Returning to Saturday Night Live for the third time,, Billie Eilish opened with an emotional version of “What Was I Made For?,” from the soundtrack to this summer’s blockbuster, Barbie.
The movie’s director, Greta Gerwig, and Barbie co-star/SNL guest host Kate McKinnon introduced the 21-year-old superstar singer/songwriter, who was joined on stage by her brother/collaborator Finneas on piano along with a 7-string ensemble. And, during her performance, childhood home movie clips and photos of Eilish as well as current and former female SNL cast members were shown in the backdrop.
In a recent Hollywood Reporter roundtable chat with other artists, Billie revealed that the song’s composition was preceded by a bout with writer’s block.
“I honestly was concerned that it was over for me,” said Eilish, who went on to direct the one-take music video for the single. “We’d been trying, and it wasn’t doing what it usually would do in me. I was honestly like, ‘Damn, maybe I hit my peak and I don’t know how to write anymore?’”
“What Was I Made For’ has been nominated for five Grammys–including Song of the Year–a Golden Globe, and a Critics Choice Award.
Accompanied by her brother on piano and the award-winning jazz musician Christian McBride on stand-up bass, Eilish’s second number was “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
Billie’s last appearance on SNL was as host and musical guest two Decembers ago when she performed the title track for her 2021 album along with “Male Fantasy.” Happier than Ever garnered a pair of Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, and in 2020, those two awards went to When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Julio Enriquez