Paul Simon Shines at SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special: A Night of Nostalgia, Music, and Comedy

When *Saturday Night Live* turned 50, the world tuned in for a three-hour extravaganza packed with laughs, surprises, and unforgettable performances. At the heart of this milestone celebration was music legend **Paul Simon**, whose presence bridged the show’s storied past with its vibrant present. From opening the show with a timeless classic to sharing the stage with rising star Sabrina Carpenter, Simon proved why he remains a cornerstone of *SNL*’s legacy. Here’s how the night unfolded, with Simon’s contributions leading the charge.

Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter Kick Off SNL50 With a Nostalgic Duet

The *SNL50* special began with a heartfelt nod to history. Paul Simon, 83, took the stage alongside 25-year-old pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter to perform “Homeward Bound,” a song he first sang on *SNL* in 1976 with George Harrison. The collaboration was both symbolic and playful.

“I sang this song with George Harrison on *Saturday Night Live* in 1976,” Simon remarked.
“I was not born then,” Carpenter quipped, adding, “And neither were my parents,” drawing roaring laughter from the audience.

This opening set the tone for a night that honored *SNL*’s five-decade journey while embracing new voices. Simon’s return was especially poignant—he’s performed on the show during pivotal moments, including the first post-9/11 episode. His partnership with Carpenter highlighted *SNL*’s unique ability to blend generations, much like the show itself.

Paul Simon’s Enduring Legacy With SNL**

Simon’s connection to *SNL* runs deep. As one of the show’s earliest musical guests, he’s witnessed its evolution from a scrappy late-night experiment to a cultural institution. At the 50th anniversary, his performance wasn’t just a throwback—it was a reminder of how music has always been central to *SNL*’s identity.

The special also celebrated this legacy through documentaries like *Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music*, directed by Questlove, which streams on Peacock. Simon’s role in this history was further emphasized during the *SNL50: The Homecoming Concert* at Radio City Music Hall, where artists like Miley Cyrus, David Byrne, and The Roots paid tribute to the show’s musical milestones.

Steve Martin’s Monologue: Jokes, John Mulaney, and a Fake ICE Raid

While Simon anchored the musical side, comedy legend Steve Martin hosted the opening monologue, blending self-deprecating humor with sharp wit.

“I’m *SNL*’s newest diversity hire,” Martin joked, referencing his 16 hosting stints. “When I heard about the anniversary, I wanted to leap into the air—but I was wearing a short skirt with no underwear!”.

Martin, 79, didn’t shy away from age jokes: “*SNL* turned 50 this year, and I turned 79. But I feel like I’m 65… which is also not good”. He was joined by John Mulaney, who quipped about the show’s infamous hosts: “894 people have hosted *SNL*, and it amazes me that only two have committed murder”—a likely nod to O.J. Simpson and Robert Blake.

The bit took a hilarious turn when Martin’s longtime collaborator Martin Short crashed the stage. After Short admitted he didn’t have his passport, Martin jokingly called ICE agents to deport him back to Canada. “Marty and I have worked together so long, we can finish each other’s careers,” Martin deadpanned.

Iconic Sketches and Surprise Cameos

The night was packed with callbacks to beloved characters and sketches:

Black Jeopardy!” Returns: Kenan Thompson reprised his role as host, with Eddie Murphy impersonating Tracy Morgan and Leslie Jones breaking character mid-sketch.
- Sally O’Malley Kicks Again: Molly Shannon revived her hyper-energetic character, joined by Emma Stone for a physical comedy retrospective.
- Dooneese Makes a Comeback: Kristen Wiig brought back her bizarre *Lawrence Welk Show* character, with Scarlett Johansson and Will Ferrell adding to the chaos.

Meanwhile, stars like Adam Sandler, Tina Fey, and Bill Murray (who wasn’t invited because “we wanted to make sure he’d show up,” Martin joked) filled the audience.

Star-Studded Musical Performances

Beyond Simon’s opening, the night featured performances by:

Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard: A powerhouse duet celebrating *SNL*’s rock roots.
- Lil Wayne and The Roots: A high-energy collaboration.
- Paul McCartney: The Beatles legend delivered a surprise set, warming up earlier in the week with secret shows at Bowery Ballroom.

These acts underscored *SNL*’s role as a launchpad for music legends and trendsetters alike.

Red Carpet Highlights

Before the show, the red carpet buzzed with nostalgia and humor:
- Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson: The couple, both *SNL* alums, shared laughs about their infamous joke-swap segments.
- Adam Sandler’s “Killer Bees” Memory: Sandler recalled pretending to understand *SNL*’s early sketches as a kid.
- Emma Stone’s Popcorn Pants: Stone stuffed her pockets with snacks for the three-hour event.

Why SNL Still Matters After 50 Years

From its 1975 premiere with George Carlin to today, *SNL* has mirrored American culture—skewering politicians, celebrating music, and launching comedy careers. The 50th anniversary special proved its staying power, blending reverence for the past with fresh energy. Paul Simon’s return, alongside newcomers like Sabrina Carpenter, symbolized this balance perfectly.

As Steve Martin joked, “A person born during *SNL*’s first season could today be dead of natural causes”. Yet the show itself remains very much alive, thanks to its ability to adapt while honoring its roots.

Final Note

For fans who missed the live broadcast, *SNL50: The Anniversary Special* is streaming on Peacock. Dive into the laughter, the music, and the magic—because as Paul Simon showed, some things only get better with time.