All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (2024)

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Gabbi Shaw

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2024-04-16T15:35:08Z

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (1)

  • Dua Lipa is set to pull double duty at "Saturday Night Live" on May 4.
  • This means she will be both the musical performer andthe host.
  • In 49 seasons, 40 musicians have both hosted and performed, and some have done it more than once.

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"Saturday Night Live" is in the midst of its 49th season. During the April 14 episode, Dua Lipa was announced as the next host and musical guest.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (2)

But she's not alone — many musicians have pulled double duty on the landmark sketch show to promote their various musical and acting projects.

From Paul Simon to Dolly Parton to MC Hammer, here are all the musicians who've taken a crack at comedy in Studio 8H.

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Paul Simon has been both host and musical guest four times over the years.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (3)

The first time he appeared on the show was October 18, 1975 — the second episode ever of "SNL." He brought in multiple musical friends to help, including Art Garfunkel, Randy Newman, and Phoebe Snow.

The "Graceland" singer returned the following season on November 20, 1976. This time, he brought along George Harrison and the two sang a memorable rendition of "Here Comes the Sun."

He hosted the next two times: on May 10, 1986, during season 11, and on December 19, 1987, during season 13.

In total, Simon has had "four hosting stints, nine musical guest appearances, and six cameos," according to Vulture.

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Desi Arnaz was 58 years old when he hosted and performed on the episode that aired on February 21, 1976.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (4)

Arnaz invited his son, Desi Arnaz, Jr., onstage to sing "Cuban Pete" and "Babalu." His son was just 23 years old at the time.

Ray Charles was both host and musical guest during the season three episode that aired on November 12, 1977.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (5)

Charles sang more than the now-typical two songs during this episode. He performed "I Can See Clearly Now," "What'd I Say," "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'" and a medley of "I Got a Woman," "I Believe to My Soul," "Them That Got," and "Hit the Road Jack".

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According to "SNL" lore, Frank Zappa's hosting performance on October 21, 1978, led to him getting barred from Studio 8H forever.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (6)

Zappa had already been the musical guest prior to his season four appearance, in which he took over hosting duties as well. He sang three songs: "Dancin' Fool," "The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing," and an instrumental version of the unreleased song "Rollo."

According to Mental Floss, the rock star "lazily read from the cue cards and reminded viewers that he wasn't really trying."

Former "SNL" star Don Novello even called Zappa's show "one of the worst ever" in the tell-all book "Live From New York."

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Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry appeared as a solo act on February 14, 1981, while also hosting.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (7)

Harry hosted an episode during the ill-fated sixth season, which was helmed by Dick Ebersol, instead of creator Lorne Michaels.

She hosted the episode five months before her first solo album, "KooKoo" would be released. Harry sang "Love TKO" and "Come Back Jonee."

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Olivia Newton-John did double duty on May 22, 1982, successfully reprising her character from "Grease" and singing her hit song, "Physical."

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (8)

Arguably, Newton-John was equally considered a musician and an actor, which distinguished her from her predecessors on this list.

The Australian songstress sang "Physical," "Make a Move on Me," and "Landslide."

Lily Tomlin hosted as herself, while her male alter-ego Pervis Hawkins was the musical guest on January 22, 1983, during season eight.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (9)

In a musical performance that wouldneverfly today, Tomlin sang as Pervis Hawkins, a Black R&B singer who was clearly modeled on Black musicians like Luther Vandross and Marvin Gaye.

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A few months later, on May 7, 1983, Stevie Wonder would also take over the hosting and performing gig.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (10)

Wonder made it publicly known that he would've returned to the "SNL" stage once again if he was the musical guest for Eddie Murphy's episode in December 2019.

"He's a superstar. If he wants me to, I will do it," Wonder told TooFab. The honor eventually went to Lizzo instead.

During his 1983 appearance, Wonder appeared alongside Murphy, who frequently impersonated him on the show. The two sang "My Cherie Amour" during the sketch.

He also sang "Overjoyed" and "Go Home."

Willie Nelson joined the double-duty club on February 21, 1987, during season 12.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (11)

The legendary stoner sang his songs "Blue Eyes" and "Partners After All," and also performed a duet with cast member Victoria Jackson.

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During season 14, Dolly Parton hosted and performed on April 15, 1989.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (12)

Just a few months before she'd appear in "Steel Magnolias," the country icon dropped by Studio 8H to host an episode and to perform "Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That," and "White Limozeen."

