Ariana Grande has been accused of changing her voice in an instant, but the “Thank You Next” singer isn't having any of it.
She recently clapped back at critics, saying: "That's a normal thing that people do."
In response to a viral video where her voice shifted mid-interview, the Grammy-winning singer, 31, emphasised that voice changes are no big deal, especially for someone with a wide vocal range like hers.
"I did just spend a long time playing a character every single day," she explained on this week’s episode of the “Shut Up Evan” podcast, referring to her role as Glinda in the upcoming movie musical, “Wicked”.
"Muscle memory is a real thing," she added.
Grande also pointed out the double standards between male and female actors. She said that when male actors unintentionally stay in character after filming, people praise their dedication and transformation.
"But then it’s like, God forbid I sneeze like Glinda," she said.
This isn't the first time that Grande has defended the changing of her voice.
She previously responded to critics in a TikTok video comment, writing: "I intentionally change my vocal placement (high/low) often depending on how much singing I'm doing. I've always done this BYE."
Scores of fans have since taken to social media to defend the pop star.
This included @Bunnybunny5656, who commented: “Michael Jackson’s did it. Prince did it. Beyoncé does it, it’s called speaking in a way that doesn’t strain your vocal chords and if that concept alludes you then obviously you shouldn’t be commenting on it.”
@avalewis8156 added: “I had an opera teacher who always talked in this very high pitched breathy angelic tone to keep her upper register relaxed. I thought this was common knowledge.”
But @mikedaniel2412 posted: “I understand changing the voice tone to preserve her voice, makes sense … however why does she also change her whole attitude, to this whole ‘I’m such an innocent little defenseless girl,who wouldn’t hurt a fly’ persona when she is totally not.”