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Mariah Carey Saturday Night Live Performances
A Look Back at Her Iconic Appearances
As Saturday Night Live (SNL) reaches its 50th anniversary milestone, it’s an opportunity to look back at some of the most unforgettable musical moments in the show’s history. Among the many legendary artists who have taken the stage at Studio 8H, few have commanded the spotlight with the vocal prowess and star power of Mariah Carey. Since her debut in 1990, Mariah Carey Saturday Night Live performances have captivated audiences with her stunning vocal range, emotional depth, and effortless ability to blend pop, R&B, and soul into moments that resonate long after the final note.
Throughout her illustrious career, the five-time Grammy winner has returned to SNL multiple times, using the platform to showcase both chart-topping hits and deep cuts from her celebrated discography. Whether she was a rising star introducing the world to her debut single, an established icon redefining her sound, or an artist embracing the latest musical trends, each of her performances has been a testament to her evolution as a performer.
Unlike some musical guests who occasionally take part in the show’s comedic sketches, Carey has kept her appearances strictly musical, allowing her performances to speak for themselves. With each visit to SNL, she has delivered powerful live renditions of her songs, leaving an indelible mark on both the audience and the legacy of the show itself.
Now, as SNL celebrates half a century of comedy, music, and cultural influence, it’s the perfect time to revisit Mariah Carey’s SNL journey, reliving the performances that showcased her unparalleled vocal talent on one of television’s most legendary stages. Let’s take a look into the past for some of these moments… for the nostalgia:
Mariah Carey’s SNL Performances: Dates, Hosts & Songs
October 27, 1990 – Season 16, Episode 4
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Host: Patrick Swayze
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Performances: Vision of Love, Vanishing
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Highlights: Mariah’s debut on SNL featured her first hit single, “Vision of Love,” cementing her as a vocal powerhouse. She also delivered a moving rendition of “Vanishing.” Additionally, she gave us a backstage a cappella moment of her overlooked masterpiece, “All in Your Mind.”
November 16, 1991 – Season 17, Episode 6
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Host: Linda Hamilton
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Performances: Can’t Let Go, If It’s Over
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Highlights: One year later, promoting her Emotions album, Carey delivered two soulful performances showcasing her powerful vocals and emotional delivery. Here we can already see young Randy Jackson accompanying on strings. With belting notes for days, this is still one of her memorable performances.
March 15, 2008 – Season 33, Episode 8
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Host: Jonah Hill
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Performances: Touch My Body, Migrate (feat. T-Pain)
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Highlights: Promoting her album E=MC², Mariah performed “Touch My Body,” one of her most playful and seductive singles. She also surprised the audience by bringing out T-Pain for “Migrate.”
The Impact of Mariah Carey’s SNL Performances
Mariah Carey’s SNL performances have been more than just television appearances—they’ve been defining moments in her career. Each time she returned to the show, she brought a new sound, a fresh aesthetic, and the unmistakable vocal brilliance that has made her one of the best-selling artists of all time. While it’s certainly disappointing that Mariah never participated in any of the SNL sketches, especially later in her career, as she is known for having some of the most iconic hilarious moments, her presence as a musical guest has always been a high point for fans.
As we celebrate 50 years of SNL, Carey’s contributions to the show remain some of its most memorable musical moments. From her soul-stirring ballads to her fun, upbeat pop tracks, she has left an indelible mark on the program’s rich musical history. Whether or not she returns for another performance, her past SNL moments will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
