Sabrina Carpenter appeared on Saturday Night Live (SNL) as both host and musical guest on October 18. During her appearance, she performed two songs, 'Manchild' and 'Nobody's Son,' from her recent album. The performance of 'Nobody's Son' drew attention due to its uncensored lyrics during the East Coast broadcast.
Key Takeaways
- Sabrina Carpenter served as both host and musical guest for the first time on SNL.
- She performed 'Manchild' and 'Nobody's Son.'
- The East Coast SNL broadcast included uncensored lyrics in 'Nobody's Son,' causing a notable reaction.
- West Coast viewers experienced censored audio for the same song.
- Carpenter is confirmed as a headliner for Coachella 2026.
Carpenter's Dual Role on SNL
Sabrina Carpenter marked a significant career milestone by taking on a dual role for the October 18 episode of Saturday Night Live. She hosted the program for the first time while also performing as the musical guest. This dual responsibility is a notable achievement for artists on the long-running comedy show.
Before her musical segments, Carpenter participated in a pre-show teaser. This promotional clip featured her in a 'Sex and the City' parody, where she portrayed a character similar to Carrie Bradshaw, complete with a Cosmopolitan drink. This set a light, playful tone for her appearance.
Background on Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live is a late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. It premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title 'NBC's Saturday Night.' The show features a rotating cast of comedians and regular musical guests. It is known for its live performances and often controversial content, which can sometimes lead to censorship discussions.
Performances of 'Manchild' and 'Nobody's Son'
Carpenter's musical segment began with a performance of 'Manchild.' The stage design for this song resembled a bedroom, creating a personal and intimate atmosphere. During the performance, she wore pink SNL-branded underwear, adding to the playful and youthful aesthetic. A saxophonist later joined her on stage, enhancing the musical arrangement.
Following 'Manchild,' Carpenter performed 'Nobody's Son.' For this song, the stage setting shifted to a martial arts theme. Carpenter wore a bejeweled karate gi, reflecting the song's energy and possibly its lyrical content. Both songs are featured on her album, 'Man's Best Friend.'
"Musically, this album isn’t markedly different from its predecessor, though it has a few more country-leaning cuts sprinkled among the daytime disco and featherlight funk. It also sticks to Carpenter’s winning formula of pairing sticky melodies with pithy lyrics about the flaws and allure of inadequate males."
Controversy Surrounding 'Nobody's Son'
The performance of 'Nobody's Son' generated discussion due to specific lyrical content. According to Variety, the East Coast broadcast of SNL included the words "fucked up" sung twice by Carpenter, without any censorship. This uncensored airing reportedly caused a stir among viewers and media outlets.
However, viewers on the West Coast reported a different experience. For these broadcasts, the audio was reportedly cut during the two instances where the controversial words were sung. This suggests that censors might have had a longer tape delay for the West Coast feed, allowing for edits to be made before airing.
Censorship on Live Television
- Live television broadcasts often use a short delay, typically 5-10 seconds, to allow producers to censor inappropriate language or content before it airs.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States prohibits the broadcast of "obscene, indecent, and profane" content.
- Different time zones can have varying censorship policies or technical capabilities, leading to inconsistencies in what viewers see or hear.
Carpenter's Previous SNL Appearances and Future Plans
While this was Carpenter's first time hosting SNL, she has a history with the show. She previously appeared as a musical guest during season 49. Additionally, she participated in the show's 50th-anniversary celebrations in February. During this event, she was featured in a sketch where she performed an off-key version of her popular song 'Espresso.'
Looking ahead, Sabrina Carpenter is set to headline the Coachella music festival in 2026. After several days of rumors, her participation was officially confirmed. She will close out the Friday night performances for both weekends of the desert music festival. Coachella 2026 is scheduled to take place from April 10 to 12 and then again from April 17 to 19.
Album Reception and Industry Commentary
Carpenter's album, 'Man's Best Friend,' received a four-star review from NME. Music critic Nick Levine noted the album's musical consistency with its predecessor. He highlighted the inclusion of more country-leaning tracks alongside established daytime disco and funk sounds. Levine also praised Carpenter's ability to combine catchy melodies with sharp lyrics about male imperfections.
In a separate comment, Carpenter recently joked about her record label's initial approach to her debut album. She humorously stated that her label "really didn't give a fuck" after learning that only 200 vinyl copies of her first album were produced. This comment highlights the often-unpredictable nature of the music industry.
- 'Man's Best Friend' received positive critical attention.
- The album features a mix of genres, including country, disco, and funk elements.
- Lyrical themes often focus on relationships and male characteristics.
Carpenter's recent performances and upcoming festival appearances demonstrate her growing presence in the music industry. Her ability to navigate both live television and major music festivals underscores her rising profile. The discussions around her SNL performance also highlight the ongoing conversation about censorship in live entertainment.