The 15 Best Pop Music Shade-Fests Of 2014
Ariana Grande vs. Bette Midler
Bette Midler sounds like a controlling parent talking her teen daughter out of wearing makeup in this situation. In an interview with The Telegraph, the legendary singer had a few choice words about the budding pop diva. “It’s always surprising to see someone like Ariana Grande with that silly high voice, a very wholesome voice, slithering around on a couch,” Midler says, saying she looks “ridiculous” and questions who is giving her creative direction. She then goes on to advise, “Trust your talent. You don’t have to make a whore out of yourself to get ahead.”
Midler, who has a history with being equally racy, got a response from Grande via Twitter. “Bette was always a feminist who stood for women being able to do whatever the F they wanted without judgment!” the singer tweeted. “Not sure where that Bette went but I want that sexy mermaid back!!! Always a fan no matter what my love.” Grande’s poised reply led to Midler tweeting that she’s a “reformed old whore,” and that Ariana has a beautiful voice regardless of the aforementioned couch. Midler then apologetically had a birthday with via Twitter: “Yes, it’s my birthday!” she tweeted. “And my birthday wish is that @ArianaGrande forgives me soon and lets me direct her next video.” Let’s see what happens with that…
Rihanna vs. TLC
If there is anything you need to know in this world, it’s that you should never ever diss Rihanna — she will bite back. HARD. This beef originated in June, when the Bad Gal appeared at the Council of Fashion Designers of America awards wearing a sheer dress that had her breasts and booty in full view. TLC’s remaining members T-Boz and Chilli got on Australian TV and commented on Rihanna’s choice of clothing…or lack there of.
T-Boz said, “Every time I see you, you don’t have to be naked,” with Chilli adding “We became the biggest selling girl group of all time with our clothes on and that says a lot.” Whoops, wrong choice of words ladies. Riri dug up an infamous old photo of TLC topless holding their breasts and using it as her Twitter cover photo. T-Boz claimed, “I wasn’t talking about her then and I ain’t talking about her now. That’s irrelevant. I ain’t even got time to waste on that,” blaming the misunderstanding on a poor TV interview edit and saying she never even mentioned Rihanna’s name. The Bajan songstress flooded her own Instagram with side eye pics, clearly directed toward the girl group. T-Boz then challenged her to a fight, saying, “I’ll fight Rihanna and kick her ass.” That obviously never happened, but the #RihannaNavy is probably on 24-hour surveillance in the event that it does.
Solange vs. Jay Z
There are levels to this one — literally. First, Jay Z, Beyoncé, and Solange all attended this year’s Met Gala, and Bey’s sibling got into it with Rachel Roy. The rumored reason was that Jay was planning to attend Rihanna’s after-party with Roy; his close relationship with the famed fashion designer being a point of contention for the younger Knowles sister. Apparently, the rapper didn’t attend said after party. He instead went to another Met Gala after-party at New York City’s The Standard Hotel, where video footage showed Solange drunkenly attacking him in the private freight elevator, as Beyoncé calmly leans against the elevator wall.
The fight sparked rumors upon rumors that Jay Z was having an affair, which is why Solange attacked him, and that the Knowles sisters were at odds while the Carters were headed to a divorce. Beyoncé promptly posted pics to her Instagram and Tumblr of her sister, signifying that there was no bad blood. Soon after, the Carters brought their On The Run Tour worldwide, showing how drunk in love they were. The only really comment about the incident made was by Beyoncé on her “Flawless” remix with Nicki Minaj where she says, “Of course sometimes s**t goes down when there’s a billion dollars on an elevator.” Goddamn goddamn goddamn!
