‘SNL’ taps Ariana Grande, Stevie Nicks, John Mulaney for Season 50

“Saturday Night Live” is back with new and returning stars for its historic 50th season.
The NBC sketch comedy has announced the hosts and musical performers for the first five episodes of the new series, including Ariana Grande returning to hosting duties for a second time, though leaving the musical guest spot open for Stevie Nicks.
Other stars taking on the hosting gig include “Hacks” star Jean Smart, John Mulaney, Nate Bargatze and Michael Keaton. Meanwhile, early performers for this season include Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, Jelly Roll and Coldplay.
“SNL” returns on Sept. 28.
Grande, who made an appearance in Season 49 as a musical guest, joined a musical “Moulin Rouge” sketch featuring cast member Bowen Yang. The singer is gearing up for the release of “Wicked,” the first of a two-part musical film that also stars Cynthia Erivo and premieres Nov. 27.
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Meanwhile, Smart is making a decades-long return following her Emmy wins for her role in the Max comedy, and Keaton is currently in full “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” mode.
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Season 50 is sure to be chaotic ahead of the 2024 general election. “SNL” alum Maya Rudolph is set to reprise her role as Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris against James Austin Johnson’s former President Donald Trump.
The comedy series will get three featured players for the upcoming season: Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim and Jane Wickline. Meanwhile, Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney and Chloe Troast will not return this fall.