Naturally, Kanye had to steal the show. After delivering a performance of “Jesus Walks” while splayed out on the ground like a horizontal crucifixion, he performed a version of “Only One” before bringing out Sia and Vic Mensa for a fascinating new single called “Wolves.”
With the legendary Fred Armisen on tambouring, Miley Cyrus covered Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” but we were far more taken with his skit “The Californians,” in which miss Taylor Swift showed up and awkwardly nerded her way through a guest spot.
Maya Rudolph’s much-adored Beyoncé impression was used as an introduction to some of SNL’s most famous musical characters, which resurrected Steve Martin’s King Tut, the unwelcome cringe-fest of the Blues Brothers, and even Adam Sandler’s Opera Man.
Jack White and Win Butler also showed up to introduce Simon and Miley’s performances, respectively. Looks like Jack and Paul bonded over baseball last year. And naturally, Canadian metaldorkss Wayne and Garth also showed up to offer their top ten favorite things about Saturday Night Live.
Somehow, SNL managed to hold our attention with a masterful look back over the golden era of televised comedy, while giving new fuel to the sketch comedy of today. SNL will return on February 28 with 50 Shades of Grey star Dakota Johnson hosting.
