Bette Midler declares Ariana Grande's sexy image 'so ridiculous'

LONDON, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Bette Midler isn't a fan of Ariana Grande's sexy image.

The 68-year-old singer discussed the 21-year-old pop star in an interview with the Telegraph. Midler expressed dismay at the sexualization of pop music, and told the publication she finds Grande's music videos and performances absurd.

"It's terrible!" she declared. "It's always surprising to see someone like Ariana Grande with that silly high voice, a very wholesome voice, slithering around on a couch looking so ridiculous. I mean, it's silly beyond belief and I don't know who's telling her to do it."

"I wish they'd stop," she continued. "But it's not my business, I'm not her mother. Or her manager. Maybe they tell them that's what you've got to do. Sex sells. Sex has always sold ... [Young women should] trust [their] talent. You don't have to make a whore of yourself to get ahead."

Midler released her first studio album, The Divine Miss M, in 1972, and has sold over 30 million records worldwide. Her 14th studio album, It's the Girls!, was released November 4, and includes covers of girl groups such as The Supremes and TLC.

Grande came to fame as Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon series Victorious and Sam & Cat. She released her debut studio album, Yours Truly, in August 2013, and followed up with My Everything in August 2014. Both records debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.