Domingo Went Viral in SNL's "Bridesmaid Speech" Sketch with Ariana Grande
The Wicked star's Season 50 sketch became an instant phenomenon — and her turn as a terrible singer was standout work.
In the weeks leading up to February 16's three-hour 50th anniversary celebration on NBC, the team behind Saturday Night Live has selected one sketch from every single season — 50 seasons in 50 days — to reflect the show's rich legacy across five decades. Presenting the sketch that represents Season 50 (so far): "Bridesmaid Speech" starring Host Ariana Grande.
Of all the impressions Ariana Grande showcased during her October 12 SNL episode — Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion — her best might've been one we had never seen before: Woman Who's Actually Terrible at Singing. Grande played an off-key maid of honor during SNL's "Bridesmaid Speech" sketch, serving up a wild song parody of Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso."
We've all seen those viral reception clips of various wedding party members trying to create a funny moment with a toast, whether it's a dance, roast, or musical tribute. This bride's sister (Grande) and friends (cast members Sarah Sherman, Ego Nwodim, and Heidi Gardner) are no exception, having put together an account of their bachelorette party trip to Charleston set to the tune of "Espresso." Except, to the dismay of the groom (Andrew Dismukes), the singers of this bridal-toast jam are alerting him to his new wife's infidelity.
Written by Jimmy Fowlie, Ceara Jane O'Sullivan, Sudi Green, and Allie Levitan, "Bridesmaid Speech" quickly became a viral hit, with more than 15 million views to date on SNL's YouTube channel.
RELATED: Watch Ariana Grande's SNL Monologue and Sketches from October 12
Ariana Grande sang "Espresso" badly (on purpose) on Saturday Night Live
Only a person with perfect command over pitch could sing this poorly on purpose, and the Wicked actress nailed it.
"So, instead of a speech, we're gonna do something different for y'all, 'cause we're a little bit creative and a lil bit quirky," Gardner's character tells the room, once the "Kel squad" steps up to the mic.
Inspired by the bride's love of espresso martinis, the four begin their parody of "Espresso" by Season 49 Musical Guest, reworked to describe their trip.
"The bridesmaids wanted / a celebration," Grande's character begins, atonally.
"So we took a trip / Bachelorette vacation," Nwodim's character finishes.
"We're out, the shots are flowing, yeah / Guys on the dance floor grooving, yeah / We say, no thanks, she's taken, yeah," Grande's bridesmaid continues, and the ladies burst into their chorus.
"Now she's with a hot guy, but he looks gay, heard his name is Domingo / Second location, maybe he's bi, still dancing with Domingo / Third location, fully straight, fully touching Domingo / 'I can't wait to be his wife' she's pointing to Domingo," they scream-sing, dancing with each other.
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"So, quick question: Who's Domingo?" the groom asks his bride, before the song lets him know they all wound up in a hot tub together.
"At the Marriott, Googling Domingo / Just to make sure, he's not psych-o / But he's actually a doc-tor, and randomly a model? And he volunteers, with weird sick animals," the bridesmaids continue, dissolving into "awws" at this.
And then, Domingo (Marcello Hernández) shows up.
Watch "Bridesmaid Speech" from Saturday Night Live Season 50, Episode 3 above, and stream all 50 seasons of SNL on Peacock anytime.
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The full lyrics to SNL's “Domingo” Sabrina Carpenter parody
The bridesmaids wanted a celebration
So we took a trip, bachelorette vacation
Because we know she needs one, a break from Matthew
Just kidding Matt, we're glad she has you!
We're out, the shots are flowing, yeah
Guys on the dance floor grooving, yeah
We say no thanks she's taken, yeah [Sing it now]
She's with a hot guy, but he looks gay, heard his name is Domingo
Second location, maybe he's bi, still dancing with Domingo
Third location, fully straight, fully touching Domingo
“I can't wait to be his wife” she's pointing to Domingo
In the bathroom, we take her outside
She says, don't worry, we won't cross the line
“Think of your fiancé,” she says good reminder
Hands me her ring, then we can't find her
Now we're back in the house, in the hot tub
She's there with Domingo
Asking us to leave, get a hotel, she's vibing with Domingo
At the Marriott, googling Domingo
Just to make sure he's not psycho
But he's actually a doctor, and randomly a model
And he volunteers with weird sick animals [aww!]
The next day she said, nothing happened
They talked all night about you Matthew
But then at brunch, she just starts crying
We asked her why? She says I'm just so tired
We say take a nap, she says, “I'm not that kind of tired”
Hey Matt, came all this way, had to explain, direct from Domingo
Kelsey’s a friend, she's like my sis, but we did hook up, though!
RELATED: Sarah Sherman Talks Making SNL's Domingo Sketch and Ariana Grande's "Bad Singing"
The first Domingo sketch got a Chappell Roan-parodying sequel
Hernández's Domingo character has become a sensation since "Bridesmaid Speech" made its debut — he made an in-person appearance at a November 2024 Sabrina Carpenter concert, and was immortalized as a Funko Pop! collectible figure.
He also made his return in a November 16 sequel sketch starring Host Charli XCX, when the now-expecting couple was serenaded with a new song parody — this time based on Chappell Roan's "HOT TO GO!"
Watch "Babymoon" below.
Watch Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary special
Don't miss the three-hour SNL50 primetime special celebrating a half-century worth of sketches, cast members, Hosts, and other collaborators — it's sure to be a star-studded event.
Watch the special on Sunday, February 16 from 8-11 p.m. E.T. on NBC and Peacock.
The 50-day run-up to the special brings additional programming that takes a deep dive into the show: Peacock's four-part docuseries, Beyond Saturday Night, and a documentary on SNL's Musical Guests, co-directed by Questlove and premiering on NBC January 27, Ladies & Gentlemen ... 50 Years of SNL Music.
Originally published Oct 13, 2024.
