'West Side Story' Star Ariana DeBose to Make 'SNL' Debut
By Philiana Ng‍ 12:49 PM PST, January 12, 2022
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Saturday Night Live has tapped West Side Story breakout star Ariana DeBose to lead the first show of the new year.
DeBose will make her SNL hosting debut when the show returns Jan. 15, NBC announced last week. The 30-year-old actress and singer plays Anita in Steven Spielberg's adaptation of the iconic musical, and has received accolades for her head-turning performance. She recently received a Critics Choice Movie Award nomination.
She will be joined in the episode by musical guest Bleachers, who replaces previously announced Roddy Ricch, who would have made his SNL debut. It is unclear why Roddy Ricch dropped out.
A post shared by Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl)
The late-night sketch show will also air new episodes Jan. 22 and 29 with hosts and musical guests to be announced later.
DeBose spoke with ET at the West Side Story premiere, where she opened up about the attention she's received for her performance.
"I'm not afraid of it but I'm just really proud of what we made," DeBose said in December. "I think anybody recognizing this work, I'm grateful to them for seeing it, for giving it a chance and I think if one person or one department is recognized, that's a win for all of us. I'm just grateful to be a part of the conversation. I never thought I'd get this far, so here we are!"
Saturday Night Live airs live coast-to-coast Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC.
A version of this story was originally published Thursday, Jan. 6 at 1:39 p.m. PT.
For more, watch below.
'SNL': Tina Fey and Tom Hanks Step in to Help Paul Rudd Host After COVID Concerns Send Cast Home
To stay up to date on breaking TV news, sign up for ET's daily newsletter.
GET THE ET NEWSLETTER
'SNL': Tom Hanks & Tina Fey Induct Paul Rudd Into the 5-Timers Club
Paul Rudd Jokes About Joining 'Five-Timers Club' in New 'SNL' Promo
Billie Eilish Rocks Newly Dark Hair in 'SNL' Promos
Related Gallery
Cue the Nostalgia! Favorite TV Reunions
ET MÁS