Ariana Grande’s Nonna, Marjorie Grande, made history by becoming the oldest person to have ever appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. At 98 years old, Nonna received an award for her feature on the track “Ordinary Things” from Ariana’s Eternal Sunshine album. In the song, Nonna reminisces about her late husband, Frank, sharing relationship advice about never going to bed without kissing goodnight. Nonna’s appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 was celebrated by Ariana, who shared the news on Instagram along with a photo of Nonna with the framed award.
Nonna has been featured on Ariana’s albums before, appearing on tracks such as “Daydreamin'” from 2013’s Yours Truly and “Bloodline” from 2019’s Thank U, Next. Ariana expressed how excited Nonna was to be part of the album and how moved she was by the experience. During an appearance on The Zach Sang Show, Ariana mentioned that Nonna had shared stories about her previous appearances on Ariana’s albums, highlighting the special bond between the two.
“Ordinary Things” serves as the final track on Eternal Sunshine, closing out the album with its message about cherishing the time spent with loved ones. The song reflects on how nothing feels ordinary when in the presence of someone special, emphasizing the importance of treasuring each moment together. Ariana discussed the significance of Nonna’s outro on the album, describing it as an answer from someone she loves and trusts implicitly, tying the whole album together and providing a sense of closure.
Eternal Sunshine was released following Ariana’s divorce from husband Dalton Gomez after two years of marriage. The album explores themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery, capturing the emotional journey of Ariana during that period of her life. In the opening track, “Intro (End of the World),” Ariana questions the nature of relationships and how to know if one is in the right one. The album’s overall narrative is complemented by Nonna’s wise words at the end, creating a cohesive and meaningful listening experience for fans.
Ariana’s close relationship with Nonna has been a recurring theme throughout her music, with Nonna’s presence adding a personal touch to the albums. By including Nonna’s voice and stories in her music, Ariana not only pays tribute to her beloved grandmother but also shares valuable lessons and insights about life and love with her audience. Nonna’s record-breaking appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 further solidifies her status as a beloved figure in Ariana’s life and career, showcasing the bond between them and the impact of their connection on Ariana’s artistry.
