Imagine the thrill of seeing your favorite artist take the legendary Saturday Night Live stage. Now, picture that artist bringing out a surprise guest – a superstar in their own right! That's exactly what happened when Role Model, the indie-pop sensation, made his SNL debut. But here's where it gets really exciting:
Role Model didn't just perform; he brought out Charli XCX for a memorable rendition of his viral hit, 'Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.' It was a moment that had fans buzzing! He also performed "Some Protector" from the deluxe edition of his sophomore album, Kansas Anymore, released earlier this year in February. Before diving into the performance details, let's understand who Role Model is. Tucker Pillsbury, professionally known as Role Model, is a singer-songwriter who has been making waves in the music industry with his unique blend of indie-pop and emotionally resonant lyrics.
After a warm introduction from SNL icon Amy Poehler, Role Model, a 28-year-old hailing from Maine, launched into 'Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.' What's fascinating about Role Model's live performances is his tradition of inviting someone special to play the role of Sally. In the past, this has included enthusiastic fans and fellow musicians, such as Conan Gray and Renee Rapp. And this is the part most people miss: the 'Sally' role isn't just a cameo; it's an integral part of the song's performance.
This time, the honor went to none other than Charli XCX, the British pop powerhouse who graced the SNL stage herself last November. The crowd erupted in cheers as Charli XCX took the stage. She didn't just stand there; she owned it, dancing, twirling her hair during the song's bridge, and then, in a playful gesture, placing her sunglasses on Role Model's face before blowing him a kiss and confidently walking off stage. It was a brief but unforgettable appearance that added a whole new dimension to the performance. Some might even say her cameo overshadowed Role Model himself – what do you think?
Following the high-energy collaboration, Role Model transitioned to a more mellow vibe with his performance of 'Some Protector,' showcasing his versatility as an artist. Both songs are from the deluxe edition of his second studio album, Kansas Anymore.
Role Model sees Kansas Anymore, which follows his 2022 album Rx, as a significant leap forward in his artistic journey. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he explained, 'I think the one thing I wanted to prove when I first put it out was my growth — my songwriting and my taste in music had matured, and I had also matured as a person.' He emphasized how his improved guitar skills allowed him to write songs independently, leading to a more personal and evolved sound.
Beyond his SNL appearance, Role Model's star continues to rise. After opening for Gracie Abrams last year and headlining his own No Place Like Tour this spring, he's set to participate in Rolling Stone's Musicians on Musicians live event on October 23rd at New York's Beacon Theatre. He'll be paired with María Zardoya of The Marias for what promises to be an engaging conversation and collaborative performance. Jack Antonoff will also be there, joining Hayley Williams with Bleachers, and SNL’s James Austin Johnson will host the event. Also in the books are European shows next month.
Now, here's a thought: Do you think surprise guest appearances enhance live performances, or do they sometimes distract from the main artist? And what did you think of Charli XCX's cameo? Did it elevate the performance, or was it too brief to make a real impact? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's discuss whether collaborations like this are a winning formula or a potential risk for artists.
