On February 14, 2025, New York City’s legendary Radio City Music Hall was charged with energy by “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert,” a glittering affair celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic sketch comedy program, “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). Hosted by Jimmy Fallon, a veteran SNL cast member, the concert boasted a phenomenal roster of musical legends and modern-day superstars, giving unforgettable performances in tribute to the show’s illustrious musical heritage.
A Night to Remember
The night began with a fiery red carpet, where stars from different entertainment worlds came together to mark SNL’s anniversary. Some of the notable guests included Miley Cyrus, Chris Pine, and Christine Baranski, all bringing their own personal touch to the occasion. The air was filled with excitement as fans and celebrities alike waited for a night of great music and reminiscence.
Cher’s Triumphant Return
Cher, a long-standing music icon, took the stage with a commanding performance that appealed to both old and new fans alike. Her performance featured classics that have been anthems for decades, highlighting her ageless vocal talent and stage presence. Cher’s history with SNL stretches back to its early days, and her involvement in the concert highlighted the show’s influence on her storied career.
Lady Gaga’s Show-Stopping Performance
Lady Gaga, renowned for her energetic performances and singing dexterity, presented a show-stopping performance that thrilled the audience. She performed a medley with The Lonely Island that incorporated humor and music, capturing the essence of SNL’s creativity in entertainment. Lady Gaga’s act was a testament to her capability of bringing together artistry and humor effortlessly, presenting an experience to remember for everyone present.
Nirvana’s Legacy Remembered
In a poignant nod to the grunge days, remaining members of Nirvana—Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear—greeted each other on stage. They were accompanied by Post Malone, whose vocal range bridged the generational divide, performing a version that paid homage to the group’s heritage while exposing their music to a new generation. This performance underscored SNL’s ability to bring disparate musical acts together for interesting and unexpected performances.
Miley Cyrus Engages the Crowd
Miley Cyrus, a frequent SNL guest, energized the crowd with her hit “Flowers,” encouraging audience participation and creating a communal atmosphere. Her performance was a highlight of the evening, demonstrating her ability to connect with fans through both her music and charismatic stage presence. Cyrus’s engagement with the audience exemplified the interactive and inclusive spirit that SNL has cultivated over its five-decade run.
The Backstreet Boys’ Throwback Performance
Complementing the evening’s eclectic musical programming, the Backstreet Boys brought their legendary “I Want It That Way” to life in a nostalgic performance that reminded audiences of the late 1990s and returned fans to the SNL staple of having its most popular chart-topping performers across genres over the years.
Snoop Dogg’s Smooth Vibes
Snoop Dogg infused his unmistakable smooth attitude into the performance, singing “Gin and Juice” for the crowd’s enjoyment. His relaxed demeanor and charming stage presence brought a flavor of uniqueness to the night, highlighting the wide range of music genres that have been welcomed onto SNL during its run.
Lauryn Hill’s Soulful Reunion
In a spiritual highlight, Lauryn Hill joined Wyclef Jean to sing “Killing Me Softly,” reawakening the chemistry of their union during The Fugees days. The performance was proof of SNL’s power in uniting artists, producing moments that linger in viewers’ minds even after the program is over.
The Culps’ Comedic Interlude
In between the musical performances were the acknowledgment of SNL’s comedy origins. Ana Gasteyer and Will Ferrell did their stint as The Culps, with a comic musical turn that merged comedy and music in the typical SNL blend of entertainment. Their turn was an amusing break that recalled the richness of the show’s comedic heritage.
Collaborative Performances and Surprises
The show was filled with special pairings that reflected SNL’s history of promoting innovative partnerships. Miley Cyrus joined with Brittany Howard for a performance of Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” combining their singular voices to create a new interpretation of the old hit. Robyn and David Byrne also performed a dance routine to “Dancing On My Own,” adding eclectic spark to the night and reflecting the show’s dedication to innovation in the arts.
Homages to Lorne Michaels
Through the evening, there were touching homages made to the executive producer and creator of SNL, Lorne Michaels. Tributes from the speakers highlighted his visionary management and unrelenting dedication to mentoring talent, which have contributed largely to the long-term success of the show. These acknowledgments highlighted Michaels’ central contribution to the world of entertainment and the impact that he has had on generations of musicians and comedians.
The Roots’ Musical Excellence
As the evening house band, The Roots proved to be incredibly versatile as they seamlessly backed up an incredibly diverse set of artists representing a variety of genres. Their musical skillset offered a common thread that tied the entire concert together, making every performance top-notch quality and full of energy. The inclusion of The Roots demonstrated the same spirit of cooperation that has long been the staple of SNL’s musical segments.
A Global Celebration
For those who could not be there in person, the concert was made available via live streaming on Peacock, so that fans everywhere could participate in the celebration. The concert paved the way for further anniversary programming, with a special broadcast to air on NBC on February 16, 2025, highlighting and behind-the-scenes footage from the concert.
Conclusion
“SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” was not just a celebration; it was a celebration of the cultural relevance of “Saturday Night Live.” By reuniting a broad group of artists and honoring its rich history, SNL reaffirmed its position as a staple of American entertainment, balancing comedy and music to build a legacy that remains relevant for audiences everywhere in the world.
