Top 10 Cameos in SNL Musical Performances

Top 10 Cameos in SNL Musical Performances

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the greatest and most unexpected cameos in musical guest performances on Saturday Night Live.

#10: Danny Elfman & Thundercat

A$AP Rocky (2026)

Rather than take the stage solo, rapper A$AP Rocky assembled his own star-studded punk band for his first ever “Saturday Night Live” guest spot. Not only was he backed up by Thundercat on bass, but he also tapped Danny Elfman to be his drummer. The esteemed composer had previously worked with the Hip Hop artist on his new album, and he even took up the drums for this incredible “PUNK ROCKY” performance. The moment was a milestone for all of the musicians involved, and the group of legends put on a next-level show.

#9: Kendrick Lamar

Imagine Dragons (2014)

This partnership might seem unexpected, but back in 2014, both Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons shared that they were big fans of each other’s work. The artists made waves with their show-stopping mashup performance at the Grammys, and the rapper even hopped on a “Radioactive” remix. The weekend after their award show collaboration, they joined together once again for a standout SNL appearance. In this arrangement, a drum break transitions into Lamar emerging from the shadows as he raps on top of the strings and percussion in a genre-colliding display.

#8: Hozier

Mumford & Sons (2026)

Fourteen years after their SNL debut, Mumford & Sons returned to 30 Rock for a fourth time to promote their latest album “Prizefighter.” Not only did their performance feature a surprise introduction by “Heated Rivalry” co-stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, but the band also had another card up their sleeve. After beginning the song with an empty mic on the stage, Hozier stepped forward into the light, prompting a cheer from the delighted crowd. Performing his verse on their song “Rubber Band Man,” the collaboration between the two folk stars earned high praise online.

#7: H.E.R.

Foo Fighters (2023)

The Five-Timers Club is a Saturday Night Live tradition that honors hosts or musical guests after their fifth appearance on the show. Not only did the Foo Fighters achieve this status in 2007, but they've since soared past the milestone. The group has had many memorable performances over the years, like when Jim Carrey joined in with his own instrument. In 2023, they returned to SNL for the ninth time with R&B star H.E.R., who both sang and played electric guitar. The surprise feature took the act to the next level, giving the band’s iconic sound a fresh new feel.

#6: John Mayer

Frank Ocean (2012)

You don’t often see a multi-Grammy award winning artist take on a supporting role, but when John Mayer returned to SNL in 2012, he was backing up Frank Ocean. The singers first started collaborating when the musician played guitar for a couple of “Channel Orange” tracks, and they turned out to be an unexpected power duo. In “Pyramids,” Ocean flexes his vocals before fully stepping away as Mayer goes off on a solo. Both performances from that night have become fan favorites, and the guitar riffs with the unique production are a match made in heaven.

#5: Dave Grohl

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers (1994)

On top of appearing nine times with the Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl has an impressive total of fifteen Saturday Night Live appearances on his resumé. In one of these features, he and his fellow Nirvana members were fronted by none other than the Beatles’ Sir Paul McCartney. He’s also known for another star-studded collaboration, only this time Grohl was the one hopping into another legendary band. His drumming gave the Heartbreakers performance a unique edge, and in the wake of Kurt Cobain’s death, the musical moment was just as meaningful as it was memorable.

#4: Jay- Z

Beyoncé (2003)

It’s 2002, Jay-Z has just released “‘03 Bonnie & Clyde” with Beyoncé, and rumors are swirling of a budding romance between the rapper and the Destiny’s Child member. She makes a cameo in his SNL appearance, and the chemistry is undeniable. Then, the following year they swap roles for the first ever performance of “Crazy in Love.” As Jay-Z enters, he raps his verse on the soon-to-be Grammy-winning hit alongside his future wife, but at this point, the artists’ relationship was still a secret. Now, these collaborations are music and pop culture time capsules, offering a unique glimpse into the early days of both their partnership and careers.

#3: Klaus Nomi & Joey Arias

David Bowie (1979)

In what is now widely considered one of SNL’s all-time greatest musical moments, David Bowie brought the house down with his performances of “Boys Keep Swinging,” “TVC 15,” and “The Man Who Sold the World.” Sporting Dada-inspired costuming, he was joined by artists Klaus Nomi and Joey Arias, who he had previously met at a New York night club. Bringing his avant-garde vision to life, they each wore matching makeup and bold ensembles. All together, the unique choreography and rich background vocals were the cherry on top of the iconic 1979 display.

#2: Will Ferrell

Queens of the Stone Age (2005)

When Will Ferrell’s “more cowbell” sketch birthed one of the most well-known SNL quotes of all time, his performance as an overzealous musician in clothing a few sizes too small became iconic. In 2005, the comic returned to host after having left the cast a few years earlier, and he had a special request for musical guests Queens of the Stone Age. After introducing the band in his casual attire, a familiar character comes out halfway through the song to try and steal the show. As he thrusts and gyrates across the stage, it’s all singer Josh Homme can do to keep it together.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Támar Davis, Prince (2006)

Prince Returned to SNL and Shared the Spotlight With His Talented Protogé

Charli XCX, Role Model (2025)

Role Model Tapped the Brat Pop Icon to Be His Sally

Dakota Johnson, Lily Allen (2025)

As Allen Sings, Dakota Is Revealed as the Voice of Madeline

Sharon Stone & Kim Petras, Sam Smith (2023)

Smith Created Memorable Visuals With the Iconic Actress & a Surprise Kim Petras Reveal

#1: Elvis Costello

Beastie Boys (1999)

In 1977, Elvis Costello and the Attractions interrupted their own performance to start playing an unplanned song, and the rule-breaking SNL moment became somewhat of a legendary tale. Over the years, rumors claimed that the stunt earned the singer a television ban, but he’s since cleared up that the live TV mishap was made out to seem much more dramatic than it actually was. Years later, the Beastie Boys were performing on the 25th anniversary show when Costello suddenly burst onto the scene. Referencing the controversial 70’s moment, the two acts performed a new rendition of “Radio Radio” together.

Which musical guest cameos would you put in your SNL hall of fame? Let us know in the comments below!