‘SNL’ Welcomes Taylor Swift and Domingo in Musical Cold Open

The latest episode of Saturday Night Live showcased a vibrant cold open featuring host and musical guest Sabrina Carpenter. This marks the program’s fourth sketch centered around the character Domingo, portrayed by Marcello Hernández. The sketch opened with a musical medley celebrating a milestone birthday, blending humor and popular music in a way that delighted audiences.

In this sketch, Kelsey and Matt, played by Chloe Fineman and Andrew Dismukes, celebrate Matt’s 30th birthday. Kelsey’s friends, including Carpenter, Sarah Sherman, Ashley Padilla, and newcomer Veronika Slowikowska, surprise Matt with a serenade. Their first song, inspired by Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” from her recent album, The Life of a Showgirl, humorously recounts a recent trip to Nashville.

The celebration takes a turn when the group reveals that Domingo made an appearance during their Nashville escapade. Unfazed, they transition into a second song set to Lady Gaga‘s “Abracadabra,” humorously focusing on Domingo, described as “the man with a goatee and a gold chain.” Just as Kelsey assures Matt that Domingo is a thing of the past, the character himself appears on stage, performing a cover of Alex Warren‘s “Ordinary.”

Hernández’s portrayal of Domingo includes playful and cheeky lyrics, such as “I know that you took a vow / But I am so well-endowed.” The character’s antics lead to an exasperated reaction from Matt, who tells Kelsey, “I’m serious, this is strike six.” Kelsey responds with a light-hearted promise that it won’t happen again, adding to the comedic tension of the sketch.

This past Saturday’s sketch is part of a recurring theme on the show. Domingo first appeared in October 2022, during an episode hosted by Ariana Grande, who performed a cover of Carpenter’s “Espresso” about the character. Carpenter herself participated in the previous Domingo sketch during the show’s 50th Anniversary Special earlier this year, which also featured notable guests such as Martin Short and Molly Shannon.

The use of popular music and relatable humor continues to make these sketches a hit with viewers, showcasing the show’s ability to evolve while keeping its comedic roots intact. With each Domingo appearance, SNL manages to blend humor, music, and current cultural references, ensuring its relevance in the late-night television landscape.