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SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert - A Star-Studded Celebration of Comedy and Music

Writer's picture: Tammy  ReeseTammy Reese

By Tammy Reese

There are anniversary celebrations, and then there’s Saturday Night Live’s 50th. Last night, on Valentine’s Day, Peacock gifted fans with SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert, a once-in-a-lifetime event packed with legendary cast members, musical icons, and pure nostalgic magic at Radio City Music Hall. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Jimmy Fallon — The Tonight Show host and former SNL cast member — the concert was a love letter to the show’s unparalleled legacy in music and comedy.


From the moment the event began, it was clear this was something special. The venue was packed with past and present SNL cast members, iconic musical guests, and A-list supporters who have either graced Studio 8H as hosts or have simply been lifelong fans of the show’s impact on pop culture.





SNL has long been a stage for groundbreaking musical performances, and last night was no exception. The concert opened with Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard setting the tone for the evening with their electrifying energy. Bad Bunny, Eddie Vedder (paying tribute to Tom Petty), DEVO, The Backstreet Boys, and The B-52s — joined by Fred Armisen on drums and Bowen Yang and Sarah Sherman on background vocals — delivered performances that had the crowd on their feet.


One of the biggest highlights? A jaw-dropping Nirvana tribute. Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear reunited on stage, joined by Post Malone, to perform Smells Like Teen Spirit. Seeing Nirvana’s music honored in such a massive way was a true full-circle moment, given the band’s legendary SNL performances in the early ‘90s.


Later in the night, the concert reached new levels of nostalgia when Andy Samberg and Lady Gaga took the stage to perform a medley of iconic SNL digital short songs, including “Dick in a Box,” “Motherlover,” and “I Just Had Sex.” With surprise appearances from Chris Parnell, Jorma Taccone, Eddie Vedder, Bad Bunny, and T-Pain, it was pure comedy gold.


The evening continued with a beautiful moment featuring Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, who reunited for a medley of their greatest hits. From Brandi Carlile and Mumford & Sons to Jack White closing out the night, the musical lineup was stacked with legends.


Of course, an SNL event wouldn’t be complete without some of the greatest comedians of our time. Bill Murray, appearing as Nick Valentine, joined Cecily Strong, Maya Rudolph, and Ana Gasteyer for a hilarious rendition of “You’re All I Need to Get By,” accompanied by none other than Paul Shaffer. Tracy Morgan brought back his iconic “Astronaut Jones,” while Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer’s Marty & Bobbi Mohan-Culp hilariously attempted to tackle Gen-Z slang in a medley of current hits.



Another standout? Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen, as Beyoncé and Prince, introducing the one and only Cher. A moment only SNL could deliver.


While the night was a celebration, I couldn’t help but imagine what this 50th anniversary would have been like if SNL legends Gilda Radner, Chris Farley, and John Belushi were still with us. Their spirits loomed large over the event, and their contributions to this iconic show were deeply felt.


As incredible as The Homecoming Concert was, it was just the beginning. The highly anticipated SNL 50: The Anniversary Special airs live from Studio 8H on Sunday, February 16, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. If last night was any indication, we’re in for an unforgettable night of comedy, music, and SNL history.

Until then, you can stream SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert now exclusively on Peacock.

#SNL50 | @Peacock | @nbcsnl


ABOUT THE LIVE CONCERT SPECIAL: 

Live from Radio City Music Hall, witness the concert of a lifetime with a star-studded lineup of musical performances and comedy guests. This one-night-only SNL homecoming event, executive produced by Lorne Michaels and Mark Ronson, will bring together legendary Saturday Night Live hall-of-famers, iconic guests and surprise musical performances.


ABOUT SNL50: THE HOMECOMING CONCERT:

Premiere Date: February 14, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (LIVE) Credits: SNL50: The Homecoming Concert is produced by Broadway Video. Lorne Michaels and Mark Ronson serve as Executive Producers. Produced by Erin David; Supervising Producers Ken Aymong, Rob Paine; Producer: Caroline Maroney; Director: Beth McCarthy-Miller. Format: LIVE Concert Special, 1 x 3 hours

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