Is Ariana Grande returning as a host on SNL? Details explored

Ariana Grande is confirmed to return to SNL in December for the sketch show's Christmas episode. The pop superstar is slated to host the December 20 episode of the show. It's going to be her fifth time on Saturday Night Live and third time hosting.

She debuted as a musical guest in September 2014, was host and musical guest in March 2016, a musical guest in March 2024, and then returned to the sketch show as a host in October 2024. And if any of her previous appearances in the show are any indication, fans will be in for another treat from the singer.

Ariana Grande stars in three of SNL season 50's most-watched sketches, per NBC. She showed off her skills in singing a reworked version of Espresso off-key on cue with fellow singing bridesmaids Heidi Gardner, Sarah Sherman, and Ego Nwodim during her last time hosting in October 2024.

Ariana Grande at SNL50 (Image via Saturday Night Live/YouTube)

Joining Grande in the SNL stage on that episode will be Cher, who is joining the cast as a musical guest. The upcoming performance at the Studio 8H stage marks her first time back since she debuted in the show in 1987, although she did perform as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations back in February.

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More about SNL's December lineup

The duo of Ariana Grande and Cher is just one of the anticipated appearances for the sketch comedy show's December lineup. Saturday Night Live announced the rest of their festive lineup for the December shows on Monday, November 17, which includes some returning names and new ones.

Melissa McCarthy will be returning for her sixth time hosting on December 6. According to NBC, every McCarthy episode in the sketch comedy show has been nominated for an Emmy, and she won one in 2017. But while she's been a host several times already, it's going to be her first time back in eight years.

Her last hosting gig was in 2017 with Haim as the musical guest. But for the first December 2025 show, joining her is two-time Grammy nominee Dijon. He will be making his debut as a musical guest, spending some time away from his tour schedule in support of his 2025 Baby album.

The following week, on December 13, Josh O'Connor will be taking Studio 8H as host. It will be the Primetime Emmy-winning British actor's first time taking an SNL hosting gig. He's known for starring in Challengers with Zendaya, Netflix's The Crown, and the 2025 Netflix murder mystery Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.

Joining him as the episode's musical guest is Lilly Allen. It will be the British singer's second time as a musical guest on the sketch comedy show, around 18 years since she first debuted on SNL in 2007. In her last appearance, she played songs Smile and LDN from her Alright, Still album.

But her upcoming appearance on Saturday Night Live comes shortly after releasing her newest album, West End Girl, on October 24, so fans can expect some new music from Allen.

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For those who want to see Ariana Grande and Cher on the Saturday Night Live stage live, or any of the other lineups, the NBC sketch comedy show will air at 11:30 pm Eastern Time. It will also be streaming live on Peacock.

Edited by Kinette Sumadia