Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Bad Bunny, and More Light Up Radio City
For half a century, Saturday Night Live has been a cornerstone of American pop culture, blending comedy and music in ways few shows have ever achieved. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the iconic sketch comedy series hosted SNL50: The Homecoming Concert—a star-studded musical extravaganza that brought together some of the most legendary artists to have graced Studio 8H. Held on February 14 at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, the event was a love letter to the show’s unparalleled musical legacy.
A Lineup for the Ages
The concert lineup read like a who’s who of music royalty. Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Bad Bunny, and Post Malone headlined the event, joined by an eclectic mix of artists spanning genres and generations. From rock legends like Jack White and Eddie Vedder to pop icons like Robyn and Cher, the stage was packed with talent that had once electrified SNL audiences.
Other notable performers included Arcade Fire, The Roots, Bonnie Raitt, Mumford & Sons, St. Vincent, Brittany Howard, and even the Backstreet Boys. The evening also featured surprise appearances from Ms. Lauryn Hill, Dave Grohl, Wyclef Jean, and Snoop Dogg—each adding their unique flair to an already unforgettable night.
The diversity of the lineup reflected SNL’s long-standing tradition of showcasing a wide range of musical acts. Whether it was punk rockers like DEVO or jazz legends like Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the concert celebrated five decades of musical innovation tied to the show’s history.
Jimmy Fallon at the Helm
Hosting duties fell to Jimmy Fallon, a former SNL cast member and current host of The Tonight Show. Fallon’s infectious energy and quick wit made him the perfect emcee for an event that blended nostalgia with high-energy performances. Throughout the evening, Fallon kept the audience laughing with anecdotes about his time on SNL while introducing each act with heartfelt admiration.
Fallon’s connection to both music and comedy added an extra layer of authenticity to the night. “This isn’t just a concert; it’s a reunion,” he said during his opening remarks. “Tonight is about celebrating everything SNL has given us—music, laughter, and memories we’ll never forget.”
Highlights That Stole the Show
While every performance brought something special to the table, a few moments stood out as instant classics:
- Lady Gaga delivered a powerhouse rendition of her hit “Shallow,” accompanied by surprise guest Paul McCartney on piano—a duet that brought the house down.
- Miley Cyrus showcased her vocal range with a soulful cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” dedicating it to SNL creator Lorne Michaels for his unwavering support of artists over the years.
- Bad Bunny turned Radio City into a dance floor with his reggaeton hits, proving why he’s one of today’s biggest global superstars.
- Jack White reunited with former collaborators for an electrifying medley that paid homage to his multiple appearances on SNL.
- Cher, in true diva fashion, closed out the night with her timeless anthem “Believe,” reminding everyone why she remains an icon across generations.
The evening wasn’t just about music; it also featured appearances from SNL alumni like Maya Rudolph, Will Ferrell, Tracy Morgan, Andy Samberg, and Ana Gasteyer. Their comedic interludes added levity between performances while paying tribute to the show’s comedic roots.
A Celebration Beyond Radio City
For fans unable to attend in person, SNL50: The Homecoming Concert was livestreamed on Peacock and screened in select IMAX theaters across the U.S., ensuring that audiences everywhere could join in on the celebration. The event was part of a larger slate of 50th-anniversary festivities that included Sunday night’s SNL50: The Anniversary Special, which aired live from Studio 8H and featured even more musical performances alongside classic sketches.
Additionally, fans were treated to Questlove’s documentary Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music, which explored how the show has shaped musical culture over five decades. Streaming now on Peacock, the film features interviews with artists like Tom Morello and highlights unforgettable moments like Rage Against The Machine’s infamous performance—and subsequent ban from Studio 8H.
Lorne Michaels’ Legacy
At the heart of all these celebrations is Lorne Michaels, SNL’s legendary creator and executive producer. Michaels co-produced the concert alongside Mark Ronson, ensuring that every detail reflected the show’s rich history and enduring influence on both comedy and music.
Speaking about the event ahead of time, Michaels said: “Music has always been integral to what makes Saturday Night Live special. This concert is our way of honoring not just the artists who’ve performed on our stage but also our audience—because without them, none of this would be possible.”
Looking Ahead
As Saturday Night Live enters its next chapter following this milestone anniversary, one thing is clear: its impact on popular culture is as strong as ever. From launching careers to creating unforgettable moments in both comedy and music, SNL remains a cultural touchstone unlike any other show in television history.
With events like The Homecoming Concert, it continues to bring people together—whether through laughter or song—and reminds us why it has endured for 50 incredible years. For those lucky enough to witness this historic night at Radio City Music Hall or from their screens at home, one thing is certain: they were part of something truly magical.