Olivia Rodrigo belted out bangers during her performance at Tuesday’s VMAs, but it was an apparent stage malfunction that really got people talking.
As the 20-year-old was knee-deep in a kickass rendition of Vampire, sparks started to flood the stage and a floor manager rushed over to Olivia and appeared to remove her from the stage.
Thankfully, the moment was all part of the show, but that didn’t stop people taking to social media to note the faux stage disaster had them going, although no one seemed quite as concerned as Selena Gomez, who was sitting in the audience.
When the camera panned to the Wolves singer, she held her hand to her face and looked worried, and her expression didn’t go unnoticed.
As Olivia’s performance aired, one person watching at home tweeted: ‘I can’t be the only confused person during this Olivia Rodrigo performance. I thought the stage was catching fire and producer escorting her [off].’
Another person added: ‘OMG NO HER STAGE FELL APART?’
Other comments included: ‘Why [did] Olivia Rodrigo seem scared by the fireworks on stage I can’t tell if it was supposed to be booming like that’ and ‘I legit thought the stage was falling apart and Olivia Isabel Rodrigo’s life flashed before her eyes. Selena looked worried and the stagehand running out to escort her off the stage sold it.’
Also picking up on Selena’s concerned look, another person wrote: ‘Olivia Rodrigo really traumatized Selena Gomez with her fake stage malfunction during her performance… Selena ain’t ever going to an awards show again.’
Selena’s facial expressions got almost more attention than the performances and awards at last night’s awards show, with people also dissecting the A-lister’s face when Chris Brown’s name was read out during the ceremony.
The former Disney star seemingly scrunched up her face when Chris’ name was said aloud in the best R&B category for his feature on How Does It Feel by Chlöe.
Chris missed out on the award, with the gong going to SZA for Shirt.
Meanwhile, Selena scooped the best Afrobeats trophy at the star-studded bash for her collaboration with Rema on Calm Down.
Once again, people rushed to Twitter to talk about Selena’s reaction, with one person tweeting: ‘Selena Gomez’s reaction to Chris Brown is SO FUNNY.’
Other comments included: ‘I thought everyone had forgiven Chris Brown. I’m glad Selena Gomez is the only normal one’ and ‘Selena Gomez grimacing and not clapping when a Chris Brown song was said during the nominees… love her.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Gordon Ramsay, 56, shares fears about having more children despite wife Tana, 49, wanting another
MORE : This Morning star seen helping community in final photo before death aged 19