Typically, a musician’s role on Saturday Night Live is resigned to a couple of performances and, potentially, a cameo in a sketch. Not many musicians can boast being full-fledged hosts of the show. Find four musicians that can boast that feat–and who performed their hosting duties superbly–below.
Videos by American Songwriter
4 of the Best Musicians That Have Hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’
1. Taylor Swift
(Hosted one time)
Though Taylor Swift has only hosted SNL once, she has appeared on the show more than the average musician. Her first and only time hosting came in 2009. She wowed not only the audience, but the SNL cast members as well. It’s a testament to her comedy chops that she routinely makes cameos on the show. We hold out hope she will host another episode soon.
2. Justin Timberlake
(Hosted five times)
Justin Timberlake can count himself in the exclusive “Five-Timers Club.” Only a hand full of people have been called back to Studio 8H five times in the show’s run. Given his track record on the show, it’s not hard to see why. His most famous sketch for the show saw him give a very unique gift alongside Andy Samberg–you can revisit that, below. Timberlake is the textbook definition of a triple threat.
3. Donald Glover
(Hosted one time)
Donald Glover proved he could shine as both an actor and a musician before he stepped on the SNL stage, but his appearance on the lauded sketch show cemented that claim. He used his comedy roots to great appeal here, delivering a deeply memorable episode. From faux ’80s music videos to court cases, Glover made quick work of his hosting duties.
4. Ariana Grande
(Hosted three times)
Every time Ariana Grande steps on the Studio 8H stage, she proves she’s an artist that can do it all. Of course, she makes use of her singing chops with powerful performances, but she has a shocking amount of stellar vocal impressions in her repertoire as well. She hits every comedic mark laid before her, rising to meet the skill level of the professional sketch comics joining her on stage. From spot-on impressions of Jennifer Coolidge, to parody songs, to the famed “Domingo” sketch, Grande is undoubtedly one of the best double duty hosts in recent memory.
(Photo by: Rosalind O’Connor/NBC)
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.