In a star-studded spectacle for the ages, 'SNL50: The Homecoming Concert' saw Jimmy Fallon hosting a 3½-hour musical extravaganza featuring everyone from Lady Gaga to Snoop Dogg—and plenty of nostalgic singalongs along the way.

The concert, held at Radio City Music Hall and streamed live on Peacock, brought together a dazzling lineup of artists, including Cher, Jack White, and the Backstreet Boys, to celebrate 50 years of 'Saturday Night Live.' With 6,000 fans—and a few celebrities like Tom Hanks—crammed into the theater, the event transformed the iconic venue into a boisterous karaoke bar of nostalgic hits and emotional tributes, reminding everyone that while time marches on, our love for cheesy singalongs is forever.

As the night kicked off, the packed theater resonated with the enthusiastic cheers of an audience eager to witness a blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair. Hosting duties fell to the ever-charismatic Jimmy Fallon, who appeared to revel in the high-energy atmosphere, weaving in one-liners and witticisms that promised a night of upbeat revelry. It’s safe to say, between his jokes and the vibrant crowd, everyone was in high spirits—and not just because of the overpriced drinks.

The first round of performances set the tone for the evening, with Lady Gaga taking center stage. With her rendition of 'Shallow,' she not only showcased her vocal prowess but also reminded the audience that there’s nothing quite like live music to make one forget about the gravity of existence, if only for a few brief moments. Following Gaga was Cher, who, despite being decades into her career, turned back time—or at least her performance of 'If I Could Turn Back Time' made us all forget how old we actually are. Her energetic stage presence could have powered the entire theater, which possibly resulted in a few broken seats as attendees bounced along in unison.

In between these powerful performances, the crowd was treated to emotional tributes that tugged at heartstrings. Eddie Vedder honored the late Tom Petty with a stirring version of 'The Waiting,' openly reminiscing about departed 'SNL' cast members. The heartfelt tribute had patrons wiping away tears, reminding us that rock stars, much like Norwegians in winter, also have sensitive souls under their rugged exteriors.

As the night rolled on, the Backstreet Boys unleashed 'I Want It That Way,' leading to a chorus of impromptu karaoke from the audience. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not only weddings and bar mitzvahs where we can witness a full-blown singalong; apparently, it can happen at a high-profile concert too. The enthusiastic participation lending credence to the theory that nostalgia is the musical equivalent of a warm blanket in a blizzard.

Brandi Carlile’s performance of 'The Joke' elicited yet another wave of emotion, illustrating that good music often comes with tissues on the side. Meanwhile, Mumford & Sons took a moment to pay homage to legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel with 'The Boxer,' conjuring images of happier days when our biggest concerns revolved around mastering the art of folding fitted sheets instead of these existential crises we now refer to as adulthood.

This concert was far from one-dimensional. The layout included multiple stages which allowed for seamless transitions, expertly choreographed to minimize those awkward moments when an artist has to wait for the spotlight to shift. Such staging ensured that every performance was as quick and dazzling as a firework—minus the need for insurance payouts afterward.

Before all the musical magic commenced, the red carpet drew a host of celebrities, including Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, who were likely enjoying the prestige and warmth of the star-studded gathering. Melissa Villaseñor's presence also emphasized how 'SNL' continues grooming comedic talent as an ongoing tradition. One could only imagine the conversations drifting through the air—'So, what’s it like being a beloved celebrity in your 80s? Hot tip: always carry ginger tea.'

Throughout the evening, it was clear that the concert wasn’t merely a celebration of 'SNL' but an acknowledgment of how intertwined music and television have melded into a single culture. For 50 years, the show has been defining humor just as much as it has been launching chart-topping hits—a fact both comforting and bizarre, like the realization that your grandma probably knows the lyrics to 'Wannabe.'

With a kaleidoscope of emotions—from nostalgia to elation—the concert wrapped up, but not without leaving a lasting impression that may well echo into the future. While the live performances ended, attendees returned home with reminiscences of a night that was a fitting tribute to half a century of laughs, music, and questionable hairstyles. Who knows? Maybe one day we'll look back on this night with our own versions of 'If I Could Turn Back Time,' longing for the moment when we were all young enough to sing off-key without a care in the world.