Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon reunited on Saturday Night Live for a memorable performance at the show’s 50th anniversary special on February 16. The two stars kicked off the celebration with a stripped-down rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s classic hit “Homeward Bound.”
Simon, who first performed the song on SNL in 1976 with George Harrison, humorously pointed out that Carpenter, born after the performance, hadn’t been alive when it first aired—neither had her parents! Carpenter, 25, shared her excitement for the opportunity to perform the timeless tune, agreeing with Simon that it was a special moment for their families to enjoy.
The anniversary special also featured a star-studded lineup, including Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, and many other iconic names like Miley Cyrus, Pedro Pascal, and Robert De Niro. The show paid tribute to both past and present SNL cast members such as Amy Poehler, Andy Samberg, and Will Ferrell, who all appeared in the historic broadcast.
In addition to her performance with Simon, Carpenter, known for her hit song “Espresso,” has had a strong presence on SNL this season, making her debut in May 2025. During that appearance, she performed a mix of her latest hits and shared her nerves with her fans on Instagram, confessing how excited and “not chill” she was to be on the iconic stage.
Meanwhile, Paul Simon’s connection to SNL spans over five decades. Aside from hosting multiple times, he is a cherished figure on the show, known for unforgettable performances like singing “The Boxer” with NYC firefighters after the September 11 attacks. His most recent appearance was in 2018, performing “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
As SNL continues its 50-year legacy, fans can look forward to more memorable moments, including the latest documentary, SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, now streaming on Peacock.
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