Paige Niemann, an Ariana Grande impersonator who rose to prominence on TikTok, has claimed she received a direct message from the singer advising her to embrace her natural appearance.
Niemann, now 22, revealed the purported message on an Apple TV+ reality show titled "Turning the Paige," which she stated is an effort to "reclaim her identity." According to Niemann, the message from Grande suggested she was "beautiful as you are" without excessive makeup or attempts to mimic someone else's features.
"I am flattered and I am sure you’re very sweet," the alleged message read. "But I just wanted you to know, I looked back a little ways on your page and I think someone should tell you if they haven’t today that you’re very beautiful as YOURSELF. Without all the make up and trying to make your face look more similar to someone else’s and whatnot."
The message continued, "I had to say it because it is the truth. Always do what makes you happy of course but if I didn’t say that to you, I’d regret it. You’re beautiful as you are. Take care."
Niemann began impersonating Grande at age 12, developing a significant following on TikTok for her imitation. Her resemblance to the singer, including hair and makeup, was noted as striking, leading to speculation about cosmetic surgery. However, her impersonations also proved controversial, resulting in the temporary removal of her TikTok account on multiple occasions.
In 2020, Grande herself responded to a parody video by filmmaker Jordan Firstman that addressed impersonators. Grande commented on the impressions, stating, "Can this please also double as your impression of the pony tail TikTok girls who think doing the Cat Valentine voice and that wearing winged eyeliner and a sweatshirt is doing a good impersonation of me... cause this really how it feels."
At the time, a 14-year-old Niemann reacted to Grande's comment during a livestream, saying she was "used to Ariana shading me, so it's whatever." She added that her impersonation was purely for entertainment and not representative of her real life, and that she was "not a fan of her any more, honestly."
In 2022, Niemann launched an OnlyFans account, which faced criticism for allegedly being misleading as she continued to resemble Grande. The final ban of her TikTok account in 2024 was rumored to be linked to her promotion of the OnlyFans page.
Niemann's claims have been reported, and representatives for Ariana Grande have been contacted for comment by The Daily Mail.