Ariana Grande Sets the Stage for Laughter Ahead of Her ‘SNL’ Return

Ariana Grande is gearing up to host “Saturday Night Live” this weekend, and she’s making it clear what she doesn’t want to see in her upcoming sketches. In a hilarious promo released on Wednesday, the pop sensation humorously requested that no sketches related to “Wicked” or “The Wizard of Oz” be included in the show.

In the promo, Grande faces off against several “SNL” cast members—Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, Marcello Hernández, and Andrew Dismukes—who are hilariously dressed as iconic characters from “The Wizard of Oz.” Walker donned the Cowardly Lion costume, Longfellow took on the role of Dorothy, Hernández transformed into the Scarecrow, and Dismukes embodied the Tin Man.

After a comedic pause where Dismukes contemplated Grande’s request, he asked, “May we come back in one hour?” Without missing a beat, the Grammy-winning singer replied, “Sure,” showcasing her quick wit and sense of humor.

Grande’s decision to steer clear of “Wicked” references is particularly noteworthy as she is set to portray Glinda in the highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, which premieres next month. The actress-singer’s involvement in such a significant project adds another layer of excitement to her appearance on “SNL.”

This isn’t Grande’s first time on “SNL.” She previously graced the stage as a musical guest in 2014 and again in 2024. In March 2016, she showcased her versatility by both hosting and performing on the show, further proving her knack for comedy and music.

Joining her this week as the musical guest is the legendary Stevie Nicks, adding an extra spark to the episode. With both Grande and Nicks in the lineup, viewers can expect an unforgettable night filled with laughter and incredible performances.

“Saturday Night Live” airs on NBC on Saturday at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT, and fans are eager to see what Grande brings to the iconic show this time around. With her comedic timing and vocal prowess, it’s sure to be a memorable episode.