Ariana Grande appears in “Celine Dion Sports Promo” sketch during “Saturday Night Live” on Oct. 12, 2024.Courtesy Photo
On October 12, 2024, Ariana Grande took the stage on Saturday Night Live (SNL), delivering a performance that left fans buzzing. Known for her impressive vocal range and impeccable impersonations, Grande gave viewers an unforgettable experience, blending comedy and music in a way only she could.
The highlight of the night was a sketch titled “Celine Dion Sports Promo,” a hilarious take on the iconic Canadian singer’s promotional spot for the NFL’s Sunday Night Football. The original promo, aired on October 6, 2024, featured Celine Dion passionately singing about her love for football to the tune of her 1996 hit “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.” But Grande took it one step further by merging the world of NFL with the brutal intensity of UFC fighting.
Dressed as Dion, Grande perfected the singer’s distinct French Canadian accent and her dramatic flair. In the pre-recorded sketch, she opens with a heartfelt introduction, stating, “Football, it is a sport that connects who we are to who we were.” She seamlessly imitates Dion’s emotion-filled delivery, continuing with, “That is why last week, I, Celine Dion, made a promo for Sunday Night Football, OK?” The comedic twist came when Grande’s “Dion” pivots, revealing that football is not the only sport that tugs at her heartstrings. She claims there’s another sport that brings out even more powerful emotions—UFC fighting.
With that, Grande’s Dion dives into a UFC-themed version of “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now,” singing about the violence and intensity of the octagon. Lyrics like “the breaking of bones” and “knees to the balls” had the audience in stitches. The combination of Dion’s epic ballad style with the raw imagery of UFC fighting created a unique contrast that elevated the sketch to new heights of comedy.
This wasn’t the first time Grande had wowed SNL audiences with her spot-on impersonations. Earlier in the same episode, she had already taken on the personas of Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Gwen Stefani in her opening monologue. Each impression was met with roaring laughter, showcasing her versatility not only as a singer but also as a talented comedian.
However, Grande’s performance in the “Celine Dion Sports Promo” sketch stood out as a fan favorite. The sketch capitalized on the comedic potential of blending Dion’s dramatic musical persona with the rough, no-holds-barred world of UFC, an unexpected but winning combination. Fans and critics alike praised Grande’s ability to fully embody Dion’s character while still making the sketch feel fresh and exciting.
Outside of the comedy, the SNL episode also featured musical performances that added to the night’s entertainment value. The legendary Stevie Nicks returned as the musical guest, marking her first appearance on the show since 1983. She performed two songs: her new single “The Lighthouse,” which was inspired by the Roe v. Wade ruling, and her classic hit “Edge of Seventeen.” Nicks’ performances were powerful and emotional, further adding to the dynamic energy of the evening.
The episode was a hit among viewers, with many taking to social media to share their favorite moments. Grande’s portrayal of Celine Dion, in particular, became a viral sensation, with clips from the sketch circulating widely across platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Fans marveled at how well Grande captured Dion’s larger-than-life personality while managing to inject her own comedic style into the performance.
Critics also applauded the sketch. Many noted that while the humor was outrageous, it was grounded in Grande’s precise mimicry and respect for the original character. What made the sketch so memorable was how it pushed boundaries while staying true to the elements that make both Dion and UFC such passionate fan-driven phenomena.
This SNL episode marked another successful hosting stint for Grande, who has hosted the show before and earned acclaim for her ability to handle both musical and comedic duties with ease. Grande’s willingness to fully commit to the absurdity of the sketch made it one of the standout moments of the night.
For those who missed the live broadcast, SNL is available for streaming on Peacock. Viewers can catch up on Grande’s hilarious impersonations and Nicks’ emotional performances. The platform also offers access to previous SNL episodes, allowing fans to relive some of the most iconic sketches in the show’s long history.
As Ariana Grande continues to build her resume as a multitalented entertainer, her latest appearance on SNL further solidifies her place as a versatile performer who can do it all. Whether she’s belting out a ballad or delivering a punchline, Grande never fails to leave a lasting impression.
Watch Ariana Grande’s incredible transformation into Celine Dion in the “Celine Dion Sports Promo” sketch on SNL—it’s a performance that you won’t want to miss.
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