On February 14, Radio City Music Hall in New York City became the epicenter of nostalgia and celebration as SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert brought together a star-studded lineup to honor the legendary sketch show's five-decade legacy. Hosted by former cast member Jimmy Fallon, the three-hour event was a mix of music, comedy, and unforgettable moments.
The concert featured performances from a diverse array of artists, including Cher, Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus, and The Backstreet Boys, with Questlove and The Roots providing stellar musical support. Cher delivered a show-stopping rendition of her 1989 hit "If I Could Turn Back Time", introduced by former SNL cast members Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen, who impersonated Beyoncé and Prince.
Miley Cyrus teamed up with Brittany Howard for a heartfelt tribute to Queen and Freddie Mercury, covering "Crazy Little Thing Called Love". Cyrus also revisited her chart-topping hit "Flowers", tweaking a lyric to give a nod to Adam Sandler.
True to SNL's roots, the night included 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 Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us". Ferrell quipped, "Are Kenny Lamar and Drake Graham in the house? Maybe you can hug it out!"
Lady Gaga embraced the playful spirit of the evening, joining Andy Samberg for a medley of songs from The Lonely Island, including fan favorites like "Motherlover", "I Just Had Sex", and the infamous "Dick in a Box".
The concert also featured unexpected reunions that thrilled the audience. Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean of The Fugees took the stage together, performing a medley of hits like "Lost Ones", "911", and "Killing Me Softly". Meanwhile, The Backstreet Boys brought the crowd to their feet with a nostalgic performance of "I Want It That Way".
Robyn and David Byrne added to the magic with a rendition of "Dancing On My Own", while Jack White and Bonnie Raitt delivered powerful sets that underscored the night's eclectic musical vibe.
From heartfelt tributes to laugh-out-loud moments, the SNL 50 concert was a testament to the show's enduring cultural impact. The event not only celebrated the past but also showcased the vibrant talent that continues to define Saturday Night Live's legacy.
