A body language expert has provided insight into Ariana Grande’s ‘performative’ reaction during the Ozzy Osbourne tribute at the VMAs.
The pop star dominated the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night, September 7, earning multiple accolades for her achievements.
Grande secured the Video of the Year, Best Longform Video, and Best Pop awards for her song ‘Brighter Days Ahead.’ She thanked her father for his cameo and acknowledged her collaborators and supporters, including ‘my therapist and gay people,’ during her acceptance speeches.
Lady Gaga also had a successful night, being named Artist Of The Year and winning three other awards, while Sabrina Carpenter collected three Moon Person trophies, including Best Pop Artist.
The VMAs paid tribute to former Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away from a heart attack at 76 in July.
British singer Yungblud collaborated with Steven Tyler and Joe Perry from Aerosmith, along with Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, to perform some of Osbourne’s iconic songs such as ‘Crazy Train,’ ‘Changes,’ and ‘Mama, I’m Coming Home.’
The heartfelt tribute, celebrating Ozzy’s impact, captivated viewers and attendees. However, it was Grande’s enthusiastic response to the performance that caught significant attention.
The ‘Yes, And?’ singer was seen with her hands in the air, shaking her head in disbelief and exclaiming: “What?!”
Body language expert Beth Dawson commented on Grande’s dramatic response, describing it as ‘very performative with little spontaneity.’
“She throws her hands in the air, eyebrows raised, mouth wide open, blinking rapidly and mouthing ‘what’ and ‘oh my god.’ At one point she covers her ears, at another she stretches her hands dramatically toward the stage,” Beth who works with Mecca Bingo explained.
“Yet her actual applause is surprisingly restrained. She is lightly clapping and it doesn’t match the size of her facial expressions. The contrast between the big gestures and the minimal applause makes the moment feel staged.”
The expert believes Grande was ‘aware of the cameras’ capturing her every move, suggesting she ‘lean[ed] into the performance.’
“This isn’t genuine shock; it’s showmanship. Ariana is playing the wide-eyed audience member, amplifying the drama for viewers at home more than expressing genuine overwhelm, leaning into her role as the expressive star who reflects the energy back to the crowd.”
Many viewers speculated that Grande was aware of being filmed and accused her of ‘overacting.’
“Ariana Grande acts like she’s never seen famous Rock Stars on stage before during Ozzy Osbourne’s Tribute at tonight’s VMA’s,” tweeted one observer.
However, some enjoyed her reaction to the emotional tribute, viewing it as authentic.
“She actually says “Steven f***ing Tyler is here!’ I love it!” expressed one fan.
“What a cool reaction,” added another.
Overall, Beth concluded that Grande’s actions throughout the event were ‘highly performative and staged.’
“The ‘little girl’ perception doesn’t necessarily reflect who she is, but rather a mix of her branding, her body language, and how audiences interpret her,” explained the body language expert.
“Even at 32, because her public persona leans so heavily on youthful signals, she’s often read as younger and more childlike and she leans into that image, with her wardrobe and ponytail hairstyle for example.”