Ariana Grande Lookalike Paige Niemann Quits Persona After Star Told Her To Love Her Own Face

Paige Niemann is moving beyond the Ariana Grande lookalike persona that made her famous after revealing a private message in which the pop star encouraged her to embrace her own appearance.

Niemann, who went viral as a teenager because of her resemblance to Grande, is now documenting her effort to establish an identity and career separate from the singer in her docuseries Turning the Paige. The series follows her as she navigates fame, modelling and the pressure of being known primarily for looking like Grande.

Niemann Encouraged To Embrace Her Own Appearance

The latest development comes after Niemann revealed a private message from Grande in the documentary.

TMZ reported that sources with direct knowledge confirmed the message was genuine. Grande told Niemann she was 'very beautiful as YOURSELF' and encouraged her to appreciate her appearance without trying to make her face resemble somebody else's.

Grande also told Niemann to do whatever made her happy.

The message did not explicitly ask Niemann to stop creating lookalike content. Instead, it encouraged her to embrace her own appearance and identity.

Niemann Says She Felt 'Misled' by the Interaction

Despite sharing the DM as an example of the kindness Grande showed her, Niemann has described having mixed feelings about the interaction.

Niemann said she felt 'misled' by the situation and the social media narratives developing around the time she received the message. She also said she never believed she was doing anything wrong because Grande had not told her the lookalike videos made her uncomfortable.

Niemann Wants To Be Known for More Than Her Looks

Niemann has previously spoken about wanting to build a career beyond her resemblance to Grande.

In a 2025 interview with Rolling Stone UK, she said: 'A lot of people see me as something I'm not. I want to have fame for who I am, not for who people think I am.'

'I want to build a legacy, not for what I look like, but for what I've done. Starting now,' she added.

Niemann also said: 'I just want to do more. I want to prove I'm capable of more than just what I look like.'

She described her goal as 'carving out my own lane' and showcasing 'the talent and the name Paige Niemann.'

Paige Rose to Fame as an Ariana Grande Lookalike

Niemann first attracted widespread attention for her striking resemblance to Grande and became known for recreating the singer's hair, makeup, fashion and mannerisms.

Her resemblance became a defining part of her online identity, while her connection with Grande generated further attention and scrutiny.

Turning the Paige revisits that history, including Niemann's connection with Grande and the online controversy that followed her since she was 15. The documentary centres on her effort to establish an identity beyond the celebrity comparison.

'Turning the Paige' Documents Her Identity Shift

The documentary follows Niemann as she pursues modelling and attempts to step into a spotlight of her own.

Its official description centres on Niemann reclaiming her identity after years of being known as a Grande lookalike.

Niemann has previously said she wants to build a career based on her talents rather than her resemblance to Grande.