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

The latest episode of Saturday Night Live, which aired on October 21, 2023, introduced a lively cold open featuring host and musical guest Sabrina Carpenter. The sketch continued the show’s ongoing celebration of a character named Domingo, marking the fourth appearance of this whimsical figure since his debut last year.

In this musical medley, characters Kelsey and Matt, portrayed by Chloe Fineman and Andrew Dismukes, were celebrating Matt’s 30th birthday. Kelsey’s friends, played by Carpenter, Sarah Sherman, Ashley Padilla, and newcomer Veronika Slowikowska, joined in the festivities by serenading the birthday boy. Their performance began with a song inspired by their recent trip to Nashville, set to the tune of Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia,” from her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, which features Carpenter on the titular track.

The lighthearted mood took a humorous turn when it was revealed that Domingo had also been part of the Nashville trip. The group shifted gears, presenting a second song set to Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” with lyrics focused on Domingo, described as “the man with a goatee and a gold chain.” Just as Kelsey reassured Matt that Domingo was a thing of the past, the character made his entrance, portrayed by Marcello Hernández, and began performing a cover of Alex Warren’s “Ordinary.”

In a memorable moment, Domingo serenaded Kelsey, singing, “The night we spent together in Nashville was anything but ordinary.” His playful lyrics included lines that humorously acknowledged Kelsey’s marriage, culminating in an exasperated Matt’s response: “I’m serious, this is strike six.” Kelsey’s reassuring reply, “Hey babe, it won’t happen again,” added to the comedic tension.

This sketch is part of a broader narrative that began with Domingo’s initial appearance during an episode hosted by Ariana Grande in October 2022. That debut featured a cover of Carpenter’s song “Espresso.” Carpenter also appeared in a previous Domingo sketch during the show’s 50th Anniversary Special, which focused on a vow renewal celebration for Matt and Kelsey. That segment included cameos from notable stars such as Martin Short, Molly Shannon, Pedro Pascal, and Bad Bunny.

As the show continues to explore this comedic storyline, the combination of music, humor, and celebrity cameos keeps audiences engaged, demonstrating SNL‘s ability to adapt and create fresh content for its viewers. With memorable performances and catchy tunes, the episode not only entertained but also showcased the talent of its host and musical guest, further solidifying the show’s cultural relevance in contemporary entertainment.