SNL 50th Anniversary Concert Review: A Star-Studded Musical Extravaganza

Image credits: Courtesy of NBC

The SNL 50th Anniversary Concert, held at Radio City Music Hall, was a musical party like no other, with a wealth of talent that included Lady Gaga, Cher, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Jack White, and Miley Cyrus, among many others. The concert, which was streamed live on Peacock, featured a packed theater of about 6,000 people, including SNL legends like Chevy Chase, Adam Sandler, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler, as well as a slew of celebrities like Paul Rudd, Jon Hamm, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep.

The musical marathon featured a wide range of genres, from rock to reggaeton, hip-hop, country, and pop, with performances by Arcade Fire, Bad Bunny, Snoop Dogg, Jelly Roll, and Robyn. The show also included some of SNL's most enduring non-performance musical entries, with Bill Murray returning as "Nick Valentine," the ruffle-shirted lounge singer, accompanied by Paul Shaffer and a trio of the show's most musically gifted cast members. The concert also featured a number of tributes to deceased musicians who had performed on SNL, including Tom Petty and Prince.

One of the highlights of the concert was the performance by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, who paid tribute to the late Sinéad O'Connor with a duet of "Nothing Compares 2 U." The song, which was originally written by Prince, was made famous by O'Connor in 1990 and has become an iconic part of SNL's history. O'Connor's infamous performance on the show in 1992, in which she tore up a picture of Pope John Paul II, was also referenced during the concert. The performance by Cyrus and Howard was a powerful tribute to O'Connor's legacy and a testament to the enduring impact of her music.

The SNL 50th Anniversary Concert was a celebration of the show's rich musical history, with a wide range of performances that showcased the diversity and talent of the SNL family. From the opening notes of the concert to the final curtain call, the energy was electric, with a sense of excitement and anticipation that was palpable throughout the theater. The concert was a fitting tribute to the show's five decades on the air and a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together and create unforgettable moments.

The concert also featured a number of other notable performances, including a rendition of "The Joke" by Brandi Carlile, a performance of "I Will Wait" by Mumford & Sons, and a duet of "The Boxer" by Simon & Garfunkel. The show also included a number of comedic sketches and tributes to SNL's rich history, with appearances by a number of former cast members and hosts. Overall, the SNL 50th Anniversary Concert was a must-see event that will be remembered for years to come, with a wide range of performances that showcased the best of SNL's musical legacy.