Ariana Grande took the opportunity while on stage receiving the Rising Star Award at the Billboard Women In Music luncheon Dec. 12 in New York to give a shot out to her "mama" and beloved "nonna." The 21-year-old pop star acknowledged she owes everything to her family.
"I want to share this honor with two women who inspired me -- my mama and my nonna," she told the audience of fellow artists and other powerful women in the music industry, according to Music-News.com.
"I want to thank my mama for teaching me to work hard -- and that behind every successful woman is herself," declared Grande.
"And I want to thank my nonna for taking me to my first audition and for teaching me to have compassion for the haters."
Ariana announced that she feels like she has a lifetime of singing ahead of her.
"I can't wait to do music hopefully forever," she proclaimed.
