Why Major Pop Stars Are Quitting Music for Acting and Other Ventures

A wave of popular musicians is stepping back from their recording careers. Stars like Charli XCX and Ariana Grande are openly discussing their burnout. They are shifting their creative focus away from the pop music industry.

This trend points to a deeper fatigue with the modern demands of stardom. Many artists are finding more fulfillment in acting, film scoring, or business. According to Rolling Stone, this sentiment is becoming common among a specific generation of performers.

The Exhausting Reality of Modern Pop Stardom

Charli XCX recently detailed her feelings in a Substack newsletter. She wrote about feeling creatively drained after her last album. She confessed her current inspiration comes more from film than from music.

She is now attached to nine upcoming film roles. Her next major project is a soundtrack for a movie adaptation. This move from the stage to the set is a significant pivot.

Ariana Grande expressed a similar sentiment during a podcast interview. She called her planned 2026 tour a potential “last hurrah.” She suggested she may not tour again for a very long time.

Grande also revealed that landing her role in *Wicked* made her consider leaving music entirely. She found a renewed passion in acting that she had lost for songwriting. The structure of a film set offered a different kind of creative satisfaction.

A Broader Shift in Celebrity Careers

This is not just about two artists. Selena Gomez has also stated she would likely choose acting over music if forced to pick. Taylor Swift told BBC Radio 1 she is too tired to consider another massive tour like the Eras Tour soon.

Miley Cyrus has been vocal about her lack of desire to tour. She cited the importance of her mental health and sobriety. The physical grind of touring is a major factor in this collective hesitation.

The business model has changed, increasing pressure. Fans and labels demand constant content and engagement. The artistic rewards can feel diminished compared to the exhausting workload.

Many stars follow the path of Rihanna, who built a billion-dollar beauty empire. Grande and Gomez have their own highly successful beauty brands. These ventures offer creative control and financial stability without the tour bus.

The trend of pop stars quitting music highlights a systemic issue in the industry. The relentless pace and scrutiny are driving top talent toward new horizons. The classic pop star lifecycle is being rewritten in real time.

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Which pop star said they wouldn’t make music again?

Ariana Grande said she didn’t think she would make another album after starting work on *Wicked*. She found a new creative spark in acting that temporarily overshadowed her music career.

Why is Charli XCX focusing on film?

Charli XCX stated she feels more inspired by film than music right now. She is enjoying the process of acting, writing for film, and discovering a new creative craft outside of the pop music machine.

Is Selena Gomez retiring from music?

Selena Gomez has not officially retired. However, she has said she feels she has “one more album” in her and that if she had to choose, she would select acting over her music career at this stage.

Why don’t pop stars want to tour anymore?

Artists like Miley Cyrus cite the mental and physical toll of touring. The demand for constant, grandiose performances is exhausting, and many prioritize health and stability over the relentless touring cycle.

What are pop stars doing instead of music?

Many are pursuing acting roles in film and television. Others are building major beauty and fashion brands. These avenues offer different creative challenges and more predictable lifestyles.