Grande linked to Big Sean

Ariana Grande. Picture: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Ariana Grande and Big Sean were spotted holding hands at the MTV Video Music Awards.

The 21-year-old singer appears to have confirmed she's dating the 26-year-old rapper after they were caught on a behind-the-scenes camera clutching on to one another as they walked down a hallway following her performance at the ceremony yesterday, WA time.

The pair sparked rumours they were dating earlier this month after they hit it off when they collaborated on Grane's new catchy track Problem.

A source said previously: "They have been friends since they made the song together. They have been spending more time together and recently have been getting very close. They are both doing great."

The duo were recently spotted at The Grove in Los Angeles following a late showing of The Purge.

One onlooker claims they arrived partway through the movie and left before the end, but were still recognised by "about three people".

The source also insisted he spotted them kissing during the screening.

Meanwhile, the new couple's romance came as a shock to fans as Big Sean - whose real name is Sean Anderson - only ended his five-month engagement to Glee actress Naya Rivera in April this year.

Grande also called time on her relationship with Jai Brooks at the beginning of August as he had allegedly been unsupportive after her grandfather's death.