Jessie J defends Ariana Grande against rumors she's a huge diva

Jessie J defends Ariana Grande against rumors she’s a huge diva

Is Ariana Grande really a diva? Jessie J says no! Christy Khoshaba has the details.

Oct. 14, 2014 8 AM PT

British pop siren Jessie J is setting the record straight, busting rumors that Ariana Grande acts like a diva.

Grande’s been accused of being a huge diva, in fact, with reports saying she talked smack about her fans behind closed doors, pushed VIPs out of the way and allowed photographers to shoot her only on her left side.

“I always say, judge a person when you meet them,” Jessie explained at the William Rast fashion line debut at Lord & Taylor in New York City. “I’ve met Ariana, and there’s a very thin line between ‘diva’ and ‘survival.’”

They’ve more than just “met”: Jessie, 26, collaborated with Grande, 21, on the summer hit “Bang Bang,” which also featured Nicki Minaj. The trio performed their chart-topper at the MTV Video Music Awards in August.

So when Jessie says Grande is “super-talented” and “very sure of what she wants,” it comes from a place of knowing what’s up.

Throwing a little wisdom into the mix, Jessie said she’s been called a diva too. “It [happens] when people can’t cope with how passionate you are, and how much you care,” the British dynamo said.

Jessie’s third album, “Sweet Talker,” is now in stores, featuring collaborations with 2 Chainz, De La Soul and Lindsey Stirling.