Bowen Yang explains real reason why he left 'SNL' after 7 seasons
- - Bowen Yang explains real reason why he left 'SNL' after 7 seasons
Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY January 7, 2026 at 8:54 PM
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Bowen Yang is sitting down for his "SNL" exit interview.
The "Wicked" star, 35, opened up on the Jan. 7 episode of his "Las Culturistas" podcast with Matt Rogers about his decision to leave "Saturday Night Live" after seven seasons.
"This is honestly what's behind it: It's time," Yang said on the podcast. "You would do seven seasons, and then you would scoot."
He continued, "COVID and the current media landscape, the current entertainment ecosystem, is so turbulent that people have completely valid reasons for staying longer, or, in a lot of cases, don't have the privilege of staying on as long as they would like to. I have this very beautiful thing where I get to say that I stayed on exactly as long as I wanted to."
But Yang revealed he almost left the show earlier, noting he was "unsure about going back" for another season over the summer hiatus. In the end, though, he's "so glad" he returned for the fall.
Bowen Yang on "Saturday Night Live" on Dec. 20, 2025.
Yang, who joined the "SNL" cast in 2019, confirmed his exit on Dec. 20 ahead of the show's Christmas episode. This allowed the "SNL" winter finale to serve as a send-off for Yang. The episode included a meta sketch where Yang played an airport employee on his last shift. In it, his character gets emotional about saying goodbye to his job and the people he has worked with, giving Yang an opportunity to say goodbye to "SNL." He was joined on the episode by musical guest Cher and host Ariana Grande, his "Wicked" costar.
Bowen Yang leaving 'Saturday Night Live' after 6 years in shock exit
On "Las Culturistas," Yang revealed that up until the episode began that Saturday night, he was unsure whether his farewell sketch would make it to air or whether it would be cut at the last minute. But Yang got emotional as he recalled "sobbing" when he read a line in the sketch about loving everyone he has worked with, as this reflects his experience on "SNL."
"I cried on Wednesday at the read-through because I was telling the truth, and because there are no other occasions for someone to say that at that place, because we have to be funny and ironic," he said.
Yang did say, though, that he wished more members of the cast could have participated in his farewell sketch. He also revealed the sketch was supposed to play out differently: The original plan was for it to be more comedic, with a greater emphasis on Yang's eggnog machine being on the fritz and spraying people. Before the show, though, "SNL" creator Lorne Michaels came up to Yang and said, "I think it's better if it's just you guys and you just play into the emotion of it."
Bowen Yang attends Las Culturistas Culture Awards at The Orpheum Theatre on July 17, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
After officially departing the show, Yang said on the podcast that he is feeling "so good," though he drew a comparison to the way the presidency ages a person rapidly.
Bowen Yang gets emotional about 'SNL' exit in meta farewell sketch
"I've experienced the full spectrum of things [on 'SNL']," he explained. "Working there is completely dysregulating emotionally. Either you are soaring or you're completely in the dumps."
Yang also looked back on an emotional moment he shared with Amy Poehler about life after "SNL" earlier on in Season 51, when she hosted.
Scroll through for the best celebrity photos of January so far, starting with Teyana Taylor at the Palm Springs Film Awards on Jan. 3, 2026, in California.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>New year, new star sightings. With the Oscar nominations in sight, celebrities are kicking off 2026 on the awards circuit, stepping out at events like the Palm Springs International Film Awards and Critics Choice Awards.Scroll through for the best celebrity photos of January so far, starting with Teyana Taylor at the Palm Springs Film Awards on Jan. 3, 2026, in California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XJ4X.OK1Zzu8xH0RJa.MKg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3353902532873bdb9c226b172743a9e7 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
New year, new star sightings. With the Oscar nominations in sight, celebrities are kicking off 2026 on the awards circuit, stepping out at events like the Palm Springs International Film Awards and Critics Choice Awards.Scroll through for the best celebrity photos of January so far, starting with Teyana Taylor at the Palm Springs Film Awards on Jan. 3, 2026, in California.
">New year, new star sightings. With the Oscar nominations in sight, celebrities are kicking off 2026 on the awards circuit, stepping out at events like the Palm Springs International Film Awards and Critics Choice Awards.Scroll through for the best celebrity photos of January so far, starting with Teyana Taylor at the Palm Springs Film Awards on Jan. 3, 2026, in California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XJ4X.OK1Zzu8xH0RJa.MKg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3353902532873bdb9c226b172743a9e7 class=caas-img>From left, Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, Paul Thomas Anderson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro attend the Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on Jan. 4, 2026, in Santa Monica, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/drJ0QsxVsdheP2hfVCeMmw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/817a0a824d87d8ff951e72a01de393b7 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
From left, Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, Paul Thomas Anderson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro attend the Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on Jan. 4, 2026, in Santa Monica, California.
