The unforgettable ‘SNL50: The Homecoming Concert’ will broadcast on Sunday, marking 50 years of ‘Saturday Night Live’ with Music and comedy icons reunited under one roof at Radio City Music Hall.
Host Jimmy Fallon presided over the star-studded spectacle event. The celebration showcased powerhouse performances from Lady Gaga, Cher, Miley Cyrus, Snoop Dogg, and a historic reunion of ‘Nirvana’. The electrifying evening was a warm-up for the much-anticipated ‘SNL50: The Anniversary Special’, which will be broadcast from ‘Studio 8H’ on Sunday.
The night was a nostalgic musical tour of the decades, with a combination of solo performances and one-off collaborations. Bonnie Raitt and Chris Martin sang a soulful duet, while Post Malone collaborated with ‘Nirvana’ for an electrifying performance of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’.
Iconic Performances
The show became a 1990s flashback as the ‘Backstreet Boys’ music band set the crowd ablaze with ‘I Want It That Way’, and rapper ‘Snoop Dogg’ brought his trademark energy with ‘Gin and Juice’. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean teamed up for an emotional rendition of “Killing Me Softly.”
Comedy and music blended as SNL legends Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer re-emerged in their music teacher team, with sidesplitting tries at a modern mash-up. Andy Samberg and Chris Parnell resurrected their ‘Lazy Sunday’ viral hit, and Lady Gaga stepped in for Justin Timberlake in a cheeky holiday-themed song.
The ‘Consequence Daily’ shared a post on Instagram, writing, “Lady Gaga and Andy Samberg duet on ‘Dick in the Box’ at SNL’s 50th-anniversary concert.”
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Lorne Michaels Steals the Show
The mastermind of SNL, Lorne Michaels, might not have taken the stage, but his presence was palpable throughout the evening. Miley Cyrus dedicated her chart-topper “Flowers” to him, and Adam Sandler rallied the crowd in a loving tribute. Bonnie Raitt thanked her for her numerous visits to the show before wrapping up her set with ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’.
Collaborations and MVP Moments
The evening’s surprise pairings stunned the crowd. Cyrus and Brittany Howard returned to Queen’s ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’, while Arcade Fire, David Byrne, St. Vincent, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band offered a captivating rendition of ‘Heroes’.
Questlove, a driving force throughout the evening, switched effortlessly among genres, shepherding The Roots through an impeccable set covering hip-hop, rock, and folk standards. His performances made him the MVP of the concert.
An Apt Ending for an Iconic Program
Lady Gaga closed the show with a poignant solo rendition of ‘Shallow’, blending the two parts masterfully. ‘Love Shack’ by the B-52s united cast and musicians alike to sing along happily. It has reflected the essence of SNL, a convergence of humor, music, and moments never to be forgotten.
With SNL50: The Anniversary Special soon to come, the concert set the stage for a weekend of celebrations and reminded viewers why Saturday Night Live is still a cultural touchstone after 50 years.
