Saturday Night Live has announced its big December lineup: Ariana Grande will return as host on December 20, with music icon Cher joining as the musical guest. This marks Grande’s third time hosting the iconic sketch show. Earlier in the month, The Crown’s Josh O’Connor will make his hosting debut with Lily Allen performing on December 13, and Melissa McCarthy returns as host on December 6 with newcomer Dijon as the musical act.
Ariana Grande Is Back Hosting SNL in December
Ariana Grande is set to return to the Saturday Night Live stage as host on December 20, 2025. It’s a big moment: this will be her third time leading an episode, showing how much the show trusts her comedic chops.
Her upcoming episode is part of SNL’s 51st season, and fans are already buzzing about what sketches she’ll bring and how she’ll lean into her musical and acting side.
Cher Makes a Long-Awaited Return as Musical Guest
Joining Grande for the December 20 episode is Cher, who’s making a major comeback to SNL. It’s her first time as a musical guest in almost 40 years — she last hit the Studio 8H stage in 1987.
This is more than just a performance: it’s a nostalgia-packed event with a legend, and it’s already being called one of this season’s highlight pairings.
Other Big December 2025 SNL Episodes
December 6 — Host: Melissa McCarthy, Musical Guest: Dijon
Veteran comedian Melissa McCarthy returns for her sixth time hosting. Dijon, who’s Grammy-nominated, will make his SNL musical guest debut.
December 13 — Host: Josh O’Connor, Musical Guest: Lily Allen
Josh O’Connor (from The Crown) takes on hosting duties, while Lily Allen returns to perform. This marks Allen’s second gig on SNL; she last appeared way back in 2007.
Why the Grande–Cher Pairing Is a Big Deal
- Star Power: Both Grande and Cher are huge names in music — this is a rare alignment of pop royalty.
- Legacy & Iconic Status: Cher’s return is historic, and pairing her with Ariana (a modern-pop powerhouse) bridges generations.
- Creative Potential: With a host who’s a singer and a legendary artist as the musical act, the episode could lean into musical sketches, duets, or really bold performances.
- Fan Excitement: Fans of both artists are already speculating about unforgettable moments, from comedic bits to possible collaborations.
What This Means for SNL’s 51st Season
This lineup signals SNL’s commitment to blending comedic talent with music icons. By the end of the year, they’ll have hosted:
- A major pop star (Grande)
- A legendary artist (Cher)
- A breakout television actor (Josh O’Connor)
- A seasoned comedian (McCarthy)
- Plus fresh musical talent (Lily Allen, Dijon)
It’s a high-stakes close to 2025 — one that could set the tone for 2026.
What Fans Are Likely to Look Forward To
- Sketches Involving Music: Expect Grande to lean into her singing and Cher to get comedic callbacks.
- Duets or Cameos: Whether or not they sing together, the opportunity is there — and fans will be watching.
- Holiday Vibes: Coming just before Christmas, the Dec. 20 episode might have festive bits or seasonal themes.
- Unexpected Moments: SNL is known for surprises, and this kind of A-list pairing often brings bold creative risks.
Why It’s a Strategic Move for Ariana Grande
- Promotional Timing: Grande is currently promoting Wicked: For Good, and hosting SNL around this time helps amplify her visibility.
- Comedy Credibility: She’s shown she’s not just a singer — she’s a convincing comedic performer, and SNL continues to be a platform where she shines.
- Cultural Relevance: Returning to SNL cements her as a cross-generational artist with appeal in music, film, and television.
Why This Matters for Cher
- Massive Return: It’s her first performance on SNL in nearly four decades — fans have waited a long time for this.
- Cultural Legacy: Cher’s appearance connects back to SNL history, reminding audiences of her early influence.
- Relevance: Pairing with Grande puts her in a spotlight that bridges old-school and new-school pop culture.
Also Read : Sadie Sink & Noah Jupe to Play Romeo & Juliet in London West End – Big Stage Debut
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will Ariana Grande host SNL?
A: December 20, 2025.
Q: Who is the musical guest for Grande’s episode?
A: Cher will be the musical guest on that show.
Q: Has Cher been on SNL recently?
A: No, she hasn’t performed since 1987, making this return quite historic.
Q: Who hosts the week before Grande?
A: Josh O’Connor hosts on December 13 with Lily Allen as the musical guest, and Melissa McCarthy hosts on December 6 with Dijon.
Q: Is this Grande’s first time hosting?
A: No — she’s hosted SNL twice before, making this her third stint.
Q: Why do fans care about this lineup?
A: It’s a rare blend of musical legend (Cher), a current pop star (Grande), and rising hosts, promising a mix of nostalgia, star power, and creative excitement.
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