Let's be real. If you’ve spent more than five minutes on YouTube or TikTok over the last decade, you’ve probably seen it. A ponytail-clad Ariana Grande takes a breath, shifts her posture, and suddenly, the voice of a French-Canadian legend comes pouring out of her. It’s uncanny. Honestly, it’s a bit spooky how she nails the chest thumps and that very specific, nasal-yet-powerful "Titanic" vibrato.
But here’s the thing: people treat the Ariana Grande impression of Celine Dion like a party trick. A funny little "wow" moment from The Tonight Show. In reality, it’s much more than just a bit for late-night TV. It’s actually a masterclass in vocal mimicry that tells us a lot about how Ariana became the powerhouse she is today.
The First Time the World Noticed
It started back in 2015. Ariana was on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. She was nervous—literally her first time "talking" on a talk show rather than just singing a single. Jimmy, being Jimmy, coaxed her into a duet of "Beauty and the Beast."
She didn't just sing it. She became Celine.
She got the hand gestures. She got the accent. She even did the iconic chest thump. Fallon was floored. The internet? It basically broke. It was the first time a lot of people realized that the "Problem" singer wasn't just a pop product; she was a student of the greats.
Why the 2024 SNL Version Hit Different
Fast forward to late 2024. Ariana returns to Saturday Night Live. At this point, she’s a global superstar, a Wicked lead, and a seasoned pro. She could have easily phoned it in. Instead, she gave us the "Celine Dion UFC Promo."
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If you haven't seen it, picture this: Ariana dressed in full Dion-glam, singing about the brutality of mixed martial arts as if it were a tragic 90s ballad. It was absurd. She sang about "fists in the face" with the same emotional gravitas Celine brings to "It's All Coming Back to Me Now."
Some fans on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) were divided on the accent this time around. A few critics said she sounded more "Salma Hayek" than "Quebecois." But the vocal accuracy? Unmatched. She hit those power notes with a clarity that most singers can't reach in their own natural voice, let alone while doing a character.
Does Celine Actually Like It?
This is what everyone wants to know. Is there beef? Does the Queen of Vegas feel mocked?
Absolutely not.
Ariana actually talked about this on Elvis Duran and the Morning Show. She was terrified that her idols would be offended. But apparently, Celine Dion’s reaction was legendary. When they eventually met, Celine reportedly told her, "When I saw you, I peed!"
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That’s the ultimate seal of approval.
Celine later went on Fallon herself and was asked about the impression. She was incredibly gracious, though she did take a playful jab at Ariana’s height. "She’s so good... and she's that tall," Celine joked, gesturing toward the floor. It’s clear there’s deep mutual respect there. You don’t imitate someone that well unless you’ve spent thousands of hours listening to every breath they take on a track.
The Technical Wizardry Behind the Voice
Most people don't realize how hard it is to do what Ariana does. Vocal coaches often point out that Ariana is a "vocal actress."
- Vibrato Control: Celine has a fast, oscillating vibrato. Ariana usually has a slower, more "R&B" style. Switching that mid-song is like trying to change your handwriting while writing at full speed.
- Placement: Celine sings "forward" in the mask of the face. It’s bright. It cuts. Ariana tends to be rounder and more "heady." To do the impression, she has to physically shift where the sound resonates.
- The "Celine-isms": It’s the sharp "No!" and the "Yeah!" between lines. It’s the way Celine bites her consonants.
It’s not just a voice; it’s a character study.
Why It Matters for Her Career
Ariana grew up wanting to be Celine and Whitney. She has admitted she didn't want to take "proper" lessons as a kid because she just wanted to sing the "big songs."
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This impression is her roots.
When she went head-to-head with Kelly Clarkson on That’s My Jam, the Celine cover was her "mic drop" moment. Even Kelly, a vocal titan herself, looked stunned. It’s a reminder that beneath the pop production and the "yuh" ad-libs, Ariana is a technical beast.
The Impact on Fans
For younger fans, these impressions serve as a bridge. A Gen Z fan might not have "Falling into You" on repeat, but they’ll watch an Ariana clip and suddenly go down a Celine Dion rabbit hole. It keeps the legacy of the "Vocal Trinity" (Celine, Whitney, Mariah) alive in a way that feels fresh and funny.
What You Should Do Next
If you want to really appreciate the craft, don't just watch the memes.
- Watch the 2015 Fallon Clip: This is the "pure" version where she was just starting to show off her range.
- Compare to the SNL 2024 Sketch: Look at how her confidence has grown. The comedy is sharper, even if the accent is more "heightened."
- Listen to "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" (The Original): Then go back to Ariana’s version. You’ll hear the subtle things she picks up on—the way Celine breaths before a big belt.
It’s easy to dismiss celebrity impressions as fluff. But in this case, it’s a tribute from one of the best in the business to the woman who paved the way.
Keep an eye out for her next talk show appearance. Word is she’s been working on some new ones, but the Celine impression will always be the gold standard. It’s the one that proved she wasn't just a Nickelodeon star—she was a voice to be reckoned with.