Ariana Grande’s adorable reaction to Leighton Meester at the Critics Choice Awards

Ariana Grande couldn’t contain her excitement over seeing Leighton Meester on the Critics Choice Awards red carpet

Ariana Grande had one of the night’s most talked-about red-carpet moments at the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards, and it didn’t have anything to do with her own nomination or fashion. Instead, the Wicked: For Good star was caught on camera enthusiastically greeting Gossip Girl alum Leighton Meester in a moment that fans immediately labelled “adorable fangirling.”

The encounter unfolded as both actresses arrived at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on January 4, 2026, the night Grande was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Glinda in Wicked: For Good. In a clip shared by E! News, Grande can be seen lighting up as she spots Meester walking the red carpet with her husband, actor Adam Brody. “I love you so much,” Grande can be heard telling Meester, followed by an infectious “wow, wow, wow” that perfectly captured her excitement.

The exchange quickly began circulating online, with fans on social platforms cheering Grande for her genuine enthusiasm. Many pointed out that it’s rare to see A-list stars show such unguarded admiration for their peers on a major awards night, and the interaction added a warm, relatable highlight to an already star-studded red carpet.

Grande’s Critics Choice appearance marked another high point in a busy awards season for the singer-actor. In addition to her own nomination, she has been widely praised for her performance in Wicked: For Good and is preparing for her upcoming Eternal Sunshine Tour, her first concert trek in six years. She told E! News that the film chapter feels ‘beautiful’ and that she and her cast are proud of the work they’ve shared with the world.

Meester, known for her years-long work in television and film, appeared effortlessly stylish as she walked the Critics Choice red carpet with Brody. Their presence together and Grande’s enthusiastic greeting underscored a friendly energy that many viewers wished had more screen time during the broadcast.