Just how contradictory is SNL’s May Slate?

Lil Nas X announced on Twitter that on May 22nd, he’ll be hitting the Saturday Night Live stage. Ever since, we’ve been patiently waiting to be anointed with musical numbers that will raise both heaven and hell. Especially if we’re going to get a sneak peek of that new album he’s been teasing. 

The “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” singer promised to not only perform his hit single but send the season finale off in truly Lil Nas X fashion by debuting a brand new, unannounced song. Actress Anya Taylor-Joy is set to host the evening and as the star of Queens Gambit, also a shoo-in to shine alongside Lil Nas X. Not only that, but “Driver’s License” singer Olivia Rodrigo is slated to show up as the musical guest the week before. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Of course, it’s a little weird that the folks who booked Lil Nas X also snagged Elon Musk to host this upcoming weekend, May 8th. The decision was made despite Musk’s repeated history of union-busting and speculative twitter-fingers.  Cast members Bowen Yang, Andrew Dismukes, and Aidy Bryant all deleted their responses to Musk’s announcement, as Insider reported. 

dying at bowen yang’s instagram stories after snl announced elon musk is hosting pic.twitter.com/6VVQ47frkR

— megan (@chaoticmlkhotel) April 25, 2021

To make matters even weirder, the musical guest for Musk’s hosting gig is the Disney icon-turned-queer provocateur Miley Cyrus.

The queerness on display is promising, but a bit confusing. With Taylor-Joy’s role as an openly bisexual lead – in a hugely successful Netflix hit – and the popularity surrounding Lil Nas X’s unabashed queer love song, SNL certainly has an opportunity to showcase queer identities thriving at a level of success that has not always been attainable for a community facing constant prejudice.

However, as many have previously commented on, it’s a bit fishy to have such a stellar SNL May slate and an evening of Elon Musk on deck. It’s a bit like Tiffany Trump’s disastrous Pride speech a while back: a total contradiction in terms. 

Or perhaps it’s just savvy marketing. As one IG commenter put it:

“You guys are making up for Elon Musk this week aren’t you.”