Ariana Grande has hit back at Bette Midler after the singer criticised the raunchy way she presents herself.

A picture of Ariana Grande at the American Music Awards
Ariana Grande (Matt Sayles/AP/Press Association Images)

The 21-year-old pop star posted a picture on Twitter of Bette dressed in a skimpy bikini and strings of pearls, pointing out that the 68-year-old used to promote women being able to do what they wanted.

Ariana’s comments evidently hit home with Bette, as the actress and singer soon went online to respond.

The row was sparked earlier this week when showbiz veteran Bette told the Daily Telegraph that she couldn’t stand how much sex had become part of the pop industry – and used Love Me Harder singer Ariana as an example.

She said: “It’s terrible! It’s always surprising to see someone like Ariana Grande with that silly high voice, a very wholesome voice, slithering around on a couch, looking so ridiculous.

Bette Midler
(Dan Hallman/Invision/AP)

“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.”