ariana grande

Ariana Grande Hosts SNL with Cher: A Holiday Spectacle and Emotional Farewell to Bowen Yang

The holiday season on Saturday Night Live just got a whole lot brighter. Pop sensation and Wicked star Ariana Grande took the stage as host for the December 20, 2024, episode—marking her third time hosting and fifth overall appearance on the show. But this wasn’t just another festive episode; it was a star-studded, emotionally charged night that brought together music royalty, comedy legends, and a bittersweet farewell to a beloved cast member.

What Went Down: The Night That Brought the Holiday Cheer (and Tears)

The episode, airing at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and streaming on Peacock, delivered everything fans could hope for: high-energy sketches, surprise musical moments, and a heartfelt tribute to one of SNL’s most iconic cast members.

The Monologue: A Christmas Carol… with a Twist

Ariana Grande kicked things off with a holiday-themed monologue that quickly turned into a full-blown musical number. As she began singing a soulful rendition of “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” none other than Bowen Yang crashed the stage—literally. Dressed in a festive sweater, Yang joined her in a playful, comedic duet that had the audience in stitches. The moment was more than just funny; it was symbolic.

As Yahoo Entertainment noted, this was Bowen Yang’s final episode as an SNL cast member. The emotional weight of the moment wasn’t lost on viewers. “It felt like a send-off,” one fan tweeted. “Bowen didn’t just sing—he said goodbye.”

Cher: The Queen of Cool Takes the Stage

Musical guest Cher, the legendary Grammy-winning icon, performed two tracks: a hauntingly beautiful rendition of “If I Could Turn Back Time” and a surprise cover of a modern holiday classic. Her presence elevated the entire episode, bringing a sense of timeless glamour and musical mastery.

But the real buzz? A teaser clip released by SNL (later picked up by Mashable) showed Cher in a sketch with Ariana and Bowen, delivering a line that instantly went viral: “Snap out of it!” The line, delivered with Cher’s signature sass, became a meme within hours, with fans dubbing it “the new ‘Get over it.’”

“Cher tells Ariana Grande and Bowen Yang to ‘snap out of it’ in ‘SNL’ teaser” – Mashable

The sketch, while not fully released at the time of writing, is rumored to be a parody of a therapy session, with Cher playing a no-nonsense life coach. It’s a perfect blend of humor, star power, and cultural relevance—exactly what SNL does best.

Ariana’s Range: From Pop Star to Sketch Comedian

Grande, best known for her Grammy-winning hits like “Thank U, Next” and “7 Rings,” proved she’s more than just a vocalist. Her sketches included: - A parody of a Wicked audition gone wrong - A holiday ad for “Glinda’s Glow-Up Gummies” (a jab at wellness culture) - A musical sketch where she played a tone-deaf elf trying to harmonize with Santa’s choir

Her comedic timing and willingness to poke fun at her own fame were widely praised. “She’s not just a pop star playing dress-up,” Page Six commented. “She’s a natural at sketch comedy.”

Recent Updates: What We Know (and What’s Still Unconfirmed)

Let’s break down the verified facts from the latest reports:

Verified Highlights: - This was Ariana Grande’s third time hosting SNL and her fifth overall appearance (she was musical guest in 2014 and 2022). - She last hosted in October 2024, ahead of Wicked: Part One’s theatrical release. - Cher made her first appearance as musical guest since 1975, making this a historic moment. - Bowen Yang’s departure was confirmed mid-season, a rare move in SNL history.

Unverified but Widely Reported (via search results, not primary sources): - Yang’s exit was reportedly discussed with Lorne Michaels for months (People, Sept. 2024). - Grande’s Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo was rumored to make a cameo (not confirmed). - The “Snap out of it” sketch may be released as a standalone digital short (no official word yet).

Why This Episode Mattered: More Than Just a Holiday Special

This SNL episode wasn’t just entertaining—it was culturally significant for several reasons.

1. A Passing of the Torch

Ariana Grande, once a pop prodigy, is now a bona fide Hollywood leading lady thanks to her role as Glinda in Wicked. Her hosting gig signals her full transition from teen star to adult icon. Meanwhile, Cher—a 78-year-old legend—proved she’s still a cultural force. The pairing of these two generations of female superstars is a celebration of women in entertainment.

2. Bowen Yang’s Exit: The End of an Era

Bowen Yang, who joined SNL in 2019, was the first Chinese American cast member and a breakout star known for his sharp wit, musical sketches, and LGBTQ+ representation. His departure marks the end of a transformative chapter for the show.

His final episode, shared with Grande—a close friend and frequent collaborator—felt like a full-circle moment. “It was poetic,” said one longtime SNL fan. “Two queer icons, one leaving, one rising, sharing the stage.”

3. SNL’s Evolving Identity

SNL has faced criticism in recent years for lacking diversity and relevance. But this episode—featuring a queer Asian American, a Latina pop star, and a 70s rock legend—showcased a more inclusive, dynamic vision of comedy. It’s a sign that the show is leaning into its role as a cultural mirror, not just a laugh factory.

The Immediate Impact: Viral Moments, Fan Reactions, and Industry Buzz

Within hours of the episode airing, the internet was ablaze.

• “Snap out of it” became a TikTok trend, with users lip-syncing Cher’s line in parody videos.
• Bowen Yang’s monologue duet with Grande was shared over 2 million times on Instagram Reels.
• Cher’s performance sparked a 300% increase in streams of her 1989 hit “If I Could Turn Back Time” on Spotify.
• Ariana’s sketch as Glinda drew praise from Wicked fans, with many calling it “the best promo for Part Two.”

But beyond the numbers, the emotional resonance stood out. Fans flooded social media with messages like:

“I cried during Bowen’s goodbye. He was my first SNL crush.” – @ComedyNerd42

“Ariana and Cher together? That’s not a show—that’s a cultural event.” – @PopCultureGuru

The episode also had real-world implications: