The Ultimate Diva Showdown: Who Is The Saturday Night Live Musical Guest For The Final Episode Of 2025?

While there is no new episode of Saturday Night Live airing tonight, Thursday, December 18, 2025, the anticipation is reaching a fever pitch for the show’s final episode of the year. The next, and arguably most monumental, show of the season is scheduled for this Saturday, December 20, 2025, featuring a historic "diva-sized" pairing that is set to close out the year with a bang.

The upcoming episode is the annual Christmas special and the last show of SNL's 51st season for the calendar year, promising a spectacular night of comedy and music. This is not just any episode; it marks a major return for both the host and the musical guest, creating one of the most talked-about lineups in recent memory. The show will feature pop superstar and actress Ariana Grande as the host, alongside the legendary global icon Cher as the musical guest.

The Next Episode: Ariana Grande and Cher's Historic Christmas Special

The combination of Ariana Grande and Cher is an event in itself, bringing together two generations of pop royalty for a single night at Studio 8H. This highly-anticipated holiday show is the grand finale of a packed December lineup that has already seen major stars grace the stage.

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Host Profile: Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande, the pop sensation and accomplished actress, is returning to host Saturday Night Live for the third time. Her previous appearances have been critically acclaimed, showcasing her comedic timing and, of course, her powerful vocal talent.

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida
• Age: 32 (as of December 2025)
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress
• Notable SNL History: This will be her third time hosting. She is famously known for her uncanny celebrity impressions, including a spot-on Cher impression that fans are hoping to see return.
• Recent Projects (2024-2025):
  • Film: Starring as Glinda in the two-part film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked.
  • Music: Released the album Eternal Sunshine in 2024.
  • Other: Co-directed and starred in the 2025 musical science fiction short film, Brighter Days Ahead. She is also currently teasing an "exciting" new stage-related project.
• The Hosting Buzz: Fans are eager to see how Grande will incorporate her recent work, particularly her experience with the Wicked film, into the sketches, as well as any potential musical collaborations with her iconic co-star, Cher.

Musical Guest Profile: Cher

The legendary Cher is set to make a historic return as the musical guest. While she has appeared on the show before in various capacities, this will be her first time performing as the sole musical guest since 1987, marking a stunning 38-year gap between musical performances.

• Full Name: Cherilyn Sarkisian
• Born: May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California
• Age: 79 (as of December 2025)
• Occupation: Singer, Actress, Television Personality
• Notable Achievements: Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and three Golden Globe Awards winner. She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
• Recent Music Focus:
  • Holiday Hit: Her 2023 Christmas single, "DJ Play a Christmas Song," is once again climbing the holiday charts, making her performance perfectly timed for the Christmas episode.
  • Remastered Work: She is re-releasing her iconic The Farewell Tour album with 2025 remasters, including tracks like "All Or Nothing (Live)" and "Different Kind of Love Song (Live)."
• The Performance Buzz: Given her recent focus on holiday music and remastered live albums, there is intense speculation on whether she will perform her classic hits, her Christmas track, or potentially preview new music she has been teasing.

A Look Back at SNL's Blockbuster December 2025 Lineup

The December slate for Season 51 of Saturday Night Live has been packed with high-profile hosts and musical acts, building significant momentum leading up to the holiday break. This focus on strong, high-rated talent ensures the show maintains its topical authority and ends the calendar year on a high note.

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December 6, 2025: Comedy and Soul

The first episode of December featured the brilliant comedic return of actress Melissa McCarthy as host. McCarthy, a fan favorite, is known for her high-energy performances and commitment to character. Her ability to blend physical comedy with sharp wit made for a memorable night.

The musical guest for this episode was the critically acclaimed artist Dijon. Known for his soulful, genre-bending R&B sound, Dijon delivered a unique performance that showcased his intricate arrangements and raw vocal delivery, introducing his distinct style to the massive SNL audience.

December 13, 2025: Royal Drama and Pop Anthems

The penultimate episode of the year, which aired last Saturday, December 13, 2025, brought a taste of British drama and UK pop. The host was Josh O’Connor, best known for his award-winning role as Prince Charles on The Crown. O’Connor’s turn demonstrated his versatility, moving seamlessly from serious drama to live sketch comedy.

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Musical guest Lily Allen, making her second appearance on the show, provided the soundtrack for the night. The British pop star performed tracks from her latest work, reaffirming her status as a sharp-tongued, insightful songwriter and captivating live performer.

What to Expect from the Ariana Grande and Cher Episode

The final episode of 2025 is expected to be a spectacle, driven by the star power of its host and musical guest. The dynamic between Ariana Grande and Cher is the main draw, fueling several theories and hopes among the SNL fanbase.

The Cher Impression Comeback

One of the most anticipated moments is a potential sketch where Ariana Grande reprises her famous Cher impression. Grande has previously demonstrated her impersonation skills on the show, and having the actual Cher on stage with her could lead to a hilarious and viral moment, perhaps in a talk show or backstage sketch.

A Christmas Duet or Skit

Given that this is the Christmas episode, a collaboration between the two is highly likely. Cher’s recent holiday hit, "DJ Play a Christmas Song," provides the perfect opportunity for a festive duet or a musical number in the opening monologue or a major sketch. The contrast and complementarity of their voices would be a major highlight.

Wicked and Legacy References

Ariana Grande’s work on Wicked is a major part of her current career narrative, and it is almost guaranteed to be referenced. Cher’s decades-long, iconic career is a treasure trove of sketch material, from her fashion to her film roles and her legendary interviews. Expect the writers to lean heavily into the "Goddess of Pop" persona.

The December 20, 2025, episode of Saturday Night Live is not just the last of the year; it’s a cultural event. With Ariana Grande and Cher headlining, it guarantees a night of unforgettable comedy and music that will keep fans talking until the show returns in the new year.