SNL Season 50 Musical Guest GuideFrom Jelly Roll to Hozier, Every Performance You Can’t Miss

Get ready for an electrifying journey through Saturday Night Live’s milestone 50th season! From Grammy-nominated sensation Jelly Roll’s raw emotional premiere to Hozier’s soul-stirring finale, this season’s musical lineup is nothing short of spectacular. Studio 8H has become the stage for an unforgettable mix of breakthrough artists and legendary performers. Whether you’re a long-time SNL fan or just discovering the show’s musical magic, we’ve got your ultimate guide to every must-watch performance of Season 50. Picture yourself witnessing Stevie Nicks’ historic return after 40 years, Coldplay’s eighth appearance with special collaborators, and Billie Eilish’s evolution from Musical Guest to Host. Plus, discover rising stars like Chappell Roan and Mk.gee making their mark on this iconic stage. Ready to dive into the most diverse and dynamic musical lineup in SNL history? Let’s explore these extraordinary performances that are redefining late-night television.

Key Takeaways:

• – The season kicks off with country sensation Jelly Roll making his SNL debut, delivering an emotionally charged premiere performance that sets the tone for the milestone season.
• – Iconic artists like Stevie Nicks make a historic return to Studio 8H after 40 years, while Coldplay marks their eighth appearance with special collaborations.
• – The season features versatile performers like Billie Eilish and Charli XCX taking on double duty as both host and musical guest, demonstrating the show’s evolution.
• – Rising stars including Chappell Roan, Mk.gee, and Shaboozey bring fresh energy to the stage, representing the next generation of musical talent.
• – The musical lineup spans diverse genres from country and rock to pop and alternative, reflecting SNL’s commitment to showcasing varied musical styles.

SNL Season 50 Premiere Highlights

The milestone 50th season of SNL kicked off with an electrifying premiere that set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable year of entertainment. The show’s return to Studio 8H marked a significant moment in television history, celebrating five decades of comedy excellence.

Historic Opening Monologue

The premiere of the 50th season of SNL began with a powerful cold open that paid homage to the show’s rich legacy. The segment featured surprise appearances from beloved SNL alumni, bringing together multiple generations of comedy talent on one stage.

Musical Moments That Resonated

The landmark 50th season started strong with performances that showcased the show’s commitment to featuring diverse musical talent. The stage was transformed into an intimate concert venue, allowing artists to create memorable moments that will be talked about throughout the season.

Behind-the-Scenes Magic

The season premiere also offered glimpses into the show’s production process, revealing the incredible teamwork that goes into creating each episode. From the writing room to the final dress rehearsal, viewers got to witness the dedication that has kept SNL at the forefront of entertainment for half a century.

(Key takeawayThe season premiere successfully honored SNL’s legacy while setting up an exciting new chapter in the show’s storied history.)

September Performances

The milestone 50th season kicked off with an unforgettable pairing of Emmy-winning actress Jean Smart and country-rap sensation Jelly Roll. This dynamic duo brought fresh energy to Studio 8H, marking both their first appearances on the iconic stage.

Jean Smart’s Hosting Debut

The acclaimed actress, fresh off her Emmy win for Hacks, delivered a masterful performance that showcased her versatility. Smart’s natural comedic timing and dramatic prowess shone through in various sketches, proving why she’s been a television powerhouse for decades. Her hosting debut was a testament to her ability to seamlessly transition between comedy and drama.

Jelly Roll’s Emotional Performance

The musical guest Jelly Roll brought raw emotion and authenticity to the stage. His journey from selling mixtapes in Nashville to performing on SNL’s season premiere exemplifies the show’s commitment to showcasing diverse talent. His performances of “Need A Favor” and “Save Me” resonated deeply with the audience, bringing his signature blend of country, rock, and hip-hop to Studio 8H.

(Key takeawayThe September premiere of SNL’s 50th season successfully paired Jean Smart’s comedic excellence with Jelly Roll’s powerful musical performance, setting a high bar for the landmark season ahead.)

October Musical Lineup

The musical performances in October brought an extraordinary mix of legendary talent and contemporary artistry to Studio 8H. Ariana Grande kicked off the month with her signature vocal prowess, delivering a stunning rendition of tracks from her latest album. Her performance marked a special moment as she shared the stage with the iconic Stevie Nicks.

A Night of Musical Magic with Stevie Nicks

The legendary Stevie Nicks graced the SNL stage after an incredible 40-year hiatus. Her ethereal presence and timeless voice captivated the audience as she performed classics that have defined generations of music lovers. The Fleetwood Mac icon’s return to Studio 8H was nothing short of magical.

