Adam Sandler's emotional performance honoring 'SNL's 50 years moves fans to tears

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Adam Sandler moved fans to tears on Sunday night, February 16, with his heartfelt tribute at 'Saturday Night Live's' 50th anniversary special.

The actor and comedian, introduced by Jack Nicholson, performed an original song celebrating the show's history.

Adam Sandler's moving tribute to late cast members Chris Farley and Norm MacDonald

Taking the stage with his acoustic guitar, Adam Sandler honored the legacy of 'SNL' while bringing humor and emotion to his performance.

However, the moment turned especially moving when he paid tribute to late cast members.

Sandler's lyrics reflected on the impact 'SNL' had on its cast and audience.

“Everyone in this room has something in common / All of our lives were changed by this show / Everyone in this room has something else in common / None of us were allowed to use the little bathroom in Lorne's office,” he sang, referencing longtime 'SNL' showrunner Lorne Michaels.

As he shifted to honoring late cast members, including Phil Hartman, Chris Farley, and Norm MacDonald, the lyrics became more emotional.

Sandler struggled to hold back tears while mentioning Farley, who died in 1997 at the age of 33. MacDonald died of cancer in 2021.

“Six years of our boy Farley and five of our buddy Norm / 50 years of one of us getting to say / 'Live from New York, it's Saturday night' / 50 years of standing on home base / waving goodnight and goodbye / 50 years of the best times of our lives," Sandler sang. 

Internet says Adam Sandler was the 'best thing on the show'

Fans were deeply moved by Adam Sandler’s tribute, praising his ability to blend humor with heartfelt remembrance.

“Adam is so consistently devastated by missing Chris Farley that it kind of keeps him alive for all of us,” wrote one viewer in YouTube comments.

"Him choking up at the end choked me up!!" one more wrote.

Others commended Sandler’s performance as the standout moment of the night.

"Best thing on the show! Sandler hit all the right notes. Literally," wrote one fan.

Another shared, "But we know the first cast was the best. That part right there got me already choking up, and from this forward, I was a mess. Thank you, Adam, for this and 'SNL' for all the wonderful comedians you've made us fall in love with. 'SNL' forever."

The tribute continued to evoke strong reactions online, with many fans expressing their emotions. "Why did this make me cry?! Ahhhh love Adam!!!!! Such a touching and hysterical tribute!!!!!" one Instagram user wrote.

Another viewer shared their reaction to Sandler’s tribute to MacDonald and Farley. "When he sang about Norm and Chris... I got a little teary 😢," the viewer wrote.

Others echoed similar sentiments, calling the tribute "probably the most heartfelt part of the whole evening."

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