music video for "Petal", the title single from her newly released eighth studio album, which sparked speculation about her health.
Her sixth consecutive number‑one album in the United States and Canada underscores her lasting appeal across North America.