Ariana Grande and Stevie Nicks deliver memorable 'SNL' episode despite delays

On October 13, 2024, Saturday Night Live featured a star-studded episode with Wicked star Ariana Grande as the host and musical legend Stevie Nicks as the guest performer. Despite a delayed start due to an extended football game, the episode kept fans entertained with sketches and musical numbers. Grande, who previously hosted in 2016, showed off her vocal talents in her monologue, impersonating Britney Spears and Gwen Stefani while humorously claiming she wouldn't sing during the episode. In one of the standout sketches, she participated in a bridesmaid performance parodying Sabrina Carpenter's song "Espresso."

Stevie Nicks, returning to the SNL stage for the first time since 1983, performed "The Lighthouse" and "Edge of Seventeen," delivering powerful messages about women's empowerment. The episode received praise for its blend of humor and impressive musical performances, with guest stars such as Maya Rudolph and Andy Samberg adding to the fun.

The combination of Grande's theater background and Nicks' iconic status made this episode a hit for viewers, many of whom expressed excitement over the pairing. Taran Killam, a former SNL cast member, stated, "Stevie Nicks performing with Ariana hosting is appointment television for me."