Sabrina Carpenter took the stage as both host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live on October 18. The episode was filled with highs, lows, and a few surprises.
Carpenter kicked off the night with her opening monologue, where she addressed some backlash over her album cover. She joked, “Some people got a little freaked out by the cover. I’m not sure why? It was just me on all fours, with an unseen figure pulling my hair.” She light-heartedly clarified that if you zoom out, it was just a playful moment captured during the show’s 50th-anniversary special.
One of the standout sketches was a hilarious podcast parody where Carpenter and her co-stars portrayed 12-year-old boys discussing “fire” foods. James Austin Johnson made a surprising guest appearance as Donald Trump. The sketch highlighted absurd conversations, keeping the energy high with laughs.
However, the episode wasn’t without its hiccups. The “Domingo Cold Open” returned for the fourth time this season, but it didn’t impress viewers. Many expressed their frustration online, calling for it to retire, as they found it stale.
Another notable moment came when Carpenter experienced a microphone malfunction during a sketch about female empowerment. Despite the technical issue, she maintained her composure, which endeared her to many fans who took to social media to express their support.
Carpenter also delivered a strong performance of her song “Manchild,” followed by an equally charged rendition of “Nobody’s Son.” Interestingly, while the East Coast caught the full, uncensored version, West Coast viewers experienced a brief delay that muted some of the strongest language.
Bowen Yang, mentioned throughout the episode, was notably absent as he attended the Academy Museum Gala. He shared on social media that he would miss the show but praised Carpenter, calling her “amazing.”
Overall, Carpenter’s dual role was a mix of comedy and music, making for a memorable episode. Viewers enjoyed the fun twists, but some pointed out the need for fresh sketches to keep the show exciting. As they say, in the world of live television, anything can happen!
For insights into SNL’s impact over the years, check out NIH research exploring how culturally relevant shows can influence social attitudes.