Ariana Grande says Bowen Yang is ‘friend for life'

Ariana Grande got candid about Bowen Yang's final Saturday Night Live appearance and performing beside her pal.

During a recent conversation with E! News at the red carpet of the 2026 Critics' Choice Awards on January 4, the multihyphenate star commented on her Wicked costar and friend.

The 32-year-old, Grammy-award-winning star began by marking being with Bowen on his SNL milestone as "really special."

The Side to Side crooner continued, "I was really grateful, because I really just wanted to celebrate him and be there to support him, and I love him so much, and we're real friends for life. He's just so incredible."

She went on to express her affection and support for Bowen as a fan of his work, saying, "I'm such a huge fan of his, so to be there for him in that moment as a friend and a fan was very special."

Furthermore, Grande recounted some moments from her and Bowen's time at the Wicked's set, "It feels actually really beautiful," the American singer and actress shared.

"I think we're really proud of what we've done, and it was an amazing chapter," the Disney alum added.

Grande added, "Now we've given it to the world and get to let them have it and enjoy it. It feels peaceful."

It is to mention that the artist will return to the stage for her first tour in seven year titled, Eternal Sunshine tour, in June 2026.