South Florida Girl Nominated For Two GRAMMYs

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – When the Grammys air Sunday night, South Floridians may recognize a familiar face.

Boca Raton native Ariana Grande is nominated for the first time.

Grande got her start in musical theatre and her former director has been following her storied career ever since.

Before she rocked the runway at the Victoria's Secret fashion show, starred in a hit television series, or earned two Grammy nominations,

Ariana Grande was Cinderella in a local theatre group's production of the popular musical.

Even back in 2007, it was clear the South Florida native was destined for superstardom.

"We remember clearly sitting in that room and when she opened her mouth to sing, everybody went, 'wow'," Janet Erlick said.

Erlick is the executive artistic director of the Fort Lauderdale Childrens' Theatre.

She says Ariana was a director's dream.

"She was a consummate professional. Even at 13 years old when she was here. She worked so incredibly hard. Always asked how she could do better. Asked for feedback," Erlick said.

Her hard work has definitely paid off.

Grande is nominated in two categories--  Pop Vocal Album for "My Everything" and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for the smash hit "Bang Bang."

She tweeted her excitement back in December.

"I'm at a loss for words," she wrote. "2 Grammy noms. Thankful to even be considered. My heart is exploding. Can't process it. This means the most. So honored."

Grande is also set to perform on the show.

"It's a surprise that anybody can be that successful in one of the fields she's risen in, but to do it in live theatre, in tv and to do it in the music industry, really speaks to what a talent she is," Erlick told CBS4's Lauren Pastrana. "A true triple threat."

Erlick says she stays in touch with Ariana on Facebook, and the singer and actress has spoken to the theatre group and even watched a performance.

Who knows, maybe one day, she'll return for a "limited engagement."

"Ariana, Anytime! Come on back! Come home to FLTC," Erlick exclaimed. "We would love to have you back!"

The theatre company is putting on a production of "Cats" in April.

For more information, visit flct.org.

The Grammys air on CBS4 Sunday at 8 p.m.