Top 10 Best SNL Musical Performances of the Century (So Far)

"Saturday Night Live" has seen some breathtaking musical performances this century. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most memorable, groundbreaking, and all around best musical guests who have showcased their talents on this generation-defining variety show. We’re considering artists who have appeared on Saturday Night Live from the year 2000 until now. We’ll be judging them on the merit of their performances and on how well they’ve stood out amongst the treasure trove of troubadours who’ve made a stop at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Our countdown includes Prince, Childish Gambino, Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, and more! Who was your favorite SNL Musical Guest? Let us know in the comments!

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[WatchMojo]

Who was your favorite SNL Musical Guest? Let us know in the comments!

[Kickinthescience]

Prince a better live performer than everybody on this list

[rishibeauty]

You got it wrong!!!
Prince is ALWAYS number 1
ALWAYS!💜💜💜

[codyhiginbotham]

The fact that Prince’s last SNL appearance was also his last television performance before his death is heartbreaking

[peteshelby]

Prince #3???? Prince always shall take #1

[reginafris]

Prince's best SNL performance was Electric Chair, in 1989. Need to hire older writers for this article.

[izetyusein]

What about Radiohead’s performance in 2000? Their live performance of The National Anthem and then Idioteque is incredible.

[jonathonalexandermcgrath]

Arcade Fire? They’ve played 4 times, special guests too, and have always put on an amazing performance

[ScottieContact]

Can't wait to see Måneskin perform tonight!! Not in this century but Queen was amazing as always. Crazy Little Thing Called Love and Under Pressure all with Freddie Mercury losing his voice that morning. Did he lip sync? Nope.

[christiannordby]

Prince performing "Fury" on SNL was on fire 🔥 !
Nothing compared 2 this beautiful, prolific and rock n roll deity of music!
We'll never see another like him 💜

[endorphinzz]

It had been 17 years between Prince's last appearance on SNL and his "Fury" performance, not 24...

[endlessnameless]

I can't believe you got it right. Jack White absolutely destroys on SNL.

[philipalexander]

Sturgill Simpson's performance of Call to Arms was the best performance all time . period.

[killeragogo]

Check out Prince on the Rock and roll hall of fame induction ceremony when he plays While My Guitar Slowly Weeps. It will move you to tears it's that good.

[casey]

My top 5 SNL performances are St Vincent, Billie Eilish, Greta Van Fleet, Kings of Leon & Bruno Mars.

[whenimbored]

Hell yeah! I'm glad you guys didn't overlook Robyn, her performances are always great.

[soimelk]

Not sure why the Strokes are described as bringing "European cool" when they're the quintessential example of New York rock...

[charikleia]

Måneskin is perfoming tonight and they are such an amazing band! I wish them to make this list in a few years!

[damnright]

This is a very very arguable list. There have been so many amazing performances and this didn't even scratch the surface. But honestly billie ellish above Prince? An all around performer, singer, musician, writer, dancer, amazing stage presence and career longer than two of Billie's lifetimes. Really got that wrong. Taylor's Swift and her flat vocals and playing that guitar like a kid that's trying to learn guitar hero. Imma need better.

[bgmchez]

Mmmm I have thoughts!
I think Lady Gaga and U2 deserve honorable mentions at the very least!