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Watch Ariana Grande, Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro Take Over ‘The Tonight Show’

Ariana Grande made her first TV appearance in three months on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, joining Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro to promote their upcoming film Focker-in-Law.

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The brief

Ariana Grande appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Sunday night, marking her first public appearance since announcing an indefinite hiatus from music in August following the conclusion of her Eternal Sunshine Tour in September. According to The Cut, Grande's team had announced she would be "taking a step back from visibility" after Variety reported she had dropped out of a West End production of Sunday in the Park With George. The statement cited "endless, ongoing public scrutiny" as a factor. Grande assured fans at a show that week the break was not an "impulsive" decision.

On Fallon, Grande appeared alongside co-stars Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro to promote Focker-in-Law, the next installment in the Meet the Parents franchise. The film, which also features Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner, and Teri Polo, is set to open in theaters on November 25. Grande plays Olivia Jones, the love interest of Greg Focker's son Henry. Stiller, 60, reprises his role as Greg Focker, while De Niro returns as Jack Byrnes.

During the interview, Stiller admitted he was nervous to sing John Legend's "All of Me" to De Niro's character in the film, particularly with Grande watching. "As we all know, I'm a professional singer," Stiller joked. "That was fun and weird because in the movie I'm singing to Bob (De Niro) and, you know, that's its own thing. But also having Ariana there, in the scene watching me sing, or try to sing, was another level to it." Grande was supportive, with Stiller thanking her: "You were incredibly supportive; you were really nice. Thank you, super positive person. I really appreciate you." De Niro insisted he thought the scene turned out perfectly.

The trio also joined Fallon to celebrate the arrival of the 2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, performing a rendition of "O Christmas Tree." The Cut noted Grande's changed appearance: her "Glinda-blonde hair is now short and brunette, and she swapped her glitzy ball gowns for a sharp black pantsuit," though her "Glinda-esque transatlantic accent" remained. During her hiatus, Grande had been photographed with her ex-boyfriend Ricky Álvarez and posted photos with him on Instagram, and debuted a flippy bob last month.

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Quick answers

Why did Ariana Grande take a break from public appearances?

Grande's team announced in August she would be "taking a step back from visibility" after her Eternal Sunshine Tour ended in September, citing "endless, ongoing public scrutiny" and a desire to finish the tour "healthily and happily."

What is Focker-in-Law and when does it open?

Focker-in-Law is the next installment in the Meet the Parents franchise, starring Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, and Ariana Grande as Olivia Jones. It opens in theaters on November 25.

What did Ben Stiller say about singing in front of Ariana Grande?

Stiller admitted he was nervous to sing John Legend's 'All of Me' to Robert De Niro's character with Grande watching, calling it 'another level' and thanking her for being 'incredibly supportive' and 'super positive.'

Coverage (30)

Topics

Ariana Grande Ben Stiller Robert De Niro The Tonight Show Focker-in-Law Jimmy Fallon

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