Pop star Ariana Grande has confirmed her split from The Wanted singer Nathan Sykes, but insists she's glad she met him and fell in love.

The Way hitmaker hinted at the breakup last month (Dec13) when she was asked if the pop couple had parted ways during a radio interview.

She said, "You're a little behind," and added, "We're really good friends."

Over the weekend (25-26Jan14), radio DJ Showbiz Shelly confronted Grande and asked her to confirm the split.

Grande replied, "We broke up a little while ago but he's a really good friend. He's so talented. I am so glad to met him and have a friend like him in my life.

"He's an amazing person. It was very civil. It was mutual... you know. He's such a great person. I adore him and he is so talented."

The pair began dating last year and went public with the romance in September (13).

It was the first of two big break-ups for Sykes - his The Wanted bandmate Max George has announced the group will be taking a lengthy hiatus this year, revealing there are no immediate plans for the singers to work together again.