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Ariana Grande Hosts SNL with Cher, Mariah Carey Parody & More (December 20, 2023)

Last night,December 20,Ariana Grande returned to Studio‍ 8H to host Saturday Night Live for the second time. The episode ‍was a blend of sharp comedy, musical performances, and a ⁤touch of sentimentality as it acknowledged the ⁢upcoming departure of cast member Bowen Yang.This ⁢recap dives into the highlights, ‍sketches, and overall impact of the night.

Ariana Grande’s⁣ Monologue: A Mariah Carey Masterclass

Grande’s monologue promptly set a high bar, launching into a spot-on parody of Mariah Carey’s iconic vocal runs and persona. The sketch cleverly referenced carey’s recent record-breaking⁢ achievement with “All I Want for Christmas Is You” becoming the ⁣longest-running No. 1 song in history. Bowen Yang’s ⁣participation added an ⁣extra layer of emotion, knowing⁣ this was one of his last‍ appearances as a ⁣cast member. The success of the monologue ⁣hinged on‍ Grande’s impressive vocal mimicry and the comedic timing with Yang.

Why this worked: Mariah Carey is‍ a cultural icon, particularly during the holiday season. Parodying her is instantly relatable ⁤and provides a built-in audience. The inclusion of Bowen Yang’s farewell added ‍a poignant touch.

Sketch Highlights: From Elf on⁣ the Shelf ‍to Home Alone

Throughout the evening, Grande showcased her versatility in a variety of sketches. She appeared as an elf ⁢on the Shelf, a dance ‍instructor, and a hilarious rendition of Macaulay ⁤Culkin’s Kevin McCallister from Home Alone.These sketches demonstrated her⁢ willingness to embrace‍ different characters and comedic‍ styles.

The standout sketch, however,⁤ was the “Random Duet Christmas stunning.” Inspired by the legendary David ⁤Bowie and Bing Crosby performance of “Peace on ⁢earth / Little Drummer Boy,” the sketch featured ‍Grande impersonating Katy Perry and Celine Dion.The ⁤brilliance ⁢lay in the unexpected pairings and the cast’s ability to embody a diverse range of musical ‍artists, including Bob Dylan, Kate Bush, Yoko Ono, Björk, and⁣ Geese frontman Cameron Winter. the sketch’s chaotic energy and rapid-fire impressions where a highlight of the night.

Cher’s Triumphant Return

Cher made her first appearance as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live since 2011, delivering two captivating ⁢performances. She performed “DJ Play a Christmas