Ariana Grande took center stage at Studio 8H for her hosting duties on Saturday night and wowed the audience with her incredible impersonations of iconic singers like Britney Spears, Celine Dion, and Gwen Stefani. The multi-talented singer, who is set to star as Glinda in the upcoming “Wicked” movie, expressed her excitement about returning to the historic studio for the show’s 50th season in her opening monologue.
Grande humorously reflected on her last hosting gig in 2016, joking about the political climate at the time and quipping that “second time’s the charm” in reference to the upcoming election. Known for her powerhouse vocals, Grande playfully assured the audience that she wouldn’t make the night all about her singing abilities, only to burst into song moments later, showcasing her impressive vocal range and knack for impressions.
During a sketch with Bowen Yang, Grande hilariously addressed the absence of a planned “Wicked” sketch, with Yang donning a Glinda costume only to be told that the sketch had been cut. The two shared some lighthearted banter before Grande launched into a comedic musical number, poking fun at the idea of performing a duet or bringing out dancers for high kicks.
In another sketch, Grande channeled her inner Celine Dion and parodied the singer’s recent NFL promo by singing about UFC fighting in a humorous spoof of “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.” The audience was treated to Grande’s spot-on impersonation and comedic timing throughout the night, making for a memorable and entertaining episode of “Saturday Night Live.”
Overall, Grande’s hosting gig was a hit, with the singer showcasing her versatility as a performer and proving once again why she is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Fans and viewers were treated to a night of laughter, music, and unforgettable moments courtesy of the talented Ariana Grande.
