Billie Eilish made a memorable cameo during the October 19 episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL), hosted by Michael Keaton. The pop star, known for her viral hits and chart-topping albums, found herself in the center of a hilarious sketch about TikTok, a social media platform that has taken the world by storm. The sketch, titled “TikTok,” humorously explored the obsession with viral content, showcasing exaggerated influencer encounters that the app has made famous.
In the sketch, Bowen Yang plays Harry Daniels, a TikTok influencer who has built his fame by serenading random celebrities on the app. Yang’s character approaches Eilish in a hallway, asking, “Excuse me, Miss Eilish, can I sing to you?” He begins singing without hesitation, much to the clear annoyance of Eilish’s character. Reacting swiftly, and seemingly eager to escape the unsolicited performance, Eilish interrupts him and offers a bribe to make him stop. “Here’s 10 grand, please stop following me,” she says, handing him a wad of cash before hurrying away. The comedic timing and Eilish’s dry delivery made for a standout moment in the sketch.
Yang’s Daniels character had, in fact, encountered Eilish in real life. On TikTok, Bowen Yang’s character mirrors similar influencer behavior, where the real-life Harry Daniels frequently sings to celebrities, gaining a massive following of 1.6 million users. This reality, intertwined with the fictionalized version on SNL, added a layer of humor for those familiar with Daniels’ actual TikTok antics.
The SNL “TikTok” sketch didn’t stop with Eilish. Bowen Yang’s Daniels also encountered other impersonated celebrities, including Maya Rudolph as Vice President Kamala Harris and James Austin Johnson’s spot-on impression of former President Donald Trump. The sketch brilliantly captured the essence of TikTok’s rapid scroll culture and over-the-top influencer behavior, with the skit portraying a person doomscrolling through social media. The scenario showed snippets of ridiculous, viral moments like a cat dancing to SNL cast member Marcello Hernandez’s cover of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” and Chloe Fineman playing podcast host Alex Cooper from Call Her Daddy. Kenan Thompson also made an appearance, portraying a foodie influencer reviewing a Fruity Pebble-covered chicken sandwich from his car.
While Eilish’s cameo in the sketch was brief, her participation added to the overall humor of the episode. Her ability to poke fun at herself and her public persona was well-received, and fans were thrilled to see her on the show once again.
This wasn’t the only moment Eilish shined during the episode. The pop sensation also took the stage as the musical guest for the fourth time, delivering powerful performances of her new album tracks “Birds of a Feather” and “Wildflower,” both from her latest release, Hit Me Hard and Soft. Performing alongside her brother Finneas, Eilish once again demonstrated her versatility and talent, captivating the live audience with her distinctive voice and emotive presence. Her previous appearances on SNL include her debut in 2019 and a hosting and musical guest spot in 2021, showcasing that she’s no stranger to the stage.
This performance followed last week’s episode, which featured Ariana Grande as host and live musical performances by the legendary Stevie Nicks. The October 19 episode with Eilish and Keaton brought a different energy, combining humor with Eilish’s understated yet powerful musical style. Fans of SNL and Eilish were particularly excited for her return, as her appearances on the show have consistently been met with praise.
For those who missed the live broadcast, SNL’s “TikTok” sketch and the rest of the episode are available for streaming on Peacock, where past episodes of the iconic show are also accessible. The blend of humor, social commentary, and music made the October 19 episode a standout, further cementing Eilish’s status as not only a pop sensation but also a relatable and down-to-earth personality who can easily transition into comedy.
