Legendary Cher Stuns on ‘SNL’ After 40 Years With Holiday-Themed Comeback

Cher returned to Saturday Night Live on December 20, marking her first time as the show’s musical guest in over 40 years. The 79-year-old icon performed during the season’s final episode, hosted by Ariana Grande, which also featured Bowen Yang’s farewell as a cast member.

Cher opened the night with her 2023 holiday track, DJ Play A Christmas Song, dressed in a blond wig, leather jacket, and playful pants.

Surrounded by dancers on a blue-lit stage, she delivered the vocoder-heavy song with her signature charm. At the end, she performed her classic mic clasp and bow and held up her fingers in a heart for the audience.

Cher still has that good ol Christmas spirit!#SNL #Xmax pic.twitter.com/AndqgNlE8X

— Doug Winfield💡 (@d2k) December 21, 2025

For her second number, Cher chose the Christmas classic Run, Run Rudolph by Chuck Berry. With The Roots providing live music, Cher wore an ebony wig and a black-and-silver outfit as she sang alongside dancers and backup singers while fake snow fell from the ceiling. Her strong, rich voice demonstrated that she has lost none of her power or stage presence over the years.

Although Cher appeared during the SNL50 concert in February, the last time she served as the musical guest was November 21, 1987, just before her Oscar-winning role in Moonstruck.

Beyond performing, Cher’s music was featured in sketches. One courtroom skit used her 1998 hit Believe, with Ariana Grande and Kenan Thompson singing modified lyrics. Near the end of the show, Cher surprised the audience by appearing in a sketch for Bowen Yang’s farewell, telling him, “Everyone thought you were a little bit too gay. But you know what? You’re perfect for me,” while smiling and resting her head on his shoulder.

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