12/22/2025
Ariana Grande Praises Bowen Yang After Emotional SNL Farewell Moment
Ariana Grande publicly celebrated Bowen Yang after an emotional Saturday Night Live goodbye that aired during the show’s season finale in New York, a moment that resonated with fans and fellow cast members alike.
The pop star and actress shared her support shortly after the episode, calling Yang’s exit moment deeply earned and full of heart. The farewell unfolded at Studio 8H on NBC’s long running sketch series, where Yang has been a featured player since 2019.
During the closing minutes of the episode, Yang appeared visibly moved as the cast gathered onstage, a traditional SNL sign off that often doubles as a goodbye for departing performers. He hugged several castmates and took a lingering bow as the audience applauded.
According to PEOPLE, the moment sparked immediate speculation online about whether Yang was leaving the show after six seasons. NBC has not formally announced his departure, and representatives for the network declined to comment on his future status.
Still, the tone of the farewell felt unusually final to many viewers, especially as Yang wiped away tears and mouthed quiet thank yous to the crowd. Fans quickly flooded social media with messages of gratitude for his work and calls for clarity about what comes next.
Grande, 31, added her voice to the chorus with a short but heartfelt message. “So very proud of you,” she wrote, followed by “happy trails,” in a public post that fans immediately linked to the SNL moment.
She also praised Yang’s impact, writing that watching his growth had been “a joy,” and that his voice and point of view mattered. The message was widely shared and interpreted as both a celebration and a gentle goodbye.
Several SNL alumni and fellow comedians echoed the sentiment, applauding Yang’s originality and generosity as a scene partner. While Yang himself has not issued a formal statement, he reposted select tributes, including Grande’s, with simple heart emojis and thank you notes.
Bowen Yang, 34, made history as the first Asian American cast member in SNL’s repertory lineup. Known for sharp political satire and character driven sketches, he became a breakout performer through roles like the Iceberg from Titanic and viral Weekend Update appearances.
Beyond SNL, Yang has expanded into film, voice acting, and podcasting. He co hosts the popular comedy podcast Las Culturistas and has appeared in projects such as Fire Island and animated features for major studios.
Grande and Yang have crossed paths professionally through the comedy and music worlds, sharing overlapping creative circles and mutual friends. Grande has long been an outspoken supporter of comedians and actors she admires, often posting encouragement during pivotal career moments.
In recent months, Yang has hinted in interviews that he was thinking more seriously about long term creative goals beyond weekly live television. He spoke about wanting space to develop film projects and explore different formats.
Whether the SNL farewell marks a permanent exit or simply the end of a chapter, the response suggests Yang’s influence will linger. For fans, the moment felt like a pause worth honoring.
As for what comes next, Yang is expected to continue expanding his work in film and comedy, while SNL prepares for another season of change. Grande’s message captured the mood shared by many, pride, gratitude, and curiosity about the road ahead.