A musical guest is a singer, band, or other musician who makes a brief musical appearance on a television program of a non-musical nature. While some shows have a format that traditionally includes numerous performances by musical guests (such as ''

Saturday Night Live ''Saturday Night Live'' (''SNL'') is an American Late night television in the United States, late-night live television, live sketch comedy variety show created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Michaels and Dick Ebersol that airs on NBC. The ...

''), other shows include popular musicians to boost ratings for particular episodes (such as on

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s or sitcoms) or to help new artists gain exposure (such as ''

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'' or '' The Late Show''). While many shows employ their own live band, this regular band is not considered a musical "guest". Additionally, if the theme of a program revolves completely around live music (such as ''

American Idol ''American Idol'' is an American Music competition, singing competition television series created by Simon Fuller, produced by Fremantle (company), Fremantle North America and 19 Entertainment, and distributed by Fremantle North America. It a ...

'' or '' Star Search''), the musicians who appear are generally not considered musical guests, as they are either contestants or are performing a different, non-musical function (such as judging the competition). Depending on the format of the show, musical guests may simply perform a song and leave the stage, while other shows include interviews with the musicians following their performance. On ''Saturday Night Live'', some musical guests have participated in comedy sketches with the stars of the show.

Partial list of programs with musical guests

*'' All That'' *'' The Dick Cavett Show'' *''

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'' *''The Tonight Show'' *''Late Show with David Letterman'' *'' The Late Late Show'' *''

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'' *''

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'' *''Saturday Night Live'' *''

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'' *''

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'' *''

Gilmore Girls ''Gilmore Girls'' is an American comedy drama television series created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, starring Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel. The show debuted October 5, 2000, on The WB and became a flagship series for the network. The show ran fo ...

'' *''

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'' *'' Chappelle's Show'' *''

Jimmy Kimmel Live! ''Jimmy Kimmel Live!'', sometimes shortened to ''JKL'', is an American late-night talk show, created and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, and broadcast on ABC. The nightly hour-long show tapes and is based out of the Hollywood Masonic Temple in Hollywo ...

'' *''

The Rosie O'Donnell Show ''The Rosie O'Donnell Show'' is an American daytime variety show, variety television talk show created, hosted, and produced by actress and comedian Rosie O'Donnell. It premiered on June 10, 1996, and concluded after six seasons on June 27, 200 ...

'' *'' The Arsenio Hall Show''

References

{{music-stub Television terminology Music television