The December 28, 2024, episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) brought excitement as pop star Ariana Grande hosted the show, marking her highly anticipated return to Studio 8H. This episode, originally broadcast as season 50, episode 3 earlier this season, features famed rock artist Stevie Nicks as the musical guest, showcasing the blend of modern pop and classic rock.
Ariana Grande, known for her incredible vocal range and acting roles, has made waves not only through her chart-topping hits like "Thank U, Next" but also through her memorable roles on television. Having last hosted SNL back in March 2016, her return is met with enthusiasm from fans eager for her comedic talent and musical performances. Recently, she starred as Glinda the Good Witch in the musical film adaptation of Wicked, for which she has received acclaim and even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Stevie Nicks, who also graced the SNL stage during the same episode, is celebrated for her contributions to music, especially with Fleetwood Mac and her solo career. A two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Nicks performed some of her classic hits, including "Edge of Seventeen," drawing on her legacy and power as one of rock’s most iconic women. The collaboration between Grande's pop sensibilities and Nicks' classic rock sensibilities offers viewers a captivating musical experience.
The 2024 episode, which aired live at 11:30 pm ET, also featured main cast members, including Kenan Thompson, Chloe Fineman, and Bowen Yang. Newcomers Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline contributed fresh energy and creativity to the sketches, making for engaging and entertaining performances.
Throughout the episode, Grande showcased her ability to blend comedy with her musical talent, particularly evident when she performed impressions of various pop singers such as Celine Dion, Miley Cyrus, and Britney Spears. Grande's comedic timing and vocal prowess delighted both the live audience and viewers at home, proving once again her versatility as both singer and performer.
Creating even more buzz, promotional clips for the episode featured Grande humorously rejecting the notion of participating in any [Wicked](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10954600/) themed sketches, showing her self-awareness and readiness to laugh at herself as the cast expressed comedic disappointment. This clever self-reference generated excitement about her upcoming film role and showcased the lightheartedness typical of SNL's skits.
SNL has been on air since 1975 and has become renowned for its ability to adapt and appeal to diverse generations of fans. The show continues to evolve, integrating new talents and acknowledging the legacy of original cast members, like former SNL star Chevy Chase, who was recently spotlighted due to his involvement with the film detailing the show's early days.
This episode aired as the final broadcast of SNL for 2024, capping off the year with laughter and memorable performances. Grande's hosting and Nicks' return highlighted the show’s spirit, showcasing not only the humor but also the significance of musical artistry. This combination reflects SNL's long-standing tradition of blending the best of both worlds, delivering comedy infused with musical excellence.
To catch the latest shows, viewers can tune to NBC live at 11:30 pm ET or stream episodes via platforms like Peacock. With options like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV, fans can access their favorite sketches and musical performances whenever they want, ensuring SNL remains accessible across generations.
The December 28, 2024, episode is not only entertaining but also serves as a reminder of the vibrant and diverse talent present on SNL, affirming its place as one of television's most beloved sketch comedy shows.