Ariana Grande graced the Saturday Night Live stage as host and musical guest on March 12, 2016, for Season 41, Episode 16. She also appeared as a musical guest on September 27, 2014, during Season 40, Episode 1.
From Musical Guest to Host: Ariana’s SNL Journey
Ariana Grande’s appearances on Saturday Night Live are etched in the show’s history, showcasing her remarkable talent as both a singer and a comedian. Her evolution from a primarily musical guest to a seasoned host demonstrates her versatility and appeal to a broad audience. We’ll explore these performances, highlight key moments, and answer frequently asked questions about Ariana Grande’s connection with SNL.
Season 40: A Musical Introduction
Her first appearance, back in 2014, was primarily as a musical guest. However, even then, glimpses of her comedic potential shone through. She performed “Problem” and “Break Free,” two of her biggest hits at the time.
Season 41: Hosting and Impersonation Mastery
The 2016 episode marked a pivotal moment in Ariana’s career. Not only did she perform her hits, but she also hosted the entire show, proving her comedic chops and talent for impersonation. This episode is frequently cited as a highlight reel of her skills, solidifying her status as a multi-talented entertainer. Her impressions of various celebrities, including Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Shakira, were particularly well-received and are often replayed online.
Memorable Moments and Sketches
The March 12, 2016, episode featured a number of memorable sketches.
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“The Sound of Music: Live”: Ariana flawlessly impersonated multiple singers in this sketch, displaying her vocal versatility and impressive range. The scene involved auditioning for a role in “The Sound of Music Live,” and each audition was done in the style of a different artist.
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“Tidal”: This pre-taped sketch hilariously satirized the struggling music streaming service Tidal. Ariana played Chloe, an intern who, much to the frustration of her co-workers, was the only one able to play the streaming service for Beyonce.
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Her opening monologue: This gave her the opportunity to address the audience and set the tone for the entire show, showcasing her personality and comedic timing.
Why Her SNL Appearances Matter
Ariana Grande’s appearances on SNL weren’t just about promoting her music; they were about showcasing her range as an entertainer. She proved that she could handle the pressure of live television, deliver memorable performances, and hold her own alongside seasoned comedic actors. The 2016 episode, in particular, cemented her position as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Her ability to blend her musical talent with her comedic skills resonates strongly with audiences, making her a natural fit for SNL’s format. This combination elevated her public image and broadened her appeal beyond just her music.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: When was Ariana Grande’s first appearance on Saturday Night Live?
Ariana Grande’s first appearance on Saturday Night Live was as a musical guest on September 27, 2014, during Season 40, Episode 1.
FAQ 2: Which season and episode did Ariana Grande host SNL?
Ariana Grande hosted Saturday Night Live during Season 41, Episode 16, which aired on March 12, 2016.
FAQ 3: What musical performances did Ariana Grande deliver during her hosting episode?
During her hosting episode on March 12, 2016, Ariana Grande performed “Dangerous Woman” and “Be Alright”.
FAQ 4: What were some of the most popular sketches from the SNL episode Ariana Grande hosted?
Some of the most popular sketches included “The Sound of Music: Live,” in which she did impressions of several famous singers, and “Tidal,” which satirized the music streaming service.
FAQ 5: Which celebrities did Ariana Grande impersonate on SNL?
Ariana Grande impersonated a wide array of singers, including Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Shakira, and Rihanna. Her impressions were incredibly accurate and well-received.
FAQ 6: Did Ariana Grande win any awards for her SNL hosting performance?
While she didn’t win any specific awards directly for her SNL hosting performance, the episode significantly contributed to her growing reputation as a versatile entertainer, which undoubtedly influenced future award nominations and wins across her career.
FAQ 7: Who was the musical guest when Ariana Grande hosted SNL?
Ariana Grande served as both the host and musical guest for the March 12, 2016 episode. This is a common practice for artists who are well-known for both their singing and acting abilities.
FAQ 8: Can I watch full episodes or clips of Ariana Grande’s SNL appearances online?
Yes, you can find clips and sometimes full episodes of Ariana Grande’s SNL appearances on various platforms, including YouTube, NBC’s website, and streaming services that carry SNL content like Peacock. However, availability may vary based on region and licensing agreements.
FAQ 9: Was there any controversy surrounding Ariana Grande’s SNL appearances?
While her performances were largely praised, some viewers offered opinions on the jokes in certain skits or felt that particular impressions could have been handled differently. However, there was no major or widely publicized controversy surrounding her SNL appearances.
FAQ 10: How did Ariana Grande’s SNL performances impact her career?
Her SNL appearances, especially the hosting gig, significantly enhanced her public image and demonstrated her comedic talent, solidifying her status as a multi-faceted entertainer. This broadened her appeal beyond music and opened doors to new opportunities in television and film.
FAQ 11: Has Ariana Grande hosted SNL more than once?
As of the current date, Ariana Grande has only hosted SNL once, on March 12, 2016.
FAQ 12: What made Ariana Grande’s impressions stand out from other celebrity impressions on SNL?
Ariana Grande’s impressions stood out due to her remarkable vocal accuracy and her ability to capture the mannerisms of the artists she was impersonating. She didn’t just mimic their voices; she embodied their stage presence and quirks, resulting in hilarious and convincing portrayals. The combination of vocal talent and comedic timing made her impressions particularly memorable.