Paige Niemann, an Ariana Grande impersonator, has disclosed a private direct message she received from the pop star after gaining viral attention.
After amassing a large following due to her striking similarity to Grande, Niemann discusses the exchange in Apple TV’s six‑episode documentary series Turning The Paige. The series chronicles her journey to reclaim her identity beyond the persona of a lookalike.
In the first episode, Niemann steps back into the public eye, and subsequent installments examine the online criticism she faced and her efforts to establish a career on her own terms.
During the documentary, Niemann reveals a message Grande sent in 2019 after encountering videos of Niemann’s performances that mimicked Grande and her Nickelodeon character Cat Valentine from Victorious. Grande’s words read: “I am flattered and i am sure you’re very sweet, 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.”
Ariana Grande impersonator Paige Niemann reveals in her documentary that the singer DMed her:
“i am flattered and i am sure you’re very sweet. 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… pic.twitter.com/5kWvMKeEDh
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 8, 2026
The full DM continued: “Without all the make up and trying to make your face look more similar to someone else’s and whatnot. 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 first gained traction in 2019 when clips of her recreating Grande’s signature high ponytail, winged eyeliner and mannerisms went viral on TikTok. Grande responded publicly, calling the crossover “bizarre” but describing Niemann as “the sweetest.”
Grande is preparing to release her eighth studio album, “Petal,” on July 31 via Republic Records. The project follows the 2024 releases “Eternal Sunshine” and its deluxe edition, “Brighter Days Ahead,” and features the lead single “Hate That I Made You Love Me.” She unveiled the tracklist during a show at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.
The “Eternal Sunshine” tour kicked off in Oakland earlier this month and will conclude with a ten‑night residency at The O2 in London later this year.
Grande continues to focus on acting, next appearing in the comedy sequel “Focker‑In‑Law” alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro. She is also slated to star in the West End production of “Sunday In The Park With George” opposite Jonathan Bailey in 2027.
She recently launched a foundation aimed at supporting the LGBTQ+ community and criticized the White House for using her music in a recent ICE video posted online.