Ariana Grande Reveals Her Nonna'S Bold Life Advice

Ariana Grande Remembers Nonna’s Iconic Counsel

In a lively Q&A at Chapman University, Ariana Grande delighted fans with a story about her late grandmother, Marjorie “Nonna” Grande, during a live episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast on December 5. The event turned into a viral moment when Grande, who has recently been juggling her music career and newfound Oscar-nominated acting accolades, shared her grandmother’s unfiltered advice.

When asked about the best creative advice her grandmother ever gave her, Grande didn’t miss a beat. "Fuck ’em!" she said with a laugh, recalling Nonna’s knack for cutting through life’s chaos with simple, powerful words. The audience couldn’t help but erupt in laughter, but Grande explained further, reflecting on how her grandmother’s straightforward wisdom has been a guiding force in her life.

The Wisdom of a 99-Year-Old Icon

Grande fondly remembered Nonna’s ability to simplify life’s complexities, a skill she described as having "a wonderfully Brooklyn way of cutting through the noise." Grande added, “When I’m anxious or insecure, I still hear her saying it. She gave me strength in moments I thought I didn’t have any – she was simply the best.”

“When I’m anxious or insecure, I still hear her saying it. She gave me strength in moments I thought I didn’t have any – she was simply the best.”

The impact Nonna left wasn’t just personal. Her legacy extended into Grande’s music, making history with appearances on tracks like “Ordinary Things.” At 98, Nonna became the oldest person to feature on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 55 with the song. On Grande's album "Eternal Sunshine," Nonna can be heard sharing more of her timeless guidance with a bit of her signature bluntness.

Grande, Wicked, and Awards Buzz

While honoring her grandmother's memory, Grande is also in the midst of promoting her latest film, Wicked: For Good, which is making waves in the awards circuit. On December 8, the movie received five Golden Globe nominations, including acting nods for Cynthia Erivo and Grande herself, along with nominations for two original songs. Despite these honors, the film missed out on a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Earlier in the week, Grande secured the film’s sole acting nomination at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards, continuing her dual success in both music and film industries. It seems that Nonna’s advice has held true – a reminder to stay true to oneself amidst the noise of the world.

Take a moment to listen to Grande recount her Nonna’s refreshingly honest advice and how it continues to inspire her today.