Saturday Night Live Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Star-Studded Lineup
The iconic American sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live (SNL), marked its 50th anniversary over the weekend with a spectacular lineup of musical performances and sketches.
Nirvana Returns with Special Guest
In a surprise appearance, Nirvana took to the stage at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The legendary rock band was introduced by actor Adam Sandler, who was a cast member on SNL when Nirvana first performed on the show in 1991.
"These guys played when I was here, and it was the most unforgettable moment," Sandler said. "It was a game-changer. Three guys making rock ‘n’ roll like nobody had ever seen before, led by a skinny kid with a chip on his shoulder that we’ll never forget. Their music will live on forever."
Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear performed their iconic hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit," joined by a special guest: Post Malone. The 29-year-old rapper stepped in to replace the late Kurt Cobain, a choice that came as no surprise given Malone’s immense admiration for the band. He has previously covered several Nirvana songs, including "Lithium" and "All Apologies." Malone even played a 15-song Nirvana tribute concert during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which caught the attention of bassist Krist Novoselic. "I don’t think he could have done it any better," Novoselic said. "He killed it!"
Fugees Reunite
Another momentous reunion took place when the Fugees performed a medley of their classic hits "Lost Ones," "Ex-Factor," "911," and "Killing Me Softly." The return of Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean was met with widespread acclaim, with British singer Adele exclaiming on social media, "Oh my god I can’t believe my eyes!!! Wow wow wow."
Other Musical Highlights
A plethora of other musical stars graced the SNL stage for the anniversary celebration. The Backstreet Boys performed their iconic anthem "I Want It That Way," while Lady Gaga delivered a medley of Lonely Island songs, including "Motherlover" and "Dick in a Box." Cher belted out "If I Could Turn Back Time," and Miley Cyrus debuted her latest single, "Flowers." Other notable performers included Bill Murray ("You’re All I Need to Get By"), Jack White ("Rockin’ in the Free World" and "Seven Nation Army"), and Snoop Dogg ("Gin and Juice").
Paul McCartney Caps Off Anniversary with Beatles Classics
To conclude the star-studded celebration, legendary musician Paul McCartney took to the stage for a performance of three Beatles classics: "Golden Slumbers," "Carry That Weight," and "The End." The Beatles have a long history with SNL, having served as the show’s musical guest during its very first episode in 1975.
Celebrating Five Decades of Laughter and Music
Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary marked a milestone in the world of entertainment, paying homage to the show’s rich history and showcasing the enduring power of comedy and music. The lineup of performers represented five decades of SNL’s existence, from Nirvana’s groundbreaking appearance in the early 1990s to Post Malone’s homage to the band today. It was a testament to the show’s ability to adapt and remain relevant while continuing to bring laughter and unforgettable moments to audiences around the world.
