Bowen Yang Apologizes to Ariana Grande for SNL Kiss: “I Opened Up My Mouth Too Much”
Bowen Yang is offering a heartfelt apology to his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande after a kissing mishap during a recent Saturday Night Live sketch. In a new episode of his La Culturistas podcast, released on November 6, the 34-year-old admitted to “opening up my mouth too much” when the pair shared an unexpected kiss.
“I really have to apologize to you in person,” Yang said to Grande, 31. “I opened up my mouth too much when we kissed on SNL,” to which the “Thank U, Next” singer replied, “You absolutely did. I was shaking after.”
“Not in a bad way! Just in a disarming way,” she added as the two shared a laugh.
In the skit, Yang played the boyfriend of Grande’s character’s son, portrayed by Michael Longfellow. The scene, set during a competitive game night, took an unexpected turn when Yang and Grande’s characters locked lips in a passionate moment.
“We were dropped in,” Grande explained on the podcast. “It felt like what these people needed at that time. It felt like what these characters required. And I’m all for it.”
Grande’s October 12 appearance on SNL marked her second time hosting the show. The episode highlighted her comedic talent, where she not only delivered a memorable monologue but also impersonated various celebrities like Jennifer Coolidge and Céline Dion. The “We Can’t Be Friends” singer was also the musical guest for the night, joined by Stevie Nicks.
But it’s not just the sketch that caught fans’ attention—Grande and Yang have been busy together off-screen as well, especially with their roles in the upcoming Wicked movie adaptation. Grande stars as Glinda, alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, while Yang plays the character Pfannee. Filming the two-part movie has taken them to London and New York.
While filming in London, Yang found himself juggling his SNL duties and Wicked filming, traveling back and forth between cities. During that hectic time, Grande was a pillar of support, often checking in on him.
“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 revealed in a recent interview. “She was there for me in a true way.”
Grande, who has been balancing her own demanding schedule, shared how she related to Yang’s challenges. “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 said. “So I just wanted to make sure he had an ear and a hug and the support he needed.”