">From left, Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, Paul Thomas Anderson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro attend the Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on Jan. 4, 2026, in Santa Monica, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/drJ0QsxVsdheP2hfVCeMmw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/817a0a824d87d8ff951e72a01de393b7 class=caas-img>Jessie Buckley
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vx6YLHmR5U6DRJOw_cL.yw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/68b4b1a6468ca0bd0138fc1cd8b62a3f class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Jessie Buckley
">Jessie Buckley
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vx6YLHmR5U6DRJOw_cL.yw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/68b4b1a6468ca0bd0138fc1cd8b62a3f class=caas-img>Kylie Jenner, left, and Timothée Chalamet
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zKy3CGFqExQZZnP.a1Covg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/94ac2304591f2dbbb77c9c3c183e5846 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Kylie Jenner, left, and Timothée Chalamet
">Kylie Jenner, left, and Timothée Chalamet
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zKy3CGFqExQZZnP.a1Covg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/94ac2304591f2dbbb77c9c3c183e5846 class=caas-img>Paul W. Downs, left, and Megan Stalter
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AsBbwy2hvpseE.n9FQdcvQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/dbd76054fe3ee5721fc6b7cf367c736f class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Paul W. Downs, left, and Megan Stalter
">Paul W. Downs, left, and Megan Stalter
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AsBbwy2hvpseE.n9FQdcvQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/dbd76054fe3ee5721fc6b7cf367c736f class=caas-img>Amy Madigan
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fjPwtm.2IBRJxlCdUHLs5w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/555ba9ccb24832bec7763fc4bece9530 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Amy Madigan
">Amy Madigan
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fjPwtm.2IBRJxlCdUHLs5w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/555ba9ccb24832bec7763fc4bece9530 class=caas-img>Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oKPFXWpuvACLTdaJqc5PEg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7c56ee893cd4950383d5eacbb11323eb class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami
">Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oKPFXWpuvACLTdaJqc5PEg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7c56ee893cd4950383d5eacbb11323eb class=caas-img>Jacob Elordi
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1A2WD2N3zEq4b3Xit3IHIA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/19f4dc52c053c842ccde34db45268142 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Jacob Elordi
">Jacob Elordi
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1A2WD2N3zEq4b3Xit3IHIA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/19f4dc52c053c842ccde34db45268142 class=caas-img>From left, Shawn Hatosy, Katherine LaNasa, Noah Wyle and Patrick Ball
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HOIH0nq1CTBN6WqDm0mXZA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2c9de80f2babffd24dd5955978bb948f class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
From left, Shawn Hatosy, Katherine LaNasa, Noah Wyle and Patrick Ball
">From left, Shawn Hatosy, Katherine LaNasa, Noah Wyle and Patrick Ball
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HOIH0nq1CTBN6WqDm0mXZA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2c9de80f2babffd24dd5955978bb948f class=caas-img>Rhea Seehorn
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/WclK5AqOuhXLmJM_Ovzvqw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/46671510ff05a48bf29e4d86e7e40196 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Rhea Seehorn
">Rhea Seehorn
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/WclK5AqOuhXLmJM_Ovzvqw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/46671510ff05a48bf29e4d86e7e40196 class=caas-img>From left, Seth Rogen, Chase Sui Wonders and Ike Barinholtz
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mt99ZGFlTfp5Fy3Tg1uI8Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/14cc306a9f7bf277481adb94c96c19b5 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
From left, Seth Rogen, Chase Sui Wonders and Ike Barinholtz
">From left, Seth Rogen, Chase Sui Wonders and Ike Barinholtz
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mt99ZGFlTfp5Fy3Tg1uI8Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/14cc306a9f7bf277481adb94c96c19b5 class=caas-img>Jean Smart
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cEXuyiELgMbAbaeUgz7fiw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6b09dc41cee28cfb71c6d0ed7978dd1e class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Jean Smart
">Jean Smart
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cEXuyiELgMbAbaeUgz7fiw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6b09dc41cee28cfb71c6d0ed7978dd1e class=caas-img>Janelle James
