Ariana Grande recounted hilarious and profane advice from her late grandmother during a recent Q&A event tied to her 'Wicked: For Good' promotions. The singer-actress grew emotional sharing how Nonna's words continue to inspire her amid the film's awards recognition. Grande also celebrated a second Golden Globe nomination for her supporting role.
Ariana Grande opened up about her late grandmother, Marjorie 'Nonna' Grande, during a master class at Chapman University on December 5, 2025. The event doubled as a live episode of The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast, where Grande discussed influences on her career.
Nonna's Blunt Wisdom
When asked for the best advice Nonna gave her, Grande laughed and replied, 'F—k 'em!' She explained Nonna's Brooklyn straightforwardness helped simplify challenges: 'She had the most amazing way of simplifying anything I was ever going through... Oh my God, she just had this bad—s Brooklyn way of shutting out all the noise.' Grande became tearful, noting she still feels Nonna's presence for strength. Nonna, who passed away in June 2025 at age 99, appeared on Grande's tracks like 'Ordinary Things' from the 2024 album Eternal Sunshine, making her the oldest Billboard Hot 100 chart artist at 98.
On that album's closer, Nonna advised, 'Never go to bed without kissin' goodnight... And if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, you’re in the wrong place — get out.'
Awards Buzz for Wicked: For Good
The Q&A came amid excitement for Wicked: For Good, directed by Jon M. Chu. On December 8, 2025, the film earned five Golden Globe nominations, including Grande's second consecutive nod for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role. She called it 'blindsiding' and 'deeply honored,' telling The Hollywood Reporter, 'You don’t expect something like this, let alone [for it] to happen twice for the same role.'
Co-star Cynthia Erivo also received a second nomination for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Grande congratulated Erivo on Instagram, while the film was recognized for original songs and box office achievement, though omitted from best picture.
Earlier, on December 5, Grande secured the film's sole acting nod at the 2026 Critics' Choice Awards.