Can you believe it?
Fifty years of *Saturday Night Live*!
It’s not just a TV show; it’s a cultural institution, a comedy empire that’s given us some of the most unforgettable characters and moments in television history.
And what better way to celebrate than with the SNL 50th Anniversary Concert?
Buckle up, because this article is your backstage pass to the most memorable moments, surprise reunions, and musical madness from the *SNL50* festivities.
Was there a dry eye in Radio City Music Hall?
Possibly not.
A Star-Studded Homecoming
The *SNL 50th Anniversary Special Concert* was nothing short of a musical extravaganza, hosted by none other than Jimmy Fallon.
But let’s be real, it wasn’t just about the music, was it?
It was a reunion, a homecoming, a celebration of all things *SNL*!
The lineup was a delightful mix of generations, styles, and pure, unadulterated talent.
We’re talking Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Bonnie Raitt, Eddie Vedder…
the list goes on!
But what made this concert so special?
Was it the perfectly executed musical numbers, the unexpected collaborations, or just the sheer joy of seeing so many familiar faces in one place?
Well, it was probably a bit of everything, wasn’t it?
Watch the highlights from the ‘SNL50: Homecoming Concert’ and get a taste of the action.
Top Moments That Made Us Cheer (and Maybe Shed a Tear)
Let’s dive into some of the standout moments from the *Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special Concert*.
From surprise reunions to show-stopping musical performances, this concert had it all.
What are some of the highlights that had everyone talking?
- Jack White’s Rock Anthem: Jack White closing the show with a fiery performance of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” and “Seven Nation Army”?
Pure rock ‘n’ roll energy.
And incorporating some of Neil’s lyrics?
Clever, right? - Lady Gaga’s Box of Surprises: Lady Gaga’s performance of “Shallow” was stunning, but it was her collaboration on “Dick in a Box” with Andy Samberg that had everyone in stitches.
And what about that talon-shaped hat?
Only Gaga could pull that off! - Marty Culp Takes on Drake: Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer reviving their roles as Marty and Bobbi Mohan-Culp to hilariously butcher Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”?
Now that’s comedy gold! - David Byrne’s Eclectic Jam: David Byrne teaming up with Robyn, Arcade Fire, St.
Vincent, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for a medley of Bowie’s “Heroes” and Talking Heads’ “This Must Be the Place”?
Absolutely inspired. - Lauryn Hill’s Triumphant Return: Ms.
Lauryn Hill reminding everyone why she’s a legend with a performance that left us all wanting more?
Yes, please! - Bonnie Raitt’s Timeless Class: Bonnie Raitt gracing the stage with her classics, “Thing Called Love” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” with Chris Martin on piano?
Talk about a class act! - Brandi Carlile’s Power Ballad: Brandi Carlile’s emotionally charged performance of “The Joke”?
Gave us chills, every single time.
Did someone say unexpected collaborations?
Oh, the *SNL50 concert* had ’em in spades!
Whether it was Miley Cyrus teaming up with Brittany Howard for a rendition of Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” or Arcade Fire joining David Byrne, St.
Vincent, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the collabs elevated the concert.
The highlight of Lady Gaga and Andy Samberg was epic!
Those SNL Alums: Can They Still Bring the Funny?
One of the biggest questions going into the *SNL 50th anniversary special* was: can the former cast members still bring the funny?
The answer, for the most part, was a resounding YES.
The revival of classic characters and sketches was a major hit, but not all attempts were created equal.
Some soared, some…
well, let’s just say they landed with a bit of a thud.
So, who brought the house down, and who maybe should have stayed home?
There were some hits and misses, but here is a breakdown:
- Hits: The Culps (Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer) proved that their unique brand of musical humor is still as sharp as ever.
- Misses: Bill Murray’s lounge singer act fell a bit flat, proving that sometimes, nostalgia is best left untouched.
Though putting Maya Rudolph and Cecily Strong as background singers sounds like a can’t miss opportunity.
The Music That Moved Us
Of course, no *SNL 50th Anniversary Celebration Concert* would be complete without a stellar lineup of musical performances.
From rock to hip-hop to country, the concert showcased the diverse range of music that’s been a part of *SNL*’s history.
But which performances truly stood out?
Which ones had the audience on their feet, singing along at the top of their lungs?
The musical performances were a delightful mix of classic hits and new favorites, and a full list of the show can be found here:
- Jimmy Fallon – Soul Man
- Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard – Crazy Little Thing Called Love
- Miley Cyrus – Flowers
- Bad Bunny – Baile Inolvidable, DTMF
- Bill Murray – You’re All I Need to Get By
- Eddie Vedder – The Waiting, Corduroy
- Tracy Morgan – Astronaut Jones Theme Song
- B52s – Love Shack
- Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way
- Devo – Uncontrollable Urge
- Lady Gaga, Andy Samberg, Eddie Vedder, Lonely Island – Medley
- Lauryn Hill and Fugees – Medley
- Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer – Medley
- Jelly Roll – Johnny Cash medley
- Brandi Carlile – The Joke
- Mumford and Sons – I Will Wait
- Mumford and Sons with Jerry Douglas – The Boxer
- Snoop Dogg – Gin and Juice
- Snoop Dogg and Jelly Roll – Last Dance With Mary Jane
- Arcade Fire, David Byrne, St.
