Ariana Grande fans baffled to see what her controversial lookalike looks like without makeup

Paige Niemann - the social media lookalike of US singer Ariana Grande - is hitting headlines this week following a controversial appearance at a Hollywood movie premiere, where she once again dressed as the star.

But for those who haven't followed her 'cosplaying' antics since she first landed on the scene in 2017, Niemann's resemblance to the Wicked actress has come as somewhat of a shock.

And as such, many have been left wondering whether there's a legitimate likeness in Niemann and Grande's physical characteristics, or whether simply a case of makeup skills.

Who is Paige Niemann?

The California schoolgirl was reportedly just 10 years old when a friend first noted the physical similarities between her and Disney Channel alum Ariana Grande - who is 11 years her senior.

Surprised by how easy it was to imitate the actress, she began leaning into the supposed resemblance, and from 2017, she began sharing online content 'cosplaying' as Grande.

After posting her debut Instagram snap - a photo in a red wig, resembling the look of the TV star's Nickelodeon character 'Cat Valentine' - Niemann began copying all of Grande's stylistic changes.

When the 'Thank U Next' hit-maker began wearing her hair in a lengthy ponytail, baggy jumpers and winged eyeliner, Niemann did the same.

And after Ariana landed the role of 'Glinda the Good' in the latest magical musical, Grande's copycat bought a blonde wig and went viral for recreating her performance in 'What Is This Feeling?'.

In 2022, however, Niemann faced backlash for reportedly signing up to the online subscription service OnlyFans, where she vowed to share 'exclusive content that you wouldn't normally see from me'.

And as we say, Monday (27 Jan) saw her make what she described online as her 'first red carpet appearance', by attending the movie premiere for Companion in Hollywood, seemingly dressed as Grande.

The move has since prompted considerable questions from critics, with some questioning if Niemann had both permission and consent on the Victorious actress' part, and others wondering what the influencer looks like without makeup.

Throughout the duration of her time in the spotlight, the doppelgänger has rarely given her followers a glimpse of what she looks like not in her Grande cosplay. In 2022, however, a video went viral showing a before and after transformation.

In the clip - captioned 'me without makeup >>>>' - the fresh-faced social media star could be seen wearing a simple black hoodie and matching furry headband, as she was taking part in the viral door-banging challenge.

The trend previously saw TikTok users standing on one side of the door as their 'true selves' listening to someone thumping on it from the other side, before the camera pans across.

The same person is then seen to be banging on the door, donning somewhat of an 'alter ego'.

The trend was also used as a means of poking fun at intrusive thoughts, or something the user couldn't deny.

In Niemann's case, when the camera pans to the other side of the door, she could be seen transitioning from her natural appearance to a get-up mirroring 'Side to Side' singer Grande, complete with extreme ponytail, heavy eyeliner, a black glittery dress, and matching gloves.

The video left her followers divided at the time, with some gushing over Niemann's natural resemblance.

"This was literal proof, she just naturally has similar features as Ariana, it just takes makeup and hair that ties it together," one wrote in the comments, while another added, "you have the same eyes like Ariana."

Others, however, gushed over Niemann's natural beauty, with some wondering why she feels the need to 'cosplay as Grande in the first place'.

"Sorry but you naturally are so much better than looking like Ariana," one penned.

"i think you're very beautiful without makeup," another continued.

A third went on: "Bro you litterally look soo pretty as ur self stop being someone ur not."