Sabrina Carpenter

Quinta Brunson, the Emmy-winning creator and star of Abbott Elementary, returned to host Saturday Night Live on May 3, 2025, and delivered a hilarious, music-filled monologue celebrating one thing: being short. The 4’11” comedian turned her height into a punchline-packed anthem, joined by surprise guests Sabrina Carpenter, NBA legend Dwyane Wade, and more. Here’s how the night unfolded.  

Quinta Brunson’s “Shorties Anthem” Takes Center Stage

Brunson kicked off her monologue with a bold declaration: “Shorties, tonight, this one’s for us!” She launched into a song about the perks of being petite, joking about how she gets “wasted on one glass of wine” and wears crop tops as dresses. The crowd roared as she name-dropped fellow short celebrities like Olympic gymnast Simone Biles (4’8”), actor Tom Holland (5’7”), and rapper Kendrick Lamar (5’5”), proving that height doesn’t limit success.  


The Abbott Elementary star even poked fun at her own career, saying, “They tried to cast me as a kid on my own show — and I wrote it!” But she emphasized pride in her stature: “I love being short, and I want other short people to know the sky’s the limit”.  

Sabrina Carpenter Joins the Fun — With Jokes About Short Ribs

Mid-performance, pop star Sabrina Carpenter (5’1”) burst onto the stage, surprising Brunson. “Sabrina, what are you doing here?” Brunson asked. “You were talking about being short, so I thought I’d stop by,” Carpenter replied, sparking laughter.  


The pair then traded playful jokes about their height. Brunson asked, “When you eat short ribs, does it just taste like ribs?” Carpenter shot back, “When you read short stories, do they feel like novels?” The crowd erupted as they continued singing about the quirks of being “fun-sized,” like being eye-level with door handles and people’s knees.  

Marcello Hernandez Makes a Tall Entrance

The laughs kept coming when SNL cast member Marcello Hernandez (5’6”) joined the duo. “I just thought I’d stand next to you because it makes me look super tall,” he quipped. Brunson and Carpenter teased him for trying to “flex” his height, but Hernandez insisted, “I’m a short king — own it!”. 

Dwyane Wade Steals the Show — Yes, Dwyane Wade!

The biggest surprise came when retired NBA star Dwyane Wade (6’4”) crashed the stage. Brunson, visibly confused, asked, “What are you doing here?” Wade explained, “In the basketball world, 6’4” is like 4’10”. Shaq’s 7’1” — I just really wanted to be in the song!” The audience cheered as the group embraced the irony and closed out the number with a message: “Life’s more fun when you’re fun-sized!”.  

Why This Monologue Resonated

Brunson’s monologue wasn’t just about laughs — it was a celebration of self-acceptance. By highlighting stars like Simone Biles and Kendrick Lamar, she showed that height doesn’t define talent or ambition. Even Wade’s cameo, while humorous, underscored how perceptions of “short” vary across industries.  


Fans on social media praised the segment for its inclusivity. One user wrote, “As a 5’0” person, I felt SEEN!” Another added, “Sabrina and Quinta are the short queen duo we didn’t know we needed”.  

Sabrina Carpenter’s Rising SNL Legacy

This wasn’t Carpenter’s first SNL rodeo. The singer made her musical guest debut in May 2024, performing hits like “Espresso” and “Feather”. She also starred in the show’s 50th-anniversary special in February 2025, singing classics with Paul Simon and Madonna. Her chemistry with Brunson, however, stole the spotlight this time — proving she’s as quick with jokes as she is with high notes.  

What Else Happened on the Episode?

Benson Boone’s Musical Performance: The “Beautiful Things” singer delivered a soulful set, though he didn’t join the monologue.  

- Political Satire: The cold open mocked Donald Trump’s executive orders, including a fictional “Belichick Law” to normalize older men dating younger women.  

- Season 50 Finale Tease: The episode set the stage for SNL's 50th-season closer, hosted by Scarlett Johansson with musical guest Bad Bunny.  

Final Thoughts

Quinta Brunson’s SNL monologue was a masterclass in turning insecurities into strengths. By teaming up with Sabrina Carpenter and Dwyane Wade, she created a moment that was equal parts funny, heartfelt, and empowering. As Brunson put it: “Shorties, the sky’s the limit!” And after this performance, it’s hard to disagree.