Bowen Yang Apologizes to Ariana Grande for Being "Over Eager" About SNL Kiss
Bowen Yang admits he didn’t give Ariana Grande much room to break free.
The Wicked costars participated in a sketch together for the Oct. 12 episode of Saturday Night Live when things got a little out of hand.
“I really have to apologize to you in person,” Yang told Grande on the Nov. 6 episode of his Las Culturistas podcast. “I opened my mouth up too much when we kissed on SNL.”
“You absolutely did,” Grande quipped in response. “I was shaking after. Not in a bad way, just in a disarming way.”
The moment happened during the “Charades With Mom” sketch, which was actually inspired by how competitive Grande’s own mother Joan Grande gets during family game nights.
“You know what, that’s OK,” the “Side to Side” singer told Yang. “We were dropped in, and it felt like what these people needed at this time. It felt like what these characters required. And I’m all for it.”
The comedian admitted to being “a little over eager” when it came to locking lips with Grande, a moment wasn’t initially written into the scene. But as they rehearsed the sketch, both costars realized something was missing.
“I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want anybody to think I’m insane and too comfortable,” Grande said, “but I was like, ‘How funny would it be if we kissed at the end?’”
Yang suggested the addition and Grande agreed, later noting of the moment, “For the characters, it was perfectly open.”
The episode marked Grande’s second time hosting SNL, and she raved about the experience.
“It’s just a really safe and fun experience,” she explained. “I just love comedy, and I think that’s why I was excited to go.”
Calling Yang her “literal best friend,” the pop star also apologized to him, saying that ahead of her hosting gig, “I felt like I was blowing you up because I couldn’t stop texting and saying ideas for bits and silly silly things.”
For a sneak peek of Grande as Glinda in the Wicked movie, read on.
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