Singer-songwriter Sombr made his Saturday Night Live debut as the musical guest on November 8, performing two tracks from his debut album I Barely Know Her. The 20-year-old New York City native opened with '12 to 12' alongside a full band and followed with an emotional piano rendition of 'Back to Friends.' The episode was hosted by first-time host Nikki Glaser.
Performance Highlights
Sombr, whose real name is Shane Boose, kicked off his SNL appearance dressed in a sharp red suit and black shirt, delivering '12 to 12' with a full band. The song, which peaked at No. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100, is an MTV Video Music Awards nominee for Song of the Summer. He returned later for 'Back to Friends,' performing from behind the piano in an emotional delivery. As the lead single from his ten-track debut album, 'Back to Friends' reached No. 12 on the Hot 100 and was named one of Rolling Stone's Best Songs of 2025 So Far, praised for capturing 'the melodrama of teenage love.'
Album and Career Context
I Barely Know Her, released in August 2025, debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and marked Sombr's breakout with three Hot 100 hits, including 'Undressed' at No. 16. Sombr writes and produces all his own songs and recently earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. His rapid rise includes a sold-out North American leg of The Late Nights & Young Romance Tour, spanning 31 shows across the U.S. and Canada with upgraded venues and added dates, ending with a hometown finale in New York City. Upcoming plans include shows in New Zealand and Australia next month, followed by Europe in February.
Episode Details
The November 8 episode of the NBC sketch comedy series also featured comedian Nikki Glaser as host, who is set to return for the Golden Globes on January 11. SNL next airs on November 15 with host Glen Powell and musical guest Olivia Dean. Sombr reflected on his success in a September MTV interview: 'It’s hard to step back and be like, ‘Wow, this is amazing’ when everything is happening so fast, but it is the best thing that has ever happened to me.'