Ariana Grande showcased her theatrical flair and diva persona during her opening monologue for Saturday Night Live, marking her second time as host of the sketch comedy show.
The star of Wicked kicked off her three-and-a-half minute monologue with a nod to the aspirations of theater kids who dream of playing Glinda or Elphaba in the beloved musical. She humorously remarked, “Well, it’s every theater kid’s dream to lose their virginity, but their second dream is, of course, to be in Wicked.”
Grande also referenced her first hosting experience back in 2016, when another female presidential candidate was in the race, quipping, “So I guess second time’s the charm.”
Throughout the monologue, she playfully noted that she wouldn’t be performing double duty as the musical guest this week, saying she was “just hosting.” She assured the audience, “I’m just gonna have fun, take it easy and, yeah, just keep it lowkey.”
However, that promise was quickly upended as Grande launched into an impromptu ballad that crescendoed into a lively cabaret-style performance. She effortlessly transitioned from her signature impression of Britney Spears to a tribute to the vocals of Gwen Stefani set to No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak.”
Grande also quipped about avoiding discussions about Wicked, only to encounter Bowen Yang dressed in full Glinda drag. The performance culminated in a vibrant high-kick routine, as Grande fully embraced her vocal talents, prompting laughter and applause.
She wrapped up her monologue with a playful declaration, “If you’re looking for a diva, don’t look over here,” leaving the audience entertained and bemused.