Pop star Ariana Grande has spoken out for the first time since her publicist announced over the weekend that she would be “taking a step back from visibility” once her current tour ends next month.

Grande returned to the stage on Monday evening in Chicago for another stop on her Eternal Sunshine Tour, telling fans: “The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing. It is something that I had decided to plan… quietly, a long time ago.”

Speaking at the first of a three-night run at the city’s United Center, Grande said: “I heard my fans were worried negativity was ruining things for me but… that could not be more than the opposite.

“Boundaries need to be set, human beings do need a break sometimes.”

Reading from some notes she said she had made as “she didn’t want to get nervous and forget”, Grande said the “decision was made from a thoughtful and empowered place.”

A representative for the US actress and singer told People magazine on Monday that the star would be taking a “well-earned break” after her appearances led to “endless, ongoing public scrutiny”.

The actress and singer told the audience on Monday that she wanted to speak directly to her fans because “sometimes when a story comes out that isn’t directly from me, it can get a little blown out of proportion.”

She added: “No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will be able to distort my reality or be more real to me or not as real to me as this love that we share.”

The Petal singer said that her current tour, which concludes on 1 September following a 10-night run in London, had been “one of the most healing, beautiful, correct and special experiences” of her life.

Grande’s physical appearance and health have been a topic of speculation in recent years.

Fans expressed a combination of support for the star and concern about her wellbeing following the announcement that she would be taking a break, with the message #weloveyouariana trending on social media.

Grande’s time out also means she will no longer be part of a production of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George at the Barbican in London next year, where she was set to appear opposite Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey.

A spokesperson for the Barbican said on Monday: “We sincerely hope to welcome her to the Barbican one day when the time is right,” and that further casting news would be announced soon.