Ariana Grande’s grandmother, Nonna, formally known as Marjorie Grande, has made history on the Billboard Hot 100 (dated March 23). Her song “Ordinary Things” debuts at No. 55.
With this milestone, Nonna, aged 98, becomes the oldest artist ever to appear on the Hot 100 since its inception on August 4, 1958. The track is part of Grande’s album “Eternal Sunshine,” which also debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Nonna, featured on “Ordinary Things,” surpasses the late Fred Stobaugh’s record. Stobaugh was 96 when “Oh Sweet Lorraine,” credited to Green Shoe Studio featuring Jacob Colgan and Stobaugh, spent a week on the Hot 100 at No. 42 on September 14, 2013.
The legendary Tony Bennett now ranks third among acts with the most life experience on the Hot 100. Bennett, at 85, charted with “Body and Soul,” featuring Amy Winehouse, at No. 87 on October 1, 2011.
He surpassed George Burns, who was 84 when “I Wish I Was Eighteen Again” concluded its chart run on March 22, 1980.
“Ordinary Things” closes with a clip of Nonna imparting advice, as she reflects on her late husband, Frank. “Never go to bed without kissin’ goodnight,” Nonna – also credited as a co-writer of the song – shares.
“That’s the worst thing to do; don’t ever, ever do that. And if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, you’re in the wrong place – get out.”
“I always record my Nonna, because you never know what she’s going to say,” Grande told Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe March 7. “I had this 30-minute voice note of her and her friend Shirley talking.”
Following the soundbite in the song, Grande laughs, closing the track, and Eternal Sunshine. She explained to Lowe of its inclusion,
“I think it’s a little bit of, ‘Wow, our loved ones, our friends and our family have the ability to instantly just sort of soothe and calm and simplify things that are so complicated and heavy at times.’”
Grande’s grandmother has also contributed to songs like “Daydreamin’” from Grande’s debut album “Yours Truly” (2013) and “Bloodline” from “Thank U, Next” (2019), although she wasn’t credited. The latter peaked at No. 22 on the Hot 100.
“Eternal Sunshine,” released on Republic Records, earned 227,000 equivalent album units in its first week (March 8-14), the largest for any set in 2024. “Ordinary Things” entered the Hot 100 with 8.8 million streams in its first frame.
Grande’s album also sees “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” debut at No. 1, her ninth chart-topper. Lead single “Yes, And?” premiered at the summit in January.
While Nonna enters the Hot 100, who’s the youngest artist ever to reach the chart? Billboard reported in 1993 that The Five Stairsteps, joined by their 18-month-old brother Cubie, had songs like “Something’s Missing” in 1967.
However, the youngest soloist remains Jordy, who was 5 years old when “Dur Dur D’être Bébé! (It’s Tough To Be a Baby)” hit the chart, peaking at No. 58 on June 19, 1993. Ariana Grande shares a birth year with Jordy, born on June 26, 1993.
