Olivia Rodrigo made her Saturday Night Live (SNL) hosting debut this weekend, and the 23-year-old pop star took a playful swipe at influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 29, during her opening monologue.
Opening Monologue Jab
Taking the stage in a strapless, pale pink, corseted mini dress, she said: 'When I was 13, I was on a Disney show called Bizaardvark. We had an incredible cast, which included Jake Paul. We'd always talk about our futures, me and Jake.'
She referenced Paul's fighting career as she continued: 'I'd say, 'I really want to create music that explores the complexities of girls my age.' And he'd say, 'Well, one day I really want to beat up old guys on Netflix.' And we both did it! Hurray!'
Fans had mixed reactions to the punchline. One person wrote on an X thread: 'This still mentions him in a somewhat positive, tame light and I don't like that… They should've not mentioned him at all.' Another said: 'Jake Paul really manifested 'beating up old guys on Netflix' and Olivia manifested Grammy-winning heartbreak anthems. Both succeeded, respect where it's due! Great SNL monologue moment.'
Another viewer simply expressed shock that the two stars' careers had crossed: 'She what??? No way. I need to look it up. omg.' A fan added: 'That joke is perfect because it sounds ridiculous but it is literally accurate. They both manifested their paths in the funniest way possible.'
There was also a viewer who praised Rodrigo's joke, writing: 'Might have to stan for this. She clocked him bad.' Someone else added: 'I completely forgot they were coworkers and that she was even on his vlog channel back in the day.'
Musical Performances
Elsewhere in the episode, the Driver's License hitmaker performed Drop Dead, the lead single from her upcoming third album. Before taking the stage, she was introduced by Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry, 80. Harry looked youthful and stylish in a yellow monochrome outfit, donning a button-up shirt with a matching blazer draped over her shoulders. The surprise cameo marked her first return to the sketch show in nearly 40 years; Harry hosted the show on Valentine's Day in 1981 and returned as a musical guest in 1987.
Another guest spot came from Heated Rivalry sensation Connor Storrie, 26, who introduced Rodrigo as she debuted a new song, a ballad called Begged. After performing Drop Dead in a pale green and pale pink slip dress and ballet flats, Rodrigo returned to the stage in another airy outfit. She sang on a swing, wearing an angelic pale pink tunic layered over a satin micro dress, adding cream-colored leg warmers as she delivered an ethereal rendition of her song.
Rodrigo's SNL History
Rodrigo's triumphant return to the late-night show marked her third appearance and her first time fulfilling both hosting and musical duties. She previously had two turns as a musical guest in May 2021 and December 2023.
