Every Celeb Who’s Pulled Double Duty On “SNL” As Both Host And Musical Guest

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Side note: I know this list has 46 people on it so it might not feel "rare" but there have been almost 1,000 episodes of SNL. Not hyperbole.

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No one doubts Meg's musical abilities, so the fact the she knocked it out of the park with her songs "Anxiety" and "NDA/Plan B" came as a surprise to no one. But the thing that really really stood out was just how damn FUNNY this girl is! The "We Got Brought" songs she did with Bowen and Ego talking about the hell of being a friend of a friend at a party is something I find myself thinking about a lot.

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Brit gave us her all in 2000 and then again in 2002. This woman was getting to work, bitch! In 2002, she was there promoting the Shonda Rhimes-penned Crossroads (let us not forget where Shondaland got its start). She also showed up with her then-boyfriend Justin Timberlake, which if you've read Britney's memoir The Woman in Me, booooooooo, Justin!

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After this episode aired on Halloweekend in 2019, I'm pretty sure we all got a call from our moms that was like, "Have you heard of this Chance the Rapper kid? He seems like a nice young man, and he's really talented!" It wasn't just me, right? Even if it was, mom is right. The talent really jumped out, especially during the hilarious Haunted Mansion-esque "Spooky Song."

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In April 1989, Dolly lit up the 30 Rock stage performing hits like "Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That" and tucking it up in sketches like "Planet of the Enormous Hooters." It's all very on brand for the gal, don't you think?

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Ariana Grande could actually be an SNL cast member. Full stop. She clocked in for her double-duty duties just once in 2016, serving up mindblowing vocal impressions of Britney, Celine, and Shakira. More recently, she returned to the show, gifting the world with the bridesmaids sing along about everyone's favorite homewrecker, Domingo. It's one of the most viral sketches SNL has ever had and has earned two sequels. That's called a legacy, babe.

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Not only did Paul Simon pull double duty as host and musical guest four separate times (1975, 1976, 1986, and 1987), he was also the second person to host the show EVER. Talk about some history! He mentioned in the SNL50 anniversary special that he shared the stage with George Harrison in '75, but also Art Garfunkel and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Cady Herron would have loved you.

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J. Lo did the double-duty dip twice in her SNL career, once in 2001 and again in 2010. It must have been nice for her to be so close to her stomping grounds. It must have reminded her of when she was 16 in the Bronx, running up and down the block. To be all dreams like that, you know?

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Harry Styles rolled up to the SNL stage in 2019 to do his double-duty thing, and while his performances of "Lights Up" and "Watermelon Sugar" were stellar, it was his performance as the hapless and horny Sara Lee social media intern that left its mark on culture. "Must get rid of toxic in community" will never not be iconic.

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Yes, yes, Stevie Wonder did great playing all of his songs, but the best part was when he and Eddie Murphy, who often did impressions on the show, got to share the stage. And just recently, at the SNL50 anniversary show, Murphy impersonated Tracy Morgan while standing right next to him during the sketch. I guess Eddie has a thing for showing off in front of his friends. Anyway, hats off to Stevie.

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The last time Gaga pulled the host/musical guest switcheroo, she was still in her jazzy era collabing with Tony Bennett. Luckily for us, Mother Monster is set to do it all again on March 8, hosting and performing songs off her new album which releases just a day before she yucks it up with the SNL cast. Paws up, ass sat.

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Lily Tomlin served as host and musical guest during the first season of the sketch show in 1975 and again in 1983. The first time around, she sang with Howard Shore & the All Nurse Band, and on the second go she performed as a controversial character named Purvis Hawkins, a black R&B singer. You hate to see your faves stumble. 

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Simon and Garfunkel are like siblings at a childhood birthday party: if you get a present for one of them, you gotta get a present for both. So, it only makes sense that after Paul Simon pulled double duty in '75 and '76, Garfunkel got his turn in '78. What I'd give to see him perform "Scarborough Fair" live.

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I have to be honest. When I heard that Timmy was going to be the host AND musical guest, I was pretty incredulous. I think I actually guffawed at the Instagram announcement. But I'm not too proud to admit that I was wrong. It wasn't the BEST MUSICAL PERFORMANCE OF ALL TIME, but ol' Chally held his own and played to his strengths. It was fun, ok???

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The musical icon did his hosting duties, sure, but he made sure he left his musical mark on the SNL stage, performing a whopping four songs over the course of the night ("I Can See Clearly Now," "I Can't Stop Loving You," "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning," and "What I'd Say").

