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

Ariana Grande, born in 1993, gained fame through her role in Nickelodeon's "Victorious" before transitioning to music. Her debut album, "Yours Truly" (2013), paved the way for her successful career, marked by albums like "Dangerous Woman" and "Positions."

Grande's music blends pop, dance, and R&B, earning her 15 Grammy nominations and two wins. She has also acted in films like "Zoolander 2" and the upcoming "Wicked" adaptation, where she portrays Glinda.

She returned to Studio 8H to host "Saturday Night Live," showcasing her talent for impersonations, including spot-on impressions of Britney Spears, Celine Dion, and more. Grande, who portrays Glinda in the much-anticipated "Wicked" film this November, shared her enthusiasm during her opening monologue.

“Thank you so much,” said Grande. “I’m so happy to be back hosting.

This year has been truly amazing. I got to play Glinda in the ‘Wicked’ movie.

It’s awesome because I’m such a theater kid. And it’s every theater kid’s dream to be Glinda or Elphaba.

Well, it’s every theater kid’s dream to lose their virginity. But their second dream is, of course, to be in ‘Wicked.'”

Reflecting on her previous hosting stint, Grande remarked, “The last time I hosted was in 2016, right on the verge of electing our first female president, so I guess the second time’s the charm.”

Famous for her incredible vocal range, Grande humorously commented on her musical prowess, stating, “I just want to make one thing clear: I am just hosting.

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

"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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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.

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. According to Psychic Tanya, a celebrity expert, the ability to mimic others reflects both a deep understanding of their persona and an innate skill in emotional intelligence.

This is particularly evident in her recent 'SNL' appearance, where she showcased impressions that resonated with audiences, reflecting both humor and skill. Tanya emphasizes that such performances can serve as a form of social commentary, allowing artists to critique or celebrate cultural icons.

Ariana Grande monologue

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."

The Role of Humor in Performance

Dr. John Gottman, relationship expert, emphasizes the importance of humor in interpersonal dynamics, suggesting that laughter can enhance connections and foster understanding. 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.

Gottman’s research indicates that humor can defuse tension and enhance emotional bonds, making it a powerful tool in performance. Incorporating light-heartedness into art can lead to more profound audience engagement and satisfaction, as it resonates on a personal level.

Ariana Grande’s ability to blend her musical talent with comedic impressions highlights her multifaceted artistry, resonating deeply with fans and critics alike. As Psychology Today notes, humor can be a pathway to connection and authenticity. It allows artists to share their perspectives while also inviting audiences to reflect on their experiences.

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.