Vincent and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band – Heroes, Wake Up - Post Malone and Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit
- Robyn and David Byrne – This Must Be the Place
- Cher – If I Could Turn Back Time
- Jack White – Rockin in the Free World, Seven Nation Army
SNL: More Than Just Sketches
But let’s not forget about the sketches!
In honor of *Saturday Night Live’s* golden anniversary, cast members looked back at those anxious and exhilarating behind-the-scenes experiences in an interview with Today.com.
Now, who broke character the most?
Well, the answers might surprise you.
An inside look at the early years of Saturday Night Live
Laraine Newman, an original cast member, explains that what is “heroic” is that the set designers have four days to build sets for sketches that might not even make it to air.
Now, that’s dedication!
I mean, have you ever tried building a set in four days?
It’s no easy feat!
Kevin Nealon remembers Lorne Michael’s greeting before his first sketch.
To calm his nerves, Michaels put his hand on his shoulder and asked, “Are you *sure* this is what you want?” Talk about pressure!
It was all worth it though, because five decades later, SNL remains a cornerstone of American culture.
Detroit Did WHAT Back in ‘75?!
Here’s a fun fact for you!
A lot of people don’t know this, but, back in the day, Detroit’s NBC affiliate, WDIV-TV, actually *chose not* to air the first episode of SNL.
No way!
Now, can you imagine passing up on what would become a television phenomenon?
In fairness, stories vary on why the station skipped the debut episode on the 11th of October, 1975 with George Carlin and Billy Preston.
One theory suggests WDIV thought the sketch was “too sarcastic, too satirical, too funny, too smart.” On the other hand, sources claim they chose to run movies instead because it made more financial sense at the time.
Regardless, WDIV did eventually come around, and as of this weekend, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the rest of the country!
SNL’s 50th Anniversary Celebration: Red Carpet Rollout
In anticipation of the *Saturday Night Live* anniversary, many of the show’s alums gathered for a red carpet event.
The event will be hosted by Willie Geist, Matt Rogers, and SNL allum, Leslie Jones.
Expect to see some of Hollywood’s biggest names.
The red carpet event is scheduled to air at 7 p.m.
ET/5 p.m.
PT on Sunday.
If you are planning on tuning in, catch the SNL alums on NBC, E!
and Peacock.
SNL Beyond Saturday Night
Wondering what to do after the red carpet event and three hours of the anniversary special?
Check out, SNL50 Beyond Saturday Night.
This four part series includes interviews from over 60 SNL contributors.
Get behind the scenes insight into the show’s evolution.
You can stream the series on Peacock.
The Legacy Continues
The SNL 50th Anniversary Concert and the slew of anniversary events were a testament to the enduring legacy of *Saturday Night Live*.
From its humble beginnings as a late-night experiment to its current status as a pop culture institution, *SNL* has consistently pushed boundaries, challenged conventions, and made us laugh.
And you know, isn’t that what it’s all about?
So, what’s next for *SNL*?
Can it continue to stay relevant in an ever-changing media landscape?
Only time will tell.
But one thing’s for sure: the legacy of *Saturday Night Live* will continue to inspire, entertain, and make us laugh for generations to come.
The show airs Saturdays at 11:30/10:30 central on NBC and can be streamed the next day on Peacock.
Your SNL 50th Anniversary Concert Questions Answered
What was the SNL 50th Anniversary Concert about?
The SNL 50th Anniversary Concert was a celebration of 50 years of Saturday Night Live, featuring musical performances, surprise reunions, and appearances from former cast members.
Who hosted the SNL 50th Anniversary Concert?
Jimmy Fallon hosted the SNL 50th Anniversary Concert.
Where can I watch the SNL anniversary events?
Catch the SNL alums on NBC, E!
and Peacock.
The show airs Saturdays at 11:30/10:30 central on NBC and can be streamed the next day on Peacock.
Why didn’t Detroit initially air SNL?
Detroit’s NBC affiliate, WDIV-TV, initially chose not to air the first episode of SNL, possibly due to concerns about its satirical content or financial considerations.
Now, stories vary on why the station skipped the debut episode on the 11th of October, 1975 with George Carlin and Billy Preston.
One theory suggests WDIV thought the sketch was “too sarcastic, too satirical, too funny, too smart.” On the other hand, sources claim they chose to run movies instead because it made more financial sense at the time.
A Golden Milestone for Saturday Night Live
The SNL 50th Anniversary Concert served as a great tribute to the show’s impact on comedy, music, and television.
The evening celebrated the show’s legacy and marked a major milestone for one of America’s most enduring cultural institutions.
While it remains to be seen what the future holds for Saturday Night Live, the 50th Anniversary Concert certainly made for a memorable, joyful celebration.
Continue Your SNL Journey
- Watch the SNL 50th Anniversary Special: Catch the full special on NBC and Peacock to experience the entire celebration.
- Stream SNL50 Beyond Saturday Night: Delve deeper into the show’s history with this four-part docuseries on Peacock.
- Tune in to Saturday Night Live: Watch every Saturday night on NBC.