Ariana Grande launched her Eternal Sunshine Tour with an opening night performance at the Oakland Arena in Oakland, California, on March 1, 2026 [1].

The concert marks a significant return for the Grammy-winning artist, as it is her first headlining tour since 2019 [2]. The event served as a platform to promote her new album and reconnect with her global fan base after a multi-year hiatus from solo touring.

During the show, Grande performed her hit song “Thank U, Next,” which drew a strong response from the crowd. A reviewer for Variety said the singer delivered a powerhouse rendition of the track that had the entire arena singing along [1]. The venue, which has an approximate capacity of 15,000 seats [3], was filled for the tour opener.

Grande addressed the audience during the event to express her gratitude for the support. "I love you all more than words can ever possibly say. And I missed you," Grande said [4].

In her opening address, the singer highlighted the length of her absence from the touring circuit. "This is my first headlining concert performance since 2019, and I’m so grateful to finally be back on stage," Grande said [5].

The Eternal Sunshine Tour is designed to integrate her latest musical direction with the high-energy production of her previous eras. By starting the tour in the U.S., Grande established a momentum intended to carry through the remainder of her scheduled dates.

“"I love you all more than words can ever possibly say. And I missed you,"”

The return of Ariana Grande to headlining tours signifies a pivotal moment in her career trajectory, transitioning from a period of relative public quiet to active promotion of new material. By anchoring the tour opener in a high-capacity U.S. venue, she is reclaiming her position in the live pop music market after a seven-year gap in headlining performances.