‘SNL50’ Celebrates Five Decades of Music and Laughter in New York City

NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) marked its 50th anniversary with an unforgettable concert at Radio City Music Hall, featuring a star-studded lineup that took the stage by storm. The nearly three-and-a-half-hour extravaganza kicked off on Friday night, welcoming thousands of fans to the iconic venue and hundreds more streaming live on Peacock.

Celebrities, both current and former cast members, as well as musical icons, gathered for a joyous celebration of music across various genres, including rock, reggaeton, hip-hop, country, and pop. The concert featured memorable performances from Arcade Fire, Bad Bunny, Snoop Dogg, Jelly Roll, and Robyn.

Guest appearances were plentiful, with notable cameos by Bill Murray as “Nick Valentine,” the lounge singer, and musical reunions with legends like Backstreet Boys, Brandi Carlile, Mumford & Sons, Nirvana, and Post Malone. The event also showcased heartfelt tributes to late cast members Gilda Radner, Phil Hartman, Chris Farley, and John Belushi.

The concert’s rotating stages showcased an impressive range of talents, from Roots backing performances by multiple artists to miniature stages mimicking the show’s train station entries. Highlights included Eddie Vedder’s tribute to Tom Petty, Backstreet Boys’ ‘I Want it That Way,’ Brandi Carlile’s poignant rendition of “The Joke,” and a stellar performance by Lady Gaga.

Cher stole the show with her iconic presence and vocals, bringing undeniable energy to her renditions of “If I Could Turn Back Time” and “Shallow.” The star-studded event left fans in awe, cementing SNL’s enduring legacy as a hub for laughter, music, and unforgettable performances.

Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/02/15/snl-50-concert-performances-review/78649656007