Ariana Grande admits feeling nervous in duet with TNT Boys

MANILA, Philippines — International pop star Ariana Grande surprised Filipino trio TNT Boys on their performance at “The Late Late Show with James Corden.”

Singing “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” by Jennifer Hudson, TNT Boys members Keifer Sanchez, Mackie Empuerto, and Francis Concepcion were shocked when the American pop star suddenly appeared during their performance.  

Although surprised by Ariana’s arrival, the TNT Boys remained calm while singing the song as they hugged the artist behind the song “Thank U, Next.”

The boys are self-professed "Arianatics" who are “obsessed” with the pop star.

After the performance, Francis asked, “ Is it a dream or not?” 

Likewise, Ariana said she is obsessed with the TNT Boys and praised the trio from Manila. 

“Thank you for having me. I’m obsessed with you guys. You guys are so incredible. That was so beautiful,” Ariana said. 

After the filming of the episode, the “Thank U, Next” singer spent time to talk and take photos with Mackie, Keifer, and Francis backstage, and admitted that she was nervous to sing with them.

Described by James Corden as the “cutest boy band” and his “favorite new boy band on planet earth,” the TNT Boys is part of the American show “The World’s Best.”

In his interview prior to the trio’s performance on “The Late Late Show,” James recalled his meeting with the boys at the backstage of “The World’s Best,” where Francis’ first words to him were “Oh my God, you’ve met Ariana Grande.”

Recently, the TNT Boys received a standing ovation in the show after they performed Beyonce’s “Listen.”

The boys moved on to the next round of “The World’s Best” after they wowed its American judges Faith Hill, RuPaul, and Drew Barrymore, as well as the show’s "wall of the world," which is composed of 50 of the world's most accomplished experts from every field of entertainment.

The TNT Boys was the grand winner of the second season of ABS-CBN's “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids.”

Before becoming a group, Mackie, Keifer, and Francis first impressed viewers as grand finalists in “Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids” on ABS-CBN. They were officially launched as a trio in 2017, and have since sung for international audiences in “Little Big Shots” US, UK, and Australia and have performed for several head of states, including Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, Singaporean president Halimah Yacob, and Papua New Guinea prime minister Peter O’ Neill.