Saturday Night Live (SNL) recently celebrated its 50th anniversary on February 16, 2025, at Radio City Music Hall with a star-studded special. The evening was full of humor, nostalgia, and unforgettable performances including Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter’s moving duet of “Homeward Bound.”
A Generational Duet
The anniversary special began with 83-year-old Paul Simon and 25-year-old pop prodigy Sabrina Carpenter performing the ageless Simon & Garfunkel hit “Homeward Bound.” Their voices brought a new perspective to the timeless song and bridged a generational divide. “I was not born then, and neither were my parents,” Carpenter jokingly admitted the age gap, alluding to the song’s initial release. Both seasoned fans and younger audiences found a connection in their performance, which created a cozy and sentimental atmosphere for the evening.
SNL’s Rich Musical Legacy
Throughout its fifty-year history, Saturday Night Live has hosted innumerable legendary musical performances. A wide variety of musicians have regularly been featured in the show, from memorable live performances to surprising collaborations. This tradition was carried on in the 50th anniversary special, which showcased performances that not only honored the show’s legendary history but also introduced viewers to new artists. “Nothing Compares 2 U,” performed by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, and a fun concert by Lil Wayne and The Roots were also some of the evening’s highlights. With these performances, SNL still shows its continued dedication to fusing comedy and music in novel ways.
A Night of Nostalgia
The SNL50 commemoration highlighted its lasting influence on comedy and music which went beyond simply looking back. The evening perfectly captured what has made Saturday Night Live a cultural mainstay for fifty years, with musical pieces that crossed generations and genres, unexpected guest appearances, along cameos from former cast members. The program also featured moving remembrances of the late cast members Norm Macdonald, Chris Farley, and Gilda Radner, serving as a reminder of the show’s significant impact on American entertainment.
For those who were unable to watch the live broadcast, here is a video of the heartwarming performance by Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter: