Hollywood star Ariana Grande showcased her own rendition of Mariah Carey’s iconic song, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” during her monologue on “Saturday Night Live.”
The Christmas Episode
Her monologue humorously tackled the challenges of gift-giving, titled “What Do I Get for Christmas for This Dude?” This Christmas episode was a highlight of season 51, featuring Grande as the host and Cher as the musical guest.
A Bittersweet Farewell
The episode also marked the end of an era, as cast member Bowen Yang made his final appearance following the announcement of his departure from the show. Yang, who has shared the stage with Grande in “Wicked” and this year’s “Wicked: For Good,” joined her during her playful take on Carey’s hit.
Holiday Spirit and Stress
Grande expressed her love for December in New York, stating, “December is my favorite time of year in New York. I love the decorations, the snow on the ground. I love shopping for all my loved ones. But I have to admit, I get a little stressed shopping for certain other people in my life.”
The audience erupted in cheers when they recognized Grande’s twist on “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” She humorously added, “I don’t know what to get for Christmas for my cousin’s boyfriend Steve. I don’t know a thing about him; I only see him on Christmas Eve.”
Life as a Star
In her monologue, Grande also made light of her busy schedule, particularly the nonstop press tour for “Wicked: For Good.” She joked about her director Jon M. Chu not allowing her any bathroom breaks, sharing, “Haven’t shopped a lot for Christmas, ‘cuz my schedule’s never free. Had so much press for ‘Wicked’, Jon Chu will not let me pee.”
When Bowen Yang joined her on stage, Grande teased him about his limited lines in “Wicked.” “Can I just say how much I loved your line in ‘Wicked’? Thank you,” he responded. Grande playfully corrected him, “You’re welcome,” to which Yang retorted, “No, that was my line.”
This episode marked Ariana Grande’s third time hosting “SNL,” making it a memorable night for both her and the audience.