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Donald Glover used to be a writer on Tina Fey's 30 Rock. 30 Rock is not-so-loosely based on Tina's time working on SNL. Glover was pretty much destined to CRUSH in his double-duty gig, and he did just that. His performance of "This Is America" was as electrifying as his sketch "Friendos" with A$AP Rocky and Kenan Thompson was funny. Let this man host every season, you cowards!

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Ok, an entire band being host and musical guest is actually kind of wild, like some real rock 'n' roll type shit. During the show's Season 4 premiere, the band cut it up in sketches and performed songs like "Shattered" and "Beast of Burden." Rock on!

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Charli brought BRAT to the Studio 8H stage in late 2024 and crushed it on all fronts. I'll be honest, I didn't doubt that she could tear up that stage, but I didn't know how she would be comedically, and hers was one of the best episodes of the year. She brought the funny in the sequel to Ariana Grande's "Domingo/Bridesmaids" sketch, delivered a pitch-perfect monologue, and even brought out Julia Fox because she's what? So JuliaaaaAAAAaaaAAAaaaa!

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Ok, you want to know what's wild? In the year of our lord 1981, the Blondie lead singer was joined onstage by Funky 4 + 1 More to perform the song "That's The Joint," and it was the first time a hip-hop song ever played on television. EVER! That's some history right there.

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Miley has lit up the SNL stage so many times at this point that she could be a 30 Rock resident. Most recently, she appeared on the SNL50 anniversary special, singing a cover of "Nothing Compares 2 U" with Brittany Howard. During her time as host and musical guest, she got the best of both worlds, busting out a performance of "Wrecking Ball" and trying out impressions of Justin Bieber and Hilary Clinton. 

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Officially adding "Going back to 1982 to watch Olivia Newton-John perform 'Physical' live on SNL" to my list of dream time travel destinations.

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Ms. Jackson (yes, I am nasty) served as host and musical guest in 2004, and showed she not only had what it took to rock the house down with her songs "Strawberry Bounce" and "All Nite (Don't Stop)," she also took the audience out with impressions of Condoleezza Rice and Paula Abdul. And that's on versatility, folks!

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Sure, sure, sure, Sting hosting and musical guest-ing is cool, and I do not want to take that away from him. But you have to understand that his 1991 episode also featured the debut of some really iconic sketches, namely, "Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey," Rob Schneider's "Richmeister" copy machine guy, and Mike Myers' "Coffee Talk." Verklempt yet?

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So, technically Jagger had already done a double-duty-dandy when he performed with the Stones back in '78, but he came back, back, back again in 2012 to show everyone he still had it. But ol' Mick ain't no slouch, and he's not selfish either, so of course he welcomed Arcade Fire, Foo Fighters, and Jeff Beck to share the spotlight with him during musical performances.

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'Twas about damn time that Lizzo was inducted into the double duty hall of fame! In 2022 Lizzo brought the house down with her killer vocals and comedy chops. And of course, it wouldn't be a Lizzo show if she didn't bring Sasha Flute with her to serenade the audience with a little wind instrument action.  

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Mr. Rashida Jones's Dad brought with him his signature cool along with a heap of talented friends like Tevin Campbell, Kool Moe Dee, Big Daddy Kane, Melle Mel, and Al Jarreau. It must be fun to have so many powerhouse friends like that.

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Garth Brooks served as host and musical guest two separate times...or at least, kind of. On his first appearance, he did what everybody else who has the gig does: hosted as himself and performed musically as himself. The second time, however... hehehehehe. He hosted as Garth Brooks but came out as musical guest Chris Gaines, his alter ego. I will never tire of laughing about Chris Gaines. Sorry. "Google! Search: 'What ever happened to Chris Gaines?'"

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I don't know about you, but I'm feeling double-du(ty)!  Tay Tay showed off her entertainment chops during her 2009 appearance, writing an original song as her opening monologue, performing the hell out of "You Belong With Me" and "Untouchable," and even starring in a Twlight parody sketch with Bill Hader. Anyone who's a friend of Twilight is a friend of me.

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The biggest gift we received during the 2021 holiday season was Billie Eilish taking over SNL for one night of beautifully haunting Christmas magic. In addition to performing her hit "Bad Guy" while walking on the ceiling (????) she also brought out Miley Cyrus for the "Christmas Cards" sketch. Sounds like a happy holiday to me!

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Elton John is your mom's favorite artist's favorite artist, and he proved that during his 2011 host/musical guest gig, bringing in famous friends like Tom Hanks, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Leon Russell to give him a boost. This was also the episode where the "Laser Cats" short was introduced, and thank god for that!

