This evening, Saturday, April 5, 2025, legendary musician Elton John is set to grace the stage of Saturday Night Live in episode 17. Actor Jack Black will take on hosting duties, while Brandi Carlile is also featured as a musical guest. This marks Elton John’s highly anticipated return to SNL after more than ten years.
His last appearance on the show was in 2011 when he both hosted and performed. Tonight’s episode serves as an exciting promotional platform for his forthcoming collaborative album, Who Believes in Angels?, which officially releases on April 4. Alongside John, Brandi Carlile will captivate the audience with her performance, enhancing the musical repertoire of the episode.
Welcome to the 50th Season of Saturday Night Live
In a promotional video for episode 17, Elton John, Brandi Carlile, and Jack Black shared a light-hearted moment with SNL cast member Heidi Gardner. Gardner expressed her amazement at being with the stars, stating:
“Wow, it is so wild to be up here with all of you guys, I am really overwhelmed.”
Jack Black quickly reassured her to “take a deep breath”and emphasized that they are “totally normal people.” Carlile added a humorous twist by mentioning that their only difference from other people was their “fame and money.” Black followed up with a jest about their “immeasurable music talent,” maintaining the fun and playful spirit of the promo. In a humorous sign-off, Elton John remarked:
“I’m also a knight.”
This conversation not only highlights the camaraderie among the guests but also pays tribute to John’s prestigious knighthood conferred by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998. Brandi Carlile, who previously performed on the show in 2021 and 2022, joins John to deliver songs from her new album.
Furthermore, Black’s role as host aligns perfectly with the premiere of the A Minecraft Movie, also debuting today, adding another layer of excitement to the evening’s festivities.
Discovering Elton John: A Musical Icon
Elton John is not just a musician; he is a cultural phenomenon with a career spanning five decades, during which he has sold over 300 million records worldwide and achieved more than 70 Top 40 hits. His accolades include two diamond, 43 platinum, and 26 gold albums.
His monumental 1997 tribute, Candle in the Wind 1997, remains the best-selling physical single in history, boasting over 33 million copies sold. Knighted in 1998, he was also honored with the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2021.
Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England, John began piano lessons at the tender age of three and later honed his skills at the Royal Academy of Music. His recent accolade includes achieving EGOT status in January 2024 with an Emmy for Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium. His illustrious career features nine No. 1 singles and 29 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying his status as a music icon.
Beyond his music career, John has contributed to the arts through projects like The Lion King, Billy Elliot the Musical, and Aida. He is also known for his philanthropic work, founding the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has raised over $450 million to combat global HIV/AIDS issues.
Don’t miss out on catching Saturday Night Live tonight at 11:30 PM ET on NBC, with streaming available on Peacock.