Saturday Night Live celebrates 50 years with comedy, music and many, many famous friends
In a star-studded celebration of Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary, music legends Paul Simon and Paul McCartney graced the stage with their iconic performances. The night kicked off with a heartfelt duet between Simon and rising pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter on Simon’s classic hit “Homeward Bound.” Simon, a long-time friend of the show since its inception in 1975, shared that he first performed the song on SNL back in 1976, eliciting a humorous response from Carpenter about her age.
Closing out the evening, McCartney delivered an epic performance of the Beatles’ Abbey Road song cycle, “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End,” leaving the audience in awe. The poignant lyrics of “the love you take, is equal to the love you make” served as a fitting conclusion to the milestone celebration.
Throughout the night, the stage was graced by a slew of celebrities, including Lil Wayne, Miley Cyrus, and the show’s most frequent host, Steve Martin. Martin, along with former SNL luminaries Martin Short and John Mulaney, entertained the audience with witty banter and anecdotes about the show’s rich history.
The evening was filled with surprise cameos from the likes of Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson, and Keith Richards, adding to the star-studded lineup. Notable moments included Bill Murray’s humorous ranking of the show’s anchors and Alec Baldwin’s return to introduce a segment on commercial parodies.
As the night came to a close, the stage was filled with luminaries applauding in tribute to SNL creator Lorne Michaels, who has guided the show for 45 of its 50 years. The celebration was a fitting tribute to the iconic sketch institution that has launched the careers of countless comedians and left an indelible mark on pop culture.
From classic sketches and musical performances to heartfelt tributes and hilarious moments, the SNL 50th anniversary special was a night to remember. The show’s enduring legacy was on full display, showcasing the talent and creativity that has made it a cultural phenomenon for half a century.
