Ariana Grande proved once again why she remains one of pop culture’s most versatile stars as she hosted Saturday Night Live’s festive holiday episode, joined by none other than the iconic Cher. The episode delivered musical spectacle, nostalgia and sharp comedy, with one sketch in particular quickly going viral for its inspired celebrity impressions and unexpected pairings.
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her presence is a present
♬ original sound - Saturday Night Live - SNL
The standout moment centred on a musical sketch paying tribute to one of the most unlikely yet enduring Christmas performances of all time: David Bowie and Bing Crosby’s 1977 rendition of Little Drummer Boy. The original duet, filmed shortly before Crosby’s death, has long been regarded as a strangely perfect clash of generations and styles, cementing its place as a cult festive classic.
SNL’s modern reimagining leaned into that legacy, imagining a series of equally improbable musical collaborations. Ariana Grande kicked things off by transforming into Katy Perry, complete with exaggerated pop-star mannerisms, while James Austin Johnson appeared alongside her as a gravel-voiced Bob Dylan, setting the tone for the absurdity that followed.
From there, the sketch escalated into increasingly surreal territory. Viewers were treated to a mock duet between Bad Bunny and Bruce Springsteen, followed by Kate Bush paired with Yoko Ono, a combination that delighted fans of experimental music. Other unlikely couplings included Stevie Wonder alongside Benson Boone, and operatic icons Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion, all performed by members of the SNL cast with affectionate exaggeration rather than parody.
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Random Duet Christmas Spectacular
♬ original sound - Saturday Night Live - SNL
Grande’s ability to convincingly imitate Perry while maintaining her own comic timing was widely praised, reinforcing her reputation as a strong SNL host. It’s far from her first successful stint on the long-running sketch show, which has served as a cultural touchstone since its debut in 1975, launching careers and shaping comedy for five decades. Hosting duties on SNL are often seen as a litmus test for entertainers, and Grande passed with ease.
The appearance comes at a high point in Grande’s career, following major acclaim for her role as Glinda in the big-screen adaptation of Wicked. The film has been a commercial and critical success, introducing her to a new audience beyond pop music. Two songs from the movie have landed on awards-season shortlists, including I’m Not That Girl (Reprise), performed entirely by Grande and earning particular praise for its emotional restraint and vocal control.
Her transition from global pop star to serious musical theatre performer has been closely watched, and Wicked has gone a long way toward silencing any remaining doubters. For Irish audiences, Grande’s SNL turn and continued awards buzz underline her growing influence across film, music and television.
With a hit film, Oscar attention and a headline-grabbing SNL performance all arriving in quick succession, Ariana Grande is closing out the year firmly at the centre of pop culture — and reminding viewers that she’s just as comfortable delivering comedy gold as she is hitting impossible high notes.
