London - Ariana Grande was upset by Bette Midler's recent criticism of her.
The 21-year-old singer was left feeling shocked and offended by the remarks of the entertainment icon.
A source told gossip website TMZ that the sexy brunette was especially surprised as Bette, 68, conducted herself in a similar fashion in the 1970s.
She said: “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.”
She also posted a picture of a scantily clad Bette on stage in a bikini, which she captioned: “All love here”.
Midler posted a response shortly afterwards, saying: “About my screed on @ArianaGrande, all I can say is, ‘Spoken like a reformed old wh**e! She does have a beautiful voice, on a couch or off’.”
Ariana, a fan of the Grammy Award-winning entertainer, was lambasted by Bette in a recent interview in which she said: "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."
Asked what advice she'd give to young performers, the 'Wind Beneath My Wings' singer told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "Trust your talent. You don't have to make a w***e out of yourself to get ahead. You really don't.
"I mean, don't ask me. It's beyond me. I'm too old.
"I don't know what the end game is going to be. I don't know where you go from all that sex in your twenties. I don't know how you sustain it." - BANG Showbiz and IOL