From Prince to Paris Hilton: When music icons made unforgettable cameos on TV

These chart-topping artists traded stages for scripts, leaving viewers starstruck with their surprise appearances

KARACHI:

Television has long been a melting pot for entertainment, blending the worlds of film, music, and drama into a cohesive viewing experience. Over the years, some of the most iconic musicians have stepped out of their usual stages and into our living rooms via memorable TV cameos. Here are five instances when legendary musicians added their unique sparkle to popular television shows, creating unforgettable moments that left fans starstruck.

1. Prince on ‘New Girl’

The idea of Prince, the enigmatic and reclusive musical genius, making a cameo on a sitcom seemed as far-fetched as finding a diamond in a pile of rocks. But in one of the most serendipitous TV moments, the legendary artist himself appeared on New Girl, all because he was an ardent fan of the show.

Zooey Deschanel, the show’s quirky lead, recounted the surreal experience of receiving an email from Prince's manager. "It was like the most on-brand Prince email ever — like too on-brand. It was like, 'Hello, I am manager to legendary artist Prince. He is loving the show New Girl. He would like 2 B — you know, like, 2 B — on the show'. And I'm like, this has to be a prank. There's no way," she said.

In the episode, Prince plays himself, hosting an extravagant party where Jess (Deschanel) and Cece (Hannah Simone) find themselves. The storyline weaves Prince into a pivotal moment where Jess seeks relationship advice from music great himself, who helps her and Nick (Jake Johnson) navigate their communication troubles. 

2. Katy Perry on ‘How I Met Your Mother’

Katy Perry’s cameo on How I Met Your Mother was a brilliant stroke of casting that benefited both the series and the pop star. During the show's sixth season, Perry appeared as Honey, a charming yet naive cousin of Zoey (Jennifer Morrison).

In the episode titled Oh Honey, Perry’s character is endearingly gullible, earning her the nickname Honey. Her interactions with the main characters, especially Ted (Josh Radnor) and Barney (Neil Patrick Harris), are as delightful as they are hilarious. Future Ted humorously narrates how her gullibility led to the repeated exclamation of "Oh, honey..." by everyone around her.

Perry’s appearance wasn’t just a treat for viewers; it also coincided with a pivotal moment in her career. At the time, she was gearing up for major projects, and this cameo helped keep her in the public eye while showcasing her comedic chops. It was a win-win situation that brought a dose of pop star charisma to the beloved sitcom, proving that Perry’s talents extended beyond the stage.

3. Stevie Nicks on ‘American Horror Story’

American Horror Story is known for its bizarre and often surreal storytelling, and nothing epitomised this more than Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks dropping by in the show’s third season. Known for her mystical stage presence and ethereal voice, Nicks was an uncanny fit into the series' witchy theme.

Nicks plays herself, but with a twist — she’s revealed to be a White Witch. Her appearance comes late in the season, in the episode titled The Magical Delights of Stevie Nicks, but her presence is felt throughout the series thanks to the character Misty Day (Lily Rabe), an obsessive Stevie Nicks fan who also happens to be a witch.

Nicks’s cameo is a meta moment that blurs the lines between her real-life persona and her on-screen character. She not only performs some of her classic hits like Rhiannon and Sara, but also engages with the young witches of Miss Robichaux's Academy, adding a layer of authenticity and enchantment to the show. 

4. Britney Spears on ‘Glee’

Britney Spears’ cameo on Glee was a nod to her impact on pop culture and her legion of fans. The episode, aptly titled Britney/Brittany, paid homage to Spears through a series of dream sequences that brought her iconic songs to life.

Creator Ryan Murphy described the atmosphere on set as electric, akin to a presidential visit. "It was like the president had come," Murphy remarked, noting the heightened security and the excitement that Spears’ presence generated. "We all had to wear wristbands," he said. "I couldn't get into my own sets at one point, which I thought was hilarious."

Spears’ cameo was unique in that she appeared primarily in fantasy sequences, a creative decision that added a surreal layer to the episode. Her scenes, though brief, were impactful, blending nostalgia with the show’s signature musical flair. Spears herself expressed her joy, saying, "I loved it! Thank you guys so much for making this happen!" 

5. Paris Hilton on ‘Supernatural’

In one of the more unexpected TV cameos, Paris Hilton made a surprising appearance in Supernatural’s season five episode, Fallen Idols. She played Leshi, a shape-shifting forest god who took the form of various celebrity idols, including Hilton herself.

Creator Eric Kripke discussed the unlikely casting, saying, "We never expected in a million years that she would do it, but I spoke to her and she got the joke immediately and signed on quickly. I give her a lot of credit for being a hell of a good sport. The fact that she was game to play the part speaks volumes about her sense of humour."

In the episode, the Winchester brothers encounter Leshi in the guise of Hilton, leading to a memorable scene where they behead the creature. Hilton’s cameo, while strange, showcased her self-awareness and willingness to poke fun at her own image.

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