5 Jaw-Dropping Moments Fans Expect From Cher’s Long-Awaited SNL Return (It’s Not ‘Last Night’—It’s Next Week!)

The search query "Cher on SNL last night" has exploded across the internet, reflecting the sheer anticipation for the Goddess of Pop's return to the legendary Studio 8H stage. While Cher did not perform on Saturday Night Live last night, the excitement is palpable because her official, long-awaited comeback as a musical guest is scheduled for the following Saturday, December 20, 2025, with host Ariana Grande. This monumental event marks her first musical guest slot in nearly four decades, promising a holiday finale that will undoubtedly be an all-time classic. Fans are eagerly dissecting every detail, from potential sketch cameos to the songs she will perform from her highly-anticipated *Christmas* album.

The confusion stems from a mix of intense public interest and her most recent, yet still iconic, appearance at the SNL 50th Anniversary Concert earlier this year. As of today, December 13, 2025, the world is holding its breath for the ultimate generational crossover: the legendary Cher sharing the stage with pop superstar Ariana Grande. The episode is already being touted as one of the most culturally significant television events of the year, bridging music, comedy, and four decades of television history.

Cher: A Complete Biography and Profile

Cherilyn Sarkisian, universally known simply as Cher, is an American singer, actress, and television personality who has been a prominent figure in popular culture for over six decades. Her career is often cited as a masterclass in reinvention, making her one of the most enduring and commercially successful artists in history. She is one of the few artists to have received a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, an Academy Award, and three Golden Globe Awards, cementing her status as an EGOT-adjacent icon.

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• Full Name: Cherilyn Sarkisian
• Born: May 20, 1946
• Birthplace: El Centro, California, U.S.
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 79
• Occupations: Singer, Actress, Television Personality, Fashion Icon
• Career Start: Early 1960s as a backup singer, notably for The Ronettes and The Crystals.
• Duo Success: Achieved global fame in the 1960s as half of the folk-rock duo Sonny & Cher with her then-husband, Sonny Bono. Their biggest hit was "I Got You Babe."
• Solo Breakthroughs: Her solo career took off with hits like "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves," "Half-Breed," and the revolutionary 1998 smash "Believe," which pioneered the use of Auto-Tune.
• Acting Career Highlights: Won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in *Moonstruck* (1987). Other notable films include *Silkwood* (1983), *Mask* (1985), and *Witches of Eastwick* (1987).
• Television Success: Starred in the highly-rated variety shows *The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour* (1971–1974) and *Cher* (1975–1976).
• Total Record Sales: Over 100 million records worldwide.
• SNL Debut: November 21, 1987, as the musical guest.

The 40-Year Wait: Anticipation for the December 20, 2025 Episode

The announcement that Cher would return as the musical guest for the December 20, 2025, holiday finale—with host Ariana Grande—sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. This appearance will be her first official musical guest spot since her debut in 1987, a nearly four-decade gap that highlights the rarity and significance of the booking. The episode is the final one of the year, making it a pivotal moment for the show's 51st season.

The booking is perfectly timed to promote her latest venture, the critically acclaimed *Christmas* album. This album, which features classic holiday tunes and new originals, gives fans a strong indication of what her setlist will include. The most anticipated performance is her original holiday smash, "DJ Play a Christmas Song," a track that has already become a viral sensation and a staple of the 2025 holiday season.

Speculation is also rampant about potential sketch appearances. Given her acting pedigree and comedic timing, fans are desperate to see her interact with the current cast and, most excitingly, with host Ariana Grande. Grande, known for her spot-on celebrity impressions, including a famous one of Cher herself, could create a surreal and hilarious moment by performing a skit alongside the legend she imitates. This inter-generational sketch potential is one of the episode's biggest draws, promising a viral moment that could break the internet.

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The Ultimate Cameo: Recapping Cher’s Viral SNL 50th Concert Performance

While the December 20, 2025, episode is the official musical guest return, the last time Cher graced an SNL-related stage was during the star-studded SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert, held in February 2024 at Radio City Music Hall. This event, which celebrated five decades of the iconic sketch show, featured a parade of A-list talent, and Cher’s performance was an undeniable highlight.

The icon, then 78, stole the show with a powerful rendition of her 1989 smash hit, "If I Could Turn Back Time." True to form, her outfit was just as memorable as the performance. She appeared in a revealing black bedazzled bodysuit paired with a black leather jacket, an updated homage to the controversial, yet legendary, sheer outfit she wore in the original music video for the song. The look was a testament to her enduring status as a fashion rebel and a timeless performer, proving she remains "Strong Enough" to command any stage.

The energy of her performance, combined with the nostalgic power of the song, became one of the most talked-about moments of the entire SNL 50th celebration. It served as a perfect, high-energy precursor to her full-fledged return to the show proper, reminding a new generation of viewers why she is one of the most captivating live performers in music history.

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Predicted Setlist and Sketch Expectations for the Big Night

The December 20th show is a massive opportunity for Cher to showcase her versatility and her new material. While the final setlist is always kept a secret until showtime, the following songs are heavily predicted to be performed, along with other potential surprises:

Anticipated Musical Performances

• "DJ Play a Christmas Song": A near-certainty. This is the lead single from her *Christmas* album and the primary reason for the holiday-timed booking. It’s a modern, upbeat track that will inject energy into the show.
• "Believe": Her biggest global hit and a song that revolutionized pop music production. It is a fan favorite and a must-play for any major television appearance, ensuring maximum viewership.
• A Classic Ballad: Either "If I Could Turn Back Time" or "Strong Enough" is a strong possibility, perhaps as a medley, to satisfy the multi-generational audience.
• A Christmas Duet: Given the album's theme and the presence of host Ariana Grande, a duet on a classic holiday song like "Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town" or "Silent Night" is highly anticipated, combining two of music's most powerful voices.

Potential Sketch Appearances and Cameos

Cher is a gifted comedic actress, having hosted *SNL* in the past (1975) and starred in her own variety shows. Her willingness to embrace comedy makes a sketch appearance almost guaranteed. The most likely scenarios include:

• A Monologue Appearance: A quick, self-deprecating joke or a fashion commentary during Ariana Grande’s opening monologue.
• A Musical Sketch: A pre-taped or live sketch where she plays a diva or a version of herself, possibly interacting with the cast's impressionists.
• The Ariana Grande Impression Crossover: The most-wished-for moment is a sketch where Ariana Grande’s Cher impression is interrupted by the real Cher, leading to a hilarious face-off or duet.
• A Holiday-Themed Cameo: A quick appearance in a holiday sketch, perhaps as a glamorous, unexpected figure, echoing her role as a pop culture icon.

Whether it’s the viral performance from the SNL 50th Concert, or the upcoming, history-making return, Cher’s association with Saturday Night Live continues to generate massive buzz, proving that after six decades in the spotlight, she remains one of the most compelling figures in entertainment.