BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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For half a century, Saturday Night Live (SNL) has stood as a beacon of comedic excellence, shaping the landscape of American entertainment and catapulting countless talents into superstardom. Since its debut on October 11, 1975, the live sketch-comedy show, created by the legendary Lorne Michaels, has seamlessly blended satire, music, and raw improvisational energy. Week after week, SNL has served as both a cultural mirror and a comedic escape, capturing the pulse of the times while giving audiences unforgettable characters, catchphrases, and moments. Whether it’s through biting political satire on Weekend Update, celebrity-hosted hilarity, or the most electric live musical performances on television, SNL has cemented itself as not just a show, but a cultural institution.
On February 16, 2025, SNL pulled out all the stops for its 50th anniversary, delivering a three-hour spectacle that was as nostalgic as it was exhilarating. The milestone event featured an all-star lineup of past and present cast members, iconic sketches reborn for a new era, and performances that reminded everyone why SNL remains at the pinnacle of late-night television. Comedy legends like Steve Martin, Bill Murray, and Eddie Murphy returned to the stage, bringing the magic of classic SNL sketches back to life, while new-generation stars kept the energy high. Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter opened the night with a soul-stirring rendition of “Homeward Bound,” paying homage to Simon’s historic performance with George Harrison back in 1976. Their harmonies wove effortlessly together, blending generations of musical prowess in a performance that many described as “hauntingly beautiful.” Fans took to social media to praise the emotional depth of the moment, with some calling it one of the most moving tributes in SNL history.
While comedy was at the heart of the evening, the musical performances left an indelible mark, with Lil Wayne emerging as the undisputed show-stealer of the night. The hip-hop icon, backed by The Roots, delivered an electrifying medley of his greatest hits, including “Uproar,” “Lollipop,” “6 Foot 7 Foot,” “Mrs. Officer,” and “A Milli.” His performance was a masterclass in showmanship–high-energy, razor-sharp lyric delivery, and charisma that had the entire audience cheering in excitement. Wayne moved seamlessly through his hits, transitioning from fiery bars to smooth, hypnotic flows like the maestro that he in fact is. Fans erupted online, with many calling it one of the best live television rap performances in years.
The moment wasn’t without its controversies though. Leading up to the anniversary special, Lil Wayne had publicly voiced his frustration over not being chosen for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show–a slot that ultimately went to Kendrick Lamar. The SNL performance, however, felt like his response to that snub. Social media exploded with debates, with some arguing that his flawless execution on SNL only confirmed why he should have taken the Super Bowl stage instead of Kendrick. “After that SNL set, the NFL fumbled big time,” one fan posted, while others countered, saying the Super Bowl’s selection of Kendrick Lamar was in fact the right call. One fan even said “This SNL performance proves that Lil Wayne shouldn’t ever do a Super Bowl.” The debate has fueled ongoing conversations about industry favoritism and hip-hop’s role in mainstream entertainment. Ultimately, Wayne’s SNL performance proved beyond doubt that he remains one of the most electrifying live performers in the game, delivering a show so intense that everyone–except staunch haters–enjoyed.
The night continued with a mashup of iconic sketches, including a brilliantly reimagined Black Jeopardy featuring Tracy Morgan, Eddie Murphy (playing Tracy Morgan), and the return of The Lawrence Welk Show. Bill Murray, ever the comedic genius, made a triumphant return to the Weekend Update desk, offering fans a dose of classic SNL humor with his signature deadpan delivery. As the event neared its conclusion, the legendary musician, Paul McCartney took the stage for a poignant finale, performing “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End,” leaving the audience in a state of nostalgic euphoria.
But the grand television event was just one part of the anniversary celebration. Two nights earlier, SNL50: The Homecoming Concert took over Radio City Music Hall on February 14, 2025, turning the anniversary into a full-fledged cultural phenomenon. The exclusive, one-night-only concert gathered an array of music industry titans to pay homage to SNL’s legendary influence. The lineup boasted powerhouse performances from Lady Gaga, Cher, Lauryn Hill, Dave Grohl, Miley Cyrus, Jack White, Eddie Vedder, Chris Martin, Bad Bunny, Post Malone, Jelly Roll, David Byrne, and Arcade.
Each act brought a unique flavor to the evening, weaving their most iconic songs with nods to their past SNL performances–for those who had past performances in their belts. Jack White’s raw guitar mastery, Miley Cyrus’s smoky vocals, and Lauryn Hill’s timeless delivery added layers of nostalgia and musical brilliance to an already electric night. The concert was about the music this time and it absolutely delivered, with performances that’ll be spoken of for years to come, taking place that night. Beyond the performances, the event drew an A-list crowd, including former SNL cast members, Hollywood elite, and music legends who have graced the Studio 8H stage over the decades. The Homecoming Concert was an unforgettable prologue to the main anniversary event, setting the perfect tone for the festivities that followed.
In the end, SNL’s 50th anniversary wasn’t just a tribute to the past; it was a declaration that the show is far from finished. With a legacy built on reinvention, biting satire, and unforgettable performances, SNL remains as vital as ever, proving that in an ever-changing world, comedy and great television never goes out of style.