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/knsMcPAm8dTP_aBfaYR6KQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f095136f8910d517c6b2b3a08260d8eb class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Janelle James
">Janelle James
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/knsMcPAm8dTP_aBfaYR6KQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f095136f8910d517c6b2b3a08260d8eb class=caas-img>Tramell Tillman
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8iVsX.NomsVnpMAqytuT6g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7763f18bfa906598ab081f29b5b4b40c class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Tramell Tillman
">Tramell Tillman
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8iVsX.NomsVnpMAqytuT6g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7763f18bfa906598ab081f29b5b4b40c class=caas-img>Sebastian Maniscalco, left, and Marcello Hernández
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nbAB81hPAPQYGdh3K4VNrw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/05630e1d9dbfb4a0b92e47407ddd49fe class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Sebastian Maniscalco, left, and Marcello Hernández
">Sebastian Maniscalco, left, and Marcello Hernández
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nbAB81hPAPQYGdh3K4VNrw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/05630e1d9dbfb4a0b92e47407ddd49fe class=caas-img>Sarah Snook
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zGlaiytvMWINgGr70wSDuA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/240b3de8a3fce3bf930860940d110b4d class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Sarah Snook
">Sarah Snook
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zGlaiytvMWINgGr70wSDuA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/240b3de8a3fce3bf930860940d110b4d class=caas-img>Ariana Grande
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mlJQaQrSgoUyrUkIB23ipA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6a227c6544e42a62b8b1a8ad403b6e56 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Ariana Grande
">Ariana Grande
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mlJQaQrSgoUyrUkIB23ipA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6a227c6544e42a62b8b1a8ad403b6e56 class=caas-img>Odessa A'zion
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XmRfnVzTcuQ0G7GA42d8aA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cc02f721e7aa0b304b194d11a5e8b73c class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Odessa A'zion
">Odessa A'zion
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XmRfnVzTcuQ0G7GA42d8aA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cc02f721e7aa0b304b194d11a5e8b73c class=caas-img>Kristen Stewart attends the Variety Creative Impact Awards and 10 Directors to Watch during Palm Springs International Film Festival on Jan. 4.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/G3JTTDEFHDave_A.EfNTRA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODY0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a05717925e2f2a173d1fe66fcc38efdc class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Kristen Stewart attends the Variety Creative Impact Awards and 10 Directors to Watch during Palm Springs International Film Festival on Jan. 4.
">Kristen Stewart attends the Variety Creative Impact Awards and 10 Directors to Watch during Palm Springs International Film Festival on Jan. 4.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/G3JTTDEFHDave_A.EfNTRA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODY0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a05717925e2f2a173d1fe66fcc38efdc class=caas-img>Dwayne Johnson, left, and Colman Domingo
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/l72wIlFbFBKdiheMSxqPbA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/92ceada942e1f845bb6550c67e79ed67 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Dwayne Johnson, left, and Colman Domingo
">Dwayne Johnson, left, and Colman Domingo
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/l72wIlFbFBKdiheMSxqPbA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/92ceada942e1f845bb6550c67e79ed67 class=caas-img>Chase Infiniti
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3_91IzC664E7S2vDIE4ViQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0cfec6596aa262b831c07e27585f5ad7 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Chase Infiniti
">Chase Infiniti
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3_91IzC664E7S2vDIE4ViQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0cfec6596aa262b831c07e27585f5ad7 class=caas-img>Timothée Chalamet with his Spotlight Actor of the Year Awards on Jan. 3 at Palm Springs Film Awards.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Malf6aVKNz._KRKbFKARRQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/06d1614a33dab888333e3c24f6fda395 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Timothée Chalamet with his Spotlight Actor of the Year Awards on Jan. 3 at Palm Springs Film Awards.
