7 Shocking Moments From Ariana Grande And Stevie Nicks' Historic SNL Episode (October 2024)

The convergence of pop royalty and rock legend on the Saturday Night Live stage on October 12, 2024, was an event for the history books. This pivotal episode of SNL’s 50th season paired second-time host Ariana Grande with the iconic musical guest Stevie Nicks, marking a generational clash and a triumphant return that delivered some of the season's most memorable and talked-about moments. The episode was a masterclass in versatility, showcasing Grande’s comedic timing and spot-on impressions while celebrating Nicks’ enduring legacy after a four-decade absence from Studio 8H.

The night was far more than a standard pairing of host and musical act; it was a cultural collision that highlighted the dual forces of contemporary pop stardom and timeless rock and roll mystique. From Grande’s surprisingly un-diva-like monologue to Nicks’ deeply personal musical choices, the episode, which aired just this past fall, provided a deep well of fresh, unique content that resonated with fans across multiple generations.

A Dual Biography: Ariana Grande and Stevie Nicks on SNL

This episode, Season 50, Episode 3, was a landmark for both artists, though for vastly different reasons. The contrast between the two stars’ careers and their history with the sketch comedy show made the night particularly electric.

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Ariana Grande's SNL Profile

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993 (Boca Raton, Florida)
• Career Highlights: Grammy-winning singer, actress, and businesswoman. Known for her extensive vocal range (four octaves).
• Major Projects (2024 Context): Release of her seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine, and the highly anticipated film adaptation of the musical Wicked, where she plays Glinda.
• SNL History:
  • First Appearance: 2014 (Musical Guest)
  • First Host/Musical Guest: 2016 (Season 41)
  • Second Hosting Gig: October 12, 2024 (Season 50, Host only)
  • SNL Trademark: Her incredible ability to perform uncanny celebrity impressions, particularly in the "Tidal" sketch and her monologues.

Stevie Nicks' SNL Profile

• Full Name: Stephanie Lynn Nicks
• Born: May 26, 1948 (Phoenix, Arizona)
• Career Highlights: Singer-songwriter, known for her distinctive voice, poetic lyrics, and mystical stage persona. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (as a member of Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist).
• Major Projects (2024 Context): Continuing her extensive solo touring and the release of new music, including the single "The Lighthouse."
• SNL History:
  • First and Only Previous Appearance: December 10, 1983 (Musical Guest, Season 9)
  • Songs Performed in 1983: "Stand Back" and "If Anyone Falls" from her second solo album, The Wild Heart.
  • Triumphant Return: October 12, 2024 (Season 50, Musical Guest)
  • Gap Between Appearances: 41 years, one of the longest gaps for any musical guest in the show's history.

The 41-Year Return: Stevie Nicks' Iconic Performances

The true historical weight of the evening rested on Stevie Nicks’ shoulders. Her return to the SNL stage after a 41-year hiatus was a monumental moment for classic rock fans, proving her status as the undisputed "Queen of Rock and Roll" remains unchallenged. Her performances were both a nod to her legendary past and a showcase of her continued creative output.

For her first song, Nicks performed her recent single, "The Lighthouse." The song, which she wrote, demonstrated that her songwriting prowess and signature ethereal vocal style are as potent as ever. This choice was a powerful statement that her career is far from being solely defined by nostalgia.

She then closed the show with one of her most beloved solo hits, "Edge of Seventeen." The performance of this track, known for its driving beat and iconic guitar riff, was a high-energy, triumphant moment. For many younger viewers, this was their first time seeing the Fleetwood Mac legend perform live on television, cementing the episode's cross-generational appeal.

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Ariana Grande’s Impression Masterclass and Viral Sketches

While Stevie Nicks brought the rock gravitas, Ariana Grande delivered the comedic firepower. Her second hosting gig was widely praised for showcasing her talents beyond music, particularly her uncanny ability to mimic other celebrities. Grande’s impressions are a central part of her SNL lore, and the October 2024 episode was no exception.

The Best of Grande’s 2024 Impressions:

• Celine Dion: Grande reprised her popular Celine Dion impression, which many consider to be one of the most accurate musical impressions in SNL history. The sketch highlighted Dion's dramatic vocal style and mannerisms.
• Jennifer Coolidge: A highlight of the night was Grande’s spot-on impression of actress Jennifer Coolidge. She captured Coolidge’s distinctive voice and drawn-out delivery, earning massive laughs and immediate viral attention online.
• Britney Spears: Though not as prominent as the others, Grande’s ability to slip into the persona of pop peer Britney Spears was also noted, adding another layer to her impressive repertoire of vocal mimicry.

Beyond the impressions, Grande anchored several memorable sketches, including a "Family Feud" cold open and the surreal "Hotel Detective" sketch, which played with the show’s format. The episode capitalized on her strengths, using her singing and theatrical background to elevate the comedy.

The Unforgettable 'Landslide' Moment

Perhaps the most talked-about and genuinely heartwarming moment of the entire night was an unexpected interaction that transcended the standard host/musical guest dynamic. In a segment that quickly went viral, Stevie Nicks performed an impromptu or special rendition of the classic Fleetwood Mac song "Landslide."

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This performance was reportedly dedicated to or featured alongside SNL cast member Bowen Yang and host Ariana Grande. "Landslide" is a deeply emotional, reflective song about the passage of time and change, and Nicks singing it live, in that intimate setting, created a moment of genuine connection between the rock legend, the pop star, and the comedic ensemble. It was a powerful, humanizing segment that perfectly captured the spirit of the historic pairing, blending the generations in a shared moment of musical appreciation. This unscripted-feeling moment proved that the magic of live television, especially on a show celebrating its 50th season, is still alive and well.