Ariana Grande is eagerly anticipating a transition from her comfortable bubble to the vibrant stage, as she nears the conclusion of the press tour for "Wicked: For Good," which has been nominated in seven categories at the upcoming 2026 Critics Choice Awards on January 4th. Her focus now shifts towards her upcoming Eternal Sunshine Tour, her first in six years. "I've been meticulously crafting the set list for months now," she shared with E! News' Justin Sylvester on the black carpet outside the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. "It's shaping up nicely, but we won't know for sure until we dive into rehearsals—which are just around the corner—and put everything on its feet to see if it resonates."
When asked about specifics of what fans can expect, Ariana kept her cards close to her chest, adding, "I want to keep it a surprise." Despite the anticipation and planning that have been building for over five years, Ariana feels that returning to the road doesn't significantly alter her inner world. "It's the same person," she says of her present self and her touring self. "I'm grateful for the work and I'm thrilled for the tour."
The Eternal Sunshine Tour is sure to be a star-studded affair, with many of Ariana's A-list peers in attendance, including her "Wicked" costar and friend Bowen Yang. After all, Ariana was by his side when he performed in his last "Saturday Night Live" episode on December 20th. For Ariana—who hosted the episode—being there for Bowen's milestone was truly special. "It was incredibly meaningful," she told Justin. "I was so grateful to be able to celebrate him and support him. I love him so much, and we're lifelong friends. He's just incredible."
As both she and Bowen approach the final stretch of their time with "Wicked," Ariana feels a sense of tranquility. "It actually feels really beautiful," the 32-year-old said. "We're incredibly proud of what we've accomplished, and it was an amazing chapter. Now that we've given it to the world and let them enjoy it, it feels peaceful."
