Ariana Grande, a celebrated singer and actress, garnered attention at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) for her cheeky acceptance speech. Awarded the Rising Star accolade for her performance as Glinda in Wicked, Grande’s humorous remarks about Botox and Juvederm had the audience laughing.
The speech, which also referenced her childhood comedy beginnings, quickly went viral, sparking comparisons to South African singer Tyla’s moment at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.
Dressed in a metallic gown, Ariana Grande thanked her "two friends, Botox and Juvederm," humorously acknowledging her past use of cosmetic enhancements. Fans noted parallels between her playful humor and Tyla’s lighthearted comments during her VMA acceptance speech for Best Afrobeat. Tyla had joked about needing help to hold the award, a moment that also became a viral sensation.
Netizens flooded social media with their takes, blending humor with admiration. Real reactions included,
"Ooooooh the Tyla shade," one user commented.
"The first thing she said when she reached the mic is “I’m just kidding” she’s obviously clowning tyla, y’all just mad," another user added.
“she's a silent movie era star forced to live in modern day," another user remarked.
The lighthearted comments showcased the audience’s appreciation for Ariana Grande's humor.
"HELP SHE DID NOT KNOW ITS HEAVY," a fan tweeted.
"But when Tyla asked Lil Nas to carry her award people bashed her. Clearly those things are heavy," another fan noted.
"She's just so naturally funny, you can never make me hate her," another wrote on twitter.
Ariana Grande's humorous nod to her past and Tyla's viral moment
Ariana Grande’s acceptance speech also delved into her performance journey. Reflecting on her childhood roots in comedy and her recent role in Wicked, she expressed gratitude for co-stars like Cynthia Erivo and director Jon M. Chu.
Her remarks about Botox and Juvederm referenced her September 2023 Vogue interview, where she openly discussed her decision to stop using cosmetic fillers in 2018.
The viral comparisons stem from Tyla’s lighthearted moment at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. During the ceremony, Tyla, a rising Afrobeat star from South Africa, won the Best Afrobeat Award. While on stage with Halle Bailey and Lil Nas X, Tyla struggled to hold the heavy trophy. She humorously remarked,
"Oh my gosh, you guys know me and holding awards. Yo, I cannot—I’m not strong enough."
Tyla briefly handed the award to Lil Nas X, who hesitantly took it while Halle Bailey looked on, smiling. The incident quickly gained traction online, with some netizens critiquing Tyla’s actions. However, Tyla addressed the backlash head-on, writing on X (formerly known as Twitter),
"Y'all make everything weird… I was not asking my girl Halle. We just girls, STFU I WON A VMAAAA."
Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda in Wicked has been praised for its combination of musical prowess and comedic timing. The first installment of the two-part adaptation was released on November 27, 2024, directed by Jon M. Chu. The role marks a new chapter in Grande's career, signaling her seamless transition from music to film.
Meanwhile, Tyla continues to rise in the music and fashion world. From her performance at the 2024 BET Awards to her Met Gala debut, she has become a global sensation.