Just months after her appearance as a musical guest, Ariana Grande took the spotlight last night as the host of NBC’s Saturday Night Live. Grande showcased her comedic talent in various sketches, impersonating iconic figures such as Celine Dion and Jennifer Coolidge, along with portraying an overly competitive mother during a game of charades. The musical segment featured legendary artist Stevie Nicks, who delivered performances of her latest track “The Lighthouse” and the timeless classic “Edge of Seventeen.”
In her opening monologue, Grande reflected on her role as Glinda the Good Witch in the upcoming film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked. She humorously highlighted her skills in impersonations and her knack for stealing the limelight.
Stevie Nicks marked her historic return to SNL after 41 years, having last appeared as a solo artist in 1983. Nicks’ new song, “The Lighthouse,” was inspired by the recent Supreme Court ruling and is dedicated to advocating for women’s rights. This marks her first original release since 2020’s “Show Them the Way” from her album 24 Karat Gold: Songs from the Vault.
For Grande, this hosting stint is her second, following her dual role as host and musical guest in 2016. She previously took the stage as a musical guest in 2014 and again in March 2024. Earlier this year, Grande released her album Eternal Sunshine, featuring tracks like “Yes, And?” and “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love),” along with the post-release remix of “The Boy Is Mine” featuring Brandy and Monica.