Charli XCX Shines on ‘SNL’ with Hilarious Skits and Unexpected Performances
Charli XCX proved that she’s more than just a pop star when she took the stage for her double-duty appearance on Saturday Night Live (SNL) on November 18, 2023. Hosting and performing as the musical guest in the same episode is no easy feat, but Charli, with her natural charisma and humor, nailed it — bringing energy, laughs, and memorable moments to the iconic sketch comedy show.
Known for her bold pop music and cutting-edge sound, Charli took on a new challenge on SNL, showing off her acting chops and quick wit. She appeared in almost every sketch, proving she’s got a lot more range than just being a chart-topping singer. From impersonating Adele to playing a psycho suburban housewife in a Lonely Island digital short, Charli made sure fans got their full, unfiltered dose of her.
A Hilarious, High-Energy Performance on Stage and Screen
Charli’s Sketch Comedy Skills Shine
Charli XCX’s double-duty SNL appearance was packed with hilarious moments. In addition to her opening monologue, where she acknowledged both her music career and LGBTQ fanbase with humor, Charli delivered big on the comedy front. She expertly impersonated Adele, nailed a spoof of Victoria Beckham, and even joined in on a parody of a toxic Trump-bro podcast. There was also a scene where Charli played the love interest to Shrek, proving she’s up for anything.
Perhaps one of the most memorable sketches was Charli playing a suburban housewife alongside Andy Samberg in a Lonely Island digital short. Fans couldn’t get enough of her willingness to dive into such bizarre, over-the-top roles. Despite not having prior comedy experience, Charli’s performances were both effortless and entertaining.
Musical Performances with Special Guests
Of course, Charli XCX didn’t miss her chance to perform on the SNL stage. She kicked things off with a performance of her song “360,” which had an introduction by Julia Fox, who also made an appearance during the episode. But it was Charli’s second performance, of the heavily autotuned “Sympathy Is a Knife,” that really left an impression. The crowd loved every second, especially when Bowen Yang introduced the track with his signature deadpan humor.
Ariana Grande’s Support and Charli’s Future in Comedy
Charli’s SNL performance wasn’t without its moments of nerves. In an interview, she admitted that she was a bit anxious before taking the stage, especially since it was her first time doing comedy on live TV. However, Charli had some solid advice to lean on, thanks to her good friend and fellow pop star Ariana Grande, who had also done double duty as host and musical guest on SNL earlier this season.
“I was with Ariana last night — she obviously just did it and killed it,” Charli shared. “She was like, ‘You’re gonna be amazing, just relax, it’s so fun.’” With Ariana’s encouragement and tips in mind, Charli was able to approach her SNL gig with a sense of calm and confidence.
Charli XCX’s Upcoming Projects and Career Shift
While SNL fans were blown away by Charli’s ability to hold her own as both host and musical guest, her acting career is only just beginning. Charli is stepping into the world of acting with multiple upcoming roles. She’ll appear in the comedy series “Overcompensating” alongside Benito Skinner and is set to star in three films:
- Gregg Araki’s thriller “I Want Your Sex” starring Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman
- A remake of “Faces of Death” directed by Daniel Goldhaber, starring Barbie Ferreira
- The graphic novel adaptation “100 Nights of Hero” directed by Julia Jackman, featuring Emma Corrin and Maika Monroe
This shift to acting is exciting for fans who have long admired Charli XCX’s unique personality. Whether it’s singing or acting, Charli is proving she can conquer anything she sets her mind to.
Behind the Scenes of Charli XCX’s Big Night
Charli’s appearance on SNL was not just another gig — it marked a major milestone in her career. From making her debut in the early 2010s with hits like “Boom Clap,” Charli has always been at the forefront of pop music’s evolution. But her double-duty SNL performance revealed a new side to her: a comedic, daring entertainer unafraid to take risks and try new things.
The night was also a nod to Charli’s “Brat” album, a project that resonated deeply with her LGBTQ+ fans. In her opening monologue, Charli joked, “For those of you who recognize me, you might know me from my album ‘Brat,’ but don’t worry if you don’t… there is nothing wrong with being straight.” The crowd erupted in laughter, and Charli quickly moved on, ensuring the “Brat” phenomenon didn’t become a one-note joke for the rest of the show.
Was It the Best ‘SNL’ Episode of the Year?
While not every sketch landed perfectly — let’s be real, it’s SNL — Charli XCX’s performance was easily one of the standout episodes of the year. Fans were treated to non-stop laughs, quirky characters, and stellar performances that highlighted Charli’s versatility as an entertainer.
Charli even starred in a sketch that didn’t air on the show but was released online titled “Mean Cute”. In this sketch, she flexed her acting muscles even further, proving that her comedic timing and natural charm aren’t just limited to live TV.
The Future Looks Bright for Charli XCX
If Charli’s performance on SNL is any indication, the singer-turned-actress has a bright future ahead of her in the entertainment world. Her upcoming roles in film and TV showcase her ambition to build a solid second career in Hollywood. With her unique mix of musical talent, acting chops, and comedic timing, Charli XCX is poised to become a major force in both the music and entertainment industries.
Conclusion
Charli XCX’s double-duty gig on Saturday Night Live proved that she’s much more than a pop star. Her quick wit, natural comedic timing, and engaging performances made her one of the most memorable hosts and musical guests of the year. With acting roles lined up and a growing fan base in both music and film, Charli’s star is only going to rise higher.
