Ariana Grande made a high-profile return to Saturday Night Live on December 20, 2025, headlining the show’s holiday-themed finale and reminding audiences why she remains one of the most versatile entertainers of her generation. This marked Grande’s third time hosting the iconic late-night sketch series, and her performance once again bridged her dual talents in music and comedy, offering fans an evening packed with laughter, spectacle, and seasonal charm.
Grande’s appearance came during one of SNL’s most anticipated episodes of the year, as the show closed out its 51st season with a festive broadcast that also featured the legendary Cher as musical guest. The episode proved to be a celebration not just of the holiday season but also of the enduring power of pop culture figures to shape and elevate live television. From her comedic opening monologue to her playful participation in sketches and character bits, Grande showcased the kind of timing and stage presence that has made her a favorite among SNL audiences and producers alike.
Her monologue set the tone for the night with a mix of holiday humor and a cheeky musical number that riffed on traditional Christmas songs. Grande displayed a self-deprecating wit, poking fun at her own celebrity while seamlessly weaving in jokes about the chaos of the season. The performance earned warm laughs from the audience and applause for her vocal dexterity and comedic confidence. It also served as a reminder that Grande is no stranger to the stage, having previously dazzled both as a host and as a musical guest.
Throughout the episode, Grande participated in a variety of sketches that underscored her comfort and adaptability in live comedy. Whether playing a high-energy holiday party planner overwhelmed by last-minute chaos or an eccentric North Pole elf caught in an office drama, she threw herself into each role with enthusiasm and precision. Her chemistry with the current SNL cast—many of whom she has worked with in past episodes—was evident, with spontaneous moments of improvisation and shared laughter giving the show a lively, unscripted feel.
The episode also featured Grande’s comedic versatility as she seamlessly transitioned between physical humor, deadpan delivery, and musical parody. In one standout sketch, she took on the role of a diva-like Christmas pageant coach, offering a blend of exaggerated mannerisms and powerhouse vocals that left both the cast and audience in stitches. Her willingness to embrace the absurd and poke fun at herself resonated with viewers, reinforcing her reputation as a performer who doesn’t take herself too seriously despite her global fame.
Adding to the night’s significance was the appearance of Cher, returning to the SNL stage as musical guest for the first time in decades. Cher performed festive tracks from her recent holiday album, including a powerful rendition of “DJ Play a Christmas Song” and a reimagined version of a classic holiday rock number. Her presence added star-studded glamour to the night, with signature fashion moments and commanding vocals that reminded the audience of her enduring cultural influence.
The interplay between Grande and Cher was a highlight of the episode. While they didn’t perform a musical duet, they shared screen time in sketches that emphasized their generational impact and mutual admiration. The rare alignment of two powerhouse female artists in one episode created a multigenerational spectacle that appealed to fans young and old, generating considerable buzz online and on social media.
Behind the scenes, the episode carried emotional weight as it marked the final appearance of cast member Bowen Yang, who was bidding farewell after several successful seasons on the show. In one of the final sketches, Yang shared a heartfelt moment with Grande and Cher, blending comedy with an undercurrent of sentimentality that added depth to the broadcast. The scene was met with an extended standing ovation from the studio audience, recognizing both Yang’s contributions and the emotional resonance of his sendoff.
Grande’s return to SNL also coincided with a milestone year in her career. In 2025, she released a deluxe edition of her most recent album, which included new material that garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Her year was filled with high-profile live performances, media appearances, and continued development of her film projects. Her role as host on SNL capped off this busy period, allowing her to blend the comedic energy of television with her music industry stardom in a single live performance.
The episode drew strong ratings and critical praise, ranking among the most-watched SNL broadcasts of the season. Viewers praised the energetic tone, memorable sketches, and seamless chemistry between the performers. Online clips of the show’s standout moments quickly went viral, with fans highlighting both Grande’s comic timing and Cher’s ageless performance style. Fashion commentators also took note of the evening’s visuals, with Grande’s glamorous monologue gown and Cher’s dramatic stage ensembles generating attention across entertainment media.
As Saturday Night Live closed out 2025, the episode stood as a testament to the show’s ability to bring together musical legends and contemporary stars in a format that celebrates spontaneity, humor, and cultural relevance. Ariana Grande’s return proved once again that she is as comfortable delivering punchlines as she is commanding a stage with her voice. Alongside Cher’s iconic musical presence, the broadcast served as a fitting finale to a year of transformation in entertainment, merging old and new in a holiday celebration that resonated with fans nationwide.