Bette Midler has praised Ariana Grande amid her row with Grammys boss Ken Ehrlich.
The chart-topping pop star – who has rejected an invitation to sing at the annual awards bash – slammed Ken on Twitter earlier this week after he accused Ariana of struggling to put a performance together for the show.
In response to the accusation, Ariana wrote on the micro-blogging platform: "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. [love heart emoji] (sic)"
And Bette has now praised Ariana for "standing up for herself".
She wrote on Twitter: "Wildest applause to Ariana for standing up for herself and refusing to be intimidated by lies. (sic)"
Ariana, 25 – who has just released her latest album, ‘Thank U, Next’ – has thanked Bette for her support.
She replied: "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. (sic)"
Elsewhere, Ariana has also received praise from Sharon Osbourne, who recently said she is "so proud" of the pop star.
Sharon wrote on Twitter: "Nobody tells @ArianaGrande what to sing. I’m so proud of you for standing up to those antiquated old farts who produce the #Grammy Awards telecast and run the Recording Academy. As my kids would say ‘they’re all dinosaurs!’ (sic)"