Ariana Grande faced criticism on social media after cameras captured her animated reaction to an Ozzy Osbourne tribute during Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

Video circulating online showed Grande sitting in the audience with a wide-eyed, open-mouthed expression and her hands raised during the performance. The clip was shared widely on X and other platforms, where some users characterized the response as staged or "performative," while others defended the singer as genuinely moved.

The tribute honored Ozzy Osbourne, who died on July 22 at age 76. It began with a video message from his son Jack Osbourne and his grandchildren, who referenced the musician’s signature line, "Let's go crazy." Artists including Yungblud, Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, Black Sabbath keyboardist Adam Wakeman and members of Black Sabbath performed a medley of Ozzy’s hits, followed by a rendition of "Changes," and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry joined for "Mama, I'm Coming Home." At the close of the set the performers shouted, "Ozzy forever, man!"

Responses on social media were mixed. Some users on X/Twitter posted criticisms including comments such as "Over acting" and "She knows she’s on camera," while other posts defended Grande, saying, "I’m been emotional right now" and "Ariana’s face says it all ✨ goosebumps everywhere." The video of her reaction became a viral clip during the broadcast and after the show.

Grande also had a prominent night at the VMAs. She won Video of the Year and Best Pop for "Brighter Days Ahead," taking the ceremony’s top honor and another major award. In her Video of the Year acceptance speech, Grande framed the project as part of a healing process and urged listeners to keep moving forward, saying in part, "If you're on their journey please continue because I promise there are brighter days ahead."

The show featured several other headline moments. Lady Gaga won Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration with Bruno Mars for "Die With a Smile," while Sabrina Carpenter took Best Album for "Short N Sweet." Rosé and Bruno Mars received Song of the Year for "Apt." Mariah Carey was presented with the Video Vanguard Award and performed a medley of hits, Ricky Martin received the inaugural Latin Icon Award and performed a medley including "Livin' La Vida Loca," and Busta Rhymes was honored with the Rock The Bells Visionary Award.

Yungblud, whose given name is Dominic Harrison, had a close relationship with Osbourne and had shared black-and-white photos with the rocker ahead of the ceremony. He had a prominent role in the tribute and has been publicly linked to Osbourne’s later-life farewell events, including involvement in the musician’s Birmingham farewell concert.

The VMAs, which returned as a major awards show following Osbourne’s death, combined tributes to the rock star with competitive categories and honors for contemporary pop and Latin artists. Grande’s reaction to the tribute and the ensuing online debate occurred against the backdrop of a widely watched program that also celebrated legacy artists and current chart-topping performers.