The Ultimate List Of SNL Musical Guests 2025: From Bad Bunny To The Shocking Ariana Grande & Cher Finale

The official lineup for *Saturday Night Live*'s musical guests in 2025 has been fully revealed, providing a clear picture of the star-studded talent that graced Studio 8H for the end of Season 50 and the start of Season 51. As of December 13, 2025, the biggest news revolves around a historic double-duty performance and a highly anticipated return from a pop legend, capping off the year with an explosive three-week run of major celebrity appearances. This comprehensive guide breaks down every confirmed musical guest from the spring finale to the highly-anticipated December shows, ensuring fans are up-to-date with the freshest information. The year 2025 on *Saturday Night Live* was marked by a thrilling mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, from the Season 50 finale featuring a global superstar to the Season 51 holiday episodes that shocked the entertainment world with their blockbuster pairings. The show continues its tradition of showcasing the biggest names in music, comedy, and film, maintaining its status as a cultural touchstone.

The Blockbuster Final Episodes of SNL Season 51 (Fall/Winter 2025)

The final three weeks of the year brought some of the most buzzworthy episodes of the entire season, featuring a mix of Grammy winners and breakout artists making their *SNL* debut. These announcements cemented Season 51's reputation for pulling off major celebrity coups.

The December 2025 Holiday Lineup: A Trio of Must-Watch Shows

The biggest surprise came with the final episode of the year, which featured a major star in a dual role and the return of an icon.

• December 20, 2025: Host Ariana Grande with Musical Guest Cher
  The Season 51 Christmas episode delivered an unprecedented event: pop sensation and actress Ariana Grande returned to Studio 8H to host, while the legendary Cher served as the musical guest. This marked a major pop culture moment, with the "Believe" singer performing alongside the *Wicked: For Good* star, who took on hosting duties.
• December 13, 2025: Host Josh O'Connor with Musical Guest Lily Allen
  Emmy winner and star of *The Crown*, Josh O'Connor, made his hosting debut, paired with the return of British pop-punk star Lily Allen. Allen’s appearance was particularly notable, marking her second time as a musical guest, nearly 18 years after her first.
• December 6, 2025: Host Melissa McCarthy with Musical Guest Dijon
  Five-Timers Club member Melissa McCarthy returned to host the first show of December. She was joined by the rising R&B/soul artist Dijon, who made his debut performance on the *SNL* stage, capping off a breakout year for the musician.

Key Musical Guests from the Start of Season 51

The 51st season of *SNL* kicked off in October 2025 with a strong start, featuring a former cast member returning to host and introducing a fresh face in music.

• October 11, 2025: Host Amy Poehler with Musical Guest Role Model
  Comedy legend and former cast member Amy Poehler returned to host, while indie pop artist Role Model (real name Tucker Pillsbury) made his debut as the musical guest. [cite: 2, 7 in step 1, 11 in step 4]

The Musical Guests Who Defined SNL Season 50's Spring 2025

The second half of *Saturday Night Live*'s milestone 50th Season, which ran from January to May 2025, concluded with a powerful string of performances, featuring a mix of chart-toppers and critically acclaimed bands.

Season 50 Spring Finale Lineup

The final three episodes of Season 50 in May 2025 were packed with high-profile talent, setting a high bar for the following season.

• May 17, 2025 (Season Finale): Host Scarlett Johansson with Musical Guest Bad Bunny
  The season closed with actress Scarlett Johansson hosting and global music icon Bad Bunny performing. This marked the "Me Fui de Vacaciones" singer's third time as a musical guest since 2021. [cite: 4 in step 1]
• May 10, 2025: Host Walton Goggins with Musical Guest Arcade Fire
  Actor Walton Goggins hosted the penultimate episode, with the Canadian rock band Arcade Fire performing.
• May 3, 2025: Host Quinta Brunson with Musical Guest Benson Boone
  The creator and star of *Abbott Elementary*, Quinta Brunson, hosted, introducing viral pop artist Benson Boone to the *SNL* stage.

Other Notable Musical Guests of Season 50 (2024-2025)

Season 50 was a celebration of music legends and contemporary hitmakers. The full season featured a diverse and impressive roster of musical talent, including:

• Paul McCartney, the legendary Beatle, made a highly anticipated appearance.
• Pop superstar Miley Cyrus returned to the show.
• Rapper Lil Wayne brought his iconic sound to the stage.
• The acclaimed soul artist Brittany Howard performed.
• Folk legend Paul Simon also graced the milestone season.
• Pop darling Sabrina Carpenter made an appearance before her speculated double-duty role in a future season.
• The legendary hip-hop band The Roots also performed during the season.

The Hottest Predictions for Unannounced SNL Musical Guests in 2026

While the 2025 lineup is complete, the perpetual buzz around *SNL* quickly shifts to the unannounced episodes of 2026. The show’s producers often book artists who have major new album releases or are embarking on world tours.

Potential Double-Duty Hosts (Host and Musical Guest)

The success of past double-duty hosts like Bad Bunny and Ariana Grande fuels speculation for other major stars to pull off the feat. * Lady Gaga: With a new album confirmed for 2025, there is strong speculation that Lady Gaga could return to *SNL* and potentially take on both the hosting and musical guest roles, given her acting prowess in films like *A Star Is Born* and her massive musical catalog. * Sabrina Carpenter: Following her appearance as a musical guest in Season 50, buzz is building for Sabrina Carpenter to return in Season 51 or 52 to host and perform as she continues her explosive rise in pop music. * Dua Lipa: The "Houdini" singer has been a frequent subject of double-duty rumors, with entertainment pundits predicting her return to the stage to promote new music and showcase her comedic timing.

The Big Pop and Rock Returns

* Taylor Swift: A perennial favorite, Taylor Swift is always a top prediction, especially with her massive cultural footprint and the possibility of new music or a major career milestone coinciding with a show date. Her appearances always generate massive ratings and social media engagement. * Zac Brown Band: As a popular band with a new album release scheduled in December, the Zac Brown Band is a strong contender for a show in early 2026, leveraging the momentum of their new music. * Coldplay: The British rock band Coldplay are among the most frequent *SNL* musical guests, making their return a high possibility for any unannounced season. The combination of confirmed global superstars like Cher, Ariana Grande, and Bad Bunny, alongside breakout talents like Dijon and Benson Boone, demonstrates *Saturday Night Live*'s commitment to a diverse and exciting musical landscape for 2025 and beyond.