I’m excited to share the details of Ariana Grande’s recent stint as the host of Saturday Night Live. The pop superstar took the stage this past weekend, delivering a memorable performance that showcased her impressive comedic chops and undeniable vocal talents.
When Grande started the show with her opening monologue, she was ready to bring the laughs. Stepping into the shoes of various iconic female musicians, including Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Gwen Stefani, Grande effortlessly captured these pop culture powerhouses’ unique mannerisms and vocal stylings. The audience was captivated as she seamlessly transitioned between each impression, showcasing her remarkable versatility as a performer.
But Grande’s talents didn’t stop there. In a pre-taped sketch titled “Celine Dion Sports Promo,” the singer donned a French-Canadian accent to portray the legendary Celine Dion. Delivering a spot-on impersonation of Dion’s passionate delivery, Grande’s Dion waxed poetic about her love for the sport of football before transitioning into a raucous UFC-themed version of the singer’s hit “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.”
The sketch hilariously juxtaposed Dion’s soaring vocals with the brutality of the octagon. Grande’s Dion lamented, “There is another sport whose timeless emotions ignite the bittersweet memories that live inside my soul and in the octagon.” This was a testament to Grande’s comedic timing and ability to embody a character fully.
While Grande’s impersonation skills were undoubtedly a highlight of the evening, the star also took the opportunity to showcase her powerful vocal prowess. Joining musical guest Stevie Nicks for a rousing performance of the Fleetwood Mac legend’s classic hit “Edge of Seventeen,” Grande seamlessly blended her voice with Nicks’, delivering an emotionally stirring rendition and technically flawless.
The episode wasn’t without its missteps, however. In a pre-taped sketch titled “My Best Friend’s House,” Grande played a character who delights in the simple pleasures of visiting her friend’s home, only to discover a dark secret lurking beneath the surface. While the sketch had its moments of humor, it ultimately felt a bit disjointed and failed to capitalize on Grande’s comedic strengths fully.
Similarly, a live sketch featuring Grande and the cast as a group of disgruntled bridesmaids felt a bit underwhelming, with the jokes relying heavily on the performers singing off-key to a popular song.
But the real standout of the night was the “Charades with Mom” sketch, which saw Grande play a suburban mother who becomes increasingly competitive and hostile during a game of charades with her son and his friends. Alongside cast member Bowen Yang, Grande delivered a hilariously over-the-top performance. The two engaged in a delightfully absurd verbal and physical altercation that had the audience in stitches.
Overall, Ariana Grande’s hosting gig on Saturday Night Live was a resounding success, showcasing her impressive versatility as a performer and her ability to command the stage. While there were a few missteps along the way, the singer’s sheer talent and infectious energy more than made up for any shortcomings, leaving fans eagerly anticipating her next foray into the world of live comedy.
I can confidently say that Ariana Grande’s SNL appearance was a true highlight of the season and a testament to her status as a multifaceted entertainer who can seamlessly transition between music, comedy, and beyond. Here’s to hoping she graces the Studio 8H stage again soon.