Ariana Grande SNL Moments That Broke the Internet

When you think of Ariana Grande, powerful vocals, chart-topping hits, and red carpet glamour probably come to mind. But one of her most underrated talents is her ability to own the stage at Saturday Night Live (SNL). Ariana Grande’s SNL performance wasn’t just another celebrity cameo—it was a game-changing moment that revealed her hilarious side to the world.

In this article, we’ll explore everything about Ariana Grande on SNL—her best sketches, jaw-dropping impersonations, musical performances, behind-the-scenes efforts, and the impact it had on her career.

Let’s dive into the iconic Ariana Grande SNL appearance that turned heads and became one of the most talked-about episodes in the show’s history.

Ariana Grande’s SNL Debut: A Dual Role Done Right

On March 12, 2016, Ariana Grande became both the host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live—a prestigious honor typically reserved for versatile artists.

From the cold open to the closing credits, Ariana proved that she wasn’t just a singer—she was a full-blown performer with comic timing, stage presence, and confidence.

The Viral Tidal Sketch: Ariana’s Best SNL Moment

Unquestionably, the “Tidal” comedy is the most iconic moment from Ariana Grande’s Saturday Night Live performance. She played a shy intern, Chloe, who steps in when the music streaming service malfunctions.

To save the day, Ariana impersonates some of the biggest names in music, including:

• Britney Spears
• Shakira
• Celine Dion
• Rihanna
• Whitney Houston

Each impersonation was shockingly accurate and instantly went viral. The Ariana Grande SNL Tidal sketch is still one of the most viewed and shared SNL videos on YouTube.

Fun Fact: Ariana performed all impressions live with no vocal effects—just her raw talent.

Ariana Grande’s Hilarious Sketches on SNL

Besides the Tidal sketch, Ariana took part in multiple hilarious skits that showcased her natural comic flair:

• Disney Channel’s Sound of Music Auditions: Ariana impersonated Jennifer Lawrence auditioning as Maria. It was awkward, silly, and spot-on.
• The Mermaid Sketch: She played a weird sea creature in a parody that made everyone laugh.
• SNL Cold Opens: Ariana briefly appeared in a Hillary Clinton sketch, showing her ability to dive into political satire.

These sketches made it clear that Ariana Grande on SNL wasn’t a one-time gimmick—it was real comedic talent.

Musical Performances: Ariana’s SNL Setlist

Being both host and musical guest is no easy task, but Ariana handled it effortlessly. She sang two tracks from her album Dangerous Woman:

1. “Dangerous Woman” – A slow, soulful rendition that let her vocals shine.
2. “Be Alright” – A groovy, upbeat number with slick choreography.

These performances balanced her comedic side with her core musical identity, rounding out the episode perfectly.

Audience and Fan Reactions to Ariana Grande on SNL

The response was explosive:

• The hashtag #ArianaOnSNL trended globally.
• YouTube clips of the Tidal sketch hit millions of views within hours.
• Celebs and critics praised her, calling her performance “iconic” and “flawless.”

Rolling Stone, Variety, and BuzzFeed included her in “Best SNL Hosts of the Decade” lists—highlighting how impactful her performance really was.

Why Ariana Grande’s SNL Performance Stands Out

Hosting SNL is no easy task, especially when you’re expected to sing, act, and improvise—all live. But Ariana nailed it because she brought:

• Vocal range: From impersonations to live songs.
• Comedic timing: Delivered jokes like a seasoned comedian.
• Charm and professionalism: She looked like she was born to be on that stage.

Ariana’s SNL Impressions: What Made Them So Good?

Ariana’s impersonations are next level because of a few key skills:

• Perfect pitch: She can match vocal tones exactly.
• Observational talent: She mimics mannerisms and accents, not just voices.
• Stage confidence: She keeps the audience riveted by switching characters with ease.

The Ariana Grande SNL Tidal sketch is a viral comedy and performance masterpiece because of this combo.

Ariana Grande SNL Behind the Scenes

The cast and crew of Saturday Night Live claim that Ariana was very much a part of the production. She contributed ideas, helped shape sketches, and rehearsed intensely with the writers and cast.

Her professionalism and dedication were praised across the board—and it showed on screen.

Was SNL a Turning Point for Ariana Grande?

Yes—Ariana’s SNL performance helped reshape her public image. Before SNL, she was mostly known as a pop singer with a Nickelodeon background. After SNL:

• She gained credibility as a well-rounded performer.
• Her album Dangerous Woman received a streaming boost.
• Older and comedy-loving audiences joined her fan base.

SNL gave her the space to show who she really was—a multi-talented entertainer.

Ariana Grande vs Other Celebs on SNL

Let’s see how Ariana stacks up against other musical guests turned hosts:

Celebrity	Best Trait on SNL	Compared to Ariana Grande
Justin Timberlake	Comedy + Music Pro	Similar style, more recurring gigs
Harry Styles	Quirky Humor	Ariana’s timing was tighter
Miley Cyrus	Fearless Performances	Ariana had better vocal impersonations
Lady Gaga	Stage Presence	Ariana showed more range on SNL

Ariana is without a doubt one of the best SNL musical hosts.

Will Ariana Grande Return to SNL?

Though there’s no official news, fans constantly request her return. Ariana herself has expressed her love for SNL in interviews. With her return to acting in the Wicked movie and ongoing musical success, there’s a good chance we’ll see Ariana Grande on SNL again soon.

Conclusion: Ariana Grande’s SNL Legacy

Ariana Grande’s SNL performance in 2016 is more than just a highlight reel—it’s a defining moment in her career. She showcased her comedic brilliance, her ability to impersonate iconic artists, and her command over the stage, both musically and dramatically.

Even years later, fans still revisit her sketches. The Ariana Grande SNL Tidal sketch remains one of the most viral moments in the show’s history, and her hosting gig is remembered as one of the best.

Ariana didn’t just survive the pressure of live comedy—she dominated it.

FAQs About Ariana Grande on SNL