Ariana Grande’s dramatic reaction to Ozzy Osbourne VMAs tribute slammed as ‘performative’

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Ariana Grande is facing backlash online, accused of playing up to the cameras after her unusual reaction during the MTV VMAs tribute to Ozzy Osbourne went viral.

On Sunday night, September 7, music’s biggest stars gathered at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, for the first major awards show since Osbourne’s passing in July.

The emotional highlight of the night came when rock legends Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Yungblud joined forces to perform a powerful medley honoring the late singer.

Internet questions Ariana Grande’s exaggerated reaction during Ozzy Osbourne tribute

Although the audience erupted in excitement during the performance, many viewers criticized Ariana’s reaction as insincere, calling it “performative.” Cameras caught her with wide eyes, mouth agape, and arms raised dramatically.

In a 20-second video clip circulating on social media, Grande can be seen shaking her head in disbelief while raising both hands. She then places her hands on her head, keeping her mouth open and eyes wide as she stays locked on the performance.

At one point, she turns to someone beside her, appearing to speak in disbelief. Throughout the clip, she continues her shocked expressions before ending with a slight smile. Notably, her mouth remains open for the entire 20 seconds.

Her reaction quickly spread across social media, where users expressed skepticism, suggesting the display was staged rather than genuine.

One user asked, “Is she crying or disappointed? What emotion is she displaying here."

Another joked, “Someone get her a hot dog from the stadium asap before she faints."

A critic declared, “She’s so vapid, empty, and fake. Nothing she does is authentic. I feel like throwing up every time I see her."

One commenter exclaimed, “Why so dramatic tho."

Another dubbed it, “Over acting."

Others accused her of knowingly playing to the cameras, with one calling it “performative ahh."

Rock legends unite to honor Ozzy Osbourne with emotional VMAs performance

Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Yungblud came together to deliver a heartfelt medley celebrating some of Ozzy Osbourne’s most iconic songs.

The music world has been mourning the loss of Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman, who died at age 76 on July 22 following a heart attack.

The tribute began with a video message from Osbourne’s son, Jack, along with his grandchildren, who reflected on his lasting influence.

Jack shared, “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.”

His grandchildren echoed this sentiment, quoting their grandfather with, “Let’s go crazy,” a nod to his famous track "Crazy Train."

Following the messages, Yungblud, Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, Black Sabbath keyboardist Adam Wakeman, and the band performed “Changes.”

Steven Tyler and Joe Perry from Aerosmith then joined in to play “Mama, I’m Coming Home.”

Osbourne rose to mainstream fame through MTV, home of the VMAs, thanks to his family’s hit reality show 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 concluded, the performers shouted together, “Ozzy forever, man!”

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.