Ariana Grande has paid a heartfelt tribute to The Vivienne – who won the show’s UK series in 2019 – on Instagram on Sunday following their tragic death aged 32, Daily Mail reports.
News of the talented drag artist’s real name James Lee Williams, passing was announced on social media on Sunday. A cause is yet to be established.
Ahead of attending the 2025 Golden Globes, Wicked actress Ariana Grande, 31, took to social media to share a picture of The Vivienne along with three hearts and an infinity emoji.
The Vivienne starred as the misunderstood yet strong and compassionate Wicked Witch of the West in the revival of The Wizard of Oz musical.
They also channelled Elphaba in November as they attended Ariana’s London Wicked film premiere.
The sad news was announced in a statement by The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones on Instagram, with several other huge stars paying tribute.
Little Mix’s Perrie Edwards replied with a string of broken heart emojis, while Pussycat Doll star Ashley Roberts reshared the statement and commented: ‘This is devastating news, absolutely horrific, RIP Queen Viv’.
She later captioned a snap of herself and The Vivienne in happier times writing: ‘The world lost an angel, rest in peace’.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK judge Michelle Visage shared photos of herself alongside The Vivienne, writing a heartfelt tribute to ‘her angel’.
She wrote: ‘Heartbreaking I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point’.
‘Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many. Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes,’
‘I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times. I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high’.
Meanwhile The Vivienne’s ex husband David Luford shared his own emotional tribute, they were together for seven years before splitting in 2023.
In a lengthy statement he wrote: ‘My heart literally sank when I got the call. Never in a million years did I ever think I’d ever be writing anything like this about James Lee Williams.
‘This man changed my life so much from the day we first met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria!! We literally clicked straight away and we knew we was going to be together for along time!! He made me feel love and shown me what it was really like to love someone.
‘I’m so happy to say I not only met you but we was together, we was husbands and you was the biggest part of my life [sic] for such a long time. 6 years is such a long time to spend 24/7 with. You will always have a place in my heart. Going to miss you more than people will ever know. Sleep tight angel.’
X Factor and Union J star Jaymi Hensley shared his own tribute and asked late fiancé Olly Marmon to welcome their pal into heaven in a heartbreaking post.
Oliver, 33, died after plummeting 30ft from the third floor of a three-star Hind Hotel in Wellingborough, Northampton, on August 12, just weeks ahead of his wedding to Jaymi.
The singer wrote: ‘I actually can’t believe this! When we took this photo little did we know there would only be three of us left. my darling @ollymarmon please welcome our beautiful James @thevivienne_ into heaven!’ ‘ Look after each other , this is too much for my heart to handle! The scales of better people being up there then here has now well and truly changed’.
Meanwhile RuPaul’s Drag Race said in a statement: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne. Her talent, humour, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration’.
‘She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a true champion. Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time’.
Dancing on Ice’s Oti Mabuse, who judged The Vivienne as a contestant during the 2023, shared her own heartfelt tribute. ‘Some news hits you harder than others and stops you in your tracks. I absolutely loved the Viv. A beautiful human being,’
She continued: ‘Funny, kind, a trailblazer, creative and so warm. You were such an asset to Dancing On Ice, one of the greatest on Drag Race and just a phenomenal entertainer on screen and theatre. Rest in peace’.
The Vivienne’s Dancing On Ice co-star Claire Sweeney wrote: ‘Devastating news RIP The Vivienne, beautiful inside and out’.
Fellow DOI star Adele Roberts also paid her respects: ‘Absolutely heartbroken. Thinking of The Vivienne’s family, friends and loved one. Gone far too soon. Rest in paradise Queen’.
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies said: ‘The Vivienne, James Lee Williams (1992-2025). We met a couple of times and chatted online, he was absolutely delightful’.
‘I was expecting lots of drag queen banter and bitching, but he was far more than that, kinder and more thoughtful and glittering with shrewd observations. And what a talent! On the cusp of graduating to West End stardom. What a world. Night, darling.
Confirming the news on Instagram, The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones wrote: ‘It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
‘James was an incredibly loved, warmhearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle.
They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details.
‘We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.’
He continued: ‘These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much.
‘From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager. Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh as much in my life as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.
‘I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life everyday for the last five years. It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in.
‘I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.’
The Vivienne received the name as they were known for wearing designer Vivienne Westwood and was later one of the ten contestants selected to compete on the first series of Drag Race when it travelled across the pond.
Following their win, The Vivienne went on to host an online chat show where celebrities joined her to chat about series’ of the show, before they ventured in musical theatre. Recently, the performer hosted a Christmas party show on BBC Radio Wales.