The Ultimate Diva Showdown: Who's On SNL Tonight, December 20, 2025? (It's Historic!)

The wait is finally over: The lineup for the final Saturday Night Live episode of 2025 is officially locked in, and it promises to be one of the most talked-about shows of Season 51. As of today, December 18, 2025, all signs point to a historic, diva-sized Christmas episode featuring two of the biggest names in music and film, making this a must-watch event.

The iconic sketch comedy show is closing out the year with a bang, bringing together a pop sensation and a living legend for a night that will span nearly four decades of music history. Get ready for an evening of unforgettable sketches, incredible musical performances, and plenty of holiday cheer live from Studio 8H.

The Confirmed SNL Lineup: Host & Musical Guest for December 20, 2025

The final episode of Saturday Night Live for 2025, airing on Saturday, December 20, 2025, will feature a pairing that has instantly become one of the most anticipated of the season.

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• Host: Ariana Grande
• Musical Guest: Cher

This episode marks a significant moment for both artists. For Ariana Grande, it is her third time appearing on the show, having previously served as both host and musical guest. For Cher, however, it is a monumental return—her first appearance as a musical guest in nearly 40 years.

Ariana Grande: From Pop Star to Glinda the Good Witch

Pop superstar Ariana Grande is returning to the SNL stage to host the Christmas episode, showcasing her versatility as both a comedic performer and a powerhouse vocalist. Her appearance comes at a pivotal time in her career as she balances her music and a major cinematic endeavor.

A Deep Dive into Ariana Grande's Latest Projects

Grande’s hosting duties are a perfect opportunity to promote her recent work and build anticipation for her upcoming film roles. The singer has been riding a wave of success following the release of her critically acclaimed album, eternal sunshine, which dropped earlier in 2025.

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Fans can expect her to potentially perform tracks from this new era, such as "twilight zone," "dandelion," or "Love in the Dark." The album, released under Republic Records and UMG Recordings, has demonstrated her continued evolution as a songwriter and artist.

Beyond music, Grande is making her mark in Hollywood as Glinda the Good Witch in the two-part film adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked.

The first part of the film, *Wicked: Part One*, has already premiered, and the second installment, *Wicked: For Good*, is slated for a November 21 release. Her portrayal alongside Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba) has been a major talking point, and her hosting monologue is likely to feature references or even a sketch related to the highly anticipated movie.

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Cher’s Historic Return: A Nearly 40-Year Wait Ends

The real headline-maker for the December 20th episode is the legendary Cher, who will be returning to Studio 8H as the musical guest for the first time since November 21, 1987.

Her last appearance was during Season 13, where she performed the hits "We All Sleep Alone" and "I Found Someone." This nearly 40-year gap between musical guest appearances is virtually unprecedented and underscores the magnitude of this booking.

The Eternal Icon's Current Momentum

At 79 years old, the Hollywood icon and pop diva continues to be a massive draw. Her return to SNL is fueled by a renewed interest in her career, including ongoing talk of a potential 2025–2026 tour and the continued success of *The Cher Show* musical.

While she has performed at other major events, such as Love Rocks NYC 2025, her *SNL* performance is guaranteed to be a major pop culture moment. Fans are speculating whether she will perform a new track or revisit one of her timeless classics, like the 1999 dance anthem "Believe."

The combination of Cher’s legendary status and Grande’s modern pop dominance creates a powerful, multi-generational dynamic that is perfect for the final show of the year. This episode will undoubtedly become a benchmark in the history of Saturday Night Live.

Looking Back: The December 2025 SNL Lineup

The December 2025 run of shows has been packed with star power, setting a high bar for the Christmas episode. The season has consistently featured a mix of rising stars and established talent.

The previous two shows in the month were:

• December 6, 2025: Hosted by comedy veteran Melissa McCarthy with musical guest Dijon.
• December 13, 2025: Hosted by *The Crown* star Josh O'Connor with musical guest Lily Allen.

These episodes, along with the season premiere featuring host Bad Bunny and musical guest Doja Cat, have cemented Season 51 as a strong year for the long-running sketch show. The final pairing of Grande and Cher is the perfect crescendo to a successful run, blending comedy, music, and a touch of the spectacular for the holiday season.