Saturday Night Live let the music speak this weekend with a cold open in honor of Ukraine.

Instead of a humorous cold-open sketch, “SNL” began on a serious note with a powerful performance from a local choir. Stars Cecily and Kate McKinnon introduced The Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York for a solemn cold open.

The stage was filled with Ukraine’s official flower, the sunflower, as the Choir sang “Prayer for Ukraine.” 

At the end of the incredible performance, the camera panned down to reveal a table of white candles that spelled out “Kyiv,” as “SNL” cast members Cecily Strong and Kate McKinnon solemnly announced: “Live from New York, it’s ‘Saturday Night.’”

Powerful and moving. Watch here if you missed it.

2-28-22