Ariana Grande’s Sweetener World Tour, concluding in December, has been a monumental success, spanning nine months and 102 shows, including headline performances at Coachella and Lollapalooza.
Notably, the tour has earned Grande a staggering $80 million, surpassing her previous records well before its halfway mark, as reported by Billboard. Critically acclaimed for its visuals, vocals, and overall experience, the tour has even garnered an AMAs nomination for Tour of the Year.
Insider recently spoke with LeRoy Bennett, the tour’s creative director and production designer, and lighting director Jason Baeri, uncovering intriguing behind-the-scenes details. Grande, deeply involved and decisive, steered the tour’s design process with clear-cut preferences. Bennett described her as “very black and white,” either loving or rejecting ideas outright, which shaped the tour’s aesthetic as “ethereal,” “abstract,” and “spacious.” Central to the design was the concept of a sphere, inspired by Grande’s vision of encompassing “the universe” and femininity. This idea materialized into the tour’s centerpiece—a hemisphere and a large orb floating over the audience. The stage itself, except for the runway, was inflatable, supporting the tour’s ethereal theme while posing logistical challenges like projecting onto spherical surfaces. Grande’s artistic direction extended to her stage presence, preferring colored lighting that blends her into the environment rather than spotlighting her distinctly—a departure from traditional pop concert norms.
This unique approach not only enhances the theatrical and mystical feel of the show but also aligns with Grande’s desire to integrate into the visual narrative rather than stand apart from it. Moreover, Grande’s tour was not just about entertainment; it became a platform for civic engagement through her #ThankUNextGen initiative with HeadCount, registering a record number of first-time voters. This initiative underscores Grande’s commitment to social causes, making her tour more than just a musical spectacle. Overall, Grande’s Sweetener World Tour is not just a concert series but a testament to her artistic vision, meticulous planning, and influence beyond music—an immersive experience that has captivated audiences worldwide.