The Ultimate Guide To SNL Tonight: Ariana Grande And Cher Headline The Blockbuster Christmas Episode

The final Saturday Night Live episode of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most star-studded and highly anticipated shows in recent memory. As of Thursday, December 18, 2025, all eyes are on the upcoming Christmas episode, which will air on December 20, 2025, and feature an incredible pairing of pop culture icons: global superstar Ariana Grande as host and the legendary diva Cher as the musical guest.

This blockbuster lineup not only closes out the first half of Season 51 but also marks a significant moment for both artists. Grande, known for her chart-topping music and her upcoming starring role in the *Wicked* movie, is returning to Studio 8H, while Cher is making a rare and historic appearance. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the host, the musical guest, their recent projects, and the full Season 51 schedule.

Host & Musical Guest: A Dual-Icon Biography & Career Profile

The December 20th episode of SNL brings together two generations of pop royalty, making for a truly must-watch night.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

Ariana Grande (Host)

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida
• Career Milestones: Grammy Award winner, multi-platinum recording artist, former Nickelodeon star (Victorious, Sam & Cat).
• SNL History: This appearance marks Grande's third time on the SNL stage, having previously served as both host and musical guest in the same episode in 2016.
• Current Focus: Grande has shifted her primary focus to acting, notably starring as Glinda in the two-part film adaptation of the Broadway musical *Wicked*. The first part of the movie is expected to be released in November 2026.
• Recent Music: Her latest album, *Eternal Sunshine*, has been a critical and commercial success, leading to the announcement of the *Eternal Sunshine Tour* in 2026, which she has suggested may be her last for the foreseeable future as she prioritizes her film career.

Cher (Musical Guest)

• Full Name: Cherilyn Sarkisian
• Born: May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California
• Career Milestones: Only artist to have a number-one song on a Billboard chart in six consecutive decades (1960s–2010s). She is a recipient of an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, and three Golden Globe Awards.
• SNL History: Cher's return as a musical guest is a historic moment, as it's her first time performing on the show in nearly 40 years. She first appeared on SNL almost 40 years ago.
• Recent Projects: Cher’s six-decade-long career continues to thrive. She recently released her tell-all memoir, *Cher: The Memoir, Part One*, which hit bookshelves in November 2025. Her life and career were also the inspiration for the 2018 jukebox musical *The Cher Show*.

The combination of Grande's comedic timing and current pop relevance with Cher's legendary status and enduring star power guarantees a memorable night of sketches and musical performances for the Season 51 Christmas spectacular.

Why the Ariana Grande & Cher Episode Is a Must-Watch

The final episode before the holiday break is traditionally one of SNL's biggest shows, often featuring celebrity cameos and holiday-themed sketches. The pairing of Ariana Grande and Cher elevates this tradition to an entirely new level, generating significant buzz across social media and entertainment news outlets.

Grande's hosting duties come at a pivotal time in her career. With her transition to a primary focus on acting, her performance on the Saturday Night Live stage offers a unique glimpse into her comedic chops and ability to step away from her pop persona. Fans are eagerly anticipating sketches that might reference her role as Glinda in *Wicked* or her recent album, *Eternal Sunshine*.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

Meanwhile, Cher’s performance is a historic television event. The multi-hyphenate star has always been a trailblazer, and her return to 30 Rock after decades is a testament to her enduring legacy. Her setlist is a major point of speculation, with fans wondering if she will perform a classic hit like "Believe" or a track from a newer project.

The sheer star power of this duo is a massive draw. Both women are known for their distinct fashion, powerful vocals, and larger-than-life personalities, promising a dynamic and unpredictable energy on the live stage.

A Look Back at SNL Season 51's Star-Studded Lineup

Season 51 of Saturday Night Live, helmed by creator Lorne Michaels, has been packed with high-profile hosts and musical guests, leading up to the highly anticipated 1,000th episode milestone later in the season.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The season kicked off strong with global sensation Bad Bunny, who was the first host and musical guest of the season. This set the precedent for a season focused on major cultural figures.

The weeks immediately preceding the Christmas episode also featured notable talent, providing a strong lead-in to the Grande/Cher finale:

• December 6, 2025: Host Melissa McCarthy with musical guest Dijon. This marked McCarthy's sixth time hosting the show.
• December 13, 2025: Host Josh O'Connor with musical guest Lily Allen. O'Connor is a rising star, and Allen returned for her second appearance as a musical guest.

Other major names announced for Season 51 episodes throughout late 2025 and early 2026 include hosts Mikey Madison, Jack Black, and Jon Hamm, further solidifying this season as one of the most exciting in recent years. The show has also introduced new cast members, including Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, and Kam, who are injecting fresh energy into the sketch comedy series.

The Impact of SNL’s Host-Musical Guest Synergy

The best SNL episodes are often those where the host and musical guest have a natural, or even unexpected, synergy. The December 20th episode provides a fascinating example of generational synergy. Ariana Grande, a product of the digital age and a master of modern pop, is sharing the stage with Cher, a quintessential Hollywood and music icon whose career has spanned the evolution of entertainment itself.

This dynamic often leads to unique sketch opportunities, such as musical parodies, celebrity impressions, or even a duet during the goodnights. Given Grande's background in both music and acting, and Cher's history of comedic roles and memorable stage presence, the potential for viral moments is extremely high. Fans are hoping for a collaboration that pays homage to both their careers, perhaps a sketch that blends Grande's *Eternal Sunshine* era with Cher's classic 1970s variety show days.

As the curtains close on the 2025 portion of Season 51, the Saturday Night Live Christmas episode promises to be a cultural event, delivering on the show's reputation for booking the biggest names in entertainment. Tune in on December 20th to see how these two powerhouse women cap off the year at Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center.