‘SNL’ Season 51 Kicks Off with Bad Bunny, Role Model, and Sabrina Carpenter

Get ready for an electric start to Saturday Night Live’s 51st season, featuring Bad Bunny’s hosting debut, Role Model’s breakout set, and Sabrina Carpenter’s first time as host.

When it comes to blending iconic television with chart-topping tunes, few shows do it better than NBC’s Saturday Night Live. This fall, as it marches into its 51st season, SNL is serving up a thrilling mix of star power and fresh faces that any music and pop-culture fan will want to mark on their calendars.

Bad Bunny gearing up for his SNL hosting debut in season 51

Bad Bunny Opens Season 51: A Historic Moment for Music and Culture

The season premiere on October 4 is already a can’t-miss event, with Bad Bunny stepping up as host and the incomparable Doja Cat as musical guest. For fans who've followed Bad Bunny’s meteoric rise, this moment feels especially sweet. The Puerto Rican superstar is wrapping up a historic residency back home, spotlighting his latest album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, which is dominating the Latin Grammy buzz with 12 nominations.

Meanwhile, Doja Cat, whose new album Vie drops September 26, is primed to light up the stage with her signature vibe that’s both futuristic and funky. Together, they promise a dynamic kickoff blending trap, pop, and some serious star power.

Role Model Brings Intimate Vibes to October 11

Following the opener, the October 11 episode offers a treat for indie pop enthusiasts. Hosted by former SNL cast member and comedic legend Amy Poehler, this night features Role Model, the singer-songwriter who made waves last year with Kansas Anymore.

His heartfelt, reflective style has been winning over listeners, especially with “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” hitting No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Airplay chart. I remember hearing that track looped on my playlist during a late-night drive—it perfectly captures that bittersweet emotional cocktail of youth and nostalgia.

Sabrina Carpenter Takes the Helm October 18

Just a week later, Sabrina Carpenter makes her hosting debut on October 18, doubling as the musical guest. This comes at a perfectly timed moment, just days before she kicks off a new North American leg of her Short n’ Sweet Tour.

Carpenter’s been on a serious roll: her second album this year, Man’s Best Friend, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 earlier this month. It’s a testament to her evolving artistry and growing fan base. Having seen her live, I can attest to the energy and connection she brings—it’s no wonder she’s gaining such momentum.

SNL’s 50th Anniversary Highlights: Bad Bunny and Carpenter Shine

Both Bad Bunny and Sabrina Carpenter have already made memorable appearances during SNL’s 50th anniversary celebrations earlier this year. Bad Bunny brought the house down with two electrifying performances at the Radio City Music Hall special, while Carpenter stole hearts singing “Homeward Bound” alongside Paul Simon in the iconic Studio 8H.

For Bad Bunny fans, his role as musical guest in the 50th season finale, hosted by Scarlett Johansson, was a highlight that set the stage for his exciting transition to hosting. It’s been a joy to watch these artists grow with SNL as a backdrop, blending generations of music and comedy.

“Bad Bunny will serve as host and Doja Cat as musical guest for the debut episode on Oct. 4.”

Mark Your Calendars for a Season Packed with Talent

SNL’s latest season lineup promises to be a vibrant celebration of contemporary music, featuring artists who are shaping today’s soundscape in real-time. From Bad Bunny’s genre-defying global appeal to Role Model’s intimate storytelling and Sabrina Carpenter’s rising pop star power, we’re in for a diverse and thrilling ride.

Whether you’re tuning in for the laughs, the music, or both, season 51’s opening episodes are shaping up to be unforgettable nights on live TV.

FAQ

• Who is hosting the SNL season 51 premiere?
  Bad Bunny will make his hosting debut on the October 4 season premiere.
• Which artists are musical guests in the first episodes?
  Doja Cat performs on the premiere episode, Role Model on October 11, and Sabrina Carpenter on October 18.
• Has Bad Bunny appeared on SNL before?
  Yes, he was the musical guest for the 50th season finale in May and performed at the 50th-anniversary special.
• What is Sabrina Carpenter’s latest album?
  Her album Man’s Best Friend debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 earlier this year.
• Who is hosting the October 11 episode?
  Former cast member Amy Poehler will host that episode.

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