Selena Gomez Reveals Why She Really Looked Concerned During Olivia Rodrigo’s VMAs Performance

After Selena Gomez's worried expression during Olivia Rodrigo’s performance at the 2023 MTV VMAs went viral, the "Single Soon" singer is explaining her reaction.

By Kisha Forde Sep 14, 2023 12:44 PMTags
Watch: Selena Gomez Says "Who Cares" About Her Viral VMAs Reaction

Selena Gomez is so sick of those same old critics.

Which is why she's setting the record straight on her viral reaction to Olivia Rodrigo's recent performance.

ICYMI, Olivia was singing "Vampire" at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 12 when the award show stage appeared to malfunction. As she sang, pyrotechnics sparked as if they were exploding, with the 20-year-old looking around frantically before being ushered offstage. (However, the issues were actually planned as part of the show.)

At the time, stars in the crowd, including Selena, appeared concerned for the "Good 4 U" singer. But as the Only Murders in the Building star clarified, she was also on the edge of her seat for another reason, explaining underneath a Sept. 13 Instagram post, "I heard a loud noise and it scared me."

But that wasn't the only footage of Selena that circulated on social media from the event, leading the 31-year-old—who instantly became a meme after sharing a photo of herself in August—to speak out about keeping her reactions to herself.

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MTV VMAs 2023: After-Party Pics

"I will never be a meme again," she wrote in an Instagram Story post after the Sept. 12 ceremony. "I'd rather sit still than be dragged for being myself. Much love."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTV

Ready to relive the night again? Keep reading to see all the red carpet fashion you may missed from the 2023 MTV VMAs.

Nicki Minaj

In Dolce & Gabbana.

Taylor Swift

In Versace dress and Ariel Saidian, Anita Ko, and Maria Tash jewelry.

Cardi B

In Dilara Findikoglu.

Shakira with sons Milan & Sasha

In Versace.

Demi Lovato

Olivia Rodrigo

In Ludovic de Saint Sernin.

Doja Cat

In Oscar De La Renta.

Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini

Her in Mônot.

Selena Gomez

In Oscar de la Renta dress and Jimmy Choo shoes.

Megan Thee Stallion

In Brandon Blackwood.

Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick & Justin Timberlake of *NSYNC

Emily Ratajkowski

In Jean Paul Gaultier dress and Melissa Kaye jewelry.

Dove Cameron

In Coach dress and Simon G jewelry.

Tiffany Haddish

In Jason Wu.

Charli D'Amelio

In Shushu/Tong.

Lil Nas X

In Palomo Spain with Bible bag by Aylah Gallardo.

Tinashe

Sabrina Carpenter

Saweetie

In Area.

Dixie D'Amelio

In Maticevski.

Sofia Carson

In Alexandre Vauthier.

Bebe Rexha

Madelyn Cline

In Givenchy.

Anitta

In Schiaparelli dress and Gianvito Rossi shoes.

Coco Jones

In Moschino.

Nelly Furtado

Karol G

In Ashi Studio dress and Jacob & Co. jewelry.

Offset

Chlöe Bailey

In Roberto Cavalli.

GloRilla

In David Koma.

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View More Photos From MTV VMAs 2023: Red Carpet Fashion
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