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In season 16, Sting hosted the January 19, 1991, episode without the rest of his Police band members

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (13)

Prior to this episode, Sting had appeared as solely the musical guest in a 1987 episode. This time, he took on the hosting gig as well, and performed "All This Time," "Mad About You" and a cover of the Jimi Hendrix Experience song, "Purple Haze."

He'd return to host an episode in 1997, with Veruca Salt as the musical guest.

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MC Hammer became the first rapper to host and perform on December 7, 1991, during season 17.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (14)

The flamboyant rapper sang his smash hit "2 Legit 2 Quit," "This Is the Way We Roll," and his song recorded for "The Addams Family" movie, "Addams Groove."

Christina Ricci and Jimmy Workman, who played Wednesday and Pugsley Addams respectively, were on hand to introduce him in character.

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Garth Brooks has pulled double duty twice, although, during his second episode, he performed as rock alter ego Chris Gaines.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (15)

Brooks' first episode during season 23 on February 28, 1998, went by as a pretty run-of-the-mill episode, and he sang "Two Piña Coladas."

When he returned two seasons later, on November 13, 1999, Brooks hosted the show as himself but performed as his alt-rock alter ego, Chris Gaines. He performed a song from Gaines' album, "The Life of Chris Gaines," called "Way of the Girl."

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Britney Spears has also taken on this responsibility twice: once in season 25 and once in season 27.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (16)

While Spears might not seem like the most obvious choice for sketch comedy, she certainly held her own during both episodes she hosted.

During her May 13, 2000, episode she was part of the sketch in which Rachel Dratch and Jimmy Fallon's "Boston Teens" made their first appearance. She also sang "Oops!... I Did It Again," and "Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know."

When she returned on February 2, 2002, she earned laughs in the "Inside Barbie's Dreamhouse" sketch alongside Amy Poehler. Her first performance, "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman," was introduced by then-boyfriend, Justin Timberlake. She also sang "Boys."

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Jennifer Lopez became the first Hispanic person to pull double duty in 2001. She returned nine years later.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (17)

Lopez made her first appearance on the show on February 10, 2001, during season 26. According to the New York Daily News, Lopez was the first Hispanic person to host and perform.

During her monologue, she brought her famous Versace Grammys dress out of retirement. She also sang "Love Don't Cost a Thing" and "Play."

After a nine-year hiatus, she made an "SNL" comeback on February 27, 2010, during season 35, singing "Until It Beats No More" and "Starting Over."

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Not to be outdone, Justin Timberlake has pulled this feat off three times — he's essentially a cast member at this point.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (18)

Excluding his appearance with NSYNC, Timberlake made his "SNL" debut on October 11, 2003, during season 29.

This episode saw the beginnings of the epic Justin Timberlake/Jimmy Fallon friendship, and it marked the debut of "The Barry Gibb Talk Show," which remains a staple of Timberlake's appearances on the show (it was brought back yet again in 2024 when Timberlake was just a musical guest in season 49). He also sang "Rock Your Body," "Señorita," and "Cry Me a River."

Three years later, in season 32 on December 16, 2006, Timberlake returned — and this time, won an Emmy for his troubles. The digital short "D--- in a Box" went viral after the uncensored version was posted on YouTube. Besides that classic, he also performed "My Love" and "What Goes Around... Comes Around."

Timberlake made it a threepeat on March 9, 2013, during season 38. Besides his third stint as a musical guest/host, it was also his fifth time hosting overall, with other members of "The Five-Timers Club" appearing during his monologue, including Tom Hanks, Martin Short, Chevy Chase, and Candice Bergen.

Timberlake performed "Mirrors" and his collaboration with Jay-Z, "Suit & Tie," during which the rapper appeared onstage.

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Janet Jackson made her hosting debut on April 10, 2004, in season 29.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (19)

Though she had previously performed as a musical guest, Jackson showed off her comedic chops as a host in 2004. During her episode, she reprised her role from the '70s sitcom Good Timesalongside former "SNL" cast member Tracy Morgan.

She sang "All Nite (Don't Stop)" and "Strawberry Bounce."

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Queen Latifah added her name to the list on October 9, 2004, during the show's 30th season.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (20)

The rapper and actress was there promoting her 2004 film "Taxi," which co-starred "SNL" alum Jimmy Fallon, andher album "The Dana Owens Album," which was released the week prior.

She performed "The Same Love That Made Me Laugh" and "Hard Times."