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In 1987, Willie Nelson was booked as host and musical guest. Most memorably, he appeared in a Chruch Lady sketch with the Church Lady himself Dana Carvey. I can't decide if this is a dream or nightmare blunt rotation.

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During Blakey's turn in the double-duty saddle, he brought his signature country twang to the Big Apple. Normally I'm not the biggest fan of the whole country thing, but who could deny his rascally charm or the ridiculous "Wishin' Boot" song he crooned with Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon? "Just belieeeeeve in the Wishin' Boot!"

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Oh, Zappa. One of the few people who was allegedly banned from the show after staring into the camera, acknowledging the cue card holders, and being a general mess on screen. Hey, not just anyone can piss off Lorne that much!

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This Jo Bro has been on the SNL stage many times, sometimes with his brothers, sometimes solo, and one time as a Les Miserables chorus member signing about the dangers of NYC during the SNL50 anniversary show. During his time as host and musical guest in 2021, Nick performed "Spaceman" and "This is Heaven" and appeared in Ego Nwodim's "Dionne Warwick Talk Show" sketch, which is pitch-perfect comedy.

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Live from New York, it's Hammer Time! Ok, the most iconic part about his double-duty performance is that Christina Ricci and Jimmy Workman showed up in character as Wednesday and Pugsley Addams to introduce the rapper's performance of "Addams Groove." Maybe not everyone wants that, but I specifically want that.

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Queen can do anything, so it should come as no surprise that she absolutely crushed as host and musical guest during her 2004 appearance. The only note I would give is that she waited until Jimmy Fallon left the show to go on and promote the movie she did with him (Taxi), but that's probably more of a publicist thing, so never mind. Queen stays queen!

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During Bad Bunny's turn as the host/musical guest, he brought out a slew of celebs to aid him on his journey, including Lady Gaga, Mick Jagger, Fred Armisen, and Pedro Pascal. He and Pedro recently reunited in the SNL50 anniversary special appearing as Santiago and Renaldo in the conclusion to the "Domingo" trilogy. We thank them for their service.

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Dual Lipa pulled dual roles in 2024, singing "Illusion" and bringing along with her special guests Troye Sivan and Jerry Seinfeld(?????). The highlight, though, was her short with Sarah Sherman because literally everything Sarah Sherman does is funny.

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Ludacris is great, but the real headline here is Mary J. Blige showed up to help him out, and if Mary J. Blige is in the room, sorry, that's the only person I'm seeing.

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Mr. I Love Lucy himself hit the Studio 8H stage in 1976, and of course, sang out his signature "Babalu." "Lucy! It's Saturday Niiiiiiiight!"

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Mars showed up to the Studio 8H stage ready to sing for his life, and he did so not just during his musical sets, but also during sketches, turning out uncanny impersonations of other popular singers (outdone only by THE Ariana Grande some seasons later).

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Halsey is no stranger to Saturday Night Live, appearing as a musical guest three times before taking on the dual responsibility at the beginning of 2019. Maybe the sketches weren't that memorable (save for the "Valentine's Song" about how friggin' weird that holiday actually is) but our girl did paint an upsidedown portrait while singing "Eastside" and IDK, that's cool to me!

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Jack was amazing. Jack was incredible. I'm sorry, but the real story here is that during this episode Tom Hanks' David S. Pumpkins returned to our screens. Like, I don't want to take anything away from Jack, but...DAVID S. PUMPKINS!!!

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This one is kind of a technicality, but I will include it. The actor hosted the show in July of 1976, and his then-wife Rita Coolidge was the actual musical guest, but he more or less took over her spot, performing with her in one duet, before taking over the second musical slot entirely. All men do is take take take. Lol.

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Justin has pulled double duty THREE times, and even earned an Emmy for one of his appearances. Yes, "Dick in a Box" won an Emmy. It won an EMMY! Are you listening to me? "Dick in a Box" won Justin Timberlake an Emmy??? Yes, he's in the Five-Timers Club, and yes he's been in a zillion digital shorts, but "Dick in a Box" is an Emmy-winning piece of art and we all need to be thinking about that.

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Ok, it's impressive to be on this list, but it's not impressive to be named the worst guest host that former cast members Bill Hader and Jay Pharoah had ever worked with. Yikes! It's seems like he's maybe in a different place these days, but not cool Biebs, not cool.

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Drake has taken on the role of host and musical guest twice, once in 2014 and again in 2016. These are facts about Drake. Anyway, y'all see that Half Time Show?