Ariana Grande was upset by Bette Midler's recent criticism of her.

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.

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 hat 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."