Ariana Grande has set the internet alight with a pitch-perfect and comedic impersonation of fellow pop icon Katy Perry during her latest stint hosting Saturday Night Live.
A Stellar Performance in a Space Suit
The 32-year-old singer and actress, who recently addressed split rumours concerning her boyfriend Ethan Slater, showcased her versatile talents across multiple sketches on the December 21, 2025 broadcast. The standout moment came in a festive skit centred on unlikely Christmas duets. Grande, singing alongside a cast member impersonating Bob Dylan, transformed into Katy Perry, complete with a long dark wig and a detailed astronaut costume.
The costume was a direct nod to Perry's controversial Blue Origin space flight earlier in the year, an 11-minute journey with an all-female crew funded by Jeff Bezos. Perry's post-landing kiss of the ground and tour promotion from space had previously captured global attention.
Social Media Erupts with Praise
Viewers swiftly took to social media platform X to applaud Grande's performance, noting her exceptional vocal control and attention to detail. One user, @Glitchymagic, declared the impression "absolutely spot on," adding that it retained Grande's own signature flair. Another, @sabsupernova, expressed amazement at Grande's chameleonic ability to mimic any voice she chooses.
This is not the first time Ariana Grande has displayed her impersonation skills. She famously showcased her range on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon in 2015, performing as Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera. More recently, her take on Jennifer Coolidge during a 2024 SNL sketch also garnered significant headlines.
Potential for Pop Star Fallout?
While the sketch has been met with widespread acclaim from fans and viewers, the question of how Katy Perry herself will react lingers. The impression, though celebrated for its accuracy, prominently referenced a chapter in Perry's year that drew mixed reactions and backlash. In the high-stakes world of pop celebrity, such a high-profile parody can sometimes strain relationships, though it is often taken in the spirit of comedy.
For now, the focus remains on Grande's impressive comedic and vocal performance, which has once again proven her to be a formidable entertainer beyond the music charts. The viral clip continues to circulate, solidifying the night as another memorable SNL hosting victory for the Wicked star.
