SNL50: The Homecoming Concert – A Star-Studded Musical Celebration

The SNL50: The Homecoming Concert, a three-hour live event celebrating Saturday Night Live’s remarkable 50-year history, aired on NBC this past Friday, February 14. Hosted at New York’s iconic Radio City Music Hall, the special event honored the long-running sketch comedy series’ deep-rooted connection with music. The lineup featured a diverse range of artists, including David Byrne, Arcade Fire, St. Vincent, Devo, Lady Gaga, and even a Nirvana reunion with Post Malone.

A Night of Iconic Collaborations

The concert brought together artists from different eras, blending musical performances with nods to classic SNL sketches and surprise guest appearances. One of the evening’s most unexpected and captivating performances featured David Byrne and Robyn, both dressed in slightly oversized grey suits, performing Robyn’s 2010 anthem, Dancing on My Own.

Lady Gaga also took the stage, initially sitting behind a piano for a seemingly earnest rendition of Shallow. However, in true SNL fashion, Andy Samberg interrupted the performance, leading the duo into a raucous medley of The Lonely Island’s greatest hits. Highlights included Dick in a Box, Lazy Sunday with Chris Parnell, I Just Had Sex with Bad Bunny, I’m on a Boat with T-Pain, and Jack Sparrow featuring a special guest appearance by Eddie Vedder.

Unforgettable Musical Moments

The night was packed with legendary collaborations and electrifying performances:

• The B-52’s delivered an energetic rendition of Love Shack, joined by Fred Armisen, Bowen Yang, and Sarah Sherman.
• The surviving members of Nirvana reunited for a powerful performance of Smells Like Teen Spirit, with Post Malone taking on lead vocals.
• Cher stunned the audience with a performance of If I Could Turn Back Time.
• Devo, with Fred Armisen onstage, energized the crowd with Uncontrollable Urge.
• A Fugees mini-reunion saw Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean perform Killing Me Softly With His Song and Lost Ones.
• Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard teamed up for a soulful rendition of Crazy Little Thing Called Love.
• Bill Murray, Maya Rudolph, and Cecily Strong delivered a heartwarming performance of You’re All I Need to Get By.

Solo Highlights and Grand Finale

Several artists also graced the stage with solo performances, including Eddie Vedder, Miley Cyrus, Lauryn Hill, Lady Gaga, Bonnie Raitt, Bad Bunny, Jack White, Snoop Dogg, Backstreet Boys, Mumford & Sons, Brandi Carlile, and Jelly Roll. The night culminated in an awe-inspiring collaboration, with Arcade Fire, David Byrne, St. Vincent, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band performing a medley of Heroes and Wake Up, bringing the historic evening to a grand close.

The SNL50: The Homecoming Concert was a fitting tribute to Saturday Night Live’s legacy, celebrating the show’s deep musical influence and its ability to unite generations through humor and song. Whether through nostalgic performances or unexpected collaborations, the event proved that SNL’s impact on music and culture remains as strong as ever.