- - Ariana Grande Shares Emotional Message to Bowen Yang After 'SNL' Exit

Jane LaCroixDecember 21, 2025 at 11:42 PM

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Ariana Grande made sure Bowen Yang felt the love as he closed out his Saturday Night Live chapter.

The pop star and actress, 32, took to Instagram on Sunday, December 21, to share an emotional message honoring Yang’s final episode as a cast member. Grande had a front-row seat to the milestone moment, as she hosted the Saturday, December 20 episode that doubled as Yang’s on-air farewell.

“I love you more than words can say and I am just so very proud of you and all of the eggnog you’ve made over the years,” Grande wrote via her Instagram Stories, alongside footage of Yang performing in his final sketch. “It meant more than words can say to have been there for your sendoff last night. Happy trails, my brilliant and beautiful friend”

Image: Courtesy of Ariana Grande/Instagram

Yang, 35, spoke out about his departure earlier that day in an Instagram post reflecting on his years at 30 Rock. “I loved working at SNL, and most of all I loved the people,” he wrote. “I was there at a time when many things in the world started to seem futile, but working at 30 Rock taught me the value in showing up anyway when people make it worthwhile.”

He continued, “I’m grateful for every minute of my time there. I learned about myself (bad with wigs). I learned about others (generous, vulnerable, hot). I learned that human error can be nothing but correct. I learned that comedy is mostly logistics and that it will usually fail until it doesn’t, which is the besssst.”

READ MORE: Cher Called Out For ‘Worst Lip Syncing’ During ‘SNL’ Performance

Yang also gave Grande a special shoutout, writing, “Thank you to Ari for sending me off in the dreamiest way I could imagine. The show doesn’t go on because it’s ready, but s***, I hope I am.”

The episode’s closing sketch—a holiday travel bit starring Grande, Yang, and musical guest Cher—ended on a particularly emotional note. “I can’t believe you’re retiring,” Grande’s character said, prompting Yang to reply, “I just wanted to go out on top!” The trio hugged as Yang visibly teared up.

Cher’s return added even more buzz to the night. The 79-year-old legend performed “DJ Play a Christmas Song” in her first full SNL performance in nearly 40 years, sparking online chatter about possible lip syncing. While some viewers criticized the vocals, others defended her fiercely, calling the moment “iconic.”

This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”