Grammy Awards about female representation at the ceremony where she threw shade at boss Neil Portnow.

The 23-year-old songstress said during an interview with Elle that although her remarks were ‘obviously shade’, she added that it ‘felt right’ to say it.

The British singer – who won Best New Artist and Best Dance Recording – referenced last year’s lack of female nominees and winners, slyly remarking that ‘I guess we really stepped up this year’.

Her comments came after Recording Academy President Neil made his own underhand dig about female artists.

Dua said: ‘Where I want to begin is by saying how honoured I am to be nominated alongside so many incredible female artists this years. I guess this year we’ve really stepped up.’

Addressing her comments during the interview, Dua said: ‘I didn’t plan it. It just came out of my mouth. But it felt right; it was obviously shade, but at the same time, he’s spoken about it and he knows what he did.’

Alongside her candid interview, Dua stunned in a selection of incredible couture ensembles, including a busty sequined dress complete with tulle and frayed detailing.

The New Rules singer also showcased her dramatic flair in a huge baby blue tulle gown, which cascaded down to the floor as she perched on a white and gold dining room table.

Another outfit consisted of a heavily ruffled fuchsia mini dress which was cinched around her waist with a bow and a pair of matching lace тιԍнтs.

Ever since she rose to prominence with her track H๏τter Than Hell, which hit the charts in 2016, Dua’s life has been under close scrutiny.

During the interview with the fashion magazine, Dua compared the trolls across the globe, admitting that the worst abuse she has suffered has been in the U.S.

She said: ‘They’re brutal. The trolls stateside are the worst. When I was starting out, I never remember feeling hate. Then things got big, and I felt this weird expectation of being Beyoncé already.

‘Everything you’re doing gets looked at under a magnifying glᴀss. People want to stunt your growth. They scrutinise you and tell you what you should look like or what you should do or ask why did you cut your hair?

Dua added that she lives in constant fear of not being perceived as good enough and admitted that you have to be really strong in order to get through it.

Although Dua does try to avoid searching for comments, she admitted that sometimes she gives into temptation and goes looking for the negativity.

However she was insistent that she won’t let other’s opinions define her, which is a message she is also keen to send to her fans.

The May issue of ELLE hits newsstands April 23