Ariana Grande returned to host Saturday Night Live (SNL) for the third time, marking her first appearance on the show since 2016. This time, the 31-year-old pop superstar took the SNL stage without also being the musical guest—a role filled by rock legend Stevie Nicks. Grande’s monologue quickly captured the audience’s attention as she referenced the political atmosphere from her previous hosting gig in 2016, noting, “The last time I hosted was in 2016, and we were right on the verge of electing our first female president. So, I guess, second time’s the charm?” This clever quip set the tone for the night, blending humor, music, and political commentary, much like her earlier SNL stints.
A Break from the Norm: Grande Without the Singing
Despite her fame as a singer, Grande initially vowed not to sing during her monologue. Of course, in classic SNL fashion, she quickly broke that promise, breaking into a song that humorously touched on her signature impressions of fellow pop stars like Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Gwen Stefani. She teased the audience by saying she wouldn’t do any of those impressions, only to deliver brief imitations of each artist before launching into a more elaborate impersonation of Celine Dion later in the episode. Grande’s comedic versatility and effortless ability to weave music into her performance made her hosting duties feel as natural as her previous two stints.
Promoting Wicked and Reflecting on Her Musical Journey
Ariana’s appearance on SNL was partly to promote her upcoming movie Wicked, a much-anticipated prequel to The Wizard of Oz, in which she plays Glinda the Good Witch. She mentioned during her monologue that playing Glinda has been a dream for theater kids like her ever since they “lost their virginity,” showcasing her humor while subtly hinting at her lifelong passion for musical theater. Wicked, set for release next month, has been one of the biggest film projects of her career, and SNL provided the perfect platform to create additional buzz.
Stevie Nicks Returns After 40 Years
Sharing the spotlight with Grande was Stevie Nicks, who made her long-awaited return as the SNL musical guest, performing on the show for the first time in over four decades. Nicks performed two songs: her latest single, “The Lighthouse,” followed by a nostalgic rendition of her 1981 hit “Edge of Seventeen.” Dressed in her trademark black, adorned with scarves and rings, Nicks’ performance was a tribute to her legendary status, drawing admiration from fans both new and old.
A Political Cold Open: Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris
Grande’s episode continued SNL’s tradition of mixing comedy with current events, particularly as the U.S. heads into another election cycle. The cold open featured SNL alum Maya Rudolph reprising her role as Vice President Kamala Harris, with fellow guest stars Andy Samberg and Dana Carvey portraying Doug Emhoff and President Joe Biden, respectively. Together, they participated in a political edition of Family Feud, squaring off against a team of Trump-era Republicans. Kenan Thompson, as Steve Harvey, moderated the battle with his usual blend of humor and over-the-top expressions. The skit continued SNL’s tradition of using satire to comment on the country’s political landscape, something viewers have come to expect during election seasons.
Grande’s Comedy Skills Shine
Throughout the night, Grande showed why she remains a favorite on SNL. Her comedic timing and ability to blend her musical talents with sketch comedy made her performance seamless. Whether she was impersonating famous musicians, throwing herself into elaborate skits, or promoting her upcoming film, Grande reminded audiences why she’s as much of a powerhouse on the comedy stage as she is in the recording studio.
Nostalgia and SNL’s 50th Season
Ariana Grande’s episode aired as part of SNL’s 50th season, which has already seen a surge in viewership, with some of the highest ratings since 2020. This nostalgic season has been marked by reflection, bringing back former cast members and celebrating the legacy of the show that began in 1975. A primetime special slated for February will officially commemorate the 50th season, giving SNL a moment to reflect on its impact on comedy, politics, and popular culture over the past five decades.
Grande’s episode contributed to this nostalgia, particularly for viewers who remember her earlier hosting gigs. Her playful nod to the 2016 election, the blend of music and humor, and her effortless rapport with the cast exemplified the kind of host that makes SNL such a cultural phenomenon.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for SNL?
Grande’s return to SNL wasn’t just about nostalgia and political humor. It also gave fans a glimpse of what’s ahead for the iconic sketch show. Next week, the hosting duties fall to Michael Keaton, with musical guest Billie Eilish, promising another night of diverse talent and sharp humor. The following week, comedian John Mulaney and musician Chappell Roan will take the stage, continuing the season’s impressive lineup of hosts and musical guests.
Grande’s Impact on SNL’s Ratings Surge
With the buzz of the 50th season and the excitement surrounding Grande’s return, SNL continues to enjoy a resurgence in popularity. The combination of top-tier hosts, beloved musical guests, and a political landscape ripe for satire has led to record-high viewership. Ariana Grande’s episode is sure to be remembered as a highlight of this historic season, cementing her status as one of the show’s standout hosts.
Conclusion
Ariana Grande’s third hosting stint on Saturday Night Live delivered everything fans could hope for—sharp wit, impressive musical performances, and an unmistakable charm that has made her a favorite both on stage and screen. With SNL celebrating its 50th season, Grande’s episode was a fitting tribute to the show’s enduring legacy of blending pop culture, music, and comedy in ways that continue to captivate audiences. As SNL looks forward to future episodes and special commemorations, Ariana’s return has set a high bar for what’s to come.
Ariana Grande’s third appearance as host of Saturday Night Live (SNL) was met with widespread excitement and attention, thanks to her comedic talents, stellar impressions, and the night’s political satire. The episode combined Grande’s charm, humor, and some timely election-themed sketches, alongside an unforgettable performance by rock legend Stevie Nicks, who graced the SNL stage for the first time in over four decades. Here’s a breakdown of the standout moments from the show, as well as how the episode resonated with audiences and critics.
