Ariana Grande ‘strangled’ by Sabrina Carpenter at VMAs after awkward reunion

At the MTV Video Music Awards, pop star Sabrina Carpenter reportedly resembled Ariana Grande in a bizarre move by wrapping her hands around her neck.

Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande were accused of having a ‘frosty’ encounter (Image: Getty Images for MTV)

Ariana Grande had a very close encounter with Sabrina Carpenter backstage as she suddenly had her hands wrapped around her neck. The Wicked actress and pop star, 32, took home a string of accolades at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, but Sabrina’s actions caught the eyes of fans more.

As they posed in a bizarre embrace, Sabrina, 26, was spotted holding Ariana’s neck. As the pair posed for a glam snap backstage, she appeared to be playfully strangling Ariana.

Sabrina stunned in a shimmering corset bodysuit with a frayed hem, while Ariana looked stunning in a black and white cut out gown. It occurred shortly after Ariana, who won two awards, was accused of stifling Sabrina during the ceremony.

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Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande at the MTV Video Music Awards 2025
Sabrina wrapped her arms around Ariana’s neck in a bizarre pose(Image: Billboard via Getty Images)

The top pop stars were pictured chatting and hugging when Sabrina, who won three awards, entered for another embrace in a now-viral clip. Ariana’s awkward interaction resulted from her not extending her arms around Sabrina.

The seemingly contented exchange between the pair was immediately spotted by fans, some even accusing Ariana of being a “fake.” Some people thought she wasn’t particularly fond of Sabrina, the singer from Please Please Please.

Ariana triumphed over Lady Gaga during the ceremony as she picked up the top honour of Video of the Year for Brighter Days Ahead.

She was able to defeat The Weeknd &amp, Playboi Carti – Timeless, Lady Gaga &amp, Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile, Rosé &amp, Bruno Mars – Apt., Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild, and Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather – Not Like Us.

Ariana stated on stage that the hard work involved in bringing back our young selves, including safety and our own lives, is a lifelong process that requires daily exercise.

“I promise there will be better days ahead if you’re on their journey, so please continue.” This is absurd. She also won Best Pop in Brighter Days Ahead.

Ariana won over Alex Warren, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars and Sabrina. “Thank you so much,” she said on stage. “Oh, my god.

“This is so kind,” he said. I appreciate you so much. I was extremely anxious. I must first say thank you to my fans. I’m going to cry.

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I believe I broke this, I believe. I believe I broke it. I must say thanks to my fans first and foremost. I vouch for you with every ounce of my being. She then thanked the entire team who produced the music video and for their tireless efforts to give personal thanks the entire night.

“I love making this record with you more than anything in the entire world. It was life-changing, thank you for championing me as a songwriter and producer. I love you so much. Thank you to my therapist. And gay people, I love you.”

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‘At first, I didn’t want to leave’ – Idah on Celtic exit

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Adam Idah has spoken of the “hate” and “torture” during his time at Celtic but also said it was “the best place ever” when things were going well.

The 24-year-old Republic Ireland striker completed a move from the Scottish champions to Swansea City on deadline day having spent 18 months in Glasgow.

Idah scored a late goal to win Celtic the Scottish Cup during an initial loan spell and also picked up two league titles and a League Cup, netting 29 times in 76 appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

“I think there have been so many games where I’ve won them games and got them qualified for things, the finals – it probably goes unnoticed,” he said after grabbing a late equaliser in Republic of Ireland’s 2-2 World Cup qualifier draw with Hungary.

“It can be tough, you get a lot of hate. You might have a bad game and it’s torture. It’s a difficult place up there.

“But flip it the other way, you’re doing well and it’s the best place ever.

“I think that’s what it’s going to be like at any top club. You’ve just got to deal with that.

“Celtic is one of the biggest clubs in the world. It’s a really proud moment for me, playing for them. Having done my time there, I’ve had some great memories. I’ve got nothing bad to say about the club. It was an amazing experience for me to go and play there.

“To score, I think, 20 goals last season coming off the bench, it kind of goes a bit unnoticed. But that’s football. It’s time to move on now and get a fresh start.”

Idah secured his switch to Swansea before joining up with his international team-mates for the home draw with Hungary and Tuesday’s visit to Armenia.

“It was crazy,” he said. “I loved my time at Celtic. At first, I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to fight for my spot. I wanted to do well there.

