Cheat Sheet
Bette Midler Praises Ariana Grande for Calling Out Grammys
By Wendy Michaels
February 9, 2019
Ariana Grande will not be performing at this year’s Grammys — but not for the reason the show’s producer, Ken Ehrlich, told the media. The pop singer was quick to take to Twitter to shed some light on the reality of the situation and she’s getting plenty of fan support, as well as praise from the legendary Bette Midler.
Grande explains why Grammys producer was ‘lying’
According to Ehrlich, he said they had conversations with Grande about performing at the 2019 Grammys, as he explained to The Associated Press that she ultimately “felt it was too late for her to pull something together.” He added, “And it’s too bad. She’s a great artist.”
Grande was quick to shut the Grammy rumors down, sharing a screenshot of Ehrlich’s comments and writing: “i’ve kept my mouth shut but now you’re lying about me. i can pull together a performance over night and you know that, Ken. it was when my creativity & self expression was stifled by you, that i decided not to attend. i hope the show is exactly what you want it to be and more.”
She added in another tweet: “i offered 3 different songs. it’s about collaboration. it’s about feeling supported. it’s about art and honesty. not politics. not doing favors or playing games. it’s just a game y’all.. and i’m sorry but that’s not what music is to me.”
Grande further remarked about her Grammy nominations: “hope that helps everyone understand my decision. i am still grateful for the acknowledgement this year.”
Grande’s mom adds her support
Grande’s mom, Joan Grande, also weighed in on Twitter, explaining that her daughter’s image in the Grammy’s ad campaign was a poor choice. Ariana even noted during her Twitter explanation that she had “passed a Grammy’s bus with my face on it.”
Joan tweeted: “I agree with you Ariana, I’m so proud of you… & as Ken stated you were never ever confirmed to perform, but yet articles state that you pulled out of the performance (WRONG) ALSO, knowing there was no agreement to perform, you are in all the ads for the show, that’s exploitive!”
Bette Midler applauds Grande’s statement
While Grande received her mom’s support and love from her fans, the singer got a little shoutout from legendary performer Bette Midler as well. Midler tweeted: “Wildest applause to Ariana for standing up for herself and refusing to be intimidated by lies.”
When Grande noticed Midler’s tweet, she responded and offered an invitation, writing: “my goodness, i don’t know how i’m just seeing this but hi and thank u. sending a hug. wanna come over sunday night? i’m having a thing…. it’s pretty lowkey.”
Midler once slammed Grande for being too sexual
Midler wasn’t always Grande’s biggest fan, however, as she once bashed the singer’s artistic choices. In a 2014 interview with U.K.’s Telegraph, Midler explained: “You don’t have to make a whore out of yourself to get ahead… It’s always surprising to see someone like Ariana Grande with that silly high voice, a very wholesome 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. But it’s not my business, I’m not her mother. Or her manager. Maybe they tell them that’s what you’ve got to do. Sex sells. Sex has always sold.”
At the time, Grande tweeted: “Bette was always a feminist who stood for women being able to do whatever the F they wanted without judgement! not sure where that Bette went but I want that sexy mermaid back!! always a fan no matter what my love.”
Midler later apologized, tweeting: “About my screed on @ArianaGrande, all I can say is, ‘Spoken like a reformed old whore!’ She does have a beautiful voice, on a couch or off.”