Billie Eilish’s Powerful Return

Following Nicks’ performance, Billie Eilish made her fourth appearance on SNL, showcasing her evolving artistry. Her set featured emotionally charged performances that demonstrated why she remains one of music’s most compelling voices. The Grammy-winning artist brought her signature style and haunting vocals to the iconic stage.

Moon Music Takes Center Stage

The month concluded with an unforgettable performance featuring songs from the Moon Music album. The innovative production and atmospheric soundscapes created an immersive experience for both the studio audience and viewers at home. Nate Bargatze’s hosting added a perfect complement to the musical performances.

💡 (Key takeaway)October’s musical lineup showcased an exceptional blend of iconic veterans and contemporary stars, creating memorable moments that highlighted SNL’s ability to bring together diverse musical talents.

Coldplay’s Return to Studio 8H

Coldplay made their triumphant eighth appearance as musical guest on Saturday Night Live, bringing their signature stadium-filling energy to Studio 8H. The band delivered a mesmerizing performance featuring tracks from their latest album Moon Music.

Chris Martin and his bandmates transformed the iconic stage with their signature blend of atmospheric lighting and innovative visual effects. Their performance included a special collaboration with H.E.R., adding an extra layer of musical brilliance to their already dynamic show.

The band’s return to SNL marked another milestone in their long-standing relationship with the show, having first performed on the stage back in 2001. Their ability to consistently deliver powerful live performances has made them one of the most frequent and beloved musical guests in the show’s history.

💡 (Key takeaway)Coldplay’s eighth SNL appearance showcased their enduring musical excellence and continued evolution as performers on television’s most prestigious stage.

November’s Star-Studded Performances

November brought an electrifying lineup of performances to Studio 8H, featuring a perfect blend of comedy and music that kept audiences glued to their screens.

John Mulaney’s Milestone Return

The month kicked off with John Mulaney’s triumphant sixth hosting appearance, solidifying his place in SNL’s prestigious Five-Timers Club. Paired with rising pop sensation Chappell Roan, the episode delivered a perfect mix of Mulaney’s sharp wit and Roan’s theatrical performances.

Bill Burr’s Political Commentary

Following the election buzz, comedian Bill Burr took the stage alongside indie artist Mk.gee. Burr’s signature no-holds-barred comedy style perfectly complemented Mk.gee’s dreamy indie rock performances, creating an unforgettable episode that resonated with both comedy and music enthusiasts.

Charli XCX’s Historic Night

The month reached its peak when pop superstar Charli XCX made SNL history by pulling double duty as both host and musical guest. Her dynamic presence brought fresh energy to the show, seamlessly transitioning between comedy sketches and electrifying musical performances that showcased songs from her upcoming album Brat.

(Key takeawayNovember’s SNL lineup featured a powerhouse combination of veteran comedians and innovative musicians, with Charli XCX’s double-duty performance standing out as a historic highlight.)

Charli XCX’s Dual Role

In a groundbreaking moment for the milestone season, Charli XCX steps into the spotlight as both host and musical guest. The pop sensation, known for her avant-garde approach to music, brings her electrifying energy to Studio 8H for her second SNL appearance.

Following her 2021 debut as a musical guest, Charli now joins the elite group of performers who’ve taken on this dual responsibility. She’s set to perform tracks from her highly anticipated 2024 album Brat while showcasing her comedic chops in various sketches throughout the show.

💡 (Key takeaway)Charli XCX makes history in SNL Season 50 by taking on the prestigious double duty of host and musical guest, marking her evolution from a previous musical guest appearance to a multifaceted entertainer.

December’s Grand Finale

The final month of SNL’s milestone 50th season brings an electrifying mix of comedy legends and fresh talent to Studio 8H. Paul Mescal kicks off December’s lineup, bringing his intense dramatic prowess from Normal People and Aftersun to the comedy stage.

Comedy Veterans Return

Chris Rock makes a triumphant return to his old stomping grounds. As a former SNL cast member (1990-1993), Rock’s hosting gig promises to deliver his signature sharp wit and incisive social commentary that has made him a stand-out in comedy.

Martin Short closes out 2023 with his magnetic presence and unmatched energy. The comedy icon, who was a cast member during the 1984-85 season, brings decades of experience and his distinctive brand of physical comedy to the show.

Musical Finale

The musical performances are equally compelling, featuring Shaboozey’s genre-bending country-rap fusion, Gracie Abrams’ intimate indie pop fresh off Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, and Hozier’s haunting folk-rock promoting his deluxe album Unreal UnearthUnending.

