Ariana Grande Accused of ‘Performative’ Behavior During VMAs Ozzy Osbourne Tribute

Ariana Grande has been accused of ‘playing up to the cameras’ after her bizarre display at the MTV VMAs went viral. 

On Sunday night, the biggest names in music gathered at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, for the first major awards ceremony since Ozzy Osbourne’s death in July. 

Paying tribute to the late singer, fellow rockers Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and Yungblud united to perform a moving medley of Ozzy’s greatest hit – billed one of the highlights of the ceremony. 

While the crowd went wild for the performance, many took issue with Ariana’s ‘performative’ response to the show, with the cameras catching her wide-eyed, open mouthed and throwing her hands in the air. 

With her reaction quickly going viral online, many were quick to state it looked forced, commenting on X/Twitter: ‘Over acting’; ‘She knows she’s on camera’; ‘What’s with the reaction’; 

‘Why did she react like that’; ‘ew reaction gif unlocked ‘; ‘Performative ahh’; ‘New meme’; ;This kinda looks forced I’m ngl’ [sic].’ 

Some fans were quick to stick up for her forever, tweeting: ‘I’m been emotional right now’; ‘Ariana’s face says it all ✨ goosebumps everywhere.’; ‘That’s nice’; ‘Ohh ariana’; ‘What a tribute and honor’. [sic]

The tribute began with a video message from Ozzy’s son Jack and his children, who shared their thoughts about the beloved musician. 

Jack said: ‘I know for sure it would make him incredibly happy to see these great musicians carry on his legacy and help inspire the next generation of rockers.

The star’s grandchildren added: ‘In the words of our papa, ‘Let´s go crazy’, referring to his popular song Crazy Train.

Yungblud, Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, Black Sabbath keyboardist Adam Wakeman and the band then performed the track, followed by Black Sabbath’s Changes.

The Aerosmith duo of Steven and Joe joined the action for Mama, I’m Coming Home.

Ozzy became a household name on MTV – also the home of the VMAs – with his family’s hit reality series The Osbournes, which ran from 2002 to 2005. 

That same year, the Prince of Darkness cemented his legacy with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

As the tribute ended, the performers yelled ‘Ozzy forever, man!’

Ahead of the tribute, Yungblud shared the news on Instagram on Friday, posting several sweet black-and-white photos of himself with the rock legend. 

Yungblud, whose real name is Dominic Harrison, had a very strong relationship with Ozzy after meeting him in 2022, and it appeared that their relationship grew into an almost father-son type bond.

Yungblud reportedly gave a moving reading at his funeral. 

He also performed at the metal icon’s farewell concert at Birmingham’s Villa Park in June amid his declining health.   

While Ariana may have come under fire for her behaviour at the VMAs, it proved to be a great night for the singer as she  triumphed over Lady Gaga who had the most nominations.

The 32-year-old hitmaker – who made the worst dressed list on the red carpet – ended the night by earning top honor for Video of the Year for Brighter Days Ahead.

Ariana concluded her acceptance speech with a sweet message about optimism.

 She said: ‘This project is about the hard work that is healing all different kinds of drama and coming home to our young selves including safety and our own lives which is a lifelong process on a daily exercise. 

‘If you’re on their journey please continue because I promise there are brighter days ahead. This is ridiculous.’ 

The top honor was the second award Ariana earned as earlier in the evening she took home Best Pop also for Brighter Days Ahead.

The award show kicked off in fantastic form as Lady Gaga took home the first Moon Person of the night.

The 39- year-old performer earned the major win as they upset megastar Taylor Swift in the coveted Artist of the Year category at the star-studded award show on Sunday night. 

Gaga also earned Best Collaboration alongside Bruno Mars for their smash hit Die With A Smile. 

As Gaga was performing her Mayhem Tour date at Madison Square Garden, she was unable to accept the award in person as she left the award show early.

This was her big return to the award show after a five year hiatus as she led all nominees with 12 nods and ultimately took home four new Moon Persons. 

Sabrina Carpenter triumphed over Gaga in the Best Album category for Short N Sweet. 

Song of the Year was given to Rosé and Bruno Mars for their hit track Apt. 

Mariah Carey was honored with one of the most coveted awards as she was presented the Video Vanguard Award by Ariana.

Before that she performed a medley of some of her biggest hits including Fantasy, Heartbreaker, Obsessed, and We Belong Together.

Ricky Martin was honored with the first ever Latin Icon Award as he performed a medley of his hits including Livin La Vida Loca and The Cup Of Life.

Busta Rhymes was honored with the Rock The Bells Visionary Award after performing a medley of his hits including Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See and Break Ya Neck.