Ariana Grande has received the ultimate seal of approval for her popular impression of Jennifer Coolidge.
“The White Lotus” star told the singer that she thinks her “imitations are so brilliant” in an interview Grande conducted for Entertainment Weekly published on Monday.
“I get so many people just texting me about your acting skills,” Coolidge told Grande. “You do these great facial expressions, and you’re very, very subtle, and you’re funny.”
“Not even close. What are you even saying? Coming from you, the queen of all things funny and brilliant, that means a lot,” Grande responded. “I’m just happy to have your stamp of approval. I just adore you.”
Coolidge, who was named Entertainment Weekly’s 2022 Entertainer of the Year, later told Grande: “I mean, in some weird way, you’re more mature and more advanced than I am, even though I’m the older one.”
Grande has publicly displayed her admiration for Coolidge on several occasions.
The artist paid homage to the Emmy winner by dressing up as Sherri Ann Cabot, the character Coolidge played in the 2000 film “Best in Show,” earlier this year. Days before Halloween, Grande shared a slideshow on Instagram which included a video of her recreating one of Coolidge’s scenes from the film.
Coolidge celebrated the impersonation in the comments section of the post, writing, “This is f***ing great.”
Back in 2018, Grande did a memorable impersonation of Coolidge from her role in the “Legally Blonde” franchise during an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.”
Coolidge told Fallon earlier this year that that impersonation had helped her get through a “dead zone” in her career.
“Ariana did this imitation on your show, and you encouraged her, and then this ball got rolling,” she said.
Coolidge explained that she messaged Grande on social media after seeing that impression and that that exchange led to her appearance in Grande’s music video for “thank u, next.”
In Monday’s Entertainment Weekly interview, Coolidge told Grande that she believes her recent successes, such as her role in “The White Lotus,” were in some ways a result of her appearance in the “thank u, next” video.
“You were sort of the instigator. I really believe that,” she said. “I think if you hadn’t put me in ‘thank u, next,’ and done that imitation, I don’t think I would be here where I am.”
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.