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‘At first, I didn’t want to leave’ – Idah on Celtic exit

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Adam Idah has spoken of the “hate” and “torture” during his time at Celtic but also said it was “the best place ever” when things were going well.

The 24-year-old Republic Ireland striker completed a move from the Scottish champions to Swansea City on deadline day having spent 18 months in Glasgow.

Idah scored a late goal to win Celtic the Scottish Cup during an initial loan spell and also picked up two league titles and a League Cup, netting 29 times in 76 appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

“I think there have been so many games where I’ve won them games and got them qualified for things, the finals – it probably goes unnoticed,” he said after grabbing a late equaliser in Republic of Ireland’s 2-2 World Cup qualifier draw with Hungary.

“It can be tough, you get a lot of hate. You might have a bad game and it’s torture. It’s a difficult place up there.

“But flip it the other way, you’re doing well and it’s the best place ever.

“I think that’s what it’s going to be like at any top club. You’ve just got to deal with that.

“Celtic is one of the biggest clubs in the world. It’s a really proud moment for me, playing for them. Having done my time there, I’ve had some great memories. I’ve got nothing bad to say about the club. It was an amazing experience for me to go and play there.

“To score, I think, 20 goals last season coming off the bench, it kind of goes a bit unnoticed. But that’s football. It’s time to move on now and get a fresh start.”

Idah secured his switch to Swansea before joining up with his international team-mates for the home draw with Hungary and Tuesday’s visit to Armenia.

“It was crazy,” he said. “I loved my time at Celtic. At first, I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to fight for my spot. I wanted to do well there.

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Yungblud’s subtle message to Ozzy Osbourne during emotional VMAs tribute

Yungblud helped to lead the tributes to Ozzy Osbourne, who died earlier this year, during an emotional performance at the Video Music Awards in the United States overnight

Yungblud was there to lead the tributes to Ozzy Osbourne(Image: Getty Images)

Yungblud paid a subtle but heartbreaking tribute to Ozzy Osbourne during the MTV Video Music Awards. The Black Sabbath icon died aged 76 in July, just days after performing in his farewell show.

Aerosmith and Yungblud came together once again alongside Nuno Bettencourt to pay tribute to Ozzy at the music event, whilst viewers and celebrities at the event were shown a moving montage featuring Ozzy’s children Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Jessica.

In a post before the event, he shared online: “They’ve asked me to pay tribute to you at the @vmas on Sunday night. I’ll try my best to do you proud Oz. Tune in from up there. I love you forever.”

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Yungblud and Aerosmith paid tribute to Ozzy alongside Nuno Bettencourt
Yungblud and Aerosmith paid tribute to Ozzy alongside Nuno Bettencourt (Image: Getty Images for MTV)

However, fans were quick to notice Yungblud’s secret tribute to Ozzy. One wrote: “Dom playing crazy train with the necklace ozzy gave him still on,” with Yungblud previously saying the necklace was “the most precious thing I own”.

Yungblud has been paying tribute to Ozzy following his death, describing him as his “hero”.

In a lengthy post, he wrote: “I’m trying to compute the last couple days and honestly I’m absolutely fucking shattered. You have been my North Star for everything for as long as I can remember from when I was misunderstood as a child to the way people thought I was just a little “too much” or “strange” in my life and career.

Yungblud remembered Ozzy
Yungblud remembered Ozzy(Image: Billboard via Getty Images)
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“I owe so much to you, your wife and your family – you all gave me a road to run down and supported me when people would turn their nose up. You loved life so much and you adored music. It was your smile man.”

He added: “You taught me it was beautiful to be out of the box. I promise you with all my heart I will try my best and make it my life’s journey to keep the sprit that you started and what you have taught me alive. I will give it my best shot. “To sing this song for you at an event surrounded by legends inspired by you to a crowd that loved you was truly my life’s greatest honour and I vow to play this song every night for the rest of my life. You’re my hero in every regard. I hope you’re up there avin a drink with Randy. For the prince of darkness you sure brought all the light to the world. I love you Ozzy.”

The must-watch events at the World Championships

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Nine days of captivating drama featuring the biggest track and field players in the world will kick off the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Saturday.

In the Japanese capital, 147 medals will be awarded across 49 competitions, totaling $8.5 million ($6.3 million).

Women’s 800m

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Thursday, 18 September 11: 55 BST – heats, Friday, 19 September 12: 45 BST – semi-finals, Sunday, 21 September 11: 35 BST – final

Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson will compete in Tokyo as the gold medal favorite despite having to wait 12 months to recover from an injury to win the Olympic title.

