Ariana Grande Returns to SNL with a Spectacular Performance
Ariana Grande made a remarkable return to Saturday Night Live (SNL), showcasing her impressive mimicry, comic timing, and stunning singing voice. However, the night belonged to her “Wicked” co-star Bowen Yang, who announced his departure from SNL midway through his eighth season. Grande graciously ceded the spotlight to Yang, allowing him to take center stage in several sketches, including a heartfelt goodbye sketch as a retiring Delta Sky Club employee.
Grande’s performance was still noteworthy, with standout sketches including a parody of “Home Alone” and a “Love Is Blind” reunion sketch where she dated The Grinch (Mikey Day). She also played a judge in a courtroom scene featuring Black Santa Claus (Kenan Thompson) and portrayed Katy Perry and Celine Dion in a promo for a Peacock special. Yang, on the other hand, appeared in nearly every sketch, reprising his Trend Forecaster character on “Weekend Update” with former cast member Aidy Bryant.
Yang’s Emotional Goodbye and Grande’s Support
Yang’s last sketch, about an elderly Delta Sky Club worker passing out eggnog and working his last shift, was a touching tribute to his time on the show. Grande joined him, and together they sang a version of “Please Come Home for Christmas” that left the audience in awe. The sketch was a testament to the strong bond between Yang and the SNL cast, with Cher making a surprise appearance as Yang’s Delta boss.
Grande’s monologue also showcased her impressive singing voice, with a music number to the tune of “All I Want for Christmas” that included Yang and other cast members giving suggestions on gifts for her cousin’s boyfriend, Steve. The lyrics may have been hard to understand without captions, but Grande’s performance was undeniable.
Musical Guest Cher and Holiday Cheer
Musical guest Cher appeared in Yang’s Delta Sky sketch and performed “DJ Play a Christmas Song” and “Run Run Rudolph,” the latter introduced by Grande as her Castrati character, Antonio. The episode also featured a holiday address from President Trump (James Austin Johnson), who discussed the “Arctic immigrants” coming in through chimneys and stealing milk and cookies.
The episode was filled with hilarious sketches, including a parody of “Home Alone” and a “Love Is Blind” reunion sketch. However, the standout sketch of the night was Yang’s emotional goodbye, which left the audience and cast members in tears. As Here, the night belonged to Yang, and Grande’s support made it a memorable one.
Image Source: www.latimes.com
