Ariana Grande in Los Angeles. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Speculating about the inner life and psyche of a famous person has always been something of a fool’s errand, but that doesn’t make it any less fun to do. This week, for example, many journalists and spectators are wondering why so many celebrities are speaking out so vehemently against criticism that’s been lobbed at their performances and style choices.
In the past few days, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Lizzo and Olivia Munn have all dismissed members of the media as something akin to miserable parasites. Is this merely the latest battle in a centuries-long war between the haves and have-nots, or is something more specific to 2019 going on here? We posit that it’s a little bit of both.
First, a little bit of context. By now, no one needs to be reminded that Ariana Grande is currently the most successful pop star on the planet. She’s the most followed woman on Instagram; her last couple of albums (Sweetener and Thank U, Next) have been inventive, daring takes on pop and R&B; her personality has won over even the harshest detractors. Etcetera.
Musically speaking, Bieber hasn’t been doing as well lately. His career is basically on pause while he’s frolicking with his new bride, Hailey Baldwin, and he’s been distinctly reluctant to record and perform. Also, some people think he basically ruined Iceland.
Bieber’s friend Grande was one of the headliners of Coachella this year, and during one of her sets, she spontaneously invited her pal on stage to sing—or in this case, pantomime—a couple of his biggest hits. E! News host Morgan Stewart jokingly poked fun at Bieber’s lackluster lip-synching, and that’s when all hell broke loose.
Ariana Grande in Los Angeles. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Speculating about the inner life and psyche of a famous person has always been something of a fool’s errand, but that doesn’t make it any less fun to do. This week, for example, many journalists and spectators are wondering why so many celebrities are speaking out so vehemently against criticism that’s been lobbed at their performances and style choices.
In the past few days, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Lizzo and Olivia Munn have all dismissed members of the media as something akin to miserable parasites. Is this merely the latest battle in a centuries-long war between the haves and have-nots, or is something more specific to 2019 going on here? We posit that it’s a little bit of both.
First, a little bit of context. By now, no one needs to be reminded that Ariana Grande is currently the most successful pop star on the planet. She’s the most followed woman on Instagram; her last couple of albums (Sweetener and Thank U, Next) have been inventive, daring takes on pop and R&B; her personality has won over even the harshest detractors. Etcetera.
Musically speaking, Bieber hasn’t been doing as well lately. His career is basically on pause while he’s frolicking with his new bride, Hailey Baldwin, and he’s been distinctly reluctant to record and perform. Also, some people think he basically ruined Iceland.
Bieber’s friend Grande was one of the headliners of Coachella this year, and during one of her sets, she spontaneously invited her pal on stage to sing—or in this case, pantomime—a couple of his biggest hits. E! News host Morgan Stewart jokingly poked fun at Bieber’s lackluster lip-synching, and that’s when all hell broke loose.
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