The holiday show for Season 51 for Saturday Night Live is set up to be a blockbuster on Dec. 20. The host is Ariana Grande, returning to Studio 8H for the third time. Her musical guest is Cher, one of the most iconic singers of the last 50 years.
With a power duo like Grande and Cher, Episode 9 of SN51 could be an all-timer. Especially since Grande has illustrated her triple threat-level talents before on the show.
Grande is not just a Grammy Award-winning singer. She’s also a fantastic physical and comedic presence on stage. One of her first jobs in Hollywood was on the cast of the Nickelodeon television show Victorious when she was just 15. Similar to Justin Timberlake, Grande brings the “theater-kid” presence to 8H. She can act, be funny, be physical, and sing.
Grande previously hosted SNL in Season 41 and Season 50. She was musical guest during her first hosting appearance, and also in Season 40 and Season 49.
We grade the Ariana Grande episode from March 12, 2016 as an A-. Her second hosting appearance, on October 12, 2024, is graded as a B. That gives her one of the best cumulative grades for a host to appear more than once.
Here are the top moments from Ariana Grande’s appearances on Saturday Night Live:
Domingo: Bridesmaid Speech
The first Domingo sketch was an instant classic for most SNL fans in Season 50. They’ve dragged Domingo back out a few more times (to limited success), but the Grande version is by far the best.
Jennifer Lawrence impression
Who knew Ariana could do celebrity impressions? in this Family Feud sketch from her first time as host in Season 41, Grande appears as Jennifer Lawrence. Somehow, she manages to upstage even Kate McKinnon.
Musical performance: We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)
Grande dazzled with this musical performance in Season 50. Here she manages to somehow add even more richness (and a deep depth) to her already amazing vocal range. The changing sets are also a great touch to one of the best musical numbers in the 21st century on SNL.
Celine Dion UFC promotional video
Here’s another celebrity impression from Ariana: this time musical legend Celine Dion is the subject. We defy you to get through this one without laughing and/or having goosebumps when Grande belts out the vocals of Dion’s hit “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.”
Imperfect For You, from Season 50
Has anyone ever looked and sounded as beautiful on the stage at Studio 8H as Grande does here for her musical number in Season 50?
My Best Friend’s House
Looking amazing as usual, and bringing her delightful acting talents to this pretape, Grande is at the center of this Season 50 segment.
Sketch: Castrati from Season 50
Probably the most offbeat and bizarre sketch from Grande’s many appearances on SNL: “Castrati” is a historical piece that has her in the role of a castrated boy who can sing beautifully. Her dull stare and awkwardness is hilarious, and of course, her singing is spot-on. Oh, and we love the wig.
This sketch includes guest appearances from former cast members Maya Rudolph and Andy Samberg.
Grande will host Saturday Night Live for her third time on December 20.
