Elton John and Brandi Carlile brought their musical talents to the iconic stage of Saturday Night Live on April 5, 2025, performing to a lively audience as Jack Black hosted the episode. The duo showcased their collaborative spirit with two performances, including "Little Richard's Bible" from their newly released album, Who Believes in Angels?, and the title track of the album itself. This marked a significant moment for John, who had not graced the SNL stage in over a decade.
At 78 years old, John’s return was met with excitement. His last appearance on SNL was in April 2011, where he served both as host and musical guest. Before that, he had performed on the show in April 1982. Brandi Carlile, 43, made her third appearance on the show, having previously performed as a musical guest in October 2021 and December 2022. Their performance was a celebration of their friendship and collaboration that began back in 2009 when Carlile reached out to John for his piano skills on her song "Caroline" from her album Give Up the Ghost.
During the episode, Black, who was promoting his new film A Minecraft Movie, infused the night with his characteristic humor and energy. This was his fourth time hosting SNL, with his last stint dating back nearly 20 years to December 2005. Black's comedic style was evident in various sketches, including a humorous take on a dating show contestant and a quirky song-and-dance monologue that kicked off the episode.
In a playful twist, Black opened the show by pretending to quit, only to launch into a rousing rendition of Aerosmith's "Back in the Saddle," engaging the audience with his high-energy antics. His sketches included a variety of characters, showcasing his versatility as a performer. From a musician overwhelmed by too many bassists to a romantic singing about his first time with suspended wires, Black kept the audience entertained throughout the night.
The episode also featured a poignant moment as a title card was dedicated to Val Kilmer, who had hosted SNL in 2000 and passed away earlier that week. This tribute served as a reminder of the show's rich history and the impact of its past hosts.
In the cold open, the episode tackled current events with a comedic spin, featuring President Trump, played by James Austin Johnson, discussing the economy and joking about the recent stock market drops. The segment included a humorous exchange with Elon Musk, portrayed by Mike Myers, showcasing a fictional self-vandalizing Tesla model, which added a layer of absurdity to the political commentary.
While the sketches were varied, one standout moment came from Ego Nwodim during the Weekend Update segment. She created a memorable character named Ms. Eggy, who humorously discussed the cancellation of comedian Amber Ruffin from the White House Correspondents’ dinner. In a moment that caught the audience off guard, Nwodim prompted them to yell out a non-bleeped expletive, which successfully slipped past the censors, creating a buzzworthy moment of live television.
As the show concluded, Elton John and Brandi Carlile's performances were a highlight, showcasing their musical chemistry and the emotional depth of their new album. Who Believes in Angels? is now available for purchase and streaming, marking a significant collaboration between two of music's most talented artists.
Looking ahead, Saturday Night Live is set to return on April 12, 2025, with Jon Hamm as host and Lizzo as the musical guest, promising another exciting episode filled with laughter and entertainment.
