Ariana Grande knows that each step of her career isn't eternal.
Between releasing her album Eternal Sunshine and starring in the Wicked films, the 32-year-old has done it all in the last few years. And though she’s set to embark on a small tour in 2026 following Wicked: For Good’s release, when she looks further ahead, she wants to focus on doing what's "best for her soul." And that may mean a lengthy break from tour life.
"I think the last 10 or 15 years will look very different to the ones that are coming up," Ariana told Amy Poehler on the Nov. 18 episode of the Good Hang podcast. "I don't want to say any definitive things, I do know that I'm very excited to do this small tour, but I think it might not happen again for a long, long, long, long time."
The Oscar nominee continued, "I'm going to give it my all and it's going to be beautiful and I'm so grateful."
That said, she emphasized that she will likely leave the arenas and stadiums behind for the foreseeable future. "I think that's why I'm doing it, because I'm like, 'One last hurrah,'" she shared. "For now."
It's not about stepping out of the spotlight for Ariana, but rather focusing on what "feels right in the moment."
"I think the thing that will be best for my soul and also for my art and for what I'm giving myself is if I'm chasing things that feel very right in the moment," she shared. "I think following those authentic impulses feels like a really good idea, like a good thing."
As for what might be next? A possible return to her Broadway roots.
"It would be a dream to find the right thing to come back to, to be on stage," she told Today Nov. 18. "We’ll see. I’m grateful to be along for the ride."
Because for Ariana, who made her debut at just 15 years old in 13: The Musical, that's what is feeling right to her right now.
"Whether it’s movies or being on stage or a little something here and there, I think that’s currently what I’m most inspired by," she added. "I’ll still sing, I promise. But yes, right now, that’s currently where I’m at."
Until Ariana officially says thank u, next to her future endeavors, keep reading to relive her evolution.
(E! and Today are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
Glam Girl
Ariana Grande dazzled in a salmon pink dress at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards. This look made her vibrant red hair pop!
Darling Diva
The Sam & Cat star stunned in a charming white mini-dress at the 2011 Grammy Awards. She paired her simple, yet striking outfit with sparkly gold heels and dainty jewelry pieces.
Hot, Hot, Hot
Looking like a modern-day Jessica Rabbit with her blinding Dolce & Gabbana red dress, Ariana shimmered at the 2013 American Music Awards.
Vintage Vibes
Serving fans retro charm in her custom Kenley Collins dress, the Scream Queens actress looked perfectly polished at the 2013 Style Awards.
Ray of Sunshine
The "Dangerous Woman" singer made a splash at the 2014 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. Matching the orange carpet, Grande wore a vibrant mini-dress and pairs it with white pumps and a whimsical clutch.
Dashing in Black
Ariana oozed with old Hollywood glamour at the 2014 American Music Awards. She opted for a floor-length black lace gown from MT Costello.
White-Hot
Wearing a white gown with silver lamé mesh at the 2015 Grammy Awards, Ariana shined as bright as the flashing lights on the red carpet.
Effortlessly Elegant
Beaming in a floral beaded, peplum mini-dress at the 2015 American Music Awards, Ariana stunned in this statement-making piece from Giambattista Valli.
Vision in White
Ariana made a bold fashion choice wearing an all-white ensemble at KISS FM in 2015. While most are scared to get an outfit like that dirty, the Nickelodeon alum wasn't afraid to take that risk!
Penchant for Pantsuits
Ditching the usual dress at the 2016 American Music Awards, the "Problem" artist opted for a sexy corset top and elegant white pants.
Oversized Overalls
Ariana rocked a funky fresh outfit at the 2016 Hairspray Live! press junket. She sizzled in oversized overalls, a bralette and a bedazzled choker necklace.
Royal Blues
Ariana brought the heat to the 2016 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. Her Atelier Versace dress highlighted her playful side with its unique cut-out design and bright colors.
God Is a Woman
Ariana took fans to church with her Sistine Chapel-inspired dress at the 2018 Met Gala. Megan McCluskey designed the gown in keeping with event's theme of "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination."
Cotton Candy Dream
Ariana looked like a cotton candy dream in her pastel pink ensemble at the 2018 iHeartRadio Wango Tango event. Giving us '90s nostalgia, she rocked platinum sneakers, matching ankle socks and an oversized sweater that states, "girls girls girls."
Lavender "Loofah"
The "7 Rings" singer looked regal and elegant in her custom Christian Siriano dress, which she perfectly dubbed the "loofah of the year" lewk. Of course, she tied her outfit together by wearing her signature thigh-high boots.
SIlver Siren
Not only did the pop star turned heads with two outfit changes at the 2020 Grammys red carpet, but her platinum blonde pony was all anyone could talk about at the time.
Curly Sue
Ariana said thank u, next to her signature high pony with a selfie that showed off her natural curls in 2020.
13 Going on 30
The "Positions" singer channeled Jennifer Garner's 13 Going on 30 character in 2021.
Blonde Beauty
The Wicked actress debuted a dramatic blonde look in October 2022.
Wickedly Good
Ariana channeled Glinda the Good Witch in a pink Giambattista Valli gown at the 2024 Oscars.
Goddess of the Garden
For the 2024 Met Gala, which had a "Garden of Time" dress code to celebrate the "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" exhibit, Ariana wore an ethereal white gown from Loewe featuring a mother of pearl bodice—a nod to her birthstone—and long chiffon skirt.