Chance the Rapper and Megan Thee Stallion Electrify SNL Stage with Unforgettable ‘Handsome’ Performance
The iconic stage of Saturday Night Live burst with unparalleled energy as Grammy-winning artist Chance the Rapper, 26, returned for a highly anticipated double duty, serving as both the charismatic host and the electrifying musical guest. His presence on October 26th marked his second time hosting and an impressive third appearance as a musical performer, solidifying his esteemed place within the show’s rich history. This particular evening promised — and delivered — a dynamic showcase of his artistry, featuring two standout tracks from his acclaimed album, The Big Day. The night was further elevated by a surprise collaboration that left audiences and fans buzzing, proving once again why Chance remains one of hip-hop’s most compelling figures.
Kicking off his musical segment, Chance the Rapper introduced himself with a characteristic blend of humility and raw authenticity, setting the stage for an intimate and powerful performance of “Zanies and Fools.” This track, a deeply personal narrative pulled directly from his album The Big Day, delves into the complexities of a past relationship with poignant lyricism. On stage, Chance allowed the song’s compelling story to unfold, opting for minimal visual effects to keep the focus squarely on the emotional depth of his delivery. The backdrop featured several dancers moving with fluid grace to the track’s distinctive Afro-inspired beat, creating a hypnotic rhythm that complemented Chance’s own engagement with the music. His performance was a testament to his ability to connect with listeners on a profound level, using his lyrical prowess and genuine stage presence to convey a narrative that resonated far beyond the studio.
“Zanies and Fools” showcased Chance the Rapper‘s versatility, moving beyond the high-energy anthems he is often known for to explore a more reflective and vulnerable side. The understated presentation amplified the song’s message, drawing the audience into a deeply personal reflection on love, growth, and commitment—themes central to The Big Day album. This opening act not only captivated viewers but also prepared them for the diverse musical journey Chance was set to embark on throughout the evening. It was a masterclass in storytelling through song, proving that true artistry doesn’t always require elaborate theatrics but can shine brightest through sincerity and genuine connection.
The excitement reached a fever pitch for his second musical number when the sensational Megan Thee Stallion, 24, joined him on stage for their explosive collaboration, “Handsome.” This track, a sweet and flirtatious anthem, champions self-love and confidence, celebrating the joy of looking and feeling good—a message both artists embodied perfectly in their dazzling appearance. Megan commanded attention in a striking ensemble featuring skintight patent leather pants paired with a chic striped crop top, exuding her signature “Houston hottie” style. The chemistry between Chance and Megan was palpable, instantly igniting the stage with their combined star power and infectious energy.
As Chance the Rapper rap-sang the catchy hook, “Baby you look good, I look handsome,” Megan Thee Stallion flawlessly delivered her iconic line, referring to herself as a “Houston hottie with a model body.” Their synergistic performance created an electrifying atmosphere, enhanced by a dynamic light show. Laser lights reminiscent of Usher‘s iconic 2004 “Yeah!” video pierced through the darkness, while lyrics from the song were brilliantly displayed across the stage, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in every word. The duo’s interplay was a highlight of the night, their charisma and lyrical prowess combining to create an unforgettable moment that undoubtedly stole the show. Their shared stage presence was a vibrant celebration of confidence, style, and undeniable talent, leaving an indelible mark on the SNL audience.
The collaboration on “Handsome” was more than just a performance; it was a cultural moment, bringing together two of hip-hop’s most influential and beloved artists. The track itself, with its empowering lyrics and catchy beat, resonated deeply with fans, making it a perfect choice for such a high-profile platform. Megan Thee Stallion‘s fierce delivery and Chance the Rapper‘s playful yet profound artistry converged, showcasing a seamless blend of their individual styles. This partnership underscored the collaborative spirit within the music industry and demonstrated the power of artists coming together to create something truly special and impactful. The energy they generated was magnetic, solidifying their performance as one of the most talked-about segments of the SNL season.
This appearance marked a significant milestone for Chance the Rapper, deepening his relationship with Saturday Night Live. It was his second time undertaking the demanding dual role of host and musical guest, a testament to his multifaceted talents and growing comedic chops. Prior to this, he had graced the SNL stage as a musical performer on three separate occasions, showcasing his evolution from a rising star to a seasoned entertainer. The excitement surrounding his return was palpable, with Chance himself eagerly counting down the days to his October 26th date on social media. His Instagram account was abuzz with anticipation, sharing promo videos and heartfelt messages with his extensive fanbase.
