Ariana Grande returned to Studio 8H and reminded viewers why Saturday Night Live, now deep into its 51st season, still matters when the right host walks through the door.
The three-time host opened the holiday episode in a strapless archival Vivienne Westwood gown—sharp, theatrical, and refreshingly adult. The former Nickelodeon star delivered an opening monologue that included a send-up of Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You, setting the tone early: self-aware, musical, and comfortably in control.
Coming straight off the Wicked: For Good press circuit, Grande appeared relieved to trade pink excess for something darker and more deliberate, without losing the seasonal edge. It was a look that signaled range—not just in fashion, but in persona.
Grande previously pulled double duty on SNL in 2016, but this time she shared the night with musical guest Cher. It marked a rare return for the icon, whose last full performance on the show dates back to November 1987, outside of a brief Weekend Update appearance in the early ’90s and a cameo at last year’s 50th anniversary concert.
Beyond chart success, Grande has quietly built a reputation as one of the show’s most reliable impressionists. Her past turns as Jennifer Coolidge and Céline Dion were among her sharpest SNL moments, and the setup alone suggested a Cher impression was waiting in the wings.
Earlier in the week, Grande was spotted dining with SNL executive producer Lorne Michaels in Midtown, a familiar prelude to hosting duties. She arrived wrapped in an oversized white coat—practical, theatrical, and quickly compared online to a luxury duvet. Given New York’s current temperatures, the choice felt less like styling and more like survival.
Whether Grande and Cher shared the stage or not, fashion remained part of the subtext. A vintage Bob Mackie moment—long associated with Cher’s most iconic looks—felt like an open invitation. Mackie’s archival designs have been enjoying a quiet revival lately, with younger stars like Sabrina Carpenter pulling historic pieces for events ranging from the VMAs to the Grand Ole Opry.
With two generational divas in the building, expectations were simple: strong performances, sharp silhouettes, and no wasted space.
And as always with SNL, the real fashion question lingers after the credits roll—what they wore to the after-party.
Celebrity Hot Chicks Music News Television
Last modified: December 22, 2025
