Cher is officially headed back to Studio 8H, marking a milestone moment that has been nearly four decades in the making.
NBC announced that the legendary performer will take the stage as the musical guest on the December 20 episode of Saturday Night Live, her first full musical appearance on the show since 1987.
The holiday episode will be hosted by Ariana Grande, who’s currently in the spotlight for Wicked: For Good. Grande—an artist who has long cited Cher as an influence—will guide the show while Cher anchors the night’s live performances.
The last time Cher served as SNL’s musical guest was just before Thanksgiving in 1987, when she performed “We All Sleep Alone” (co-written with then–Bon Jovi collaborator Desmond Child), and “I Found Someone.” Though she’s returned for cameos over the years, including a brief Weekend Update appearance, she hasn’t held the musical slot since the late ’80s.
Earlier this year, Cher participated in the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert, joining a lineup of returning stars honoring the show’s 50-year legacy. Across that history, she’s also been a recurring pop-culture reference point—her voice and style have been imitated on the SNL stage by Drew Barrymore, Blake Lively, Sarah Silverman, and several cast members over the years.
NBC also outlined the full December schedule. Melissa McCarthy will host the Dec. 6 episode with Dijon as the musical guest. The Dec. 13 show will be led by Challengers actor Josh O’Connor, with Lily Allen performing on the same night as her album West End Girl gains renewed attention.
But the Dec. 20 episode is positioned as the month’s marquee moment, in large part because of the energy surrounding Grande and Cher sharing the same night. Grande, whose own runs on SNL have been viral fan favorites, will be at the center of the show while Cher returns to the musical guest spotlight for the first time in 40 years. It’s a full-circle alignment for two powerhouse performers from different eras, both with strong ties to the show and to pop culture at large.
Saturday Night Live airs Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC.