Charli XCX makes surprise SNL cameo with Role Model

Charli XCX made a surprise cameo on Saturday Night Live on Oct. 11, joining singer-songwriter Role Model during his musical guest performance on the NBC sketch show. Role Model, born Tucker Pillsbury, opened the episode hosted by Amy Poehler with a rendition of his hit "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out," and midway through invited Charli onstage to play the recurring role of Sally, a part he has previously given to fans and fellow artists.

Role Model performed two songs from the deluxe edition of his second album, Kansas Anymore, closing the set with the quieter "Some Protector." The Sally number was staged against rustic, barnlike props and drew a loud audience reaction when Charli walked on wearing sunglasses, a leather miniskirt and a T-shirt reading Maxs Kansas City. The two performers danced together briefly; Charli slipped her sunglasses onto Role Model, blew him a kiss, and exited before the song finished. Viewers noted that Role Model had worn the same Maxs Kansas City shirt in promotional photos for the episode.

Bringing a guest to play Sally has become a live tradition for Role Model, who has previously enlisted artists and celebrities including Conan Gray, Troye Sivan,...