Ariana Grande Responds to Bette Midler’s Criticisms

Ariana Grande has issued a response to Bette Midler’s critique of her. The 21-year-old actress and singer is said to be hurt and surprised by the 68-year-old legendary actress’ remarks, and Grande has fired back calling Midler a hypocrite.

The war of words started when Midler made the following remarks to the Telegraph Newspaper regarding Grande’s stage antics:

“It’s terrible! It’s always surprising to see someone like Ariana Grande with that silly high voice, slithering around on a couch, looking so ridiculous. I mean, it’s silly beyond belief and I don’t know who’s telling her to do it. I wish they’d stop.”

Midler then took the insult a step further with these not-so-nice words:

“You don’t have to make a whore out of yourself to get ahead. You really don’t.”

The Wind Beneath My Wings singer also urged aspiring young actresses and singers to trust their own talent, and that they can be successful without using their bodies as a selling point.

Ariana Grande, who was formerly a fan of Bette Midler’s work, has now gone on the offensive with her own tongue lashing. The Black Widow hit maker accused Midler of calling the kettle black as the renowned actress had engaged in many provocative and sexually explicit acts during her own performances in the 70s.

There may actually be some validity to Grande’s argument. For the cover of Midler’s 1977 Live At Last album, the performer is shown kneeling on all fours while clad in revealing cleavage.

It’s safe to say that Ariana Grande and Bette Midler aren’t going to be exchanging pleasantries any time soon. The latter is in the midst of reviving her career with a 2015 tour set in Hollywood and the UK. She will also be making a guest appearance for the upcoming straight-to-television movie The Third Coast.

[photo credit: Melissa Rose]