“WHOS HAPPY FOR ME🚨 I’m accomplishing a life long goal, THANK YOU JESUS!,” he passionately captioned a promo video shared on October 22nd. “#DOUBLEDUTY THIS IS CRAZY I LITERALLY GREW UP ON THIS SHOW.” His words eloquently conveyed the profound personal significance of this opportunity, highlighting his deep-rooted connection to the legendary sketch comedy show. For an artist who has spent his life watching and admiring SNL, stepping onto its stage, especially in such a prominent role, represented the realization of a cherished dream. This personal investment undoubtedly fueled his energetic and heartfelt performances, making his SNL return an exceptionally memorable event for both him and his legion of fans.
🔥 Handsome in Studio 8H 🔥@chancetherapper @theestallion #ChanceOnSNL pic.twitter.com/loz2s3de8a
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) October 27, 2019
This summer saw the impactful release of Chance the Rapper‘s critically acclaimed album, The Big Day. The album made a significant splash, debuting impressively at number two on the prestigious Billboard 200 Chart and spawning the widely popular hit single, “Hot Shower.” What made The Big Day particularly noteworthy was its status as Chance’s highly anticipated official studio debut. For years, fans had followed his journey through a series of groundbreaking independent mixtapes, which cemented his reputation as an innovative and boundary-pushing artist. This album, therefore, represented a pivotal moment in his career, marking his formal entry into the mainstream album landscape while maintaining the distinct artistic integrity that defines his work.
The album’s success underscored Chance the Rapper‘s unique approach to music, blending gospel influences with hip-hop, soul, and elements of spoken word. The Big Day was celebrated for its ambitious scope and heartfelt lyricism, exploring themes of love, faith, and family with remarkable depth and sincerity. Following its release, anticipation for the visual accompaniment to “Hot Shower” reached new heights, with the official music video scheduled to drop on Monday. A teaser shared on October 25th already hinted at its hilarious and inventive nature, promising fans another dose of Chance’s signature blend of humor and creativity. This continuous rollout of quality content, both audio and visual, kept The Big Day in the cultural conversation long after its initial release.
At the heart of The Big Day, a sprawling 22-track project, lies the profound inspiration drawn from Chance the Rapper‘s personal life, particularly his marriage to his longtime girlfriend, Kirsten Corley, 25, in March 2019. Their relationship and the joys of family life are woven throughout the album’s fabric, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the artist’s world. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Kensli Benett, 4, in 2015, and her presence profoundly shaped the album’s overarching themes of unconditional love, commitment, and the beauty of familial bonds. Chance openly shared his perspective on the album’s direction during an interview with Apple’s Beats 1 radio host Zane Lowe in August.
During this candid conversation, Chance the Rapper articulated his philosophy on creating a truly timeless album. “You can’t have a greatest album of all time without a s–t ton of love songs,” he explained to Zane Lowe. “All the best albums have love songs. It’s not all about me and my journey and how fast I can rap and shit like that. It’s about love. And most of all, you have to be able to dance to it. The best album of all time for me is not something that I need to listen to with reading glasses.” This insightful quote perfectly encapsulates the vibrant and heartfelt essence of The Big Day, an album designed not just for thoughtful listening but also for celebration and movement. The happy couple further expanded their family, welcoming their second daughter on September 6th, shortly after announcing Kirsten was pregnant back in March 2019, adding another layer of joy and inspiration to Chance’s life and music.
For fans eager to experience Chance the Rapper‘s dynamic performances live, exciting news awaits. The artist is set to embark on more dates for THE BIG TOUR! in January 2020, promising an exhilarating concert experience. Before the New Year, he’s scheduled for a couple of highly anticipated shows in vibrant cities like Miami and Los Angeles, providing early opportunities for fans to catch him on stage. The tour then picks up full momentum in January, with confirmed stops in major metropolitan areas including San Diego, the bustling hub of New York City, and the international stage of Toronto, among many others.
This expansive tour provides an unparalleled opportunity for fans across North America to witness Chance the Rapper‘s acclaimed stage presence and hear tracks from The Big Day, along with his extensive catalog of hits, performed live. Each stop on THE BIG TOUR! is expected to be a high-energy event, filled with the unique blend of lyrical mastery, gospel-infused melodies, and infectious optimism that has become synonymous with Chance’s artistry. As he continues to evolve as both an artist and a family man, his live performances remain a powerful testament to his unwavering connection with his audience and his commitment to delivering unforgettable musical experiences. Make sure to check local listings for tickets and dates to join Chance the Rapper on his epic journey across the nation.