">Timothée Chalamet with his Spotlight Actor of the Year Awards on Jan. 3 at Palm Springs Film Awards.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Malf6aVKNz._KRKbFKARRQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/06d1614a33dab888333e3c24f6fda395 class=caas-img>Miley Cyrus
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tFmgAFau5xopeGH5C5IRjg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bb13b6f84f7cf77c9d64c2d37492c4f9 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Miley Cyrus
">Miley Cyrus
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tFmgAFau5xopeGH5C5IRjg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bb13b6f84f7cf77c9d64c2d37492c4f9 class=caas-img>Amanda Seyfried
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/p0Po5CRgo4j_IwKxtF3Zxw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/30b06849f979f6b83d428bde1a5857df class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Amanda Seyfried
">Amanda Seyfried
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/p0Po5CRgo4j_IwKxtF3Zxw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/30b06849f979f6b83d428bde1a5857df class=caas-img>Mia Goth
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cLw_reqJDzSwL10glZKh_Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5cc1d6fb44cb021b6095c3096f497662 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Mia Goth
">Mia Goth
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cLw_reqJDzSwL10glZKh_Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5cc1d6fb44cb021b6095c3096f497662 class=caas-img>Jacob Elordi
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2iU4b7JkQcVXl73JfW9Cbg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4f580065b31523c6aef479b87ed7b718 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Jacob Elordi
">Jacob Elordi
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2iU4b7JkQcVXl73JfW9Cbg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4f580065b31523c6aef479b87ed7b718 class=caas-img>Oscar Isaac
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cmMp2HQqO34G3UkBte8Oag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6447163180fcfaed454441e9991325b8 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Oscar Isaac
">Oscar Isaac
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cmMp2HQqO34G3UkBte8Oag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6447163180fcfaed454441e9991325b8 class=caas-img>Kate Hudson
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HvPrJTPmRd3szd24rFyLhA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ba7d7aeb97a990ce6bdf4821016f4551 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Kate Hudson
">Kate Hudson
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HvPrJTPmRd3szd24rFyLhA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ba7d7aeb97a990ce6bdf4821016f4551 class=caas-img>Renate Reinsve
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/EqnC70jC8up4n3L332lFFQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8c75025784ce7b410df6978253064d94 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Renate Reinsve
">Renate Reinsve
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/EqnC70jC8up4n3L332lFFQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8c75025784ce7b410df6978253064d94 class=caas-img>Jessie Buckley
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/k5Hcku5MzB5dzAvapQgyzQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/30d5c686aec2ab9f17a2dbc84859a43f class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Jessie Buckley
">Jessie Buckley
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/k5Hcku5MzB5dzAvapQgyzQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/30d5c686aec2ab9f17a2dbc84859a43f class=caas-img>Paul Mescal
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/w3J.aWxhU7HWBAz6bptfBQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/84297c2ca957703d297bffe20d47303a class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Paul Mescal
">Paul Mescal
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/w3J.aWxhU7HWBAz6bptfBQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/84297c2ca957703d297bffe20d47303a class=caas-img>Michael B. Jordan
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/7Hts8qwIZOhLEeWgeJqGFg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/25b8967eb6a6ec405e8483c483286e3f class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Michael B. Jordan
">Michael B. Jordan
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/7Hts8qwIZOhLEeWgeJqGFg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/25b8967eb6a6ec405e8483c483286e3f class=caas-img>Elle Fanning
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QFlvhs9xfcwi4pa.LURnkg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzY4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/547bb70f24d1f88264f7ddfee3f22fd5 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Elle Fanning
">Elle Fanning
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QFlvhs9xfcwi4pa.LURnkg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzY4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/547bb70f24d1f88264f7ddfee3f22fd5 class=caas-img>Rose Byrne, left, and Meghann Fahy
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1OjcuJexxmI2_2EO6X7LGA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4d493bdae884f6458814ece674d00f27 class=caas-img data-headline="See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January" data-caption="
Rose Byrne, left, and Meghann Fahy
">Rose Byrne, left, and Meghann Fahy
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1OjcuJexxmI2_2EO6X7LGA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4d493bdae884f6458814ece674d00f27 class=caas-img>
1 / 34See Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande in the best celebrity photos of January
New year, new star sightings. With the Oscar nominations in sight, celebrities are kicking off 2026 on the awards circuit, stepping out at events like the Palm Springs International Film Awards and Critics Choice Awards.Scroll through for the best celebrity photos of January so far, starting with Teyana Taylor at the Palm Springs Film Awards on Jan. 3, 2026, in California.
"[She] puts a hand on my shoulder, looks into my eyes, and goes, 'We're all waiting for you on the other side,'" he recalled. "I was like, 'This is crazy.' ... It does feel like I've died."
Yang previously reflected, in his Instagram post announcing his "SNL" departure, that "at a time when many things in the world started to seem futile," working on the show "taught me the value in showing up anyway when people make it worthwhile."
"SNL" will return for its first episode of 2026 on Jan. 17 with host Finn Wolfhard.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'SNL' star Bowen Yang explains why he left 'Saturday Night Live'
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
