Ariana Grande’s Year‑Long Bronchitis Blunder
Fans that followed the Sweetener World Tour will get a fresh look at this pop icon’s side‑story: she carried a stubborn case of bronchitis for almost half of the 10‑month run.
What Went Wrong?
Ariana says that for four nights out of ten on the global tour she was “sick”—a term that covers a relentless cough, wheeze, a mild fever, and that “tight‑chest” feeling that most of us have felt after a night of choking the last bite of pizza. It was not a simple cold; it was the real deal.
- Persistent coughing fits
- Shortness of breath that lasted for long stretches
- A low fever that kept her from fully enjoying the stage lights
- Chest tightness that could have been a blundering reminder to take a breathing break
- Occasional wheezing—yes, adrenaline‑powered as it sounds
Despite that, she managed to cancel only one or two shows—about 2% of her 97 concerts.
Why It Matters
After the 2019 tour, the 28‑year‑old drew in over 1.3 million people. Fans streamed phones in the backstage laughter and watched her hit anthems like “7 Rings,” “Side to Side,” and “No Tears Left to Cry” in real‑time. All the while, she let the world know she wasn’t 100% playing a 100% rock‑star.
Netflix’s “Excuse Me, I Love You”
Ariana’s final chapter? A 1 hour 37 minute Netflix documentary, her own “love letter” to fans, released on December 21, 2020, titled “Excuse Me, I Love You.” The film captures highlights from the tour, capped with her heartfelt voice about the joy of connecting with millions.
In a playful Instagram post, Ariana wrote:
“Dec 21st, a year after the Sweetener finale—the Sweetener tour is coming home to you. @netflix @netflixfilm is releasing this as a love letter to all of you, celebrating the moments we’ve shared over the past years.
I know this project only captures one tour—no, it’s just a snapshot among hundreds of shows—and I simply wanted to say thank you for giving me more in this life than I ever imagined possible. Making music and doing this has been my entire devotion for a very long time.”
She closes with sincerity, thanking her fans for the shared moments and expressing gratitude that shines brighter than the tour lights. So, if you missed a show because the superstar was battling bronchitis, know that the close of this chapter still felt like a warm hug from the biggest diva in pop.
