Body Language Expert Analyzes Ariana Grande's Reaction During Ozzy Osbourne Tribute

The VMAs honored Ozzy Osbourne with a star-studded performance, but it was Ariana Grande's dramatic reaction in that moment that drew the most attention.

Ariana Grande's reaction during the MTV Video Music Awards has become a talking point after a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne.

The pop star, who took home three awards, including Video of the Year for "Brighter Days Ahead," was seen throwing her hands in the air and mouthing "What?!" during the performance. Her exaggerated gestures quickly spread online, drawing both fascination and criticism.

The tribute honored Osbourne, who died in July at age 76 after a heart attack. British singer Yungblud led the set, joined by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry as well as guitarist Nuno Bettencourt. Together they performed Ozzy's classics such as "Crazy Train," "Changes," and "Mama, I'm Coming Home."

While the performance gripped audiences, Grande’s response became its own viral moment. Body language expert Beth Dawson analyzed the scene, calling her reaction "performative." Body language expert Beth Dawson described Grande’s gestures as exaggerated and deliberate.

She noted that the singer "throws her hands in the air, eyebrows raised, mouth wide open, blinking rapidly and mouthing 'what' and 'oh my god.'" Dawson added that at different points, Grande covered her ears and reached her hands dramatically toward the stage.

The expert said the reaction appeared more staged than spontaneous, pointing to a contrast between the large expressions and her restrained applause. Online, viewers offered similar critiques.

"It was a nice performance, but far from a reaction of that magnitude. Seems a little over dramatic to me," one person commented. Another wrote, "Doing too much lol." A third pointed to Grande's Broadway background, "There's that theater acting. It's like she's stuck playing Glinda… her talking voice used to be low compared to now."