Just a few years after Ludacris proved he could act in the "Fast and Furious" franchise, he stopped by "SNL" on November 18, 2006, during season 32.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (21)

Ludacris took his talents to Studio 8H right after his album "Release Therapy" debuted in September. The rapper performed "Money Maker" and "Runaway Love," during which Mary J. Blige appeared as well.

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Taylor Swift brought music into her monologue with "The Monologue Song" on November 7, 2009, in season 35.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (22)

Swift used her opportunity as a host to make jokes about what she was best known for in 2009: singing songs about her boyfriends and getting interrupted by Kanye West at the VMAs a few months prior.

Besides her monologue song, she also performed "You Belong With Me" and "Untouchable."

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Perhaps surprisingly, Elton John's turn at double duty on April 2, 2011, during season 36, was just his second time ever on the show in an official capacity. The first time was during a 1982 episode as a musical guest.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (23)

After 29 years away from 30 Rock, John made a triumphant return to the "SNL" stage in 2011. His episode attracted some big names, including cameos from Jake Gyllenhaal, Tom Hanks, Michael Caine, and Carmelo Anthony.

The legendary singer performed alongside Leon Russell for two songs, "Hey Ahab" and "Monkey Suit." He also sang an encore performance of "The Bitch Is Back."

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Fellow iconic musician Mick Jagger tried his hand at hosting during the season 37 finale on May 19, 2012.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (24)

Like Elton John before him, Jagger's presence at "SNL" brought in some big names: Jon Hamm, Steve Martin, the Foo Fighters, Arcade Fire, and Jeff Beck.

His was a music-heavy episode. The Rolling Stones front-man performed "The Last Time" with Arcade Fire, a medley of "19th Nervous Breakdown" and "It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)" with the Foo Fighters, and "Tea Party" alongside Jeff Beck.

As it was Kristen Wiig's last episode, Arcade Fire also performed a medleyof "She's a Rainbow" and "Ruby Tuesday" to honor the longtime cast member.

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Bruno Mars asked if he "could be like Timberlake" on October 20, 2012, during season 38.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (25)

Mars had appeared as the musical guest two years prior, but this marked the first time he took on hosting duties as well — and like many musicians, Mars chose to do a musical monologue.

He also performed "Locked Out of Heaven" and "Young Girls."

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That same season, Justin Bieber also pulled double duty on February 9, 2013.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (26)

Bieber appeared on the show a few weeks after he released "Believe Acoustic," and he subsequently performed acoustic versions of "As Long As You Love Me" and "Nothing Like Us."

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Miley Cyrus hosted during two distinct eras of her career. Once during "Bangerz," when she was rocking space buns and twerking all the time, and once during the "Dead Petz" era when she was only wearing plastic jewelry and neon colors.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (27)

Cyrus' first appearance on the show was during season 39, on October 5, 2013 — just over a month after her controversial appearance at the VMAs, which earned her backlash for twerking up against Robin Thicke. Of course, she poked fun at the outrage during the show's cold open.

She went on to perform "Wrecking Ball" and an acoustic version of "We Can't Stop."

Cyrus returned to "SNL" on October 3, 2015, for the season premiere of 41, with a radically different look. This time, she sang "Karen Don't Be Sad" and "The Twinkle Song," which brought her to tears.

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Lady Gaga took on both roles during the November 16, 2013, episode of season 39.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (28)

The native New Yorker brought out R. Kelly for the performance of their song, "Do What U Want" — she has since apologized for working with him. She also sang "Gypsy" from "Artpop."

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Drake is yet another rapper who has performed both duties at "SNL."

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (29)

His first "SNL" hosting gig came during season 39 (a season heavy on double-duty hosts) on January 18, 2014. He performed a medley of his hits "Started from the Bottom" and "Trophies," and he sang his duet with Jhene Aiko, "From Time."

Drake returned for season 41 on May 14, 2016. Chris Rock made a surprise appearance to introduce Drake's first performance, "One Dance." He also sang "Hype" — but the highlight of his episode was his sketch, "Drake's Beef," which poked fun at Drake's feud with Meek Mill.

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Blake Shelton called himself the "Justin Bieber of country music" when he hosted on January 24, 2015, during season 40.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (30)

Two years before he earned the title of People's Sexiest Man Alive, Shelton called himself "a little troublemakin' cutie" inhis monologue.

The country star also sang "Neon Light" and "Boys 'Round Here."

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Ariana Grande went back to her theater kid roots during her March 12, 2016, episode.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (31)

The singer also poked fun at her Nickelodeon roots alongside fellow Nick alum Kenan Thompson — and had a pretty cute interaction with future ex Pete Davidson — during her monologue.

