Ariana Grande responds to Midler criticism

Ariana Grande has responded to remarks Bette Midler made about the singer's sexy wardrobe choices, reminding the veteran she used to be all for "women being able to do whatever they wanted".

Midler took aim at the Problem singer in a British newspaper piece published on Monday (24Nov14), stating it's "always surprising" to see someone like Grande "slithering around on a couch looking so ridiculous".

Midler added, "I mean, it's silly beyond belief and I don't know who is 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."

Grande took to Twitter.com on Tuesday to fire back, writing, "Bette was always a feminist who stood for women being able to do whatever the F they wanted without judgment! not sure where that Bette went but I want that sexy mermaid back!! always a fan no matter what my love."

Continuing to take the high road, she later added, "and I will still quote (Midler film) first wives club every single day of my life."

Midler has since offered to end the feud before it gets out of hand by 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'."