What happens when an indie pop sensation makes his Saturday Night Live debut with one of music's biggest stars as his surprise guest? Prepare for an unforgettable musical moment that's already going viral. But here's where it gets controversial... while many artists stick to predictable performances, Role Model decided to completely shake up his viral hit with a guest appearance that no one saw coming.
Tucker Pillsbury, who performs under the stage name Role Model, stepped onto the iconic SNL stage for his very first appearance as musical guest this past weekend. The 28-year-old artist from Maine delivered not one, but two compelling performances from the deluxe edition of his February-released second studio album, "Kansas Anymore." Following a warm introduction from that evening's host, the legendary Amy Poehler, Role Model launched into what would become the night's most talked-about musical moment.
He began with "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out," the indie pop track that has been dominating social media feeds and streaming platforms. Here's what makes his approach to this song so intriguing: during live performances, Role Model has developed a unique tradition of inviting different people to embody the character of "Sally" during the bridge section. He's brought up everything from enthusiastic fans to fellow musicians, creating a special, unpredictable moment at each show. And this is the part most people miss... this tradition transforms what could be just another performance into a shared experience that fans eagerly anticipate.
Now for the showstopper moment that has everyone talking. For his SNL debut, Role Model pulled out all the stops by inviting none other than British pop phenomenon Charli XCX to play Sally. The audience erupted with deafening cheers as the "Brat" singer appeared on stage. The energy between the two artists was undeniable as Charli danced with wild abandon during the song's bridge, swirling her hair to the music in what can only be described as pure pop perfection. In a gesture that blurred the lines between performance and genuine connection, she slid her sunglasses onto Role Model's face, blew him a kiss, and confidently strutted away—leaving the audience electrified and creating an iconic television moment.
Here's something worth debating: was bringing out such a high-profile guest for his SNL debut a strategic power move or did it risk overshadowing his own moment in the spotlight? Some might argue it was genius, while others might question whether an artist should stand completely alone for such a career-defining performance. What do you think—was this a brilliant collaboration or should artists fly solo for their big debut moments?
For his second performance, Role Model shifted the atmosphere completely with "Some Protector," showcasing his versatility with a more mellow, introspective track that provided a beautiful contrast to the high-energy opening number.
In a revealing April interview with Rolling Stone, the artist opened up about the significant artistic growth represented by "Kansas Anymore," which follows his 2022 album "Rx." He explained, "I wanted to demonstrate how much I've evolved—not just in my songwriting abilities and musical taste, but as a person who has genuinely matured. The entire approach to discussing topics and crafting lyrics felt like a major transformation. A crucial part of this development was reaching a level of proficiency on guitar that finally allowed me to write complete songs independently."
Looking ahead, Role Model's career continues its impressive trajectory. After supporting Gracie Abrams on tour last year and headlining his own "No Place Like Tour" this spring, he's set to participate in Rolling Stone's prestigious "Musicians on Musicians" live event on October 23rd at New York's legendary Beacon Theatre. He'll be paired with María Zardoya of The Marias for what promises to be a fascinating artistic dialogue and collaborative performance. The event will also feature Jack Antonoff joining Hayley Williams with Bleachers, all hosted by SNL's own James Austin Johnson.
But before that, Role Model embarks on a European tour next month, bringing his distinctive sound to international audiences. With an SNL debut this memorable and a growing catalog of critically acclaimed music, one has to wonder: are we witnessing the rise of indie pop's next enduring star? Drop your thoughts in the comments—do you believe Role Model has what it takes for long-term staying power, or was the Charli XCX collaboration the peak of his moment?
