Top 10 Artists That Need To Perform On SNL This Season

Top 10 Artists That Need to Perform On SNL This Season

For Season 43 of “Saturday Night Live,” these musicians MUST take the stage. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Artists That NEED to Perform on SNL This Season.

For this list, we’re focusing on popular performers, both older and younger, who we’d love to see appear on SNL in the 2017-18 season.

#10: ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic

This may seem nostalgic, but it’s a very relevant choice. In November 2017, “Weird Al” Yankovic is scheduled to release a new box set compilation entitled “Squeeze Box,” which includes a new album of rare and unreleased tracks called “Medium Rarities.” Since SNL performers typically perform two songs, we kindly request that Weird Al perform one of his classics, along with a new song or perhaps a parody of a current Billboard hit. His music is comedic and always timely, so he would be right at home on the SNL stage.
 

#9: Demi Lovato

This pop star gave us one of the summer’s most popular party anthems. “Sorry Not Sorry” actually reached #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, so Demi Lovato has all the buzz she needs to appear on SNL. Plus, her new album, “Tell Me You Love Me,” was released just as SNL’s new season premiered; it’s only a matter of time until her new single drops. Demi is a seasoned performer and she’s got a big voice, too. Now, SNL just needs to do the right thing and book her for Season 43.
 

#8: Khalid

“Saturday Night Live” is known for introducing up-and-coming artists to mainstream America. If there’s one R&B singer who deserves more exposure right now, it has to be Khalid. In March, he released his debut album “American Teen,” which features the hit “Location.” Over the summer, “Young Dumb & Broke” climbed up the Billboard Hot 100, and the international charts as well. Khalid may not have the same clout as fellow first-name artists like Rihanna or Drake, but an appearance on “Saturday Night Live” could help change that.
  

#7: Taylor Swift

You know it and we know it: Taylor Swift sparks pop culture discussions. With the release of her sixth album “Reputation,” she’s got everybody talking once again, and her single “Look What You Made Me Do” is breaking all kinds of records. It’s awesome to hear the track, and awesome to see the video; but we NEED to see Taylor perform LIVE on the SNL stage because she’s going to bring it. Her second single “Ready for It?” is also ripping’ up the charts, so an SNL appearance would be appointment, must-watch TV.    

#6: Portugal. The Man

If you’ve heard this Alaskan band’s new single, “Feel It Still,” then you know they’ve got a major rock star vibe going on. Portugal. The Man has been around for years, just like their lyrics suggest. Some of you are possibly familiar with their past releases, yet they haven’t quite hit the mainstream. Given the success of their eighth studio album “Woodstock,” along with the massive success of “Feel It Still,” they’re due for a breakout SNL performance in the near future. Portugal. The Man would shred the stage, and they would shred hard.
  

#5: U2

This iconic rock band is known for selling out stadiums all over the world. So just imagine the energy that U2 could bring to 30 Rock. Somehow, Bono and company remain relevant year after year, and each of their new albums has climbed the charts over three decades. In December, they’ll release “Songs of Experience,” and their new single “You’re the Best Thing About Me” has already become an international hit. U2 typically delivers epic live performances, and another SNL appearance would add even more to their legend.
    

#4: SZA

Just as the SNL stage could introduce Khalid to new demographics, it could also give a boost to this sizzling singer from St. Louis. Back in June, she dropped her debut album “Ctrl,” which is arguably THE R&B album of the year. Some people may recognize her voice from Maroon 5’s  “What Lovers Do” or maybe even Lorde’s “Homemade Dynamite” remix. But it’s SZA’s solo singles like “Love Galore” and “The Weekend” that prove why more people need to discover her music. At 26, SZA is a superstar in-the-making.
  

#3: Post Malone

This artist has become a recognizable figure in both hip-hop and pop culture as a whole. The 2014 single “White Iverson” put Post Malone on the map, as did his Justin Bieber collaboration “Deja Vu.” But then he released the single “Congratulations” featuring Migos’ Quavo, which became a mega mainstream hit. In September, Post Malone dropped a new single featuring 21 Savage, and if there’s one way to become a legit pop culture rock star, it’s to perform your own song called “Rockstar” on “Saturday Night Live.”
   

#2: Childish Gambino

Some of you may know this man as Donald Glover, the creator and star of the FX series “Atlanta.” Or maybe you know him as Troy Barnes from “Community.” Musically, Donald has been recording for years as Childish Gambino, a moniker that he reportedly plans to retire after releasing his eclectic third studio album, “”Awaken, My Love!”” Despite the success of his single “Redbone,” Childish Gambino seems to fly under the radar compared to other hip-hop acts. But his versatility and mad skillz are well-respected by his peers and critics alike, so it’s time for SNL to give him a platform to perform.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
- Vampire Weekend
- Lil Uzi Vert  


#1: Kendrick Lamar

Ok, so this Compton MC doesn’t NEED “Saturday Night Live,” but “Saturday Night Live” needs him. ASAP.  Like all great musical artists, Kendrick Lamar delivers original, memorable live performances. In April 2017, K-Dot released his fourth studio album, “Damn,” which is more raw and stripped down than previous offerings. An SNL performance of tracks like “Humble” and “DNA” would be absolutely fire, as Kendrick could once again prove why he is arguably the best MC around . . . and maybe even THE voice of his generation.