Singing sensation Ariana Grande has undoubtedly been a breath of fresh air for 2013’s pop music lovers. A welcomed departure from EDM and the dearth of talent plaguing the day’s charts and radio alike, the pop princess has taken the genre by storm with a #1 album and top-selling singles to her credit.
Immediately drawing comparisons to an early 90s Mariah Carey, the up-and-comer has polarized Carey’s fans (affectionately called Lambs) for what some of them feel is a blatant duplication of the diva’s singing style.
Those fans’ anger grew to new heights today when Grande took to Billboard.com to list in grand style an homage to her top 5 favorite female vocalists. Praising the likes of Whitney Houston and Brandy, there’s one name that, to the surprise of some, didn’t quite make the cut…
In no particular order, Grande listed Imogen Heap, Brandy, Whitney Houston, Judy Garland, and India Arie (whom she affectionately calls her fairy Godmother) as her top 5 favorite female singers.
The story instantly drew criticism from commenters with some alleging the young singer intentionally omitted Mariah’s name from mention.
The story rings similar to TGJ favorite Lady Gaga who drew criticism for also citing Whitney Houston as an influence when many blamed her for copying the moves and sound of Queen of Pop Madonna.
Tell us…is it really a big deal?