The 5 Most Jaw-Dropping Moments Of Ariana Grande Doing Céline Dion: A Vocal Masterclass

As of December 2025, the conversation around Ariana Grande’s vocal prowess remains incomplete without a deep dive into her legendary, spot-on impression of the Queen of Power Ballads, Céline Dion. This isn't just a simple parody; it's a technical masterclass that bridges two generations of powerhouse vocalists, consistently going viral years after its debut. The impression has cemented Grande’s status not just as a pop star, but as a truly versatile and gifted performer.

The cultural moment has been revived and re-examined in the current era, especially with Grande’s focus on her role as Glinda in the upcoming *Wicked* film and the release of her album *Eternal Sunshine*. Fans and critics alike are once again marveling at her ability to perfectly capture Dion's unique vibrato, hand gestures, and signature French-Canadian flair, a feat that even garnered a famously priceless reaction from Dion herself. This article breaks down the history, the technique, and the latest buzz surrounding this iconic celebrity impression.

The Vocal Titans: A Dual Biography and Profile

To truly appreciate the impression, one must first understand the incredible careers of the two artists involved. They represent the pinnacle of technical vocal ability across different decades, making their connection a fascinating study in musical lineage.

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Ariana Grande-Butera (The Impersonator)

• Born: June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Career Start: Broadway's *13* (2008).
• Breakthrough: Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon's *Victorious* (2010–2013) and *Sam & Cat* (2013–2014).
• Musical Style: Pop, R&B, Trap, known for her four-octave vocal range, extending into the whistle register.
• Key Albums: *Yours Truly*, *My Everything*, *Dangerous Woman*, *Sweetener*, *Thank U, Next*, *Positions*, *Eternal Sunshine*.
• Current Projects: Starring as Glinda in the two-part film adaptation of the musical *Wicked* (2024 & 2025).
• Awards: Multiple Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Guinness World Records.

Céline Marie Claudette Dion (The Icon)

• Born: March 30, 1968, in Charlemagne, Quebec, Canada.
• Career Start: Early 1980s, achieving success in the French-speaking world.
• International Breakthrough: Winning the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest and releasing her first English album, *Unison* (1990).
• Musical Style: Pop, Soft Rock, Chanson, known as the "Queen of Power Ballads" for her powerful, technically skilled vocals, and emotional delivery.
• Key Songs/Albums: "The Power of Love," "Think Twice," "Because You Loved Me," "It's All Coming Back to Me Now," "My Heart Will Go On."
• Recent Health Update: In December 2022, Dion publicly announced her diagnosis with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder causing severe muscle stiffness and spasms, which led to the cancellation of her European tour.
• Legacy: One of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Impression: How Grande Nails the Dion Persona

Ariana Grande’s celebrity impressions, which also include Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Coolidge, are famous for their accuracy. However, her Céline Dion impression stands out because it requires not only vocal mimicry but an understanding of technical vocal placement and performance mannerisms. It is a tribute, not a mockery.

The impression is built on several key elements that Grande flawlessly executes:

1. The Signature Vocal Placement and Vibrato

Dion's voice is characterized by a specific, dramatic vibrato and a powerful, almost operatic vocal placement, particularly on high notes. Grande, who shares a similar four-octave range and whistle register ability, is able to shift her voice to match Dion's distinct, slightly nasal tone and sustained power. Her rendition of the classic power ballad "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" is the definitive example, where she hits the dramatic, sustained high notes with frightening accuracy.

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2. The Hand Gestures and Facial Expressions

A Céline Dion performance is a full-body experience. Grande captures the iconic hand-on-chest gesture, the dramatic open-palm extensions, and the wide-eyed, emotive facial expressions that accompany Dion's most passionate vocal runs. This blend of visual and auditory mimicry is what makes the impression so effective and hilarious.

3. The Early Connection: A Childhood Dream

The impression feels so natural because Grande has been a fan for life. Throwback videos shared by Grande herself show a toddler Ariana, around four years old, belting out Dion’s 1997 song “The Reason.” This early exposure and love for Dion’s music suggest that the vocal styling has been subconsciously ingrained in Grande’s musical DNA for decades.

The 5 Most Viral Moments of the Céline Dion Impression

The impression has made several high-profile appearances, each one generating millions of views and solidifying its place in pop culture history. These are the moments that truly defined the phenomenon:

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1. The SNL Tidal Sketch (2016)

This is the most famous instance. While hosting *Saturday Night Live* in March 2016, Grande played a Tidal intern who had to save the streaming service by singing in the voices of various artists when the system malfunctioned. Her performance of "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" as Dion, complete with the dramatic mannerisms, instantly went viral, launching the impression into the stratosphere.

2. Céline Dion's Priceless Reaction

The true seal of approval came from the legend herself. When Dion was shown Grande’s SNL sketch, her reaction was overwhelmingly positive. She famously told an interviewer that she "peed a little" watching the performance, calling Grande "a very sweet girl" and wishing her well. This moment of mutual admiration elevated the impression from a mere joke to a respectful homage.

3. The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (2015)

Before SNL, Grande first showcased her incredible impression during a "Wheel of Musical Impressions" segment on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*. This early appearance was the first time many realized the depth of her mimicry skills, setting the stage for the SNL sketch a year later.

4. The Voice Appearance (2021)

During her tenure as a coach on NBC’s *The Voice*, Grande occasionally brought back her greatest hits. In one memorable instance, she performed a small, on-the-spot snippet of Dion's voice, proving that the skill was still sharp and ready, much to the delight of the audience and her fellow coaches.

5. The 2024 *Wicked* Co-Star Praise

In a fresh, recent update from 2024, Grande’s *Wicked* co-star, Cynthia Erivo, was asked about the impression. Erivo, another powerhouse vocalist, called Grande's Dion impression "BRILLIANT," confirming that the legend lives on and is still a topic of conversation among music industry elites, even as Grande focuses on her acting career.

The Lasting Legacy: A Bridge Between Powerhouse Vocalists

The Céline Dion impression by Ariana Grande is more than just a funny sketch; it’s a testament to Grande's extraordinary vocal control and her deep respect for the vocal giants who paved the way. It demonstrates a technical ability that few other contemporary pop stars possess, allowing her to transition seamlessly between her own signature sound and the distinct style of an icon.

In a time when Céline Dion is bravely navigating her health challenges with Stiff Person Syndrome, the viral memories of Grande celebrating her talent serve as a heartwarming reminder of Dion's immense musical legacy. Grande's ability to channel the "Queen of Power Ballads" ensures that the vocal style and dramatic flair of Céline Dion continue to be celebrated and appreciated by a new generation of fans, cementing the impression as one of the most beloved moments in modern pop culture history.