Besides her musical monologue, she also sang "Dangerous Woman" and "Be Alright."

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Donald Glover hosted, and performed as Childish Gambino, on May 5, 2018.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (32)

During his monologue, he reminisced on his failed "SNL" auditionand confused at least afewpeople by ending it with the customary "Childish Gambino is here!"

As his rapper alter ego, he performed "This Is America" and "Saturday," which were introduced by Daniel Kaluuya and Zoë Kravitz, respectively.

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After performing the year prior, Halsey took on hosting duties as well on February 9, 2019, in season 44.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (33)

Halsey gave a shout-out to her home state of New Jersey and praised the female comedians who came before her on the show during her short and sweet monologue.

For her performances, she sang "Without Me" and "Eastside."

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Chance the Rapper hosted and performed on the October 26, 2019, episode of season 45.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (34)

Chance was previously a musical guest in 2016 and host in 2017, but he took on both responsibilities during this episode.

Though plenty of people were talking about Jason Momoa's surprise appearance, the rapper held his own during the episode.

Charmingly, he introduced himself in the third person before his first performance, "Zanies and Fools." He also got Megan Thee Stallion to make an appearance during his performance of their song "Handsome."

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Harry Styles also pulled double duty during season 45, on the November 16, 2019 episode.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (35)

This was the fifth time Styles performed on "SNL," (twice as a solo act and three times as part of One Direction), but it was the first time he took on hosting duties as well.

And though the "Adore You" singer had proved his comedic talents in sketches before, nothing could've prepared us for the joy of "Sara Lee" or "Joan Song."

Styles also performed "Lights Up" and "Watermelon Sugar," the latter of which was introduced by Jon Hamm.

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On February 27, 2021, Nick Jonas became the first Jonas Brother to both host and perform.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (36)

Jonas has appeared three times on "SNL" before: twice with the Jonas Brothers in 2009 and 2019, and once as a solo artist in 2016. Like Styles, he had always appeared in at least one sketch, but this was his first time trying his hand at hosting.

This appearance also kicked off his latest era as a solo artist after the successful comeback of the Jonas Brothers in 2019.

He performed "Spaceman" and "This Is Heaven," introduced by his older brother Kevin.

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On December 11, 2021, Billie Eilish became the 35th musician in the show's history to be both host and musical guest.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (37)

Eilish was previously the musical guest for the season 45 premiere on September 28, 2019, with host Woody Harrelson.

Perhaps surprisingly, Eilish — then 19 — is only the second-youngest person to both host and perform. The No. 1 spot still goes to Britney Spears, who was just 18 when she pulled it off.

Eilish sang "Happier Than Ever" and "Male Fantasy," of course accompanied by her brother, Finneas.

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Lizzo showed off her impressive comedic chops during her season 47 episode on April 16, 2022.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (38)

Lizzo, who poked fun at her equal love of rumors and Chris Evans during her monologue, busted out the flute for her performance of song, "About Damn Time." She also performed "Special."

Megan Thee Stallion was the first person in season 48 to pull double duty, which she did on October 15, 2022.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (39)

Two months after the release of her second album, "Traumazine," the rapper paid a visit to NYC and hosted an episode of "SNL." She performed "Anxiety" and a medley of "NDA" and "Plan B."

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Two weeks later, on October 29, 2022, Jack Harlow also hosted and performed.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (40)

Harlow, fresh off the success of his second album, "Come Home the Kids Miss You," returned to Studio 8H not just to rap, but to host as well. As it was the Halloween episode, Tom Hanks made a highly anticipated cameo to bring back his character David S. Pumpkins, and then stuck around to introduce one of Harlow's performances.

He performed a medley of "Lil Secret" and "First Class," and the song "State Fair."

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The second episode of season 49 was hosted by Bad Bunny, who also performed, on October 21, 2023.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (41)

Bad Bunny's performances of "Un Preview" and "Monaco" were introduced by Lady Gaga and Pedro Pascal, respectively.

He appeared on the show to celebrate the release of his album "Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana," or "Nobody Knows What's Going to Happen Tomorrow."

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Dua Lipa is set to become the latest member of this club on May 4, 2024.

All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (42)

Lipa's highly anticipated third album "Radical Optimism" is set to drop on May 3. After a year of showing off her acting chops — the "Illusion" singer was in "Barbie" and "Argylle" — "SNL" is the latest step in world domination.

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All 40 musicians who have pulled double duty as host and musical guest on 'SNL' (2024)
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