Ariana Grande, Ben Stiller, and Robert De Niro interrupted Jimmy Fallon's opening monologue on The Tonight Show on Sunday, November 8, to sing "O Christmas Tree." The trio were there to promote their upcoming film Focker In-Law, and the carol doubled as a nod to the arrival of this year's Rockefeller Center tree. Grande, known for her powerhouse vocals, leads the caroling, leaving the audience in awe of her soaring high notes. Stiller and De Niro add their own comedic flair to the musical number, making it a must-watch segment.
The special episode, which aired on a Sunday night right after the Buccaneers vs. Bears game, marks another memorable moment in the series of Tonight Show specials. It's part of a four-episode run designed to follow NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcasts. Grande, De Niro, and Stiller engage in lively banter with Fallon, adding humor and insights into their experiences filming the latest sequel in the Meet the Parents franchise.
Grande Reflects on Joining a Comedy Classic
Grande shared her excitement and surreal experience of joining the Meet the Parents universe, describing how she quickly bonded with Stiller. Recalling their first meeting during the filming of Zoolander 2, Grande humorously noted their instant "comfortability." This camaraderie evidently translated well on screen, where she plays Olivia Jones, the love interest of Greg and Pam Focker's son, Henry, portrayed by Skyler Gisondo.
The chemistry between the cast members is apparent, especially in an anecdote Grande told on the show, as reported by Rolling Stone, about performing the Heimlich maneuver on Stiller during rehearsals. Jumping straight into action scenes without formal introductions set the tone for their dynamic interactions throughout the film.
Stiller and De Niro Bring Comedy Gold
Stiller and De Niro, both veterans of the comedy scene, bring their signature charm to the Tonight Show stage. Their playful energy complements Grande’s musical prowess, creating a delightful mix of humor and holiday spirit. Stiller’s comedic timing and De Niro’s iconic deadpan delivery keep the audience entertained, as they navigate through skits and games with Fallon.
The episode also serves as a promotional boost for their film, Focker In-Law, set for release on November 25. The movie promises more of the beloved characters and situational comedy that fans of the franchise adore. This appearance on The Tonight Show is a strategic move to drive excitement and anticipation for the film’s theatrical debut.
A Star-Studded Lineup Continues
This special episode is part of a star-studded lineup that The Tonight Show has curated for its post-football broadcasts. Following the Grande, Stiller, and De Niro takeover, the next episode will feature none other than Jennifer Lopez and Anthony Mackie, with a musical performance by Quavo. These episodes are a testament to Fallon's ability to draw big names, keeping the show fresh and exciting.
The blend of music, comedy and celebrity interviews has made the post-football specials a reliable draw. Stiller, as it happens, was also in the news last week for a different reason: Knicks players named him one of the team's most loyal celebrity fans in the same conversation that produced their "fakest fan" dig at Taylor Swift.
Holiday Cheer and Hollywood Charm
The episode not only highlights the holiday season but also underscores the continued appeal of Hollywood’s comedic titans. With Ariana Grande adding her vocal talents to the mix, this episode of The Tonight Show becomes a festive celebration of both music and film. As viewers tune in to enjoy the spectacle, the episode stands as a testament to the enduring popularity of both the guests and the show itself.
For more, see the full preview on Billboard. It capped a busy weekend for NBC's late-night lineup, which also saw Druski play Elizabeth Holmes on "Saturday Night Live".