Standout Sketches from Ariana Grande’s Episode
Grande’s hosting gig featured several memorable sketches, many of which played to her strengths in music and impersonations. One standout sketch was her hilarious Celine Dion impersonation, which had the audience laughing out loud. Known for her flawless vocal mimicry, Grande showcased her ability to capture the essence of other pop icons, following through with quick takes on Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Gwen Stefani. Each impression was spot-on and added a dynamic flair to the night.
Another major highlight was the “Family Feud” sketch, where former SNL stars like Maya Rudolph and Dana Carvey joined forces to portray key political figures in a mock election-themed battle. Grande didn’t feature heavily in this particular skit, but the political humor, combined with sharp impressions from the guest stars, made it a fan favorite.
Stevie Nicks’ Performance and Ratings Impact
Stevie Nicks’ much-anticipated return to the SNL stage after more than 40 years had fans of classic rock and the show buzzing with excitement. Her performances of “The Lighthouse” and “Edge of Seventeen” not only captivated audiences in-studio but also drew attention from viewers at home. Critics praised her ageless voice and stage presence, noting how she brought a timeless energy to the show. Her appearance likely contributed to the episode’s spike in ratings, which were already on the rise due to SNL’s 50th season nostalgia.
The combination of Ariana Grande’s hosting prowess and Stevie Nicks’ musical performances created a perfect storm, pushing the episode’s viewership even higher than the previous season premiere. Fans tuned in to see both modern pop culture and rock royalty, making this episode one of the most highly watched in recent years.
Critics’ Response to Ariana Grande’s Hosting
Ariana Grande’s previous SNL hosting gigs in 2014 and 2016 were well-received, and her third time around proved just as successful. Critics praised her for her comedic timing and her ability to poke fun at her own image. Her impressions were a particular highlight, with reviewers commending her ability to embody other artists so naturally. Some noted that Grande has grown even more confident since her last hosting appearance, and her performance reflected her growth both as a comedian and an entertainer.
Audience Reactions to Grande’s Impressions
Fans of SNL and Ariana Grande were particularly impressed by her impressions of Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Celine Dion. Grande’s history of doing impeccable celebrity impersonations made these moments highly anticipated, and she delivered, much to the delight of the audience. The surprise was how seamlessly she transitioned between different stars, often shifting her voice and mannerisms within a single sketch.
Social media was abuzz with viewers commenting on how Grande “nailed” her impressions and how she added something fresh to each one. Many praised her versatility, making it clear that the impressions were a highlight of the episode.
Election-Themed “Family Feud” Sketch and Audience Reactions
The political satire “Family Feud” sketch, featuring Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris and Dana Carvey as Joe Biden, brought both laughs and poignant political commentary to the episode. With the U.S. election season heating up, the sketch’s timing couldn’t have been more relevant. The SNL writers took a humorous approach to the ongoing political discourse, portraying Kamala Harris and Donald Trump (played by James Austin Johnson) in a mock game show setting.
Audience reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers appreciating the clever, lighthearted take on the political situation. However, political sketches always divide opinions, and some die-hard political enthusiasts debated the accuracy and comedic merits of the portrayals.
Impact of Kamala Harris’ Portrayal on Approval Ratings
Maya Rudolph’s portrayal of Kamala Harris has been a fixture on SNL in recent years, and her return as the Vice President for the “Family Feud” sketch was well-received. While there’s no direct evidence that this portrayal influenced Harris’ approval ratings, SNL has long been known to shape public perception of political figures through humor. The sketch offered a softer, more humorous version of Harris, which some believe humanizes political figures in a way that resonates with the audience.
Did the Sketch Influence Voter Intentions?
While it’s hard to quantify how much influence a sketch on SNL has on voter intentions, the show’s political satire has often been a talking point in political discourse. The election-themed “Family Feud” sketch brought humor to a tense political landscape, which could lighten the mood for some viewers. For others, it reaffirmed existing opinions. Regardless, SNL’s ability to bring politics into mainstream entertainment ensures that such sketches do have an impact, however subtle, on the way viewers perceive candidates.
Public Reaction to Joe Biden’s Portrayal
Dana Carvey’s return to SNL as Joe Biden was a nostalgic moment for longtime fans of the show. Carvey is best known for his impressions of earlier presidents like George H.W. Bush, and his portrayal of Biden was met with a mix of humor and fondness. Social media users chimed in on how much they enjoyed seeing Carvey back on the SNL stage, with many commenting on how he captured Biden’s unique cadence and personality.
Although some viewers found the portrayal exaggerated, the overall consensus was that it struck the right balance between comedy and satire. Given the nature of SNL, over-the-top portrayals are expected, and Carvey’s Biden hit the mark for most.
Conclusion
Ariana Grande’s return to SNL was a comedic and musical success, with her impressions and monologue setting the stage for a memorable night. The political sketches, including the “Family Feud” election edition, blended humor with current events, while Stevie Nicks’ performance was a nostalgic triumph. The episode boosted SNL’s ratings, further proving that the show’s mix of pop culture, music, and political satire continues to draw in diverse audiences. As the show heads deeper into its 50th season, this episode will be remembered for bringing together two iconic artists and seamlessly merging comedy with timely commentary.
