'SNL' musical guests, cruelly ranked: Season 51 : NPR

Key Points:

• SNL's 51st season featured a transitional phase with notable cast changes, including Bowen Yang's departure, but maintained an eventful musical guest lineup spanning pop, rock, hip-hop, and legends like Paul McCartney and Cher.
• The season showcased a mix of established stars (Paul McCartney, Cher, Jack White), rising artists (Role Model, Dijon, Sombr), and crossover international acts (Anitta), with performances ranging from theatrical and energetic to intimate and reflective.
• Highlights included Sabrina Carpenter's versatile and theatrical return as both host and musical guest, Noah Kahan's emotionally charged folk-rock anthems, and A$AP Rocky's visually dynamic and idiosyncratic stage presence.
• Some performances, such as Cher's lip-synced holiday set and Lily Allen's muted, conversational style, received mixed reviews due to technical or stylistic challenges, while others like Gorillaz and Olivia Rodrigo delivered memorable, well-received sets.
• Overall, the season avoided major performance failures, offering a broad spectrum of musical styles and stagecraft that reflected both the evolving music landscape and SNL's enduring platform for diverse artists.