The Holiday Finale: 5 Explosive Reasons Ariana Grande Is Hosting Saturday Night Live Tonight (December 20, 2025)

Tonight, Saturday, December 20, 2025, the final episode of *Saturday Night Live* for the calendar year is set to be a blockbuster holiday spectacular, with global pop icon and actress Ariana Grande returning to Studio 8H as the host. This highly anticipated Season 51 finale will see the Grammy and Oscar-nominated star take the reins for her third time hosting, promising a night of unforgettable sketches, musical moments, and holiday cheer. The episode is particularly significant as it closes out the year and serves as a major promotional stop for her latest blockbuster film project, building massive topical authority around the broadcast.

The energy in Rockefeller Center is palpable, as Grande is joined by a legendary musical guest, making this a must-watch television event. Fans are eager to see how the multi-talented star, known for her incredible vocal range and comedic timing, will interact with the current *SNL* cast, which includes fan favorites like Heidi Gardner, Kenan Thompson, and Bowen Yang. This episode is positioned as one of the biggest of the season, following recent successful installments hosted by Melissa McCarthy and Josh O’Connor.

Ariana Grande: Biography and Career Profile

Ariana Grande-Butera is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who has become one of the most influential and commercially successful artists of her generation. Her career trajectory from Broadway to television to global superstardom is a remarkable study in modern celebrity.

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• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Date of Birth: June 26, 1993
• Place of Birth: Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Producer
• Breakthrough Role: Charlotte in the Broadway musical *13* (2008)
• Television Debut: Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon series *Victorious* (2010–2013) and its spin-off *Sam & Cat* (2013–2014)
• Music Debut: Studio album *Yours Truly* (2013)
• Major Music Achievements: Multiple Grammy Awards, numerous Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, and breaking several streaming records. She is often credited with popularizing the trap-pop genre.
• Key Film Role: Glinda in the two-part film adaptation of the musical *Wicked* (*Wicked* and *Wicked: For Good*).
• Previous SNL Appearances: She previously hosted and was the musical guest in 2016, and had a previous hosting stint in 2024. Tonight marks her third time hosting and fifth overall appearance on the show.
• Current Projects: Promoting the release of *Wicked: For Good*, an ongoing Oscars campaign, and rumored new music projects, including her "upcoming Eternal" album/project.

The Star-Powered Lineup: Host and Musical Guest Details

The final *SNL* episode of 2025 is a dual-icon event. Not only is Ariana Grande hosting, but she is also joined by an entertainment legend as the musical guest, creating a rare and historic pairing that is generating massive buzz across social media platforms and entertainment news sites.

Host: Ariana Grande (Third Time Hosting)

Grande’s return to the *SNL* stage as a host is perfectly timed to capitalize on the critical and commercial success of *Wicked: For Good*, the second part of the highly anticipated movie musical where she plays the iconic role of Glinda the Good Witch. Her previous hosting appearances have been praised for her versatility, showcasing her ability to do spot-on celebrity impressions—including Jennifer Lawrence and Britney Spears—and her willingness to lean into absurd sketch comedy. Expect the show to feature sketches that play off her Glinda character, her pop star persona, and potentially a reunion with former cast members. Her involvement ensures high ratings and massive online engagement, which is essential for the show’s digital footprint.

Musical Guest: Cher (The Icon Returns)

Adding to the star power is the legendary Cher, who is the confirmed musical guest for the December 20th episode. This pairing of a modern pop titan and a timeless icon is a massive coup for executive producer Lorne Michaels and the entire *Saturday Night Live* team, making it one of the most anticipated musical performances of Season 51. Cher’s appearance is expected to feature tracks from her latest work, including her hit single "DJ Play a Christmas Song," aligning perfectly with the holiday theme of the finale. The combination of Grande's comedic presence and Cher's legendary stage performance guarantees a spectacular close to the year.

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Why This SNL Episode Is a Must-Watch Event

Beyond the star names, the December 20th episode is packed with significant cultural and career milestones, making it essential viewing for both casual fans and dedicated pop culture enthusiasts. This broadcast is more than just a comedy show; it's a nexus of current events, Hollywood promotion, and musical history.

1. The *Wicked: For Good* Promotional Blitz

Ariana Grande’s hosting gig is a key part of the promotional push for *Wicked: For Good*, which is currently generating buzz for the upcoming awards season. Her performance as Glinda has been widely discussed, and her appearance on *SNL* offers a massive platform to maintain momentum for the film. Fans can anticipate sketches referencing the movie musical, potentially featuring Grande alongside cast members like Jonathan Bailey or even a cameo from her co-star Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba. The promotion of a major motion picture on *SNL* is a time-honored tradition, and Grande’s star power elevates this to a new level.

2. A Historic Host/Musical Guest Pairing

The combination of Grande and Cher marks a unique moment in *SNL* history. Cher, a true Hollywood icon and multi-hyphenate herself, brings a legacy that spans decades, while Grande represents the pinnacle of contemporary pop music. The generational crossover ensures a broad audience and is a rare instance of two such massive, distinct stars sharing the same stage on the same night. This is a deliberate programming choice by Lorne Michaels to ensure the holiday finale is unforgettable.

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3. The Season 51 Holiday Tradition

The final December show is always the annual Christmas episode, a staple of *Saturday Night Live* since its inception. These episodes are known for their elaborate holiday-themed sketches, the return of classic characters, and heartwarming musical numbers. With Grande’s history of performing holiday music and Cher’s recent Christmas album, the audience can expect a festive, high-production-value show that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. The show’s writers will undoubtedly pull out all the stops for the final broadcast before the mid-season hiatus.

4. Grande’s Comedic Evolution

Her previous hosting stints have proven Grande is more than just a singer; she is a formidable comedic performer. Her return is a chance to solidify her status as a true triple threat—singer, actress, and comedian—in the eyes of the public and the industry. Sketches like the "Domingo Bridesmaid speech sketch" from a previous appearance are fan favorites, and the pressure is on for her to deliver another viral moment that will dominate social media on Sunday morning.

5. Setting the Stage for 2026

As the final episode of 2025, this broadcast will set the tone for the second half of *SNL* Season 51, which returns in the new year. A successful, high-profile finale with Ariana Grande and Cher will leave the audience eager for the return of the show and the announcement of the January 2026 hosts and musical guests. It provides a perfect, high-energy punctuation mark for the first half of the season, which has already featured a dynamic lineup including Bad Bunny, Amy Poehler, and Miles Teller.