Pop icon Ariana Grande was spotted in high spirits this week, enjoying a cosy dinner with the cast and crew of Saturday Night Live just days before she is due to host the legendary sketch show.
A Pre-Show Gathering in New York
On Tuesday evening, the 32-year-old Grammy winner was seen leaving the famed Italian restaurant Lattanzi in New York, with SNL's executive producer Lorne Michaels following close behind. Braving the chill, Grande bundled up in a voluminous white puffer coat, her light brown hair in a sleek bun. She accessorised with a black designer crossbody bag and her signature winged eyeliner, flashing a cheerful smile for waiting fans and photographers.
This dinner served as a warm-up for her highly anticipated return to Studio 8H. Grande will take the helm as host of Saturday Night Live on December 20, with music legend Cher performing as the episode's musical guest.
Grande's SNL History and Wicked Triumph
This upcoming appearance will mark Grande's third time hosting SNL, and her sixth overall appearance on the programme. She previously pulled double duty as both host and musical guest in 2016. Her most recent visit was in October 2024 to promote the first Wicked film.
Her return comes on the heels of the monumental success of Wicked: For Good, the second part of the film adaptation released on November 20, 2025. The movie has soared, earning nearly $500 million globally and securing the largest opening weekend ever for a Broadway musical adaptation.
Grande's performance as Glinda has also earned her critical acclaim, resulting in her second Golden Globe nomination for the role. She and co-star Cynthia Erivo made history as the first two actors from the same film to be consecutively nominated for their respective parts.
An Excited Return to a Second Home
Ahead of the show, Grande took to Instagram to share her enthusiasm, posting behind-the-scenes photos from her 2024 hosting stint. She captioned the post, 'can't wait to come home this week @nbcsnl ♡', hinting at a joyful reunion with the cast, including her close friend and Wicked co-star Bowen Yang.
In recent interviews, Grande has reflected on the depth her role in Wicked: For Good allowed, particularly highlighting the nominated song 'The Girl in the Bubble' as a pivotal moment that showcased Glinda's emotional evolution. As she steps back onto the SNL stage, she does so not just as a global pop sensation, but as a celebrated actress riding a wave of cinematic and awards season success.
