SNL50: A Homecoming Concert
Highlights and Notable Performances
John Mulaney's tribute to the late Hal Willner, the influential music guru of "Saturday Night Live," aptly captured the eclectic and memorable nature of the show's 50th-anniversary concert.
Despite its nearly three-and-a-half-hour runtime, the concert offered a wide range of performances that captivated viewers, with few notable missteps.
Missed opportunities included the absence of iconic performers like Ashley Simpson and Elvis Costello's legendary false start, although Eddie Vedder acknowledged the latter incident.
Standout Performances:
* Jack White: Delivered a rousing finale with "Rockin' in the Free World" and "Seven Nation Army," demonstrating his enduring status as "The Only Rock Star That Matters."
* Lady Gaga: Her rendition of "Shallow" showcased her vocal prowess, while her performance of "Dick in a Box" with Andy Samberg added a touch of nostalgia.
* Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer: Reprised their roles as Marty Culp and Bobbi Mohan-Culp, delivering a medley that poked fun at lyrical appropriateness.
* David Byrne and Robyn: Collaborated on a captivating medley that included "This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)," a fitting tribute to the show's homecoming theme.
* Lauryn Hill: Displayed her exceptional talent with a brief but impactful performance, leaving fans craving more.
* Post Malone and Krist Novoselic: Despite their attempt to bridge the gap between Nirvana and contemporary rap, their collaboration fell short of expectations.
* Bonnie Raitt: Proved her enduring charm with her slide-guitar-driven rendition of "Thing Called Love" and her heartfelt performance of "I Can't Make You Love Me."
* Brandi Carlile: Delivered an impassioned performance of "The Joke," invoking themes of immigration and gender identity.
* Bill Murray and Paul Shaffer: Murray's improvised sketch seemed to fall flat, but the supporting vocalists showcased their exceptional talents.
* Cher: Closed the show with an unforgettable rendition of "If I Could Turn Back Time," symbolizing the show's remarkable longevity and the enduring power of its iconic songs.