Live From New York: Our Favorite SNL Musical Hosts
posted in: Features • Music News
Miley Cyrus joined a long list of musical hosts on SNL this Saturday, making fun of everyone from Lindsay Lohan to Justin Bieber and even poking some fun at herself. We were pleasantly surprised by the tween pop star’s appearance (as were the critics!), and it got us thinking about some of our favorite musical hosts. From Madonna and Gaga’s catfight to Justin Timberlake’s excellent gift ideas, here are four of SNL‘s greatest musical moments.
Willie Nelson Waxes Poetic on the Plight of the Redneck
If you aren’t already a fan of Willie Nelson‘s poetic country tunes, you’re bound to become one after watching his 1987 sketch “Redneck Tanning Parlor”. As the sagacious tanning expert Mr. Galloway, Willie pokes fun at himself by offering his thoughts on the struggles facing modern-day hicks. You see, we live in a time of great change, and the life of the cracker, redneck peckerwood may soon disappear, he affirms. But there’s one thing that won’t change, if I have anything to say about it, and that’s a bright, red neck and bright, red arms. So wise, Willie. So wise.
Paul Simon Dresses Like a Turkey
…Do we even need to explain this one? It’s Paul Simon. Being his usual melancholy self. While dressed as a turkey. Simon’s entire opening monologue is comedy gold, but we really lose it every time we watch him storm off and berate producer Lorne Michaels (Would you like to sing in a turkey outfit?!) while waving his big ol’ turkey arms around. How he manages to keep a straight face through the entire sketch is beyond us.
Justin Timberlake Gives Us The Best Halloween Costume Idea Ever
Timberlake’s multiple stints on SNL have led to unforgettable gems like the single ladies dance and Motherlover, but our obvious favorite is 2006’s Dick in a Box.” An indictment of overly-sensual early ’90s R&B slow jams, Dick features JT and Andy Sandberg giving men what is quite possibly the best gift idea of all time. With its awesomely ridiculous lyrics (Over at your parent’s house / a dick in a box / Midday at the grocery store / a dick in a box), the track helped skyrocket The Lonely Island to success and even earned the duo a Creative Arts Emmy. Seriously. We couldn’t make this stuff up if we tried.
Lady Gaga Takes on Madonna
Okay, okay. So Gaga wasn’t technically hosting SNL when she and Madonna had their famous catfight. But honestly, the Mother Monster might be a better actor than host Ryan Reynolds anyway. We loved watching Gags confront the Madonna comparisons head on, but have to side with the eighties superstar: What the hell is a disco stick?!