Teyana Taylor's Unbelievable SNL Performance: Did She Just Steal the Oscar Spotlight?

On January 24, 2026, Saturday Night Live took center stage with a unique twist as Teyana Taylor hosted for the first time. Known for her impressive talent in both acting and music, Taylor arrived with heightened expectations following her recent accolades, including a Golden Globe win and an Oscar nomination for her role in the film One Battle After Another. Her appearance provided a platform not just to showcase her comedic chops, but also to reveal her multifaceted abilities to a broad audience.

In her opening monologue, Taylor cleverly intertwined personal anecdotes, introducing her young children to the audience while reflecting on her journey as a mother. This relatable moment resonated with parents watching at home, especially when she humorously noted how her children were distracted by their phones during her significant Golden Globe speech. It was a candid reflection that any parent could appreciate.

Throughout the episode, Taylor displayed her vocal prowess, notably in a sketch alongside long-time cast member Kenan Thompson, where they performed R&B flight delay announcements as part of a humorous airport terminal scenario. Although James Austin Johnson's portrayal of a drunken pilot momentarily stole the spotlight, Taylor's ability to hold her own against such seasoned talent was evident.

One of the highlights of the night was Taylor's performance as an 87-year-old grandpa in a wedding sketch, exuberantly dancing to Earth, Wind & Fire songs. Her impressive moves left a lasting impression, showcasing not only her acting skills but also her physicality and charisma. This sketch, in particular, captured the spirit of the show while emphasizing her versatility as a performer.

In addition to her standout dance, Taylor co-hosted a news panel segment with Thompson, bringing a fresh perspective as they silently judged the opinions of their white panelists, Mikey Day and Chloe Fineman. This clever juxtaposition added a layer of social commentary and humor, which is often a hallmark of SNL’s best material.

Despite Taylor’s multi-talented showcase, the evening was not without its drawbacks. The episode missed an opportunity to address pressing national news, specifically the tragic killing of an ICU nurse by federal agents in Minneapolis, which was only briefly mentioned during the "Weekend Update" segment. Instead, the cold open defaulted to more familiar territory with Johnson’s impersonation of President Trump, taking aim at various political figures, including J.D. Vance and Kristi Noem. While these sketches are often entertaining, they sometimes sidestep more significant current events that resonate deeply with audiences.

The musical guest for the evening, Geese, performed tracks including “Au Pays du Cocaine” and “Trinidad”, adding an eclectic musical backdrop to the night’s festivities. The episode concluded with a short film penned by Please Don’t Destroy’s Martin Herlihy, which humorously explored various techniques for breaking up with someone.

Highlight Reel

Among the sketches, a standout was a satirical Mattel commercial featuring action figures based on characters from Taylor’s film. The ad featured absurd yet hilarious accessories, such as a battle robe for Leonardo DiCaprio's character and a pregnant belly for Taylor’s character. This blend of clever writing and pop culture commentary made for a memorable sketch, even drawing on nostalgic references from previous SNL segments.

Overall, while Teyana Taylor may not have been the season’s funniest host, her multi-talented performance proved she can shine in various capacities beyond just acting. By blending humor with genuine moments, she not only entertained but also introduced herself to a wider audience, reinforcing the idea that SNL remains a platform for diverse talents to flourish.