Ariana Grande made her triumphant return to “Saturday Night Live” just over a year after delivering one of the season’s best hosting performances.
But this time, something was different.
Instead of claiming the spotlight for herself, Grande graciously shared center stage with her “Wicked” co-star Bowen Yang, who confirmed he’s leaving “SNL” midway through his eighth season.
The result was an emotionally charged episode that showcased Grande’s comedic chops while honoring Yang’s memorable tenure on the show.
Grande Brings Her A-Game (Again)
Grande wasted no time proving why she’s become an “SNL” favorite. Her monologue kicked off with a hilarious twist on Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas,” complete with Yang and other cast members chiming in with absurd gift suggestions like back massage coupons and boxes of raw oysters.
Throughout the night, she demonstrated remarkable versatility. She played an Elf on the Shelf who’d been cut in half in a support group sketch, exchanged a costume soul patch with Marcello Hernández as dramatic dance instructors, and delivered perhaps her most memorable performance: portraying Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin in an extremely bloody “Home Alone” parody.
Grande also dated The Grinch (Mikey Day) in a “Love Is Blind” reunion sketch and played a judge in a courtroom scene featuring Kenan Thompson as Black Santa Claus.
When Impressions Meet Perfection
The standout sketch for Grande’s vocal abilities came in a Peacock special parody that mashed up different singers, mimicking the viral David Bowie/Bing Crosby “Little Drummer Boy” video.
Her impressions were eerily accurate. Grande channeled Katy Perry, Celine Dion, and Andrea Bocelli with remarkable precision. Paired with James Austin Johnson as Bob Dylan and later Bocelli, she proved once again why she’s considered one of the best celebrity impressionists in entertainment.
Johnson surprisingly held his own alongside Grande’s vocal mastery, particularly in their closing duet as Bocelli and Dion. Other memorable moments included Marcello Hernández as Bad Bunny and Veronika Slowikowska as Bjork.
Yang’s Emotional Farewell Takes Center Stage
While Grande shined throughout, she clearly understood the assignment: this was Yang’s goodbye party.
Yang appeared in nearly every sketch, from brief cameos in the “Home Alone” parody to playing Yoko Ono in the Peacock special. He reprised his beloved Trend Forecaster character on “Weekend Update” alongside former cast member Aidy Bryant.
The closing sketch served as Yang’s emotional farewell—a scene about an elderly Delta Sky Club worker passing out eggnog on his last shift. Playing opposite Grande as his wife, Yang delivered lines that resonated far beyond the fictional setup.
All the eggnog you’ve made over the years. Some of it was great. Some of it was rotten.
Grande’s character responded perfectly to Yang’s reflection.
And a lot of it got cut.
Yang replied, breaking character multiple times while expressing genuine love for his “SNL” colleagues.
A Tearful Goodbye With Signature Humor
Yang sang through tears alongside Grande in a version of “Please Come Home for Christmas,” delivering a line that captured his entire “SNL” journey perfectly.
Eggnog is kind of like me — it’s not for everyone, but the people who like it are my kind of people.
The sketch maintained its comedic edge even in emotional moments. When Yang mentioned wanting to go out on top, Grande quipped with perfect timing.
Oh, everyone knows you’re a bottom.
Musical guest Cher made a surprise appearance as Yang’s Delta boss, delivering the ultimate validation.
Everyone thought you were a little too gay. But, you know what? You’re perfect for me.
Trump Returns With New Meta Twist
James Austin Johnson’s President Trump impression continues evolving into increasingly meta territory. His holiday address featured Trump reading stage directions out loud—an interesting new dimension to Johnson’s already masterful portrayal.
Remember when I did this with flag? I’m hugging tree now.
Trump warned about “Arctic immigrants coming in through our chimneys and stealing our milk and cookies” while discussing proposed name changes including “The Trump-Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts No Homo.”
Johnson’s impression is getting slurrier and more surreal, yet continues delivering random pop culture references spanning the Indigo Girls, “The Hunger Games,” and video game “Metal Gear Solid.”
Breaking Character, But Making It Work
Grande wasn’t quite as locked in as her previous hosting gig, breaking character laughing several times throughout sketches. But her infectious energy and comedic timing made those moments feel endearing rather than unprofessional.
It felt authentic. Grande seemed less focused on promoting “Wicked” and more invested in helping her friend say goodbye properly.
The night balanced humor with heart, showcasing why both Grande and Yang have become beloved “SNL” figures. While the Elf on the Shelf support group and “Love Is Blind” reunion sketches delivered the biggest laughs, Yang’s Delta Sky Club farewell provided the evening’s most memorable moment.
Before the final goodbyes, a title card honored Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, who were killed in their home the previous week—a somber reminder that even comedy shows exist within larger contexts of loss and celebration.
Grande proved she’s mastered the art of being funny, talented, and gracious all at once. Yang’s departure leaves a significant gap in “SNL’s” roster, but his farewell couldn’t have been handled more perfectly.