Musicians: the New Funny Stars?
It’s hard to tell whether musicians are just naturally funnier nowadays or if Saturday Night Live simply brings out the comedic best in them. In the past, pop stars who took on the dual role of host and musical guest on the show often had mixed results, much like athletes attempting to front the show. However, last season’s back-to-back episodes featuring Megan Thee Stallion and Jack Harlow proved to be near-knockouts, raising expectations for Bad Bunny’s debut as a host. But anyone who has been paying attention to Bad Bunny’s rise to fame shouldn’t have been surprised by his comedic talents.
Bad Bunny, also known as Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, has become even more famous since his last appearance on SNL in early 2021. His music is now so widely recognized that his songs are featured in Airbnb ads during commercial breaks while he hosts the show. He’s reached a level of fame where even Lady Gaga herself comes to the studio just to introduce his performances and possibly discuss collaborating. Not only has Bad Bunny proven his magnetism in the music industry, but he has also dabbled in acting, with roles in action films like Fast 9 and Bullet Train, as well as the wrestling biopic Cassandro. With his rising visibility and talent, Bad Bunny has become a powerhouse performer who knows how to give audiences what they want, even if they didn’t know they wanted it.
During this week’s SNL episode, Bad Bunny took audiences by surprise with his incredibly funny and effortless performance. His calm and casual approach to comedic characters mirrored the coolness he exudes in his music. Whether he was playing a king, an auntie, or even Shrek, Bad Bunny’s comedic range was on full display. Given that he predominantly sings in Spanish and rarely speaks in English, it was uncertain how this episode would play out linguistically. However, the show seamlessly incorporated Spanish into four sketches, breaking the format in an exciting and creatively successful way. With last season featuring a record-breaking four Latino hosts, including Pedro Pascal, Ana de Armas, Aubrey Plaza, and Jenna Ortega, it felt like a significant moment the show had been leading up to.
Here are the highlights of the night:
1. SNL is always trying to capture the attention of younger viewers who are often bored in their dorm rooms. This means that its most sought-after demographic might not have been born when Eminem’s movie 8 Mile was released. However, late 2023 proved to be the perfect time to parody the film’s climactic battle-rap scene, where a white MC airs out his own dirty laundry before his opponent can use it against him. In this sketch, Bad Bunny’s opponent brings up the raunchiest details from his troubled personal life, leaving Bad Bunny feeling sympathetic. The sketch cleverly mimics Eminem’s style, complete with perfect cadence and references to his song lyrics.
2. The sketch addressing tomato haters and their frustrations with salad was an unexpected gem. It humorously portrays 16th-century Spanish explorers returning from their travels with treasures that their king, played by Bad Bunny, despises, especially tomatoes. The sketch mocks tomatoes by referring to them as “herpes melons” and “goo-filled apples.” Although Fred Armisen makes a cameo appearance, the standout performer in this sketch is Marcello Hernandez, who brilliantly portrays the king’s son and reacts hilariously to each despised item brought back by the explorers.
3. Shrek has undoubtedly had a unique journey in the 21st century, going from a blockbuster film franchise to internet meme fodder to a subject of Rule 34 fan art while remaining beloved by many. It’s the perfect character for Bad Bunny to portray in a Please Don’t Destroy video/comedic sketch. Bad Bunny’s vision for the character is a sketch within a sketch that captures all aspects of Shrek’s fandom, including an appearance by a committed John Higgins as Michael Jackson, and a quest to extract love from the sun.
4. This week’s Weekend Update segment was shorter than usual, clocking in at under nine minutes. However, the brevity worked in its favor, allowing for a high hit-to-miss ratio. The standout moment was Ego Nwodim’s portrayal of Jada Pinkett Smith, who dropped by the desk for a hilarious and entertaining interview. The segment only featured one visitor, breaking from the usual pattern of two or three guests.
5. Pedro Pascal reprised his beloved TikTok character, Protective Mom. This time, Bad Bunny joined in as Tia Rosa, and the character swaps “Britney with the vegan sliders” for Casey with the Entenmann’s cookies. The sketch continues to succeed with Pascal’s physicality and explosive emotions, as he spills the cookies into the trash while making intense eye contact with his son’s girlfriend. Bad Bunny fits seamlessly into the sketch, and Marcello Hernandez shines once again with his performance.
These were just a few of the standout moments from SNL’s latest episode. The combination of talented musicians hosting the show and embracing their comedic side has led to some truly entertaining and memorable performances. It’s clear that the line between musicians and comedians has blurred, and audiences are reaping the benefits.
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