Ariana Grande’s Heartwarming Homecoming: A Day in Boca Raton for Nonna and ‘Wicked’

The Grammy-winning artist shares a magical moment with her 99-year-old grandmother in her hometown.

Ariana Grande recently proved that home truly is where the heart is. The Grammy-winning singer and actress made a special one-day trip to her hometown of Boca Raton, Florida, to share a magical cinematic experience with her beloved grandmother, Marjorie “Nonna” Grande.

Grande, who stars as Glinda the Good Witch in the much-anticipated Wicked movie, flew in on Monday to watch the film with Nonna, who celebrated her 99th birthday in October. The intimate gathering took place in a familiar setting—at the movie theater Grande frequented as a child.

“Flew to Boca for a day to watch with Nonna,” Grande shared on her Instagram Stories, posting a heartwarming photo of herself sitting beside her grandmother and her brother, Frankie, in the cozy, dimly lit theater. The special moment was captured by Grande’s boyfriend, Ethan Slater, who also appears in Wicked as Boq.

A Touch of Nostalgia and Pure Joy

For Grande, this wasn’t just any movie screening. It was a journey down memory lane, sharing the magic of Wicked with her Nonna at a place steeped in childhood memories. The singer even highlighted her grandmother’s enjoyment during one of the film’s standout moments.

“Thrilled to report when the sugar glider had her drum solo, Nonna exclaimed loudly, ‘Oh, I LOVE that,’” Grande wrote in another Instagram Story. She also posted a video of Nonna smiling while watching her granddaughter’s performance of the iconic number Popular on the big screen.

Nonna’s Record-Breaking Billboard Moment

Nonna Grande isn’t just a cherished family member; she’s also a record-breaking collaborator. Earlier this year, she became the most senior artist ever to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 at the age of 98. She was featured on Grande’s song Ordinary Things, which debuted at No. 55 on the chart—a testament to their shared love for music and creativity.

Wicked: A Blockbuster Success

Grande’s portrayal of Glinda in Wicked has already made waves. Starring alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Grande brings her unique charm to the cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, which explores the untold stories of the witches of Oz before Dorothy’s arrival. Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked premiered to critical and commercial acclaim, earning an estimated $162 million globally during its opening weekend. The film now ranks as the third highest-grossing opening weekend of 2024, following Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2.

A Sweet Tribute to Family

Grande’s whirlwind trip to Boca Raton encapsulates her deep-rooted love for her family and her unwavering connection to her roots. In an era of busy schedules and global stardom, her effort to share such a meaningful moment with her Nonna highlights the values that continue to ground her.

As Wicked continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Grande’s heartfelt celebration of family, nostalgia, and success reminds us all that the most magical moments are often the simplest ones spent with loved ones.