The Weird and Wonderful World of Musicians on SNL: Laugh, Cry, and Cheer (But Not Too Hard)
This weekend, Chance the Rapper will take the stage to host Saturday Night Live, leaving the musical guest duties to Eminem. But let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most unforgettable moments when musicians tried their hand at hosting the show. Or, as we like to call it, "The Best/Worst of Both Worlds."
You see, when it comes to Saturday Night Live, even the most talented musicians can tank – and oh, do they tank hard. But when they succeed, they succeed in spades. It’s all about channeling that natural stage presence, folks! And, let’s be honest, some musicians are naturals, while others… well, not so much.
The Good
Debbie Harry, the lead singer of Blondie, was one of the first musicians to host SNL back in 1981. She bounded onstage with her signature style, working the crowd like a pro and even attempting to come out as a lesbian to her uncle Gilbert Gottfried in the unforgettable "Waxmans in SoHo" sketch. That, my friends, is some top-notch comedy right there!
Dolly Parton, the country and western superstar, also had a memorable turn as host in 1989. Her wit, charm, and self-deprecating humor made her a natural on stage, even as she took potshots at her own career and, ahem, questionable film choices. Who can forget the infamous "Planet of the Enormous Hooters" sketch?
And then there’s the one and only Justin Timberlake, the pop prince of our generation. His boundless energy and charm made him a natural fit for the show’s high-wire stunts, and his Lonely Island digital shorts are still the stuff of legend.
The Bad (But So, So Fascinating)
Now, let’s talk about the ones who, well… didn’t quite succeed. There was MC Hammer, the rap sensation who topped the charts with "U Can’t Touch This" in 1991. Unfortunately, his SNL hosting gig was marked by wooden acting and dodgy writing from the staff. We can only imagine the looks on the writers’ faces as they tried to get a hip-hop legend to make sense of their material. "Yo, MC, just be yourself, man… and, uh, try to get past the security guard to see Dick Clark?"
And then, of course, there’s Justin Bieber, the teen pop sensation who struggled to find his footing on SNL in 2013. Even with his adoring fanbase, his awkward attempts to play a sketch about a 1950s romance only served to highlight his, shall we say, limited comedic range.
The Weird
Last but not least, there was Garth Brooks, the country superstar who tried his hand at hosting in 1999. But things got weird when he morphed into his "Chris Gaines" alter ego, a rockstar persona he created for his ill-fated solo album. We can only imagine the look on his face as Tracy Morgan confronted him about the whole ordeal, quipping, "Girth Brooks, man… you’re my height, but… well, you’re just not the same."
In the end, Saturday Night Live is all about risk-taking, and that’s what makes it such a beloved institution. When musicians like Debbie Harry and Justin Timberlake shine, it’s a reminder that even the most unlikely of hosts can bring the funny. And when others… well, not so much, it’s a reminder that even the most talented individuals can still have their off days. But hey, that’s what makes life interesting, right?
