Ariana Grande Hosts SNL with Cher as Musical Guest

As the holiday season approaches, “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) is set to deliver a star-studded lineup of hosts and musical guests, promising a diverse range of talent to grace the iconic Studio 8H stage. Among the highly anticipated announcements, pop superstar Ariana Grande is slated to return as host, with legendary performer Cher making a rare appearance as the musical guest. This follows earlier announcements featuring Josh O’Connor and Lily Allen, as well as Melissa McCarthy and Dijon, ensuring a vibrant end to the year for the long-running sketch comedy show.

Ariana Grande to Host, Cher Joins as Musical Guest

The broadcast scheduled for December 20th will feature a much-anticipated return by Ariana Grande, marking her third time taking on hosting duties for “SNL.” Grande, a Grammy Award winner and Oscar nominee, brings a wealth of experience to the show, having previously served as a musical guest twice and pulled double duty as both host and musical guest in 2016. Her most recent hosting gig was in October 2024. Viewers can expect her signature comedic timing and perhaps even a few of her well-known musical impressions; she has notably covered Cher’s hit “Believe” on “Jimmy Fallon’s That’s My Jam” in the past.

Joining Grande on December 20th will be the incomparable Cher, who is set to make her return to the “Saturday Night Live” stage as the musical guest. This appearance will be particularly noteworthy as it marks her first performance on the show since her debut in 1987. Cher’s visit coincides with the promotion of her autobiography, “The Memoir,” offering fans a chance to see the iconic entertainer in a live setting as she shares insights into her storied career.

Josh O’Connor and Lily Allen Prepare for December 13th

The preceding week, on December 13th, will see actor Josh O’Connor make his debut as an “SNL” host. O’Connor, known for his compelling performances, is currently involved in the upcoming “Knives Out” threequel, titled “Wake Up Dead Man.” The film is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on November 26th before becoming available for streaming on Netflix on December 12th.

Accompanying O’Connor will be British singer-songwriter Lily Allen, who returns to “Saturday Night Live” for her second appearance as musical guest. Allen’s performance comes on the heels of her recently released and much-discussed fifth album, “West End Girl,” suggesting that viewers might hear new material from her latest work.

Melissa McCarthy and Dijon Kicked Off December

Earlier in the month, on December 6th, the comedic talents of Melissa McCarthy led the episode as host. This marked McCarthy’s sixth time at the helm, and her first hosting appearance in over eight years. A two-time Oscar nominee, McCarthy previously earned an Emmy for her “SNL” hosting performance in 2017 and recently made a cameo in the “Parking Lot Altercation” sketch alongside Martin Short. The musical guest for this episode was Dijon, who performed songs from his new album, “Baby.”

Anticipation for Diverse Performances

The upcoming “Saturday Night Live” schedule highlights the show’s tradition of bringing together a wide array of talent from film, music, and comedy. From seasoned hosts like Ariana Grande and Melissa McCarthy to first-timers such as Josh O’Connor, and from pop legends like Cher to contemporary artists like Lily Allen and Dijon, each episode offers a unique blend of entertainment. Viewers can anticipate a mix of comedic sketches, celebrity cameos, and memorable musical performances, all contributing to the dynamic and unpredictable nature that “SNL” is known for.