On February 14, Radio City Music Hall in New York City hosted a star-studded event to celebrate 50 years of Saturday Night Live. The three-hour concert, live-streamed for fans worldwide, was hosted by former SNL cast member Jimmy Fallon and featured an impressive lineup of musical performances and comedic sketches.
The evening kicked off with a mix of iconic performances and unexpected collaborations. Cher took the stage to deliver a powerful rendition of her 1989 hit "If I Could Turn Back Time," introduced by Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen, who hilariously impersonated Beyoncé and Prince. Miley Cyrus teamed up with Brittany Howard for a heartfelt tribute to Queen, covering "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," while also performing her chart-topping single "Flowers" with a playful nod to Adam Sandler.
Lady Gaga brought her signature flair to the stage, joining forces with Andy Samberg for a medley of The Lonely Island's comedic hits, including "Motherlover" and "Dick in a Box." Robyn and David Byrne delivered an emotional performance of "Dancing On My Own," captivating the audience with their chemistry.
The night was full of surprises, including a long-awaited reunion of The Fugees. Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean took the stage together, performing a medley of their classic hits like "Killing Me Softly" and "Lost Ones." The Backstreet Boys also made a nostalgic appearance, singing their timeless anthem "I Want It That Way" to the delight of the crowd.
True to SNL's roots, the concert also featured comedic musical performances. Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer reprised their beloved characters Marty Culp and Bobbi Mohan-Culp, delivering a hilarious medley of parodies, including a nod to Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us." The duo's witty banter and over-the-top energy kept the audience laughing throughout their set.
With a mix of legendary performances, surprise reunions, and SNL's signature humor, the SNL 50 concert was a fitting tribute to the show's enduring legacy and its impact on music and comedy over the past five decades.
