Ariana Grande Returns to SNL as Host A Night of Laughter and Nostalgiaa

Ariana Grande made her highly anticipated return to the “Saturday Night Live” stage at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, hosting the iconic show for the third time. The 31-year-old singer and actress reflected on her last hosting stint back in 2016, just before a historic presidential election, quipping, “So, I guess, second time’s the charm?”

Stevie Nicks Takes the Musical Spotlight

This time, Grande stepped in as host without the dual role of musical guest, leaving that honor to legendary singer Stevie Nicks. Although she promised not to sing during her monologue, she humorously broke that vow, delighting the audience with a sneak peek of her vocal prowess.

Impressions and Musical Fun

Grande’s playful spirit continued as she vowed not to showcase her famous impressions of Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Gwen Stefani only to deliver snippets of each. Later, she delivered a standout Celine Dion impression in a sketch that had the audience roaring with laughter.

Promoting ‘Wicked’ and Theater Dreams

Hosting SNL served a dual purpose for Grande, as she promoted her upcoming film, “Wicked,” a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz.” Playing the good witch Glinda is a dream role for the singer, who likened it to a rite of passage for theater enthusiasts.

SNL’s Golden Anniversary and Political Humor

The episode aired amid a notable ratings boost for “SNL,” attributed to its 50th season and the current election cycle. The season premiere last month attracted the highest viewership since 2020. In keeping with the political theme, Maya Rudolph reprised her role as Vice President Kamala Harris in the cold open, leading a star-studded sketch featuring former cast members.

Election Edition of ‘The Family Feud‘

In a comedic nod to the upcoming elections, Kenan Thompson returned as host Steve Harvey for a “Family Feud” segment featuring Rudolph as Harris, alongside Andy Samberg and Dana Carvey. Their team faced off against a “Trump” team, creating a lively atmosphere filled with sharp political jabs.

Nicks marked her return to SNL after over 40 years, captivating the audience with her new single, “The Lighthouse,” followed by a nostalgic rendition of “Edge of Seventeen.” Her performance was a visual delight, showcasing her signature style with rings and scarves that complemented her powerful voice.

Next week, the legendary Michael Keaton will host with Billie Eilish as the musical guest, followed by John Mulaney and Chappell Roan in subsequent episodes. The show’s 50th season has already sparked nostalgia, with plans for a three-hour primetime special celebrating its rich history set to air on February 16.

Ariana Grande’s return to SNL was a delightful blend of humor, nostalgia, and musical talent, reinforcing why she remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. As “Saturday Night Live” celebrates its milestone season, audiences can look forward to more unforgettable moments in the weeks to come.