This is not a news flash: We've long been obsessed with Ariana Grande's transformation from teeny Disney star to preeminent pop princess. (We're also pretty obsessed with her bizarre brand of personal feminism. That's another story, though.) But she didn't just morph from playing little Orphan Annie to selling out international tours. She's also capable of taking on the personas of other pop singers, like an insanely impressive vocal chameleon.
From Britney Spears and Celine Dion to Jennifer Lawrence, Grande expertly zeroes in on the intonations of some of the world's most recognisable pipes. Need proof? Well, we've got plenty. Check out a few of our very favourite instances of Grande impersonating other singers, ranked in order of sheer awesomeness.
Performance Rank: No. 5
The Impersonation: Celine Dion, "Beauty and the Beast Theme Song"
Why We Love It: Not only does this impression include one of Dion's legendary hits, it also features Grande imitating the Canadian singer's speaking voice. In a word: epic.
YouTube.Performance Rank: No. 4
The Impersonations:
Britney Spears, "Mary Had a Little Lamb"
Christina Aguilera, "The Wheels on the Bus"
Celine Dion, "Can't Feel My Face"
Why We Love It: Grande nails every single one of these singers' vocal signatures, and also manages to pull off a duet with Fallon toward the end. Points for mad skills and style.
YouTube.Performance Rank: No. 3
The Impersonation: Jennifer Lawrence
Why We Love It: Grande is literally pitch-perfect and she's not even singing.
YouTube.Performance Rank: No. 2
The Impersonations:
Britney Spears, "Baby One More Time"
Shakira, "Whenever, Wherever"
Celine Dion, "It's All Coming Back to Me Now"
Whitney Houston, "I Will Always Love You"
Why We Love It: This Whitney impression is so on the money, and Grande also gets points for her acting chops in this one. (Also, that Jay Z impression at the end is a perfect cap-off.)
YouTube.Performance Rank: No. 1
The Impersonations:
Jessie J, "Mamma Knows Best"
Britney Spears, "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman"
Nicki Minaj, "Bottoms Up"
Katy Perry, "E.T."
Shakira, "Hips Don't Lie"
Judy Garland, "You Made Me Love You"
Why We Love It: You know, just chilling at home, in bed, singing your heart out. Normal Friday. But seriously: This impromptu performance from Grande's slightly younger years demonstrates such incredible range. Color us impressed.
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