Ariana Grande Brings Her Grandma Along To The MTV Video Music Awards

Ariana Grande had a very special date to the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards — her grandma.

The young pop star is in the midst of a breakout year, with a string of hits as she successfully made the transition from Nickelodeon tween star to pop princess, and now is apparently sharing in the success with her family. In the afternoon before the VMAs, Grande posted a picture of her date to Instagram with the caption, “Ariana and Nonna at the Red Carpet tonight.” Ariana has a special connection to her grandparents. In July, Ariana’s grandfather Frank Grande passed away, and the young star shared several pictures of him on her Instagram account.

It wasn’t just her date earning headlines for Ariana Grande. She also won over fashion critics with her head-turning outfit. From E! News:

“The 21-year-old singer stepped onto the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet Sunday night looking like a true music diva. Working her signature ponytail hairstyle, the ‘Problem’ singer turned heads while rocking knee-high black boots with a matching leather dress.”

Ariana Grande might just have the best night of all those attending the VMAs. She is nominated for Best Female Song and Best Collaboration for her hit “Problem,” is opening the night with a performance of “Bang Bang” along with pop stars Jessie J and Nicki Minaj, and to top it all off she’s releasing her new album on Monday.

“Opening the VMAs and then my new album comes out tonight,” Grande tweeted before stepping onto the carpet. “I guess today’s a big one #imdeadalready #MyEverything”

Ariana also got to show off a new single, “Break Free,” from the big stage of the VMAs.

Billboard noted:

“Wearing a glitter-strewn outfit and jumping around the stage in knee-high boots, Grande arrived at the Video Music Awards in a spaceship to match her ‘Star Wars’-esque video for “Break Free.” Although the performance was limited to a few minutes, Grande was given ample time to showcase her vocal ability, her eyes beaming as the singer pounced upon the bridge’s biggest note.”

Bringing her grandma along to the VMAs isn’t the only adorable award show moment from Ariana Grande. After winning Favorite New Artist at the American Music Awards last year, a flustered Ariana pulled her speech out of her bra and proceeded to thank almost everyone she has ever known.