Sabrina Carpenter lights up 'Saturday Night Live' as host and musical guest

Sabrina Carpenter proved her star power on Saturday Night Live this week, returning to Studio 8H to both host and perform, closing out a lively Season 51 episode filled with humour, music, and clever satire.

The night began with a delayed Cold Open, revisiting the recurring Domingo sketch featuring new-generation cast members. Carpenter joined as one of Chloe Fineman’s character’s friends, adding energy to an otherwise familiar setup.

Her monologue saw her embrace her pop persona, addressing her “provocative” image and joking about impersonating a police officer at her concerts, with a surprise appearance from Kenan Thompson.

In the “Boys Podcast” sketch, Carpenter and Fineman parodied Gen Z slang before interviewing James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump. The “Plans” movie trailer spoofed horror clichés about social anxiety, while the “Shop TV: Pillow” sketch leaned into cheeky humour around a suggestive neck pillow.

Carpenter next led the “Girlboss Seminar”, playing self-help speaker Queen Lisha, and joined Bowen Yang for the “Grind” song parody, a nostalgic nod to awkward school dances.

Her first live performance, “Manchild”, blended country-pop flair with sharp choreography, while Weekend Update brought back fan favourites, including Movie Guy and newcomer Tommy Brennan’s stand-up.

Later sketches included the musical “Appliance Store”, the physical comedy of “Surprise”, and a surreal “Social Experiment” short film. Carpenter’s final song, “Nobody’s Son”, showcased her vocal range and charisma.

Saturday Night Live continues next month with Miles Teller set to host and Brandi Carlile as the musical guest.