Fans eagerly anticipated Ariana Grande’s appearance at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, especially given her numerous nominations. However, Grande’s absence from the red carpet has left many speculating about her attendance at the show.
Ariana Grande’s Absence
Despite being a prominent figure in this year’s VMAs, Ariana Grande was notably missing from the event. Her absence was confirmed hours before the show, when she took to Instagram Stories to express her gratitude for the support of her fans. Grande’s post highlighted her appreciation for the recognition of her music video “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for You Love),” which was nominated for Best Direction.
In her message, Grande wrote, “I just wanted to say thank you and I love you so much to my angel fans who have been riding so hard for ‘We Can’t Be Friends.’ You’re my heart. This will always be my favorite video and the one I am proudest of, no matter what.” She also acknowledged the contributions of director Chris The Director and her team, expressing pride in the project’s success.
Grande’s Nominations
In addition to Best Direction, Ariana Grande received nominations in several other categories at the 2024 VMAs, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Visual Effects. Despite these accolades, her decision to skip the event has been a topic of much speculation.
Relationship Concerns and Public Perception
Grande’s relationship with Ethan Slater, which began while he was still married to Lilly Jay, has been a source of controversy and public scrutiny. An insider revealed that the couple has faced significant backlash, which has impacted Grande deeply. “Ariana’s used to getting praised everywhere she goes, by fans and fellow celebrities, so it’s been a huge adjustment to go from that to everyone judging her as this cold-hearted home-wrecker,” the source told Life & Style.
The source explained that both Grande and Slater have struggled with negative public reactions and that the criticism has affected Grande emotionally. “She still gets so many hate messages from the public, and so does Ethan. They try to avoid reading them as much as possible, but whenever Ariana gives in and looks at the stuff, it has her in tears.”
Future Appearances and Public Sentiment
Given the ongoing scrutiny and personal challenges, it’s unclear when fans might next see Grande make a high-profile appearance with Slater. While her VMAs absence has fueled speculation, it’s evident that the pop star is navigating a complex period in her personal and professional life.
As fans await her next public appearance, Grande’s focus remains on her music and the support of her loyal fanbase. The 2024 MTV VMAs, despite her absence, continue to celebrate the achievements of artists across the industry.