The 23-year-old returned just four weeks before the World Championships after two torn hamstrings, but she made her fastest time since 2025 in her comeback, which she backed up with another victory at the Lausanne Diamond League victory last month.

Georgia Hunter Bell, a medalist in the 1500m, and fellow Briton Jemma Reekie, a fellow Briton, have joined training partner Hodgkinson and fellow Olympian Jemma Reekie in a podium fight.

Men’s 100m

Noah Lyles wins the men's 100m final at the Paris 2024 OlympicsImages courtesy of Getty

Saturday, 13 September 12: 35 BST – heats, Sunday, 14 September 12: 43 BST – semi-finals and 14: 20 – final

After winning dramatic Olympic gold in Paris 2024, American Noah Lyles now competes for a third consecutive world 100m title.

The 28-year-old defeated Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson in the summer’s fastest race of all time, but his season’s best time of 9.90 seconds placed him only 11th in the world this year.

Thompson is the 2025’s top man in 9.75, while Oblique Seville, a native of Jamaica, completely outscores Lyles in August.

Gout Gout, an Australian teenager who has been compared to sprint legend Usain Bolt, will also receive attention.

Women’s 100m

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Saturday, 13 September 10: 55 BST – heats, Sunday, 14 September 12: 20 BST – semi-finals and 14: 13 BST – final

In addition to Gabby Thomas, the only athlete who was able to deny her accomplishment last summer, St. Lucia’s Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred will attempt to complete the sprint double.

After capturing her Olympic silver medal, American Sha’Carri Richardson will fight to defend her world title, but Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, who won the Paris 2024 bronze medal, has been the standout performer this year.

Jefferson-Wooden records an unmatched 10.65 seconds run, as well as five of the six fastest times this year, with her fourth-fastest time slot tied for Alfred’s best of 10.75 secs.

Men’s 1500m

American Cole Hocker stuns Josh Kerr in a sprint finish for Olympic goldImages courtesy of Getty

Sunday, 14 September 01: 35 BST – heats, Monday, 15 September 13: 30 BST – semi-finals, Wednesday, 17 September 14: 20 BST – final

Josh Kerr and Jakob Ingebrigtsen have their most recent duel, this time fully aware of the dangers that surround them.

In a two-year victory over Ingebrigtsen, Kerr, a defending champion, compared him to British team-mate Jake Wightman.

However, when American Cole Hocker defeated Kerr to win the gold medal in an Olympic record-setting setpiece, he gave the most unexpected twist to the most recent showdown between the two fierce rivals.

Olympic women’s heptathlon

Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Nafi Thiam laugh together after the Olympic 800mImages courtesy of Getty

Friday, 19 September 09: 33 BST – 100m hurdles, 10: 20 BST – high jump, 12: 30 BST – shot put, 13: 38 BST – 200m, Saturday, 20 September 03: 30 BST – long jump, 11: 00 BST – javelin, 13: 11 BST – 800m

As both Belgian and British athletes compete for the title of three-time world champions in Tokyo, Katerina Johnson-Thompson and Nafi Thiam square off.

Johnson-Thompson won the previous four world titles while Thiam suffered a broken ankle.

In a dramatic 800-meter finale in Paris, Thiam defeated Johnson-Thompson to claim the gold medal, which he had already won three times.

Men’s 400m

Matthew Hudson-Smith crosses the line behind Quincy Hall at the Paris 2024 GamesImages courtesy of Getty

Sunday, 14 September 10: 35 BST – heats, Tuesday, 16 September 13: 35 BST – semi-finals, Thursday, 18 September 14: 10 BST – final

Will Matthew Hudson-Smith’s defining moment take place in Tokyo?

The 30-year-old, who finished just 0.09 seconds clear of winning the world title at the previous two global championships, fell four-hundredth of a second behind American Quincy Hall at the Olympics.

His time of 43.44 seconds in Paris 2024, which is the fifth-fastest 400-meter runner in history, eclipsed that of his best time of 44.10, which included American Diamond League champion Jacory Patterson, who set the record for the fastest 400-meter runner in history.

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Must-watch events at World Athletics Championships

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The World Athletics Championships get under way in Tokyo on Saturday, beginning nine days of captivating drama featuring the world’s biggest track and field stars.

