5 Reasons Tonight’s SNL With Ariana Grande And Cher Will Be The Most ‘Wicked’ Episode Of Season 51
The wait is finally over: The final *Saturday Night Live* episode of the calendar year is set to air tonight, , and it features a legendary, diva-sized lineup that promises to be the most talked-about broadcast of Season 51. This special Christmas show is not just closing out the year; it’s a major cultural event with pop superstar Ariana Grande returning to host and the iconic Goddess of Pop, Cher, taking the stage as the musical guest.
The combination of a returning, multi-talented host known for her stunning celebrity impressions and a musical legend making a rare appearance guarantees a night of viral sketches and unforgettable performances. Grande's hosting gig is perfectly timed to promote the highly anticipated second part of the film adaptation, *Wicked: For Good*, ensuring a heavy dose of Broadway magic and Glinda-related comedy.
The Mega-Diva Lineup: Host Ariana Grande and Musical Guest Cher
Tonight's episode is the ninth of Season 51 and traditionally serves as the beloved Christmas show before the holiday break. Executive Producer Lorne Michaels has pulled out all the stops for this season finale.
Host: Ariana Grande (The Third Time's the Charm)
Ariana Grande is a seasoned *SNL* veteran, returning to host for the third time in two years. Her previous hosting stints were lauded for her incredible versatility, particularly her spot-on celebrity impressions.
- The Glinda Promotion: Grande is actively promoting the upcoming movie *Wicked: For Good*, where she stars as Glinda the Good Witch. Expect the show to lean heavily into *Wicked*-themed sketches, perhaps even featuring a surprise appearance from her co-star, Cynthia Erivo.
- Impression Power: Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Grande's uncanny celebrity impressions. Her previous performances have included pitch-perfect takes on Jennifer Lawrence, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, and Shakira. Cast members like Chloe Fineman and Sarah Sherman may join her in a musical impression showdown.
- Musical Cameo Potential: While Cher is the official musical guest, Grande is one of the few hosts who can also carry a musical segment, potentially leading to a surprise duet or a musical monologue that showcases her vocal range.
Musical Guest: Cher (A Rare and Iconic Appearance)
Having Cher as the musical guest is a monumental booking for *SNL*. The legendary artist, known for hits like "Believe" and "If I Could Turn Back Time," brings an unparalleled level of star power to the stage.
- The Icon Status: Cher’s career spans over six decades, making her a true pop culture entity. Her performance will undoubtedly be a high-production affair, likely featuring her signature dramatic costumes and stage presence.
- Sketch Crossover: Given Cher’s recent viral moments, including a much-discussed fiery clash on *The View* and her viral license moment, there is a strong possibility she could appear in a sketch alongside Grande or the cast. Her appearance at the *SNL* 50th Anniversary Special earlier this year also generated major buzz.
- The Duet Dream: The biggest question of the night is whether Grande and Cher will team up for a duet. A collaboration between the two pop divas would instantly become a viral moment, cementing the episode's place in *SNL* history.
What to Expect: Sketch Predictions and Must-See Moments
The Christmas episode tradition allows *SNL* to blend current political and social commentary with classic holiday themes. With a host like Grande and a guest like Cher, the sketch writers have a goldmine of material.
1. A 'Wicked: For Good' Parody
The show's promotional trailer already hinted at a *Wicked* sketch, showing Grande interacting with cast members dressed as *Wizard of Oz* characters. Expect a big, elaborate musical number that satirizes the highly-anticipated sequel. This is a prime opportunity for Grande to showcase her acting chops as Glinda, perhaps facing off against a cast member playing Elphaba, such as Chloe Fineman or Sarah Sherman.
2. Political/Holiday Cold Open
The Cold Open will likely tackle the most pressing current events of the week, filtered through a holiday lens. With the end of the year approaching, a sketch featuring President Joe Biden (played by James Austin Johnson) or a commentary on the current state of global affairs, perhaps set at a chaotic North Pole, is highly probable. The show often uses this slot for a surprise celebrity cameo.
3. Weekend Update’s Christmas Review
The *Weekend Update* segment, anchored by Colin Jost and Michael Che, is a weekly staple and will undoubtedly feature a sharp, topical review of the year's most absurd moments. Look for Che and Jost to exchange politically incorrect Christmas jokes and for a special guest character, perhaps Kenan Thompson's "Diondre Cole" or a new holiday-themed character from Marcello Hernandez or Ego Nwodim, to stop by the desk.
4. The Celebrity Impression Showcase
Ariana Grande's strongest asset as a host is her ability to nail impressions. A sketch revolving around a holiday party or a "Celebrity Family Feud" segment would give her the perfect platform to unleash her arsenal of voices. This is also where cast members like Heidi Gardner and Bowen Yang shine, creating a powerful comedy ensemble.
The Season 51 Cast and the Christmas Show Tradition
The success of any *SNL* episode rests on the current repertory and featured players. Season 51 has introduced new talent while relying on the strength of its veteran cast.
Key Season 51 Cast Members to Watch Tonight:
- Kenan Thompson: The show’s longest-running cast member, expected to anchor any major ensemble or recurring character sketch.
- Bowen Yang: A fan favorite whose unique characters and sharp wit will be vital in the *Weekend Update* and any viral sketch.
- Chloe Fineman: Known for her incredible impressions, she will likely be paired with Grande for a high-energy celebrity-focused sketch.
- Marcello Hernandez: One of the newer players who has quickly become a standout, often appearing in pre-taped sketches and *Weekend Update* bits.
- Sarah Sherman: Her bizarre, high-energy style is a perfect fit for a late-night, anything-goes Christmas show.
The Christmas Show Legacy
The *SNL* Christmas show is a tradition dating back to the show’s inception in 1975. These episodes are often the most memorable of the season, blending sentimentality with absurdity. They frequently feature surprise cameos from former cast members or A-list celebrities, making tonight's episode a prime candidate for an unexpected guest. The atmosphere is always festive, with a classic, cozy New York feel from 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Tonight’s broadcast, airing live on NBC and streaming on Peacock at 11:30 p.m. EST, is more than just a comedy show; it's a major cultural moment. With Ariana Grande and Cher sharing the stage, viewers are guaranteed a fresh, funny, and likely viral conclusion to 2025's *Saturday Night Live* run.
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