Friday's 13 - Predicting SNL Musical Guests for 2026-27

With another season of Saturday Night Live on the horizon and with the announcement of the first batch of hosts and musical guests coming in the next few weeks, here is a look at some of the musical guests likely to be tapped for this upcoming 2026-2027 season.

Ella Langley

The most obvious selection on this list. I would be very surprised if the SNL team has not been in talks with Ella to be a musical guest for this season; I would even venture that she would be their first choice for the season premiere given that she's had the number one song in the country for roughly the past four months.

If she ends up being a musical guest, I predict she would be in a sketch or two to see if she can also act. That would also set her up for double duty (as both host and musical guest) down the road. SNL tends to give at least one show a season to one of the top artists, especially female superstars, to do both jobs. More on my guesses for who fits the bill for double duty this season in a bit.

Phish

This one is wish casting for me at some level, but I am predicting (hoping) Phish gets the holiday show in mid-December. They are gearing up for their annual MSG run over New Year's week with their 100th show at the World's Most Famous area on tap during that week.

If this comes to pass, I would think they might just play one long spot as opposed to the typical two. While their relevance in 2026 is mainly limited within their rabid fanbase, their live shows show no sign of mailing it in as they are still pushing the envelope musically during their concerts and New York City has been their de facto second home for decades. This would also be their second appearance on the show, having been the musical guest when Al Gore hosted in 2002. An SNL appearance in 2026 would also hopefully be another thing to get them over the hump and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Goose

The next ascendent jam band that has reached arena headling status in the past two years. With Geese making their SNL debut last year, I think this might also confuse people not into either alternative rock or in the jam band scene. Rick, Peter, Trevor, and Cotter would absolutely take advantage of the opportunity, even if it doesn't allow for a 30 minute mind-blowing Madhuvan. Goose have plenty of songs that could (theoretically) on radio as options for an SNL audience. Finally, they are from Wilton so it is an easy commute for the 3-time MSG headliners from Connecticut.

Zara Larsson

SNL is always good at picking the up-and-coming female artists as musical guests. With a number of hits under her, and a viral set from Lollapalooza, she is the next big female pop artist in line for an SNL debut.

Tate McRae or Gracie Abrams

Putting both of these pop stars together as they are the most likely candidates to get tapped for first-time double duty a la Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo recently. With Tate McRae having been a musical guest twice already (and having just headlined Lollapalooza) and Gracie Abrams once, they can graduate to the double duty level this season. I can easily see both getting picked for musical guests in 2026-2027 if they do not end up with hosting duties as well.

Rush

Some more wishful thinking here, but SNL lately has devoted an episode or two each season to giving a legacy act the late night spotlight. Stevie Nicks, Paul McCartney, and Elton John have all been musical guests in the last few years, so with Rush on a triumphant tour this summer and having never been on the show, it would make sense to try and get the Canadian legends on the show. Bonus if they can book Rush with Paul Rudd or Jason Segal as the host.

Djo

I could see this as an option if they are booking a host with Stranger Things ties, and opening it up for Joe Keery to steal a skit or two throughout the evening. End of Beginning seems to have legs judging by its ubiquity on radio. I am not sure Joe Keery has any projects that would make him an hosting option at this point in his career, but his Djo alter-ego could handle music duties.

Foo Fighters

This would be another legacy pick, but Dave Grohl and crew have guested 6 times, with a 7th spot aiding Mick Jagger, and they are back on tour and have a new record out. This SNL favorite never seems to go too many years without popping up and Dave is always game for the spotlight.

Taylor Swift

My prediction would be this would be a spring show and possibly the season finale, potentially tied to whatever announcement Taylor has in store for her next project. I would also guess it might be double dip with Travis Kelce hosting for the second time as he heads off into retirement from the NFL.

Bruno Mars

Another SNL mainstay with 4 previous appearances, and one with double duty experience. He can bring along friends and steal skits as well. I would foresee this being a fall selection given his relatively recent new releases.

Kendrick Lamarr

I am admittedly not too up on recent rap and hip-pop, so hard to make an educated guess for artists in those genres, but Kendrick has not been on in 4 years and has already been the musical guest three times in his career.

Caamp

SNL tends to book at least one artist in the Mumford & Sons / Lumineers / Hozier sphere and these up-and-comers from Ohio are on an upward trajectory the past few years. SNL is also good at picking an artist or two on the way up before they reach what is left of the mainstream consciousness. I also considered country band the Red Clay Strays as the last option given they surprisingly just sold out MSG this summer, but opted to go with Caamp.

Very interested to see how many of these come to fruition, have 20-22 chances at being very wrong.

What bands / artists did I miss?