Lin-Manuel Miranda Reprises Alexander Hamilton Role in Cold Open

Trump Takes the Stage in SNL’s Founding Fathers Cold Open

Saturday Night Live kicked off the week with a side-splitting cold open that blended history and satire with a dash of political commentary. Lin-Manuel Miranda,reprising his iconic role as Alexander Hamilton,joined the cast for a humorous take on the Founding Fathers drafting the United States Declaration of Independence.

Introduced by Andrew Dismukes as John Hancock, Miranda delivered a rousing and patriotic monologue, emphasizing the nation’s core values: “Our lives matter not if we lose them in the cause of liberty. What matters is the nation we built. Because in America, all men are created equal. America, not England, we do win the sequel, and we will have leaders, but no one thing in America, we will never have a king.”

Just as Hamilton’s words reverberated through the air, the scene took an unexpected turn with the arrival of James Austin Johnson as President Donald Trump. Interrupting Miranda’s monologue, Trump declared, in a tone dripping with audacity, “Never say never. I’m in my king era.” The audience erupted in laughter at this swipe at Trump’s much-discussed second term and his perception as a monarchical figure.

The sketch continued with Trump,oblivious to the bewildered Founding Fathers,unleashing a torrent of bravado and controversial pronouncements.He envisioned a “new country” mirroring his vision – one devoid of what he labelled “woke” culture and initiatives like DEI. He even drew an analogy between the workplace and the sitcom *The Office*, longing for a return to a homogeneous habitat.

Trump’s trademark biting wit was directed at Miranda as well: “Look at Lin. He got tricked into coming here and now he’s frozen on stage.”

Timothée Chalamet Channels Bob dylan on SNL While Reflecting on Oscar Buzz

Timothée Chalamet took on the double whammy of host and musical guest on this week’s
Saturday Night Live, showcasing both his acting chops and musical talent.
Fresh off his critically acclaimed portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,”which scored eight Oscar nominations, Chalamet seized the prospect to revisit Dylan’s iconic music.

“I was literally crying in my dressing room here when I found out,” Chalamet confessed during his opening monologue, referencing the nominations. “The entire creative team worked extremely hard bringing to life the brilliant artist Bob Dylan, a man whose music and career has become a guiding light to me. It’s an enormous honor going to these award shows.”

Despite his excitement about the Oscars, Chalamet couldn’t resist poking fun at his own misfortune at award shows. “It’s such a great experience, but I just keep losing,” he joked. “And each time it gets harder to pretend it doesn’t sting.” A montage highlighting his past award show losses followed, adding to the humor.

Chalamet’s monologue continued with witty improvisations, including a mock awards ceremony that hilariously saw the (imaginary) award go to Kenan Thompson. Chalamet’s musical performance showcased his dedication to capturing Dylan’s essence as he delivered powerful renditions of classic Dylan songs such as “Outlaw Blues,” “Three Angels,” and “Tommorow Is a Long Time.”

Timothée Chalamet Channels Bob Dylan on SNL: A Night of Music, Comedy, and Awards Show Angst

Timothée Chalamet brought a unique blend of charm, musical talent, and self-deprecating humor to Saturday Night Live this week, serving as both host and musical guest. The actor, whose recent portrayal of Bob Dylan in the film _A Complete Unknown_ earned widespread acclaim, clearly felt a special connection to the iconic singer-songwriter.

During his opening monologue, Chalamet gushed about the eight Oscar nominations the film received, sharing, “I was literally crying in my dressing room here when I found out.” he went on to express his profound admiration for Dylan, saying, “The entire creative team worked extremely hard bringing to life the brilliant artist Bob Dylan, a man whose music and career has become a guiding light to me, and it’s an enormous honor going to these award shows.”

However,Chalamet’s heartfelt remarks took a comedic turn as he poked fun at his own unlucky streak at awards ceremonies. “It’s such a great experience, but I just keep losing,” he quipped with a playful smirk. “And each time it gets harder to pretend it doesn’t sting.” A montage highlighting his past award show defeats played out on screen, underscoring his playful self-deprecation.

Chalamet, known for his improvisational skills, continued his monologue with a mock award ceremony, handing a fictional envelope to audience members and instructing them to announce the (imaginary) winner. Predictably, the joke landed on his fellow SNL alum, Kenan Thompson, further highlighting Chalamet’s effortless comedic timing.

Beyond hosting, chalamet delivered powerful performances of classic Dylan songs, captivating audiences with his renditions of “Outlaw Blues,” “Three Angels,” and “Tomorrow is a Long time.” It was a stirring tribute to Dylan’s enduring influence on music and culture, showcasing Chalamet’s impressive musical talent and dedication to embodying the legendary musician’s essence.

What resonated most with you from Chalamet’s performances?

How did Chalamet’s comedic timing enhance his portrayal of Bob Dylan?

Timothée Chalamet Channels Bob Dylan on SNL: A Conversation with Music Critic,Elliot Stone

Timothee Chalamet’s electrifying performance as both host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live this past weekend left audiences buzzing. Not only did he charm as the host, showcasing his signature wit in a monologue filled with self-deprecating humor surrounding his award show luck, but he also delivered powerful renditions of Bob Dylan classics. To delve deeper into Chalamet’s take on the iconic singer-songwriter, we spoke with Elliot Stone, renowned music critic and contributor to Billboard Magazine, for his firsthand insights.

Elliot, How did you feel Chalamet captured Dylan’s essence during his musical performances?

I was thoroughly impressed. Chalamet didn’t simply mimic Dylan’s voice; he seemed to genuinely embody the spirit of his music. There was a raw vulnerability and intensity in his delivery that truly resonated with Dylan’s emotional depth.

Several standout moments from Chalamet’s performances particularly resonated with you?

Absolutely! “Outlaw Blues” had such a captivating energy, and Chalamet brought that rebellious spirit to life. Then “Three Angels” transformed into a hauntingly gorgeous ballad, showcasing Chalamet’s range and emotional depth.But ultimately,”Tomorrow Is a Long Time” felt like the culmination of his tribute. The powerful message of hope and perseverance, imbued in Dylan’s voice and amplified by Chalamet, left me truly moved.

Despite the musical talent on display, could you elaborate on how Chalamet’s comedic timing further enhanced the overall experience?

His humor injected a delightful lightness into the performance, particularly during the mock award ceremony bit. It showcased his versatility as an entertainer and reminded us of his knack for creating memorable comedic moments.

Many viewers, however, seem to be shedding tears over Chalamet’s self-deprecating humor about his “losing streak” at award shows. What could you say about this aspect of his performance?

It was incredibly charming and relatable. Chalamet embraced his awkwardness and turned it into something endearing. It showed that he’s not afraid to poke fun at himself and his experiences, which makes him even more likable and approachable.

Closing thoughts?

Timothee Chalamet delivered a truly exceptional performance. He demonstrated not only his musical talent but also his comedic timing and emotional depth. He truly embodied the spirit of Bob Dylan, offering a genuine tribute that resonated with both casual and die-hard fans. It was a night to remember!