Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon Open SNL’s 50th Anniversary with Heartfelt Duet, Followed by Star-Studded Skits

Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon set the stage for Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary special with a moving duet, blending generations of musical talent in a memorable opening performance.

The Grammy-winning artists introduced each other before launching into a rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s classic song Homeward Bound. Simon, a legendary musician and longtime friend of SNL, reminisced about performing the same track on the show in 1976 alongside George Harrison. Carpenter, on the other hand, brought a humorous touch to the moment, joking that neither she nor her parents had even been born at the time. Their performance served as a tribute to the show’s rich history and its deep-rooted connection with music over the decades.

As the final notes of their duet faded, Carpenter and Simon embraced the show’s tradition by delivering its iconic opening line: “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night.” The special, however, aired on a Sunday, adding an amusing twist to their declaration. Immediately after, comedy legend Steve Martin took the stage to deliver the night’s monologue, setting the tone for the star-studded celebration.

Later in the evening, Carpenter returned for a standout comedy sketch that paid homage to SNL’s viral Domingo skit, originally performed with Ariana Grande. This time, the segment was reimagined with a bridesmaid theme, incorporating music from Carpenter’s hit song Espresso. Marcello Hernández reprised his beloved role as Domingo, while Hollywood stars Pedro Pascal and Bad Bunny joined in to bring a fresh and comedic take to the fan-favorite bit.

The 50th Anniversary special was a nostalgic yet vibrant blend of music, comedy, and star power, and Carpenter’s performances—both as a singer and a comedian—helped make the night even more memorable.