On February 14, NBC?s SNL50: The Homecoming Concert transcended the ordinary live streaming experience by captivating audiences around the globe through Peacock, broadcasting directly from the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The event celebrated the illustrious legacy of the legendary sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live and its profound musical influence. Opening the night with an electrifying performance of ?Soul Man,? host Jimmy Fallon, a member of the SNL family since 1998, paid homage to the unforgettable Blues Brothers, played by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, who originally graced the stage in 1978.
The over three-hour extravaganza showcased a dazzling array of beloved comedians and iconic musical artists who have made their mark on the renowned 30 Rock stage over the past fifty years. This diverse lineup spanned multiple genres including rock, hip-hop, country, and pop. Among the star-studded attendees were music legends such as Cher, Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus, Robyn, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Jack White, and the Backstreet Boys, with Questlove and The Roots providing musical support for numerous performances, creating a dynamic and memorable atmosphere.
As expected from SNL, the night was sprinkled with comedic highlights, some delivered by past and present cast members. For instance, Miley Cyrus humorously altered her lyrics to ?Flowers,? quipping ?I can love you better than ADAM SANDLER can!? This elicited uproarious laughter from the audience. Yet, the evening also contained poignant moments, such as Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam paying tribute to late cast members like John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Norm Macdonald while performing Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers? ?The Waiting.? Additionally, Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons introduced Jerry Douglas, recalling the performance of Simon & Garfunkel?s ?The Boxer,? which resonated deeply with attendees as it was originally performed on the first SNL broadcast following the 9/11 attacks.
Overall, The Homecoming Concert was a jubilant celebration, overflowing with laughter and entertainment, showcasing the exceptional comedic talent that SNL has introduced to the world through the years, alongside an impressive lineup of musicians who delivered unforgettable performances. Below are some of the most memorable moments from the SNL50 concert, experienced live from the heart of Radio City Music Hall.
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Backstreet Boys Ignite Nostalgia with ?I Want It That Way?
Image Credit: Todd Owyoung/Peacock The atmosphere at Radio City was electric as the Backstreet Boys took the stage to perform their iconic 1999 Hot 100 No. 6 hit ?I Want It That Way.? The crowd erupted into deafening cheers, with fans rising from their seats to sing along passionately. Among the enthusiastic audience were notable celebrities like Paul Rudd, who was seen joyfully singing along, alongside Adam Sandler, Maya Rudolph, and Jon Hamm, all joining the nostalgia-filled celebration.
In a memorable moment, as the song reached its climax, Brian Littrell ventured into the star-studded audience and sang directly to Jerry Seinfeld, prompting a playful exchange where the comedian humorously responded with, ?Ain?t nothing but a mistaaake!? This delightful interaction encapsulated the spirit of the evening, blending music with comedy in a way only SNL could achieve.
Looking ahead, the Backstreet Boys are set to embark on a thrilling residency at Las Vegas? The Sphere and are gearing up for the highly anticipated release of Millennium 2.0!
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Ms. Lauryn Hill & Wyclef Jean Deliver a Timeless Reunion
Image Credit: Todd Owyoung/Peacock Fans of The Fugees were treated to a surprise reunion at the SNL50 concert, as Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean took the stage together. Although the highly anticipated tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of the iconic album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was postponed, this mini-reunion brought immense joy to fans. They performed a captivating medley that featured hits like ?Lost Ones? and ?911,? culminating in the soulful classic ?Killing Me Softly.? The crowd was enraptured, singing along with every word, showcasing Hill’s timeless vocal prowess and Jean’s infectious energy.
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The Culps Bring Humor with ?Not Like Us? Performance
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/Peacock Prepare for a hilarious masterclass as Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer reprised their beloved characters, Marty Culp and Bobbi Mohan-Culp. The comedic duo emerged from retirement to bring some ?freaky tunes? to the concert stage, attempting to mediate the ongoing rap rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Their comedic timing and witty banter had the audience in stitches.
They kicked off their act with cheeky renditions of popular tracks, including Britney Spears? ?Work Bitch,? Sam Smith and Kim Petras? ?Unholy,? and Megan Thee Stallion?s ?Body.? The highlight was when Ferrell launched into Lamar?s Grammy-winning diss track ?Not Like Us,? delivering the censored line from the Super Bowl Halftime Show, which had the audience singing along enthusiastically. Ferrell humorously suggested, ?Are Kenny Lamar and Drake Graham in the house? Maybe you can hug it out!? This comedic flair encapsulated the spirit of SNL and its unique blend of music and humor.
Don?t miss the chance to catch a clip of this hilarious performance on Peacock?s YouTube channel.
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Cher Delivers a Stunning Performance of ?If I Could Turn Back Time?
Image Credit: Todd Owyoung/Peacock With a dazzling introduction by former SNL cast members Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen, who reprised their impressions of iconic figures like Beyoncé and Prince, the stage was set for the legendary Cher. The audience was treated to a brief but unforgettable performance of her hit song ?If I Could Turn Back Time.? Cher?s vocal performance was as powerful and compelling as ever, proving that her talent has withstood the test of time.
As she graced the stage in a sparkling ensemble, the audience couldn’t help but join in, enthusiastically singing along as if it were a karaoke night at the iconic venue. Cher?s presence and performance at the SNL50 concert reminded everyone why she is a timeless icon in the music industry.
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Nirvana?s Epic Reunion with Post Malone
Image Credit: Theo Wargo/Peacock As the night progressed, former cast member Adam Sandler made a surprise appearance to introduce the next act, reminiscing about the explosive moment when Nirvana first graced the SNL stage in 1992. The audience erupted in anticipation when the surviving members of Nirvana?Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear?joined forces with Post Malone, who filled in for the late Kurt Cobain, creating a moment that sent waves of nostalgia through the crowd.
The performance of their classic hit ?Smells Like Teen Spirit? was nothing short of spectacular, igniting the audience into a frenzy with energetic head-banging and devil’s horns raised high. The intensity of the moment was palpable as fans celebrated the collaboration, embodying the spirit of the Seattle grunge scene that defined a generation. It was a true highlight of the evening that fans will remember for years to come.
Make sure to catch a clip of this unforgettable set on Peacock?s YouTube Shorts!
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Lady Gaga Brings Humor and Talent to ?Dick in a Box?
Image Credit: Virginia Sherwood/Peacock via Getty Images The performance kicked off with Lady Gaga gracefully seated at a grand piano, reminiscent of her iconic duet with Bradley Cooper during the 2019 Oscars. Comedian Andy Samberg, channeling his alter ego from the famous Lonely Island skit, joined her on stage. Their comedic dynamic was palpable, as Gaga humorously critiqued Samberg?s vocals, leading to a playful exchange that set the tone for the evening.
As the performance unfolded, the duo launched into the NSFW hit ?Dick in a Box,? captivating the audience with their comedic flair. They seamlessly transitioned into a medley of Lonely Island hits, which included ?Motherlover? and ?I Just Had Sex.? The crowd erupted in laughter and applause as Bad Bunny made a surprise appearance, bringing his operatic flair to the stage, while Eddie Vedder made a grand entrance as Captain Jack Sparrow, adding to the evening’s entertainment.
The evening culminated in a perfect blend of music, humor, and star power, truly encapsulating the essence of what SNL has represented over its incredible 50-year journey.
