Ariana Grande's Spot-On Celebrity Impressions Steal The Show On 'SNL'

Ariana Grande walked onto “SNL” like she owned the night, then immediately tried to convince everyone she wasn’t going to do what she does best. She even started with the classic bit of “I’m not going to sing my favorite notes” and “I’m not going to do my impressions,” right before the two-time Grammy winner absolutely crushed it anyway.

Here’s the chaos: she’s handed a microphone offstage, sings, then pivots into spot-on impersonations of Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Gwen Stefani. The Stefani moment lands hardest, especially when Ariana jokes, “I promised I won’t do a lift,” and then gets lifted into the air with a chorus line in sparkly suits, because of course she does.

And just when you think it can’t get more theatrical, Bowen Yang shows up dressed as Glinda and the “Wicked” sketch gets cut mid-scene.

"This year has been truly amazing. I got to play Glinda in the 'Wicked' movie," said Ariana

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"I'm not going to make this about me. I'm just going to have fun, take it easy, and keep it low-key."

From offstage, Ariana Grande was handed a microphone, prompting her to exclaim, “Oh, what’s this?” She began singing, stating, “I’m not going to sing my favorite notes…

I’m not going to do my impressions…” Moments later, however, the two-time Grammy winner showcased her vocal prowess by doing impressions of Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Gwen Stefani.

Her spot-on rendition of Stefani singing No Doubt’s 1995 hit “Don’t Speak” stood out. Grande humorously added, “I promised I won’t do a lift,” just as she was lifted into the air, accompanied by a glamorous chorus line dressed in suits.

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Right after Ariana’s “Don’t Speak” Stefani impression and that suspiciously timed lift, the whole stage turns into a full-on Glinda runway with Bowen Yang stepping in as if the script is optional.

Bowen Yang joined Ariana Grande onstage, dressed as Glinda from “The Wizard of Oz.”

Grande remarked, “Bowen, didn’t anybody tell you? We cut the ‘Wicked’ sketch.”

“Oh, that’s OK,” Yang replied. “I didn’t really want to do it anyway.”

Grande playfully responded, “Great, and this isn’t a wand; it’s a flask,” pulling the top off Yang’s pink Glinda wand. Continuing to sing, Grande added, “I’m not gonna do a duet tonight, so please don’t bring out Stevie Nicks!

And the last thing I’m gonna do is bring out some hot dancers to do some insanely high kicks!” At that moment, she was joined by a glamorous chorus line, all dressed in sparkly suits.

Then Ariana flips the tone instantly, telling Bowen, “We cut the ‘Wicked’ sketch,” and the vibe shifts from musical parody to straight-up backstage prank energy.

It’s a bit like researchers pinpointing a personality trait that could help keep your brain youthful.

Ariana Grande's impressive range as a performer isn't just about her vocal abilities; it also lies in her talent for impersonation, which captures the nuances of her subjects.

This is particularly evident in her recent 'SNL' appearance, where she showcased impressions that resonated with audiences, reflecting both humor and skill.

Ariana Grande monologue

When she pulls the top off Yang’s pink Glinda wand and keeps singing, the sketch turns into a “yes, and” circus, capped off by her warning not to bring out Stevie Nicks.

But that was not the end of her performance. In another brief sketch, Ariana Grande portrayed Celine Dion, parodying the singer's unexpected NFL promo from the previous week.

This time, Grande's version of Dion humorously sang about the intense, bone-crunching action of UFC fighting, spoofing "It's All Coming Back to Me Now."

In the realm of entertainment, humor often serves as a bridge between performers and their audiences. During Grande's SNL sketches, she leverages humor not only to entertain but also to create a sense of shared experience.

Ariana Grande’s ability to blend her musical talent with comedic impressions highlights her multifaceted artistry, resonating deeply with fans and critics alike.

Grande's performances serve as a reminder of the power of humor in entertainment, showing that it can transform a standard performance into a memorable experience. By embracing vulnerability and laughter, artists can foster a deeper connection with their audience.

Nobody came to “SNL” for a normal Ariana Grande moment, and that’s exactly why it worked.

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