UPDATE (01/12/2022):
The band Bleachers are replacing Roddy Rich as the musical guest of Saturday Night Live‘s first 2022 show on January 15.
The performers will appear alongside guest host Ariana DeBose who is promoting her role in Steven Spielberg‘s West Side Story. Roddy Rich’s departure is associated to a recent Covid exposure as the artist shared on his Instagram Story.
“Due to recent COVID exposure on my team and to keep everyone safe I won’t be able to perform on SNL this weekend,” the performer wrote. “I’m working with the SNL team to lock in a new date though! LOVE STAY SAFE.”
(Credit: Roddy Rich via Instagram)
ORIGINAL STORY (01/06/2022):
After COVID-19 threw a wrench in Saturday Night Live’s holiday episode with host Paul Rudd, the late-night comedy series is set to return later this month on January 15 with first-time host Ariana DeBose and musical guest Roddy Ricch.
DeBose stars as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s remake of the classic movie musical West Side Story, earning much praise and critical acclaim for her portrayal of Rita Moreno’s iconic Oscar-winning role. The Tony Award and Critics Choice Award-nominated actress is well-known among musical theatre fans, having starred as titular disco queen in the Broadway musical Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, along with appearing in the original casts of Hamilton, Bring It On: The Musical, and A Bronx Tale, among many other stage credits.
Before West Side Story, DeBose starred in another stage-to-screen adaptation as Alyssa in Netflix‘s The Prom, as well as the Apple TV+ musical series Schmigadoon.
Musical guest Ricch will make his SNL debut following the success of his sophomore album Live Life Fast, which debuted at the top of the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
DeBose took to social media to share her excitement, stating, “Hold please while I go collect my extremities, as I have exploded from excitement and sensible fear.”
New episodes will continue to air live throughout the month on January 22 and 29 on NBC and Peacock. Additional hosts and musical guests have yet to be announced.
Created and executive produced by Lorne Michaels, SNL took home eight 2021 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Variety Sketch Series. The series is produced in association with Broadway Video.
Saturday Night Live, Saturdays, 11:30/10:30c, NBC
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