Pop icon Cher made a highly anticipated return to Saturday Night Live (SNL) as a musical guest on December 20, marking her first appearance in 38 years. The 79-year-old superstar graced the final episode of 2025, which was hosted by Wicked star Ariana Grande. Cher’s performance was nothing short of spirited, as she delivered renditions of “DJ Play a Christmas Song” and a rocking cover of Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run.”

Both tracks performed by Cher are featured on her 2023 holiday album, Christmas. This album achieved significant success, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums chart in the year of its release. Christmas is Cher’s 27th album overall and comprises 13 songs, offering a blend of classic holiday tunes and original compositions. The album boasts an impressive list of guest appearances, including collaborations with Michael Bublé, Cyndi Lauper, Darlene Love, Tyga, and Stevie Wonder. Speaking about the album in 2023, Cher shared with Billboard, “They’re not ‘Christmas Christmas’ songs, OK, they’re just great songs. And I never say that because I almost never like what I do. But I mean people love it and I’m happy. I’m so particular, but I love the songs and everyone who hears them loves them.”

Cher’s history with SNL extends beyond her most recent musical guest spot. Her last appearance as a musical guest was on November 21, 1987. The Oscar-winning actress, known for her role in Moonstruck, has also made two notable cameos on the show: one during a Nicolas Cage-hosted episode in 1992 and another earlier this year for the program’s 50th-anniversary special. In addition to her album, Cher recently released a new holiday single titled “Christmas Is Here,” further cementing her presence in the festive music scene.

Beyond her musical performances, Cher participated in a special moment during comedian Bowen Yang’s final SNL sketch. Yang, portraying a Delta Sky Club employee on his last shift, quietly reflected on endings. This poignant sketch featured a stripped-back rendition of the Eagles’ “Please Come Home for Christmas,” with Ariana Grande joining in before Cher made a surprise appearance, adding to the emotional depth of the segment. Earlier on the same day, Yang confirmed on Instagram that the December 20 episode would indeed be his last on SNL. He expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m grateful for every minute of my time there. I learned about myself (bad with wigs). i learned about others (generous, vulnerable, hot). i learned that human error can be nothing but correct.”

Following the holiday break, SNL is scheduled to return in 2026. The first episode back, on January 17, will be hosted by Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard, with musical guest A$AP Rocky.