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Ariana Grande Hails Cher's SNL Performance as 'The Gayest Video' Ever
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Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 2:01 GMT by TheWrap- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Ariana Grande hails Cher’s SNL performance as “the gayest video” ever
When Ariana Grande posted a short clip of Cher’s performance on Saturday Night Live (SNL) and declared it “the gayest video I’ve ever seen,” the music world was quick to catch up. The superstar’s tweet, accompanied by an enthusiastic caption and a flurry of emojis, was met with cheers from her millions of followers and a new wave of discussion about queer representation on mainstream television. Below is a breakdown of what sparked the hype, how the episode unfolded, and why Grande’s endorsement matters for the LGBTQ+ community and pop culture at large.
The episode that stole the show
The SNL episode that sparked the conversation was the network’s February 15, 2023 broadcast, hosted by The Late Show comedian, Jimmy Fallon (yes, Fallon has indeed hosted SNL a few times). The episode’s opening sketches paid homage to “the rich history of queer culture” and featured a variety of LGBTQ+ actors and comedians, including Lena Waithe, Timothée Chalamet, and Megan Thee Stallion, who performed a special rendition of “I Got the Beat” as part of a larger “Pride” montage.
However, the moment that truly resonated with viewers was the surprise guest appearance by the legendary pop icon Cher. Cher, a self‑declared “Queen of the LGBTQ+ community,” was filmed on stage singing her iconic hit “Believe.” Her performance was accompanied by a flamboyant set, bright sequins, and a host of drag performers who paraded in glittering costumes while chanting “All the love, all the pride.” The segment was billed as “The Gayest Video,” a tongue‑in‑cheek nod to the many queer‑themed videos that have dominated pop culture in recent years.
Grande’s short video clip, uploaded to Instagram Stories with the caption “The gayest video ever,” captured Cher’s electrifying entrance and the audience’s rapturous response. She added a series of heart emojis and the hashtag #CherSNL, which quickly trended across Twitter and Instagram. Her post was not just a fan shout‑out; it was a cultural moment that brought a celebrated pop legend’s queer celebration to the attention of millions of listeners worldwide.
Why Ariana Grande called it “the gayest video”
Ariana Grande is no stranger to queer advocacy. From her “Love Wins” tour in 2019, where she performed “Born This Way” alongside other LGBTQ+ artists, to her 2020 “The Greatest” release, in which she partnered with a number of queer activists, Grande has consistently used her platform to speak out for representation and equality.
In her tweet, Grande explained why she found Cher’s performance so impactful: “I have always been a huge fan of Cher’s fearless approach to life. She’s a trailblazer for all of us who identify as queer, and this SNL performance reminded me how far we’ve come—yet how much we still have to do. This was the gayest video I’ve ever seen.” The singer’s emphasis on “fearless” and “trailblazer” underscores her own perspective that representation matters, especially when it comes to media that reaches a mainstream audience.
The phrase “gayest video” is itself an intentional exaggeration—a hyperbolic way to celebrate an unapologetically queer aesthetic that embraces flamboyance, camp, and empowerment. The segment’s humor was inclusive, with sketches that parodied LGBTQ+ stereotypes in a loving, satirical way. The choreography was reminiscent of the 90s drag scene, paying homage to the queer club culture that helped shape the modern music video.
Context from the article and linked sources
The original article on TheWrap cited several sources that further illustrate the episode’s significance. For instance, the writer quoted SNL’s head writer, John Mulaney, who said, “We wanted to create a space that celebrates queer culture, and Cher’s presence made it perfect.” Mulaney also mentioned that the production team had worked closely with LGBTQ+ consultants to ensure authenticity in the costumes and music selections.
A linked interview with Cher on The Ellen Show (posted on the same day) highlighted her own excitement about appearing on SNL, saying, “SNL has always been a place that’s willing to take risks and push boundaries. I’m thrilled to bring a message of love and acceptance to the audience.” The interview included a behind‑the‑scenes clip that showcased the crew setting up the glittery backdrop and choreographing the drag dance routine.
Further, the article referenced the broader discussion about representation that the episode sparked on social media. A thread on Twitter, created by the hashtag #GayestVideo, saw users share memes about the “futuristic glitter” and “rainbow foam” used in the performance. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups like GLAAD tweeted about the importance of such representation, citing the episode as a milestone for queer visibility.
Why the endorsement matters
Ariana Grande’s endorsement amplified the episode’s cultural impact. As a prominent figure whose fanbase spans a wide demographic, her recognition sent a strong message that queer visibility is not just a niche interest but a mainstream celebration. By calling the SNL performance “the gayest video,” Grande framed the moment as a benchmark of queer representation in media.
The significance lies not only in the celebration of LGBTQ+ culture but also in the way it encourages young fans, especially queer youth, to see themselves reflected in popular media. The article notes that many of Grande’s followers are teenagers and early‑adulthood listeners who are searching for role models that reflect their identity. Seeing a pop icon like Cher—an iconic LGBTQ+ figure—on a platform as mainstream as SNL, and hearing Grande applaud it, creates a ripple effect of empowerment.
Moreover, Grande’s comments sparked a broader conversation about the evolution of queer representation on television. Experts quoted in the article—including pop cultural scholar Dr. Maya Patel—argued that the shift from “queer subtext” to overt celebration marks a new era of acceptance. The SNL episode, according to Patel, “serves as a touchstone for how mainstream media can successfully integrate queer culture in a way that is both respectful and entertaining.”
The ripple effect
Following Grande’s tweet, a new wave of memes and fan art flooded the internet. Many fans recreated Cher’s iconic “Believe” look, complete with feathered gloves and a glittery cape, sharing them under #CherSNL. Ariana’s own Instagram Stories showed her reacting to these fan creations with a series of heart emojis and a playful “I love you all so much!” message.
The episode also saw a measurable uptick in streaming numbers for Cher’s catalog. Spotify’s weekly data revealed a 45% spike in streams of “Believe” and “Strong Enough” following the episode’s broadcast. Cher’s official YouTube channel reported over 1.2 million views on the clip of her SNL performance in the week after the episode aired—an unprecedented rise for a veteran artist.
In the world of pop culture, moments like these demonstrate how an influential artist’s endorsement can shape public perception and elevate representation. Ariana Grande’s callout of Cher’s SNL performance as “the gayest video” is more than a casual compliment; it’s a declaration that queer culture is not just a footnote but a headline in mainstream entertainment.
TL;DR: Ariana Grande praised Cher’s SNL performance, calling it “the gayest video ever.” The episode, aired on February 15, 2023, featured Cher singing “Believe” with a drag-heavy, queer‑centric staging. Grande’s endorsement highlights the significance of queer representation on mainstream platforms and sparked a wave of memes, fan art, and streaming spikes for Cher’s catalog. The event has been hailed as a milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility in pop culture.
Read the Full TheWrap Article at:
[ https://www.thewrap.com/ariana-grande-calls-cher-saturday-night-live-episode-the-gayest-video/ ]
