Ariana Grande put together an unusual list of thank-yous.
At the 2025 VMAs, after winning three awards, she went up to accept one and blurted out: “Thank you to my therapists and gay people, I love you.” She went from her therapists to the LGBTQ+ community without missing a beat, with a naturalness that was so her. It wasn’t a random shout-out: Ariana has had a close relationship with that audience for years, and the ceremony also had a strong LGBTQ+ presence.
The first thank-you recognized those who have supported her personally; the second, a community that is an important part of her audience. In a single line, she brought together emotional support and collective affection. Some speeches list names; Ariana made such a personal list that therapy and love for her community shared the microphone. 💜
