Ariana Grande impersonator Paige Niemann has shared a private direct message she says the singer sent her in 2019, publishing it in her new six-part Apple TV documentary series "Turning The Paige". In the message, Grande gently encouraged Niemann to embrace her own appearance, writing that she was "very beautiful as YOURSELF" without heavy make-up or altering her face to resemble someone else. The story matters as a notable moment in the ongoing conversation about online identity, lookalike culture and the pressures faced by those who go viral.

Niemann rose to fame in 2019 with TikTok clips recreating Grande's signature high ponytail, winged eyeliner and mannerisms, including her Nickelodeon character Cat Valentine. Grande publicly called the resemblance "bizarre" at the time while praising Niemann as "the sweetest". The documentary follows Niemann's attempts to reclaim her own identity after years as a lookalike. The article also notes Grande is preparing to release her eighth studio album "Petal" on 31 July via Republic Records, alongside touring, acting and West End commitments.