There are 147 medals to be awarded across 49 events in an action-packed schedule in the Japanese capital, with a total prize pot of $8.5m (£6.3m) on offer.

Women’s 800m

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Thursday, 18 September 11:55 BST – heats; Friday, 19 September 12:45 BST – semi-finals; Sunday, 21 September 11:35 BST – final

Despite being forced to wait 12 months to compete for the first time as Olympic champion because of injury, Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson will line up in Tokyo as the gold medal favourite.

The 23-year-old made her return just four weeks before the World Championships, after two torn hamstrings, but clocked the fastest time of 2025 in her comeback and backed that up with another win at last month’s Lausanne Diamond League.

Olympic 1500m bronze medallist Georgia Hunter Bell has decided to focus her full attention on the 800m, joining training partner Hodgkinson and fellow Briton Jemma Reekie in the battle for the podium.

Men’s 100m

Noah Lyles wins the men's 100m final at the Paris 2024 OlympicsGetty Images

Saturday, 13 September 12:35 BST – heats; Sunday, 14 September 12:43 BST – semi-finals and 14:20 – final

American Noah Lyles seeks a third consecutive global 100m title after following up world glory in Budapest with a dramatic Olympic gold at Paris 2024.

The 28-year-old edged out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson in the fastest race in history last summer but his season’s best of 9.90 seconds ranks just 11th in the world this year.

Thompson arrives as 2025’s fastest man in 9.75, while fellow Jamaican Oblique Seville beat Lyles comprehensively in August.

There will also be attention on Australian teenager Gout Gout, who has been likened to sprint icon Usain Bolt.

Women’s 100m

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Saturday, 13 September 10:55 BST – heats; Sunday, 14 September 12:20 BST – semi-finals and 14:13 BST – final

St Lucia’s Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred will target a sprint double in the absence of injured American 200m gold medallist Gabby Thomas – the only athlete able to deny her that achievement last summer.

American Sha’Carri Richardson will aim to retain her world title after taking Olympic silver, but it is Paris 2024 bronze medallist Melissa Jefferson-Wooden who has been the standout performer this season.

Not only has Jefferson-Wooden run an unmatched 10.65 seconds, but she also boasts five of the six fastest times this year – with her fourth-fastest tied with Alfred’s best of 10.75 secs.

Men’s 1500m

American Cole Hocker stuns Josh Kerr in a sprint finish for Olympic goldGetty Images

Sunday, 14 September 01:35 BST – heats; Monday, 15 September 13:30 BST – semi-finals; Wednesday, 17 September 14:20 BST – final

Josh Kerr and Jakob Ingebrigtsen meet for their latest duel, this time fully alert to the threats around them.

Defending champion Kerr emulated British team-mate Jake Wightman in beating Ingebrigtsen to world gold two years ago.

But American Cole Hocker delivered a surprise twist to the latest showdown between the two fierce rivals as he pipped Kerr to gold in an Olympic record time.

Women’s heptathlon

Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Nafi Thiam laugh together after the Olympic 800mGetty Images

Friday, 19 September 09:33 BST – 100m hurdles; 10:20 BST – high jump; 12:30 BST – shot put; 13:38 BST – 200m; Saturday, 20 September 03:30 BST – long jump; 11:00 BST – javelin; 13:11 BST – 800m

Great Britain’s Katerina Johnson-Thompson and Belgian Nafi Thiam go head-to-head as both seek to become three-time world champions in Tokyo.

The pair have split the past four world golds between them, with Johnson-Thompson triumphing as Thiam missed the 2023 championships through injury.

Thiam became a three-time Olympic champion last year, edging Johnson-Thompson to take gold by just 36 points in a dramatic concluding 800m in Paris.

Men’s 400m

Matthew Hudson-Smith crosses the line behind Quincy Hall at the Paris 2024 GamesGetty Images

Sunday, 14 September 10:35 BST – heats; Tuesday, 16 September 13:35 BST – semi-finals; Thursday, 18 September 14:10 BST – final

Will Tokyo be the scene of Matthew Hudson-Smith’s crowning moment?

The British 30-year-old has gone agonisingly close to gold at the past two global championships, missing out to American Quincy Hall by four-hundredths of a second at the Olympics after finishing within 0.09secs of the world title 12 months earlier.

His European record time of 43.44 seconds at Paris 2024 made him the fifth-quickest 400m runner in history, but three men have gone faster than his season’s best of 44.10 – including American Diamond League champion Jacory Patterson.

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