Quinta Brunson made a memorable return to Saturday Night Live on May 3, 2025, hosting for the second time and kicking off the episode with a musical monologue that celebrated her height of 4’11”. The Golden Globe-winning star of Abbott Elementary embraced her stature and used her platform to uplift others who share her experience.
Brunson began her opening monologue with a light-hearted acknowledgment of her height, stating, "I’m proof you can do anything you put your mind to, even if people look down on you, whether it’s because of where you come from or literally because you’re only 4’11.” She humorously noted, "Yeah, that’s right, I’m short. It’s OK. They even tried to cast me as a kid on Abbott Elementary, and I wrote that. But I love being short, and I want other short people to know the sky’s the limit. So shorties, tonight, this one’s for us!"
With that, she launched into a catchy song highlighting the perks of being petite. The lyrics included playful references to famous short celebrities, such as Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who stands at 4’8”, rapper Kendrick Lamar at 5’5”, and actor Tom Holland, who is 5’7”. Brunson sang, "When you’re short you can do anything / You can flip like Simone, Olympic superstar / Or start a war with Drake, like you’re Kendrick Lamar."
Joining Brunson on stage was pop star Sabrina Carpenter, who made a surprise appearance during the musical number. The two shared a light-hearted exchange about their shared height, with Brunson asking, "Sabrina, it’s the real you! What are you doing here?" Carpenter responded, "I mean, you were talking about being short, so I thought I’d stop by." The camaraderie between the two short stars was palpable as they joked about their experiences.
Brunson and Carpenter continued their banter, trading jokes that resonated with their audience. At one point, Brunson quipped, "When you eat short ribs, do they just taste like ribs?" Carpenter replied, "I never thought about it like that, but yeah!" They also joked, "When you read short stories, do they feel like novels?" This playful exchange not only entertained the audience but also highlighted the unique perspective of being shorter than average.
As the performance continued, SNL cast member Marcello Hernandez joined the duo, humorously stating that standing next to Brunson and Carpenter made him look "super tall." The fun didn’t stop there, as former NBA champion Dwyane Wade, who stands at 6’4”, also made an appearance. Wade humorously noted that in the basketball world, being 6’4” is akin to being 4’10”, given the towering presence of players like Shaquille O’Neal, who is 7’1”. "I feel seen," Wade said earnestly, expressing his connection to Brunson’s song.
Brunson’s musical monologue was not just a fun performance; it carried a powerful message of self-acceptance and pride in one’s identity. By celebrating her height and the heights of others, she encouraged her audience to embrace their uniqueness. The song concluded with the ensemble, including Brunson, Carpenter, Hernandez, and Wade, coming together for a final bow, leaving the audience with a sense of joy and empowerment.
Earlier in the night, the episode featured a cold open where James Austin Johnson portrayed Donald Trump, humorously reflecting on his first 100 days in office. The skit included jokes about Trump’s numerous executive orders, poking fun at the absurdity of some of his policies. This comedic segment set the tone for a night filled with laughs and entertainment.
Brunson’s hosting of Saturday Night Live marks a significant moment in her career, especially as she continues to rise as a prominent figure in Hollywood. Known for her work on Abbott Elementary, she has established herself not only as a talented actress but also as a creator and writer. Her ability to blend humor with important messages resonates with audiences and showcases her multifaceted talent.
In addition to Brunson’s performance, the episode featured musical guest Benson Boone, who made his SNL debut following a breakout performance at Coachella just weeks prior. Boone’s appearance added another layer of excitement to the show, as he captivated viewers with his musical talent.
This episode of Saturday Night Live is part of the show’s landmark 50th season, which has seen a variety of hosts and musical guests. Next week, Walton Goggins will host with musical guest Arcade Fire, while the season finale on May 17 will feature Scarlett Johansson and music from Bad Bunny, promising more unforgettable moments.
Brunson’s celebration of shortness and her message of empowerment through humor and song left a lasting impression on viewers. Her ability to connect with her audience while addressing the challenges of being short is a testament to her talent and charisma. As she continues to shine in the entertainment industry, audiences eagerly await her next projects and performances.
