Miley Cyrus SNL 50: The Unbothered Tribute, Paul Rudd Shout-Out, And Her Full SNL Legacy
Miley Cyrus once again proved why she is one of Saturday Night Live’s most reliable and electric performers, commanding the spotlight at the highly anticipated SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration in February 2025. Her appearance at the star-studded event, which celebrated five decades of the iconic sketch comedy show, was a fresh mix of powerhouse musical performance, viral celebrity interaction, and—true to her form—a touch of controversy that immediately dominated social media and entertainment headlines. The pop superstar’s performance was not just a musical set; it was a definitive statement on her enduring, yet sometimes tumultuous, relationship with the show that has served as a key barometer of her career evolution.
The three-hour prime-time special, which aired on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from New York, was packed with legendary alumni and current stars, but it was Cyrus who generated some of the most intense post-show buzz. From her stunning red-carpet look to her unscripted moment with a beloved actor and a highly scrutinized musical tribute, her involvement cemented her status as a crucial figure in the modern history of SNL.
Miley Cyrus's Complete SNL History and Biography
Miley Cyrus has one of the most extensive and versatile résumés in modern Saturday Night Live history, having appeared on the show as a host, musical guest, and the coveted "double duty" role (Host and Musical Guest) multiple times. Her appearances often coincided with major shifts in her public image, making each visit a cultural event. Her frequent returns speak volumes about the trust SNL creator Lorne Michaels places in her ability to deliver both comedy and a headline-making musical moment.
- March 5, 2011 (Season 36, Episode 16): Host and Musical Guest (Double Duty). This was her debut, marking the transition from her Hannah Montana era. Key sketches included "The Miley Cyrus Show" with Vanessa Bayer.
- October 5, 2013 (Season 39, Episode 2): Host and Musical Guest (Double Duty). This appearance followed her infamous VMA performance and featured her performing "Wrecking Ball" and "We Can't Stop." She famously spoofed her own image in the opening monologue.
- October 3, 2015 (Season 41, Episode 1): Host and Musical Guest (Double Duty). She performed "Karen Don't Be Sad" and "Twinkle Song" and was involved in sketches like "50 Shades of Grey" and a cold open mocking the VMAs.
- May 8, 2021 (Season 46, Episode 18): Musical Guest. She performed "Plastic Hearts" and "Without You."
- February 16, 2025: Special Guest Performer at SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration.
The SNL 50 Performance: Flowers, Controversy, and The Paul Rudd Moment
Cyrus’s appearance at the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert, held at Radio City Music Hall and broadcast on NBC, was one of the night’s most talked-about segments. She shared the stage with an array of musical legends, including Paul McCartney and Paul Simon, but managed to carve out a moment that was uniquely "Miley."
The Unbothered Tribute and Backlash
One of the most dramatic moments of the evening involved a musical tribute that quickly became a hot topic. Cyrus performed a powerful rendition of "Nothing Compares 2 U" alongside Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes. The song, originally written by Prince, is most famously associated with Sinéad O’Connor, who had a long-standing, public feud with Cyrus.
The controversy stemmed from the fact that O'Connor had famously torn up a picture of Pope John Paul II during her 1992 SNL performance—a moment that remains one of the show’s most scandalous. Critics and fans on social media immediately questioned the choice of song, suggesting it was a disrespectful nod, or lack thereof, to O’Connor's legacy and the history between the two artists.
In the days following the special, reports surfaced detailing Cyrus's reaction to the backlash. According to sources, the pop star was "completely unbothered" by the criticism, viewing the performance as a genuine homage to a great song and a legendary artist, regardless of their complicated past. This "unbothered" response became a headline in itself, reinforcing her public persona of resilience and self-assuredness.
The Viral Paul Rudd Shout-Out
Beyond the tribute, Cyrus delivered a high-energy performance of her global smash hit, "Flowers." It was during this song that she created an unexpected, viral moment by calling out to a specific celebrity in the audience: actor Paul Rudd.
Mid-song, Cyrus paused and directly addressed Rudd, who was seated in the audience, making a quippy remark that delighted the crowd and the millions watching at home. While the exact context of the shout-out was unclear—was it a planned bit, a spontaneous interaction, or a private joke?—it immediately became a trending clip. Fans praised her for being "so real" and for injecting a moment of genuine, unscripted fun into the highly produced anniversary special, further proving her ability to connect with an audience on a personal level, even at a massive event.
Miley's Enduring SNL Legacy and Topical Authority
Miley Cyrus’s frequent appearances and willingness to push boundaries have solidified her place among the great SNL hosts and musical guests. She is one of the few celebrities who has successfully navigated the transition from a Disney Channel star to a respected, provocative artist, with SNL often serving as the stage for her biggest public re-inventions.
Her work with the cast has resulted in numerous memorable sketches. The recurring "The Miley Cyrus Show," where cast member Vanessa Bayer played a hyper-enthusiastic, lisping version of Cyrus, was a fan favorite that Cyrus herself embraced and even participated in. Other notable sketches include "Disney Channel Acting School," "Rock-a-Billy Facial Cream," and her impersonations of other celebrities like Fergie and Lindsay Lohan.
The SNL50 event was not just a celebration of the show's past, but a showcase of the talent that continues to define its present and future. By delivering a performance that was both musically compelling and culturally resonant—complete with a viral moment and a controversial tribute—Miley Cyrus once again proved she is a contemporary icon whose career narrative is intrinsically linked with the history of Saturday Night Live. Her "unbothered" attitude in the face of controversy is precisely what makes her a compelling figure for the show's next fifty years.
Key Entities and Topical Keywords: SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration, Paul Rudd, Brittany Howard, Sinéad O'Connor, Prince, The Roots, Lorne Michaels, Vanessa Bayer, "The Miley Cyrus Show," "Flowers," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," "Nothing Compares 2 U," Wrecking Ball, Season 36, Season 41, Double Duty, Musical Guest, Host, Radio City Music Hall, New York, February 16, 2025.
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