Olivia Rodrigo Reflects on Early Career with Jake Paul and Delivers “Drivers License” Parody on ‘SNL’

Olivia Rodrigo made her hosting debut on Saturday Night Live (SNL), reflecting on pivotal moments in her career. The 23-year-old singer expressed her excitement about hosting the iconic late-night show for the first time, describing it as “a dream.” During her monologue, she humorously noted that she grew up watching SNL and that one’s favorite cast is often from their teenage years.

A Nostalgic Monologue

Rodrigo shared her admiration for current cast members, including Mikey Day, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, and Chloe Fineman, who all returned to support her during the episode. She remarked on the sweetness of their presence, highlighting the camaraderie that exists within the SNL family.

The Grammy-winning artist also reminisced about her early career as a child actor, recalling her time on the Disney Channel series Bizaardvark. She mentioned her co-star Jake Paul, noting their discussions about their futures when they were younger. Rodrigo humorously recounted how she aspired to create music that explores the complexities of young women, while Paul expressed a desire to “beat up old guys on Netflix,” referencing his boxing match against Mike Tyson that streamed on Netflix in 2024.

A Modern Twist on a Hit

Rodrigo concluded her monologue with a parody of her breakout hit “Drivers License,” this time focusing on the experience of obtaining a real ID instead of a driver’s license. She explained that much has changed since the release of her first single, which captured a significant moment in her teenage life. Now older, she aimed to write about a recent milestone in her adult life.

In her parody, she sang about the lengthy process of getting her real ID at the DMV, humorously detailing the wait and the numerous forms required to prove her identity.

Special Guest Appearances

Before Rodrigo took the stage, Aziz Ansari made a surprise appearance during the cold open, portraying Kash Patel, the director of the FBI. The segment also featured Colin Jost’s character, Pete Hegseth, who addressed reporters about a faux Bible verse he quoted from Pulp Fiction during a prayer service.

Ansari’s character emphasized the importance of reporting on significant issues rather than gossip, claiming to be a trailblazer in his role. He humorously noted that he was the first Indian person to “suck at their job,” challenging stereotypes about Indian professionals.

A Milestone Appearance

This appearance marked Rodrigo’s third overall on SNL, but it was her first time serving as both host and musical guest. She previously appeared on the show in May 2021 and December 2023. As she prepares for the release of her third studio album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, set for June 12, Rodrigo is also gearing up for her Unraveled Tour. The lead single, “Drop Dead,” released on April 17, has already achieved significant success, marking her fourth No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Debbie Harry introduced Rodrigo before her performance of “Drop Dead,” which was her first musical number of the night. She later performed an unreleased song, following an introduction by Connor Storrie, who set the stage for its debut.

Weekend Update Highlights

During the “Weekend Update” segment, Alix Earle and Alex Cooper joined Colin Jost and Michael Che to discuss their ongoing feud, which has been the subject of speculation. Their exchange was a playful nod to a TikTok video in which Cooper accused Earle of creating “fake drama.” The segment highlighted the humorous dynamics of their relationship, with Earle asserting that there was no non-disclosure agreement involved.

Rodrigo’s hosting stint comes as one of the final episodes of SNL’s 51st season, with only two episodes remaining. Upcoming hosts include Matt Damon and Will Ferrell, with musical guests Noah Kahan and Paul McCartney, respectively.

As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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Published on 2026-05-03 07:55:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk