Ariana Grande left fans "sobbing" after she posted a statement on Instagram following her Academy Awards nomination. The 31-year-old singer and actress took to social media to give a shout-out to The Academy, leaving fans gushing as they declared their pride for her achievements.
What really struck a chord, however, was a nostalgic reference in her post that eagle-eyed followers noted paid homage to the original Wicked stage show. Grande, who was nominated for her role as Glinda in Jon M. Chu's adaptation of the beloved musical released last year, praised the cast and Academy in a post to Instagram.
She wrote: "Picking my head up in between sobs to say thank you so much to @theacademy for this unfathomable recognition. I cannot stop crying, to no one's surprise. "I'm humbled and deeply honoured to be in such brilliant company and sharing this with tiny Ari who sat and studied Judy Garland singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow just before the big, beautiful bubble entered. I'm so proud of you, tiny.".
"Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for this acknowledgement @theacademy. Thank you @jonmchu for taking this chance on me and for being the most unbelievably brilliant leader, human being, and most fierce friend. I am so deeply proud of my beautiful Wicked family. I am so proud of my Elphie, my sister, my dear @cynthiaerivo.".
"Your brilliance is never ending and you deserve every flower (tulip) in every garden. I love you unconditionally, always. I don't quite have all my words yet, I'm still trying to breathe. but thank you. oh my goodness, thank you. Universal, Marc, my family, my heart. Lemons and melons and pears, oh my.".
