Katy Perry has heaped praise on Ariana Grande, calling her "the best singer of our generation". The California Gurls hitmaker gave a sweet shout-out to the Thank U, Next singer as she praised the latest American Idol winner Abi Carter during an interview with Extra.

"I think she was authentic, I think she was humble, I think she was singing with an angelic frequency," she shared. "The way that she sang from the heart and the cry and the crackle, it was just like, whoa. This is a whole 'nother voice."

She continued, "The voice is unlike anything I've heard in pop music. The last time I said that, I said that about Ariana Grande when she went on The Ellen (DeGeneres) Show. I was like, 'Oh this girl is the best singer of our generation.' So, I don't say that lightly."

Ariana appeared on the talk show for the first time in May 2013 and performed her debut single, The Way, with late rapper Mac Miller. She appeared on the programme several times during its 19-season run, performing hits such as Breathin and Thank U, Next. Abi was crowned the winner of American Idol during the live finale on Sunday night. The episode also marked Katy's last appearance as a judge alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

The Roar singer was spotted crying at the judges' desk as Abi sang her post-win song and the season's contestants came out on stage.