Fans of Ariana Grande were taken aback by a question posed to the singer during her red carpet interview at Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.
The 31-year-old Boca Raton, Florida-born singer and actress spoke with Access Hollywood about her role as Glinda in the box office hit Wicked, for which she received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress – Musical or Comedy.
When asked who the first person was she called after being offered the role, Grande responded that it was her mother, Joan Grande, 67.
During the interview, the reporter from the TV show asked Ariana Grande, “Is your grandmother still alive?” Grande responded graciously, saying, “Yes, my Nonna, she’s 99; Nonna was second.”
Although Grande appeared unfazed by the question, many fans on social media were not as forgiving. They criticized the reporter’s tone and line of questioning. One fan questioned, “What happened to interviewers doing research before they ask questions?” while another simply asked, “What did she just say?”
Many fans continued to express their disapproval of the question, with one remarking, “Why would she ask it like that?” and another observing, “That is such a risky question, why would she ask that?”
One user even speculated on the potential fallout, asking, “What was she gonna do if she said no?”
While some defended the reporter, with one fan suggesting it was an attempt to ask “a genuine question,” others believed it was simply “a clumsy/insensitive move from the journalist.”
A few users pointed out that the question was more fitting for a private conversation, with one fan commenting, “That’s a question for after the second bottle of wine.”
Despite the awkwardness, many praised Ariana Grande for handling the exchange with poise. One fan noted, “She handled it with grace,” acknowledging her composure.
Grande’s grandmother, Marjorie Grande, has previously featured in the singer’s work, including performing on Grande’s 2024 track Ordinary Things from her album Eternal Sunshine. One fan humorously pointed out the reporter’s apparent lack of knowledge, saying, “Obviously didn’t listen to Nonna’s top 100 hit Ordinary Things.”
Another fan suggested that a more polite approach could have avoided any discomfort, commenting, “What happened to saying ‘how’s your grandma?'”
Ariana Grande attended the prestigious award season event wearing a silk yellow 1966 Givenchy Haute Couture gown, featuring a bodice adorned with hand-beaded patterns. She completed her luxurious look with white opera gloves, a Swarovski crystal choker, matching earrings, and her blonde hair styled back.
Grande’s grandmother, Marjorie, who will celebrate her 100th birthday on October 12, has previously accompanied her to various award shows, including the Time gala in 2016, the American Music Awards in 2015, and the MTV Video Music Awards in 2014.
In a 2014 interview with the Today show, Marjorie reflected on Ariana’s early talent, recalling how she recognized her granddaughter’s potential from a young age. She shared how she suggested Ariana audition for a local production of Annie in Boca Raton, Florida, to which Ariana responded by landing the lead role. “I said, ‘You know, Ariana could do that.’ She became the star. She auditioned and she became Annie,” Marjorie said.#newsafro_
