Maddie Ziegler say reveal she considers Sia ‘like family,’ underscoring their close relationship amid widespread criticism over their new film Music, which was released last month.
The 45-year-old Australian singer, who has been collaborating with the dancer-turned-actress, 18, since 2014, has received substantial backlash for casting a a non-autistic actor (Ziegler) to play a character on the autism spectrum.
Despite widespread disapproval from the autism community and negative reviews, the musical drama, co-written by Sia, received two Golden Globe nominations – one for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and another for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for Hudson.
Grateful: Maddie Ziegler said she considers Sia ‘like family,’ underscoring their connection amid widespread criticism over their new film Music, which was released last month
Even after landing in hot water for her role in the controversial film, Ziegler continued to sing her praises in her latest interview with Wonderland.
‘We’ve become so close — she’s like family,’ the actress gushed of her mentor, who previously said she ‘wouldn’t make art if it didn’t include’ her.
Reflecting on their history, the Dance Moms alum said, ‘As soon as I started doing choreography for Sia videos, I learnt that my imperfections can be beautiful.’
She continued: ‘I’ll always have Sia to thank for that. She taught me how to express my true self and not hide behind a cover of trying to be too perfect as both a dancer and a human.’


Longtime collobrators: Even after landing in hot water for her role in the controversial film, Ziegler continued to sing her praises in her latest interview with Wonderland


‘As soon as I started doing choreography for Sia videos, I learnt that my imperfections can be beautiful,’ the Dance Moms alum said in her interview with Wonderland; seen in 2015
The talented performer also noted how she is use to ‘performing on stage’ and having to ‘project all the way to people on the back row’ with very ‘grand and over-exaggerated.’
‘On-screen, the camera is so close that all your facial expressions and actions have to be almost internalized. They’re two different extremes! It’s something I’ve been trying to figure out,’ she admitted.
While gracing the cover of the British bi-monthly’s spring issue, Ziegler rocked a bold makeup look with a pinky-red eyeshadow and glossy lipstick.


Like family: She gushed: ‘I’ll always have Sia to thank for that. She taught me how to express my true self and not hide behind a cover of trying to be too perfect as both a dancer and a human’ (seen in 2016)
Her sun-kissed skin was also dabbed with a heavy hand of blush to accentuate her youthful glow and flawless complexion.
In one cover, Ziegler wore a plunging sequined dress with glamorous chain straps, a large gold necklace and multicolored marbled nails.
The second, which also featured her blonde tresses in tight curls, showed her in a frilly green top as she rested her hands on the side of her face.


Recent backlash: Ziegler’s interview comes amid criticism of her film Music, alongside Kate Hudson, in which she plays an autistic teen
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