Bowen Yang is extending an apology to Ariana Grande after a kiss scene on Saturday Night Live sparked some unintended consequences. On the latest episode of his La Culturistas podcast, released on November 6, the 34-year-old comedian, known for his role on SNL and his upcoming collaboration with Grande in Wicked, shared his regret over the kiss they shared on the show.
“I really have to apologize to you in person. I opened my mouth too much when we kissed on SNL,” Yang admitted. To this, Grande, 31, responded, “You absolutely did. I was shaking after.” Laughing, she clarified, “Not in a bad way! Just in a disarming way.”
The sketch that sparked the moment had Yang playing the boyfriend of Grande’s character’s son, portrayed by Michael Longfellow. During a competitive game night in the skit, the two unexpectedly shared a passionate kiss.
Bowen Yang and Ariana Grande reminisce about their playful SNL kiss and reflect on their supportive Wicked collaboration
Grande, reflecting on the moment during their podcast conversation, explained, “We were dropped in. It felt like what these people needed at that time. It felt like what these characters required. And I’m all for it.”
On October 12, Grande hosted SNL for the second time, with musical guest Stevie Nicks. Her monologue featured celebrity impressions, and she performed hilarious sketches impersonating the likes of Jennifer Coolidge and Céline Dion.
Grande’s next project is starring as Glinda in the film adaptation of Wicked, alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, with Yang also joining the star-studded cast as Pfannee. During the making of the two-part film, Grande was a strong support for Yang, especially as he juggled filming Wicked in London and his commitments to SNL in New York City.
Yang recalled his time filming in London, staying in a hotel separate from his castmates in the King’s Cross district. In an interview with The New Yorker, he shared that Grande was a constant source of support during his hectic schedule.
“This cannot sound anything but name-droppy, but Ariana Grande was reaching out and going, ‘Are you OK? Come over! Let’s just watch a movie. Let’s get you better,'” Yang said. “She was there for me in a true way.”
Grande, calling Yang “badass and incredible,” also shared her understanding of how challenging it was for him to balance both SNL and Wicked. “I understand what it feels like to travel back and forth so often and then have to perform the next day with no time for your body or mind to figure out what’s going on, and it is incredibly hard and unusual,” she told The New Yorker. “So I just wanted to make sure he had an ear and a hug and the support he needed.”
