Saturday Night Live’s 45th season premiered last week, and even though its comedy seems to have continued its trend towards being increasingly political, it remains one of the best stages on television for showcasing musical artists, both up-and-coming and already huge. On Saturday, Billie Eilish entertained with a gravity-defying performance of “Bad Guy” and a more stripped down “i love you,” and with Taylor Swift and Camila Cabello lined up for the next two episodes, it seems like SNL already has plans for a season full of blockbuster hitmakers. Below, I’ve listed some of the artists I hope also perform on the much-loved show this season.
James Blake
After releasing the well-received Assume Form earlier this year, James Blake has remained in the music conversation, drip feeding music videos of album tracks, including a collaboration with Rosalía, throughout 2019. Based in England, Blake is in America for October tour dates, which sounds like an opportunity for the British producer/singer to appear on SNL for the first time. Blake’s delicate, accented voice is pitch-perfect and sure to bring a greater audience to his music, which is known for its glitchy production that often blends electronica with hip-hop.
Lana Del Rey
Bear with me on this one — every Lana Del Rey fan remembers that SNL performance of “Blue Jeans” in 2012, which nearly derailed her meteoric rise. Millions watched as Del Rey tried to meet the immense hype surrounding her, but instead looked scared on stage, unable to find control of her voice. In the past seven years, though, Del Rey has grown vocally, and with the release of Norman Fucking Rockwell, her best album yet, an SNL performance could be seen as an opportunity for redemption and a declaration to many who continue to dismiss Del Rey.
Weyes Blood
Natalie Mering’s fourth album as Weyes Blood (pronounced “wise blood”) was an emotional affair about apocalypse and self-discovery that blended folk and electronica and felt absolutely celestial at its best. SNL has never been afraid of showcasing lesser-known artists, especially when they’ve received as much buzz as Weyes Blood (see: Gary Clark Jr., Kacey Musgraves before her Grammys), and I hope that between her and the following act, SNL invites more rising stars this season.
Rex Orange County
With songs like “Sunflower” and “Loving is Easy,” indie pop singer Rex Orange County injects a bit of neo-soul into his music and has created a unique sound and quirky image throughout his first two extended releases. When his third album, Pony, drops next month, SNL should consider inviting him and his band onto the show, as he will surely bring his usual feel-good energy to the stage, and open many eyes to his music.
Adele
I live with the expectation that Adele can release her fourth album at any moment; nothing suggests that she’ll go through the motions of a usual album release and press-tour, because she’s Adele. As with 25, Adele will likely break sales records with her follow-up, which she has stated will not be named after her age like its three predecessors. If the release does come this fall, an SNL performance is basically assured, as Adele has frequented the 30 Rock stage in the past, and those occasions have always served as a cause for celebration. Surely the wild card of my five picks, a performance by Adele could also surely be a monumental moment for this 45th season of SNL.
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