Hozier sings Fairytale of New York on the SNL finale

Hozier masterfully covered The Pogues’ Christmas classic “Fairytale of New York” when he was the musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” on Dec. 21.

Originally written and recorded by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, the ballad is a beloved Irish Christmas carol.

Hozier’s performance of “Fairytale of New York” was full of poignancy — it was the last part of the finale of “SNL’s” milestone 50th season, performed just days after the anniversary of Kirsty MacColl’s death and coming just days before what would has been singer Shane MacGowan’s 67th birthday.

The setting, of course, was just as poignant—singing “Fairytale of New York” on perhaps the most iconic show ever filmed in New York City needs no explanation.

However, the song has been the focus of debate in recent years for lyrics that include “slut” and “slut”. Both of those words were removed from Hozier’s “SNL” appearance, swapping out “hag” and “you’re haggard.”

Hozier sings Fairytale of New York by The Pogues tonight on SNL pic.twitter.com/6YC6RNdj1k

— Hozier’s Vocals (@hoziersvocalss) 22 December 2024

Hozier was the musical guest on Saturday night as Martin Short took over hosting duties. The episode had several special guests: Paul Rudd, Tom Hanks, Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, Scarlett Johansson, Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy, as well as Emma Stone, who gave Hozier a big hug during the show’s arc.

Earlier in the episode, Hozier – unsurprisingly – performed his hit “Too Sweet”.

Hozier’s Dec. 21 appearance on “SNL” comes more than a decade after he debuted on the Studio 8H stage — on Oct. 11, 2014, he performed his breakout hit “Take Me To Church” as well as “Angel of Small Death” and the Codeine Scene” during the third episode of season 40, hosted by Bill Hader.

Can’t get enough of Hozier singing “Fairytale of New York”? Watch this clip of him singing it with Glen Hansard and Imelda May at the Christmas Eve Bush in Dublin in 2016: