Paul Simon Rocks ‘SNL’ with Harry Styles: A Must-See Performance!

Paul Simon frequently appears on Saturday Night Live as a musical guest.

A close associate of Lorne Michaels, Simon has hosted the show four times and performed as a musical guest on thirteen occasions, even earning the title of the show’s oldest musical guest.

On tonight’s episode, he made an appearance to introduce Harry Styles’ second performance. Earlier in the show, Ryan Gosling introduced Styles’ first song, reciprocating the favor as Styles had previously made a surprise appearance during Gosling’s episode of Project Hail Mary.

Simon introduced Styles before he performed “Coming Up Roses” from his album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, playing it on the piano.

The last time the Simon & Garfunkel legend was on SNL was in 2018. He also kicked off SNL50: The Anniversary Special alongside Sabrina Carpenter, performing the 1966 hit “Homeward Bound.”

Styles has often expressed his admiration for Simon’s work. He mentioned that the One Direction track “Walking in the Wind” was inspired by Graceland.

“In 2022, I talked about how much I admire Paul Simon. The verse structure in Graceland is so conversational and informal—it’s almost like spoken word. I love that about the album, and I can hear its influence in this song. I really cherish this track,” he explained.

Back in 2015, he shared, “I spent a few years growing up in a pub where Simon and Garfunkel’s music was a constant presence. I swear, every time ‘Cecilia’ came on, I felt like it was on repeat all day long.”

At the end of the show, Styles made it a point to thank both Simon and Gosling.