Bette Midler has backtracked on her criticism of Ariana Grande.
The ‘Wing Beneath My Wings’ singer recently hit out at the 21-year-old star, saying she has a "silly high voice" and dresses in an overly-provocative way to turn heads.
However, Bette seems to have performed an abrupt U-turn, observing Ariana has a "beautiful" voice and calling herself a "reformed old wh***".
The statement appeared to be prompted by a message Ariana posted on Twitter, in which she said: "Bette was always a feminist who stood for women being able to do whatever the F they wanted without judgement! (sic)
"Not sure where that Bette went but I want that sexy mermaid back!!! always a fan no matter what my love."
A few hours later, Bette, 68, said: "About my screed on @ArianaGrande, all I can say is, ‘Spoken like a reformed old wh***! She does have a beautiful voice, on a couch or off.’ (sic)"
She made the remarks in reference to her recent interview with the Daily Telegraph newspaper, in which she observed: "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. 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."
Bette Midler performs Ariana Grande U-turn