This star-studded December lineup perfectly encapsulates SNL’s enduring ability to blend established talent with emerging artists, creating memorable moments that will go down in the show’s illustrious history.

(Key takeawayDecember’s finale brings together comedy legends Chris Rock and Martin Short with rising star Paul Mescal, alongside diverse musical performances from Shaboozey, Gracie Abrams, and Hozier.)

Shaboozey’s SNL Debut

Rising star Shaboozey made his SNL debut a memorable one, bringing his unique blend of country-rap to Studio 8H. His performance of the viral hit Bar Song (Tipsy) showcased his distinctive style that seamlessly merges genres. The artist, known for his therapeutic music approach, delivered an emotionally charged set that resonated with both live and television audiences.

The performance marked a significant milestone in Shaboozey’s career, following his recent collaboration with Beyoncé on her Cowboy Carter album. His authentic storytelling and raw energy on the SNL stage demonstrated why he’s becoming one of music’s most talked-about new voices.

💡 (Key takeaway)Shaboozey’s SNL debut performance perfectly captured his genre-blending artistry and emotional depth, marking a pivotal moment in his rising career.

Notable Cast Changes and Special Appearances

The milestone 50th season brought significant changes to the SNL family, with both fresh faces and fond farewells shaping the show’s dynamic ensemble.

New Cast Additions

Three talented performers joined the SNL roster as featured players. Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline brought their unique comedic perspectives to Studio 8H, infusing the show with fresh energy and creativity.

Cast Promotions

In a well-deserved advancement, Marcello Hernandez, Michael Longfellow, and Devon Walker were elevated to main cast status. Their promotion reflects their growing influence and consistent contributions to the show’s success.

Notable Departures

The SNL family bid farewell to beloved cast members Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney, and Chloe Troast. Their departures marked the end of an era while making way for new talent to shine.

Special Guest Appearances

The season featured memorable cameos from SNL cast member alumnus, including Maya Rudolph, Andy Samberg, and Dana Carvey. These family member reunions added an extra layer of nostalgia and excitement to the landmark season.

(Key takeawayThe 50th season marked a significant transition period with three new featured players, three promotions to main cast, three departures, and special appearances from beloved SNL alumni.)

Conclusion

As we wrap up this incredible journey through SNL’s 50th season, it’s clear that the show continues to be a cultural touchstone, bringing together the best of music and comedy. From Jelly Roll’s emotional premiere to Hozier’s soulful finale, each performance has left an indelible mark on Studio 8H’s iconic stage. These unforgettable acts have not only entertained but also inspired, showcasing the power of live music to connect and move audiences. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to SNL, there’s never been a better time to tune in and experience the magic for yourself. Don’t miss out on these groundbreaking performances that are redefining late-night television. Share your favorite musical moments with friends, and join the conversation about SNL’s most diverse and dynamic season yet. Here’s to 50 years of laughter, music, and unforgettable Saturday nights!

FAQs

What is the significance of SNL reaching its 50th season milestone?

Saturday Night Live’s 50th season marks a historic achievement in television history, representing five decades of groundbreaking comedy, cultural impact, and launching countless careers. This milestone season features special tributes, returning alumni, and exceptional musical performances celebrating SNL’s legacy.

How does SNL select its musical guests for each episode?

SNL typically chooses musical guests based on current popularity, recent album releases, and cultural relevance. The show aims to feature a diverse mix of established artists and emerging talents, often coordinating with artists who have new releases or are currently touring.

Do musical guests on SNL perform live or lip-sync?

Musical guests on SNL perform completely live, which is a long-standing tradition of the show. The performances take place in Studio 8H with the house band, and artists typically perform two songs during each episode, showcasing their live musical abilities.

How much rehearsal time do musical guests get before their SNL performance?

Musical guests usually arrive at Studio 8H on Wednesday or Thursday before the Saturday show. They get approximately 2-3 days for rehearsals, including sound checks and camera blocking, to ensure their performance meets SNL’s live broadcast standards.

Can musical guests also appear in SNL sketches?

Yes, musical guests can participate in sketches if they’re interested and if the writers create appropriate roles. Some artists who serve as both host and musical guest (double duty) are more likely to appear in multiple sketches throughout the episode.

What happens if a musical guest cancels at the last minute?

SNL maintains a contingency plan for last-minute cancellations, including having backup performers on standby. The show has occasionally had to make quick replacements, either bringing in local artists or having previously booked performers return on short notice.