There is no arguing Ariana Grande’s sheer natural talent as a singer.
Even her idol, the legendary R&B artist Patti LaBelle, says: "Ariana can sing me under the table, and I can sing."
That said, there are critics who point to the image she conveys with the constant long pony tail and sky high boots as being bubblegum or artificial.
But Ariana herself is comfortable with that label, telling Vogue:
"I like having my funny character that I play that feels like this exaggerated version of myself. It protects me. But also I love disrupting it for the sake of my fans and making clear that I’m a person—because that’s something I enjoy fighting for. I can’t help disrupt it. I’m incredibly impulsive and passionate and emotional and just reckless. The music is very personal and very real, but yes, if you can be me for Halloween, if drag queens can dress up as me, then I’m a character. Go to your local drag bar, and you’ll see it. That’s, like, the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It’s better than winning a Grammy."
Tickets for Ariana's Sweetener World Tour are on sale now.
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