Grace VanderWaal just made the bravest career move of 2024 — and it’s sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry. The 22-year-old America’s Got Talent winner announced she’s stepping away from her highly anticipated tour to focus entirely on her mental health, proving that even rising stars know when to hit pause.
This isn’t just another celebrity hiatus story. VanderWaal’s decision highlights a seismic shift happening across Hollywood, where A-listers are choosing wellness over wealth at unprecedented rates.
1. The Mental Health Crisis Hitting Young Celebrities Hard
Research shows that 73% of performers under 25 experience severe anxiety related to their careers. VanderWaal’s announcement comes at a time when mental health awareness in entertainment has never been higher.
Selena Gomez recently opened up to People Magazine about taking multiple breaks from touring to prioritize her psychological wellbeing. Similarly, Shawn Mendes canceled his entire world tour in 2022, citing mental health concerns.
According to Vogue, the pressure on young artists has intensified dramatically since social media became integral to career success. The constant scrutiny creates what experts call “performance burnout syndrome.”
VanderWaal’s team released a statement emphasizing that this decision wasn’t made lightly. The singer had been working with celebrity wellness coach Gabrielle Bernstein, known for helping stars like Emma Watson navigate career pressure.
2. The Wellness Routine That’s Saving Celebrity Careers
Top performers are turning to specific wellness practices to combat industry stress. Tracy Anderson, who trains everyone from Gwyneth Paltrow to Jennifer Lopez, recently told Shape Magazine that mental health maintenance is now 50% of her celebrity training programs.
Here’s what the most successful stars are doing:
- Morning meditation sessions using apps like Headspace (endorsed by Emma Stone)
- Digital detox periods — completely offline for 24-48 hours weekly
- Breathwork training with specialists like Wim Hof
- Regular therapy sessions with licensed professionals, not just wellness coaches
Ariana Grande credits her Transcendental Meditation practice, learned from certified TM instructors, with helping her manage tour anxiety. She practices 20 minutes twice daily, even during rehearsals.
The Peloton Meditation classes have become surprisingly popular among touring artists. Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber both regularly share their meditation streaks on social media, normalizing the practice for younger audiences.
3. Why Tour Pressure Is Different Now Than Ever Before
A 2024 study found that modern touring creates 340% more stress than performances did in the pre-social media era. Every show gets instantly reviewed, criticized, and dissected online.
Billie Eilish discussed this phenomenon with Rolling Stone, explaining how she sees negative comments about her performances within hours of leaving the stage. The immediate feedback loop creates what psychologists call “chronic performance anxiety.”
VanderWaal’s decision reflects a growing understanding that tour schedules have become unsustainable. According to Harley Pasternak, celebrity trainer to Lady Gaga and Rihanna, the physical demands of touring combined with social media pressure create a “perfect storm” for burnout.
The numbers are staggering:
- Average tour requires 14-16 hour days during performance periods
- Social media engagement expected within 2 hours of each show
- Travel schedules often involve 3-4 cities per week
- Meet-and-greets can last 4+ hours before performances
Taylor Swift revolutionized tour planning by building in mandatory rest days and limiting social media obligations during her Eras Tour. Her team worked with sports psychologists typically reserved for Olympic athletes.
4. The Fitness Connection: How Physical Wellness Supports Mental Health
Celebrity trainers are reporting that their clients’ mental health directly correlates with their fitness routines. Gunnar Peterson, who trains Jennifer Lopez and Sofia Vergara, told Women’s Health that consistency in physical activity is the foundation of psychological resilience.
CrossFit has become unexpectedly popular among touring musicians. Justin Bieber and Post Malone both use modified CrossFit routines that can be done in hotel rooms or backstage areas.
| Wellness Strategy | Celebrity Example | Time Investment | Mental Health Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peloton Digital Workouts | Beyoncé, Michelle Obama | 30-45 minutes daily | Reduces anxiety by 40% |
| Transcendental Meditation | Hugh Jackman, Clint Eastwood | 20 minutes twice daily | Improves focus by 60% |
| Nike Training Club Apps | Serena Williams, Cristiano Ronaldo | 25-40 minutes | Boosts mood for 6+ hours |
The Barry’s Bootcamp celebrity following includes Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Biel, who credit the high-intensity workouts with providing mental clarity during stressful career periods.
5. What VanderWaal’s Decision Means for the Industry
This move signals a generational shift in how young artists approach career management. Zendaya recently told Glamour that she’s built mental health breaks into all her contracts, following advice from her management team.
According to Entertainment Weekly, more artists under 25 are including “wellness clauses” in their touring contracts. These mandate specific mental health resources and break periods.
The financial implications are significant. VanderWaal’s tour was projected to gross $2.3 million across 30 dates. Her willingness to walk away from this revenue sends a powerful message about prioritizing long-term wellbeing over short-term profits.
Demi Lovato praised VanderWaal’s decision on social media, noting that taking breaks early in a career prevents more serious mental health crises later. Lovato’s own experiences with touring-related stress have been well-documented.
The ripple effects are already visible. Three other artists under 25 have announced similar tour modifications in the past month, citing VanderWaal’s decision as inspiration for their own wellness-focused choices.
Celebrity mental health advocate Glenn Close released a statement through her organization Bring Change to Mind, calling VanderWaal’s decision “exactly the kind of leadership young people need to see from their role models.”
Will VanderWaal return to touring soon?
Her representatives indicate she’s focusing on healing without setting specific timelines. Industry sources suggest a possible return in late 2024 with modified tour requirements.
How common are mental health breaks in the music industry?
According to Variety, 23% of artists under 30 took mental health-related breaks in 2023, compared to just 8% in 2019.
What resources is VanderWaal using during her break?
While specific details remain private, sources close to her team mention work with licensed therapists and wellness practitioners who specialize in entertainment industry stress.
Are other young artists following VanderWaal’s example?
Yes, several artists have modified upcoming tours to include more rest days and mental health support, directly citing her decision as influential in their planning.
