The latest edition of Saturday Night Live marks the first of the final three episodes of season 51, with Olivia Rodrigo returning to Studio 8H in a dual role as both host and musical guest. Rodrigo has previously appeared on the programme twice as a musical guest, including during season 46, but this episode sees her take on hosting responsibilities for the first time.
Double duty appearances on SNL are comparatively uncommon and often depend on an artist’s current cultural prominence. Former cast member John Milhiser joins the discussion, reflecting on his experience of similar episodes during his tenure on the show. He notes that such bookings are typically reserved for performers at a particular career peak, stating: “If you’re a big enough star and personality, of course, you can do double duty. It’s rare, and it’s about the moment. Olivia is having her moment. Let her cook.”
Milhiser recalls several examples from his time on the programme. One such instance involved Lady Gaga, who also performed double duty. He also references Miley Cyrus, who hosted early in the same season. According to Milhiser, Cyrus brought a lively presence to the show during what he describes as her “wild” period, although he personally downplays that characterisation. He also reflects on her performance of Wrecking Ball, which he describes as particularly memorable. Milhiser adds a personal anecdote regarding a signed copy of Cyrus’s Bangerz album, which he kept for years despite not owning a CD player, noting that it was stored in an unconventional place.
Another example he provides is Drake, who hosted during a period of significant popularity. Milhiser recalls attending the episode with family guests and attempting to introduce his cousin’s son to the artist. He describes an unsuccessful approach due to intervention by security staff, followed by Drake’s direct reassurance and willingness to engage with fans. Milhiser highlights the interaction as a positive experience for his guest, noting that it enhanced the evening’s significance for his family.
These accounts illustrate the varied nature of SNL hosting experiences during high-profile episodes featuring musical artists.
Selected “Double Duty” SNL Appearances Mentioned
| Artist | Role on SNL | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|
| Lady Gaga | Host & musical guest | Referenced as example of dual role performance |
| Miley Cyrus | Host & musical guest | Early-season appearance; performed Wrecking Ball |
| Drake | Host & musical guest | High-profile hosting period with strong fan engagement |
| Olivia Rodrigo | Host & musical guest | Current season 51 dual role episode |
As the season approaches its conclusion, attention remains on how Rodrigo’s dual performance will be received, following a long tradition of musical artists taking on combined hosting and performing responsibilities at Saturday Night Live.