Anyone who watches Parks and Recreation already knew Chris Pratt was musical, but while there wasn’t a Mouse Rat reunion during the Saturday Night Live season premiere Saturday night (huge sigh of disappointment), there were plenty of music moments including a shout out to the latest ode to butts, “Anaconda.” And Ariana Grande managed to get in some screentime as well — in addition to her two musical performances, she also showed off her goofy side in a (particularly) silly and random sketch.
Random seemed to be the word of the night, with SNL‘s new blood seeming to take the show in a more absurd style. (See: “Bad Boys“). While the episode as a whole may have felt like a bit of a disappointment, what with it being the big season premiere and all, there were still some great moments, including some standout stuff from episode MVP Aidy Bryant. Below, check out six of our favorite music moments from last night.
Chris Pratt Guitar Star
Pratt’s no TSwift on guitar, but he still performed an amusing ditty about how he’s, you know, super buff now. A knowing nod from his real-life wife Anna Faris was both expected and amusing. Not quite as amusing (but still, pretty dang cute) was that the Guradians of the Galaxy star was nervous enough to mess up a few of his lines. Thankfully, he got the nerves under control for the rest of the show. Make sure to stick around for the A+ “van down by the river” comment.
Ariana Grande’s An Alien (Toy) From Another Planet
With her TV background, it was no surprise that Grande was willing to let loose during a brief sketch appearance. As a toy who came to life, Grande donned an alien costume a la her “Break Free” video (and Barbarella). She even swapped out the cat ears she’s been favoring lately for more queen-from-another-planet garb. While her appearance didn’t last long, the tiny star did manage to leave some serious destruction in her wake.
Watch the sketch here.
Aidy Bryant is “Anaconda” Perfection
In perhaps the best sketch of the night, the show’s writers took advantage of the fact that Pratt can really rap and set up the scene for two awkward adults trying to pick each other up at the bar — but the only way they know how to flirt with each other is by reciting super-dirty lyrics from current music. Cue Bryant’s perfect send up of Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda.” If Bryant singing about her “big, fat asssssssss” was a recurring bit, there would be serious support. Perhaps as the theme song for Dyke and Fats?
Ariana Grande Breaks Free
For her first number, Grande performed her summer hit “Break Free,” but she changed up the upbeat dance tune. She started the number sitting on a piano, wearing cat ears (duh) and a bedazzled ear piece singing a gorgeous ballad version of the song. About 90 seconds in, she got up and moved to another stage — where she then performed the hit complete with dancing and a back-up crew.
Marvel Can’t Fail
Spoofing the random premise of Guradians of the Galaxy, this fake trailer explained that Marvel recently came to a very important conclusion: They can’t lose. Cue a bunch of random-sounding films that totally give away Marvel’s Phase 3 over the next few years. It turns out that as long as it features slo-mo walking and the song “Hooked on A Feeling,” people will buy tickets. Bonus: Pratt in Star Wars Leia buns.
Ariana Grande Wants You To Love Her Harder
For Grande’s second performance (Don’t worry: She’s still wearing cat ears) she performed her song “Love Me Harder” feat. The Weeknd, who dropped by to assist. Donning all black, Grande’s pipers were on display as she “oh-oh-ohhh” her way through the steamy track.
What were your favorite moments from last night’s show? And what do you hope to see when Sarah Silverman and Maroon 5 take the reins next week? (Kate McKinnon and Aidy Bryant have got to be saving an all-lady number like “Twin Bed” or “Dongs” for Silverman, right?) Fingers crossed.