Sir Paul McCartney delivered an unforgettable moment at SNL 50: The Anniversary Special, the star-studded celebration honoring five decades of Saturday Night Live. Airing live on NBC and Peacock on Sunday, Feb. 16, the three-hour spectacle was packed with A-list guests, comedy legends, and unforgettable musical performances—but it was McCartney who brought the night to a breathtaking close.
Taking the stage with his band, the rock icon performed a mesmerizing medley of Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End—the timeless finale from Abbey Road. The performance was nothing short of magical, with McCartney’s legendary presence holding the celebrity-filled audience in awe. As the camera panned across the crowd, it was clear that Hollywood’s biggest stars were just as enchanted by “Macca” as the millions watching at home.
Adam Sandler’s Song: 50 Years #SNL50 pic.twitter.com/tACkE3xNiJ
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) February 17, 2025
McCartney’s SNL appearance came hot on the heels of a string of intimate, surprise gigs at New York’s Bowery Ballroom, where lucky fans got to experience his magic up close. But on this night, he took his talents to a much bigger stage, closing out the evening with the same effortless brilliance that has defined his six-decade career.
Nothing Compares 2 U – Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard #SNL50 pic.twitter.com/sPhzbzjxot
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) February 17, 2025
The SNL 50 special featured several other unforgettable musical moments, including a surprising duet between Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon on Homeward Bound, a heartfelt original song from Adam Sandler celebrating the show’s 50-year legacy, and a powerful tribute to Prince and Sinéad O’Connor with Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard performing Nothing Compares 2 U.
From start to finish, SNL 50: The Anniversary Special was a night to remember, but McCartney’s epic finale ensured that it ended on the highest note possible—one that will be talked about for years to come.
Homeward Bound – Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter #SNL50 pic.twitter.com/IjXx62slKH
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) February 17, 2025
