A remarkable moment in music history unfolds as Ariana Grande’s beloved Nonna, Marjorie Grande, affectionately known as “Nonna,” becomes the oldest artist ever to grace the Billboard Hot 100 charts. This milestone comes courtesy of her touching contribution to Ariana’s latest album, “Eternal Sunshine,” on the track “Ordinary Things.”
In a candid interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, Ariana Grande shared the heartwarming story behind Nonna’s inclusion in “Eternal Sunshine.” Desperately searching for the perfect closer for her album, Ariana stumbled upon a treasure trove of voice notes on her phone, recorded during moments spent with her beloved grandmother.
“I always record my Nonna when I’m with her because you never know what she’s going to say, and she’s the most hilarious person in the world,” Ariana revealed. “I had this 30-minute voice note of her and her friend, Shirley, talking, and it was just right smack in the middle. And I said, ‘Oh my God, that’s the answer.’”
The Grammy-winning artist selected a poignant excerpt from Nonna’s musings about her late husband, Frank, and seamlessly integrated it into “Ordinary Things.” Nonna’s heartfelt reflections, delivered in her dulcet tone, evoke feelings of love, resilience, and wisdom.
Ariana didn’t stop there, though. She concluded the album with a snippet of her own laughter, a choice imbued with profound significance. Reflecting on this decision, Ariana remarked on the unique ability of loved ones, particularly grandmothers, to provide comfort and simplicity in the face of life’s complexities.
“Ordinary Things” made its mark on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 55 upon its release, while “Eternal Sunshine” soared to the top spot. Nonna’s feat surpasses that of the late Fred Stobaugh, underscoring the enduring power of her voice and wisdom.
This isn’t Nonna’s first foray into Ariana’s music. She’s previously lent her voice to tracks like “Daydreamin’” in 2013 and “Bloodline” in 2019, proving that age is no barrier to embarking on a music career—especially when your granddaughter happens to be a millennial pop sensation.