Jelly Roll Makes HisSNLDebut asHacks' Hannah Einbinder Cameosto Introduce Him with Host Jean Smart

Mar. 15, 2025

(L) Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder (R) Jelly Roll.Photo:Saturday Night Life/YouTube

Saturday Night Life/YouTube

Live from Studio 8H, it’sJelly Roll!

Jelly Roll’s firstperformance featured a surprise cameo in the form of Smart’sHackscostarHannah Einbender, who appeared alongside the host to introduce the singer for his song “Liar” from his forthcoming album,Beautifully Broken.

Dressed in a gray embellished denim jacket, a black top and black pants, Jelly Roll put his impressive vocals on display with a performance that featured a unique set-up of his band lined up on each side behind him, with singers then standing on a slightly raised platform behind each line of the band.

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Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, later sang “Winning Streak,” another song from his soon-to-be-released LP.

The star previously expressed his excitement about hisSNLgig, writing in apost, “The premiere of the 50th season of SNL. BRB going to cry for a few hours and call every family member I have. Bringing therapeutic music to my favorite show ever. God is Good.”

Jelly Roll’sSNLperformance took place shortly after the star recently revealed that hewants to pursue acting projects.

While speaking with PEOPLE andEntertainment Weeklyon the red carpet ahead of the 2024Emmy Awardson Sunday, Sept. 15, the father of two said he specifically wants to jump into a television series so he could return to the awards show in the future, after he called his first time at the event “the coolest experience.”

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Jelly Roll in September 2023.Kevin Winter/Getty

Kevin Winter/Getty

During the annual awards show, Jelly Roll performed as part of the In Memoriam segment, where he sang his original song “I Am Not Okay."

SNLannounced the cast for its landmark season earlier this month.

Returning cast membersMarcello Hernandez, Michael Longfellow andDevon Walkerwere promoted to the main cast after two years each as featured players, whilePunkie Johnson, Chloe Troast and Molly Kearney have all stepped away. Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim and Jane Wickline, meanwhile, have been added to the sketch comedy show’s roster.

Michael Che, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes,Chloe Fineman,Heidi Gardner, James Austin Johnson,Colin Jost,Ego Nwodim, Sarah Sherman,Kenan ThompsonandBowen Yanground out the remainder of the cast.

Other hosts and musical guests announced so far forSNL’s season 50 includeNate BargatzewithColdplay,Ariana GrandewithStevie Nicks,Michael KeatonwithBillie EilishandJohn MulaneywithChappell Roan.

Saturday Night Liveairs at 11:30 p.m. ET on weekends on NBC. Jelly Roll’s latest album,Beautifully Broken, will be available to purchase and stream on Oct. 11.

source: people.com