Adam Sandler brings ‘SNL50’ viewers to tears with tribute song – but fans notice he left out huge star

Adam Sandler had Saturday Night Live fans feeling all the emotions as he delivered a heartfelt musical tribute during SNL50: The Anniversary Special in New York City.

The 58-year-old actor and comedian – who was a beloved cast member on the iconic sketch show from 1990 to 1995 – took to the stage with an acoustic guitar to perform ’50 Years’, a song filled with humor, nostalgia, and touching tributes to the many faces who have shaped SNL over the decades.

A Star-Studded Introduction

Before Sandler even strummed his first chord, he was given a legendary introduction by none other than Jack Nicholson, who was making a rare public appearance to celebrate the show’s milestone.

The energy in the room was already electric, but as Sandler began to sing, it was clear this moment was about more than just laughs — it was about honoring the show that launched countless careers of stars past and present. Check it out:

His song, blending signature Sandler wit with heartfelt reflection, playfully acknowledged the shared experience of everyone who has walked the SNL halls: “Everybody in this room has something in common / all of our lives were changed by the show.

“Everybody in this room has something else in common / None of us were allowed to use the little bathroom in Lorne [Michael]’s office.”

The audience erupted in laughter at the mention of SNL’s legendary creator, Lorne Michaels, before Sandler continued with shoutouts to longtime crew members — including the show’s nurse and the beloved cue card handler, Wally.

Sandler’s lyrics then turned reflective, recognizing the countless comedic talents who have graced the SNL stage, singing: “50 years of young comedians getting hired for the show / From stand-up, Groundlings, Second City, and all the rest / 50 years of cast members saying, ‘I think our cast is the greatest of all time’ / But we all know that the first cast was the best.”

While he playfully acknowledged the never-ending debate over which SNL era reigns supreme, the performance soon became more sentimental.

A Tearful Tribute to Fallen Legends

As Sandler moved through a rundown of legendary cast members, his voice caught with emotion when he reached the names of two beloved SNL greats: “Six years of our boy Farley and five of our buddy Norm.

“50 years of one of us getting to say / ‘Live from New York, it’s Saturday night’ / 50 years of standing on home base / waving goodnight and goodbye / 50 years of the best times of our lives.”

Sandler’s emotional performance led to viewers taking to X to praise the performance, with many admitting that it left them “in tears”.

“Did not expect this song to make me cry,” one X user wrote.

A second added: “It’s raining really hard on my eyes wtf”.

“I actually cried,” wrote a third, with a fourth tweeting: “Well done @adamsandler. I was hanging in there through all the bittersweet memories, then you sang of Farley and Norm, and that was it, now I’m all weepy. Really excellent.”

Big SNL Star Was Not Mentioned?

However, viewers quickly noticed that one of the show’s most legendary cast members wasn’t mentioned.

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Keenan Thompson holds the record for being the long-running SNL cast member at a whopping 22 seasons. To put that accomplishment into perspective, his closest competition is Darrell Hammond, who starred for 14 seasons before leaving.

Therefore, it’s not surprise that the tweets rolled in when Sandler’s lyrics failed to mention the 46 year old star, with one person sharing:

“Didn’t mention Kenan’s record-breaking run? Feels kinda cold,” another added.

However, others rushed to Sandler’s defense and pointed out that not only did the show make a number of references to Thompson’s record-breaking run, but the Happy Gilmore star’s song was more about honoring legends of the past.

Sandler’s Ongoing Tribute to Farley

This isn’t the first time Sandler has honored his late friend, Chris Farley. During his Adam Sandler Live stand-up shows, he has performed a song dedicated to Farley, often fighting back tears in the process.

In a 2022 interview, Sandler admitted how difficult these tributes still are for him, saying: “It still makes me so emotional.”

Farley, who passed away in 1997 at just 33 years old, remains one of SNL’s most legendary performers, and Sandler’s continued tributes prove just how much he meant to his former castmates and comedy fans alike.

Sandler’s performance at SNL50 was more than just a song — it was a reminder of why Saturday Night Live continues to be a cultural institution. Whether it’s launching careers, creating unforgettable characters, or making us laugh when we need it most, SNL has remained a comedy powerhouse for half a century.

And thanks to Adam Sandler, fans got to celebrate those 50 years with both laughter and a few tears.

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