In a television moment that left viewers doing a double-take, global pop star Sabrina Carpenter delivered a masterclass in comedic disguise during a surprise cameo on Saturday Night Live this past weekend. The singer, known for her glamorous stage presence, transformed so completely for a sketch that she was utterly unrecognisable to the audience.
A Star Disappears into the Role
While the episode was formally hosted by Stranger Things actor Finn Wolfhard with A$AP Rocky as the musical guest, Carpenter arguably stole the show with her committed performance. She vanished into the role of a 12-year-old boy named Tayson in a recurring sketch centred on a fictional podcast called Snack Homiez. The podcast is supposedly run by a group of preteens, including one 13-year-old whom the others jokingly consider ancient and refer to as 'unc.'
The ingenious casting saw all the young male co-hosts played by women, including SNL cast members Chloe Fineman, Jane Wickline, and Veronika Slowikowska. Carpenter joined their ranks, trading her typical high-octane pop star glamour for a convincing wig and outfit that perfectly captured the awkward style of a young boy.
The Sketch: Looksmaxxing and Rap Snacks
The sketch's plot involved Finn Wolfhard's character, Micah, a Twitter-famous devotee of the 'looksmaxxing' trend. This online culture focuses on extreme self-improvement, and Micah had taken drastic measures, including breaking his jawbone, to reshape his face for perceived perfection.
Carpenter's character, Tayson, had been absent from the podcast because he was 'grounded for spending too many Fortnite books in a week.' The comedy escalated when the real A$AP Rocky slid into the studio. Wolfhard's character fawned over Rocky's 'unprecedented levels of chaddom,' only to be called 'weird, bro' by the unimpressed rapper. This allowed Tayson to ask the vital question: what was Rocky's 'go-to snack of 2026?' – a perfect setup for Rocky to plug Rap Snacks.
Carpenter's Growing SNL Legacy
This marked Carpenter's return to the iconic sketch show after she performed double duty as host and musical guest in October 2024. That earlier episode was also her debut as a Snack Homiez co-host, where the group interviewed a fictional Donald Trump. Her latest appearance solidifies her growing reputation as a versatile and game performer on the SNL stage.
Carpenter's history with the programme is building steadily. She first appeared as a musical guest on the Season 49 finale in 2024. Then, early last year, she opened the show's 50th-anniversary special with a duet alongside rock legend Paul Simon. Her October hosting gig was particularly memorable, as she caused a stir by using strong language twice on live broadcast television.
This latest, disguised cameo proves that Sabrina Carpenter is not just a chart-topping musician but also a committed comedic actor willing to fully commit to a bit, even if it means the audience doesn't recognise her until the credits roll.
