Morgan Wallen returns to SNL after past controversies

Saturday Night Live (SNL) has announced its upcoming hosts and musical guests, featuring several stars. Mikey Madison, who recently won an Academy Award for Best Actress, will host the show on March 29. Country singer Morgan Wallen is also set to return to SNL as a musical guest. This will be his second appearance on the show, following his debut in 2020. Wallen's return comes after facing significant backlash for using a racial slur in 2021 and legal troubles that included an arrest in 2024. Wallen's use of the N-word led to a temporary ban from radio stations, but his music gained increasing popularity during that time. Although he faced public condemnation, fans responded by streaming his music more than ever, resulting in a significant boost in his numbers. SNL has had a complicated history with Wallen. He was uninvited from an October 2020 episode for violating COVID-19 protocols but returned a few months later. After the N-word incident, he expressed interest in discussing the matter with the NAACP but reportedly lost interest. Last year, Wallen faced legal issues after throwing a chair off a bar rooftop in Nashville. He pleaded guilty to reduced charges and received probation. His upcoming appearance on SNL is notable as it marks a return to the public eye after various controversies. In addition to Madison and Wallen, Jack Black will host on April 5, with Elton John and Brandi Carlile as musical guests. Jon Hamm will host on April 12, along with musical guest Lizzo.