Ariana Grande thanks her "therapist and gay people" during winner's speech at the VMAs

Ariana Grande made a triumphant return to the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, where she scooped up three major awards including Best Pop, Video of the Year, and Best Long Form Video for her hit Brighter Days Ahead. But it was her acceptance speech that truly stole the spotlight.

During her emotional moment on stage, Grande expressed deep gratitude to a wide array of people who contributed to her success. Among those she thanked were her fans, her father Edward Butera (who made his acting debut in the music video), her music video director Christian Breslauer, and the entire creative team behind the project. She described the collaborative effort as a “village” that brought her artistic vision to life in a way that was “fanciful and yet specific, vulnerable and yet protective”.

In a moment that quickly went viral, Grande closed her speech with a warm and unexpected shout-out: “And thank you to my therapist and gay people. I love you!”

The line was met with cheers and applause, resonating with fans for its candidness and inclusivity. It also sparked a wave of appreciation online, with many praising Grande for acknowledging mental health support and the LGBTQ+ community in such a public and celebratory setting.

Grande’s appearance at the VMAs was also marked by four dramatic wardrobe changes, each showcasing her signature blend of glamour and retro flair. From a black polka-dot gown to a ballerina-inspired white dress, she captivated audiences both on and off stage.

Her win for Brighter Days Ahead was especially poignant, as the music video explores themes of memory, healing, and transformation. Released alongside the Eternal Sunshine Deluxe album, the 26-minute video features Grande undergoing “advanced memory restoration” to reconnect with her younger self and revisit both cherished and painful moments.