Top 10 Times SNL Musical Guests Appeared in Skits
#10: Michael Bublé “Hamm & Bublé”
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Hamm and Bublé, sorry Bubbly, go together like a delicious pork-based dish and a glass of sparkling champagne. While it’s clear from the jump that one of them is more invested in the restaurant than the other, things take a sudden dark turn, and it’s surprisingly hilarious. Hamm plays the domineering restaurant owner perfectly. However, Bublé really shines as his less-than-willing counterpart. He plays the character so convincingly and clearly has a knack for comedy. We rarely see a sketch featuring just the host and musical guest. But if this is anything to go by, they should do them more often.
#9: Dave Grohl "Bongo's Clown Room" & “Punk Band Reunion at the Wedding”
The Foo Fighters and Them Crooked Vultures have given us some memorable musical performances on “SNL.” But band member Dave Grohl proved that he could do comedy as hard as he could rock. His cameo in this “Bongo's Clown Room” sketch from season 36 is so weird you have to see it. He also kills it in this sketch that sees four former Punk Band members reunite at one of their daughters’ weddings. The group really commits to the genre, with the lead singer trashing everything in sight. Grohl might be in the back while playing the drums, but his facial expressions – and moment with the mic – prove he’s one hundred percent committed to the piece. Grohl for host, anyone?
#8: Ariana Grande "He-Man and Lion-O"
We all remember Grande’s memorable season 41 hosting stint, featuring everything from her “Sound of Music” parody to her impressive showcase of impressions. However, she’d already proven she could easily match wits with the cast when she was the musical guest to host Chris Pratt in season 40. A lonely kid called Danny makes a wish that turns his toys sentient. However, he quickly learns this is nothing like “Toy Story.” Grande plays She-Ra, another action figure who comes to life. She does not like hugs, but she does like patting herself and destroying property. It might be Danny’s birthday, but She-Ra joins He-Man and Lion-O to party with his mom.
#7: Katy Perry “Bronx Beat: Maureen Diccico”
Remember when Katy Perry got kicked to the “Sesame Street” curb over her controversial outfit choice? Well, “SNL” couldn’t resist the opportunity to poke fun at the scandal. Perry plays Maureen, a volunteer at the library whose outfit has also caused quite a stir. She comes out in a comically low-cut Elmo top, instantly garnering plenty of applause. She doesn’t say much, but the way she moves and bounces around, blissfully unaware of what’s causing all the hubbub, is hilarious. Not only was this a brilliant way to make fun of the situation, but it actually offered a valuable lesson on body positivity.
#6: Aerosmith “Wayne's World: Aerosmith”
A connection courtesy of Garth’s cousin Barry – played by Tom Hanks – leads to this band dropping by “Wayne’s World.” The hosts proceed to interview the musicians, asking about everything from Steven Tyler’s lips to the decline of Communism in Eastern Europe. Their answers and insightful debate prove their collective talents stretch far beyond music. Just when we think the sketch couldn’t get any better, the band agrees to fulfill Wayne’s dream of playing together. Who knew that Tyler singing the iconic theme song was precisely what we needed? This is rockin’, and, well, “we’re not worthy!”
#5: Taylor Swift “Save Broadway” & “Three Sad Virgins”
T. Swift has been a musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” multiple times, and has shown just how funny she is on numerous occasions. Let’s not forget that she also doubled up as host in season 35, giving us an array of highly entertaining sketches. However, since we’re solely talking about musical guest appearances here, we have to spotlight the time she played a fierce Annie in Neil Patrick Harris’ "Save Broadway" sketch. It’s a brief cameo, but a major highlight. Then, in season 47, she featured in the Please Don’t Destroy music video “Three Sad Virgins.” We get to hear her sing again, plus she really leans into the comedy, and she’s hysterical.
#4: Mick Jagger “Mick is Pointing, Pointing, Pointing at Himself”
We all know that impersonating someone to their face can be incredibly intimidating — especially when that someone is global superstar Mick Jagger. Interestingly, Lorne Michaels had initially shut down the idea of Jimmy Fallon playing Jagger’s reflection. But when the rock star rejected all of Fallon’s other ideas, Fallon circled back to it, and Jagger was on board. In the sketch, the musical guest wonders how he’ll make this “SNL” appearance feel new and different from his other ones. Luckily, his reflection, played brilliantly by Fallon, is on hand to help. The pair make a great comedy duo. Even Jagger can’t help but laugh at Fallon’s impression of him.
#3: Rihanna “Shy Ronnie” & “Shy Ronnie 2: Ronnie & Clyde”
Rihanna was a musical guest in season 35, and appeared in the hilarious Digital Short “Shy Ronnie.” This duo is meant to sing to a class full of kids, and while Rihanna nails her part of the performance, Ronnie doesn’t exactly pull his weight. It’s always a delight to hear Rihanna sing, but here, we got to see a lesser-known side that had us questioning why she doesn’t do more comedy. She’s a natural, effortlessly bouncing off Andy Samberg’s Shy Ronnie and totally stealing the show. She even gives him a second chance in The Lonely Island’s “Shy Ronnie 2: Ronnie & Clyde.” These two are an underrated comedy duo!
#2: Chance the Rapper "Jingle Barack"
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Chance the Rapper’s “SNL” appearances always deliver. When he pulled double duty as host and musical guest, we got gems like “Spooky Song.” And who could forget “Come Back, Barack” from his season 43 hosting stint? However, he also honored Barack Obama with a Christmas song when he was the musical guest back in season 42. The number notably sees him team up with Kenan Thompson to celebrate the last Christmas with the Obamas in the White House. The catchy beat, paired with the increasingly despondent lyrics, has us laughing so hard, no matter how many times we rewatch it. We know Chance has the flow, but his comedic delivery is flawless. Plus, it’s a bop. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. One Direction, “Girlfriends Talk Show with Amy Adams and One Direction” The Guys Get Their Groove On Tina Turner, “Miss Malone” Even Ed Grimley Thought Turner Was “Simply the Best” Lenny Kravitz, “Airport Security” Musical Icons Are No Match for This Airport Security Bruno Mars, "Drive-Thru Window" It Wouldn’t Be a Stretch to Say Bruno Mars Nailed His Cameo Chris Martin, "Spider-Man Kiss" Our Spidey-Senses Told Us This Sketch Would Be Marvel-Ous
#1: Beyoncé “Beyoncé Video Shoot”
We’ll always love Lady Gaga featuring in “3-Way (The Golden Rule)”. But we have to give this one to Beyoncé. After all, how often do you get to see her in a comedic setting? In this sketch, a director, played by Paul Rudd, introduces the singer to her backing dancers for her “Single Ladies” music video. And to say they’re not what she expected would be a colossal understatement. She embodies her role, playing it straight while being a great sport and handling the part superbly. Still, she doesn’t take herself too seriously, making this sketch a timeless classic. Watching her let loose at the end is an absolute dream that fills us with endless joy. There’s a reason she’s Queen Bey.
