Billie Eilish Lights Up ‘SNL’ With ‘What Was I Made For?’
variety.comJem Aswad Executive Editor, Music The last “Saturday Night Live” of the year is always a special occasion, and 2023 was no exception: Billie Eilish performed the television debut of “What Was I Made For?,” written and recorded for Greta Gerwig’s summer blockbuster “Barbie.” Eilish was accompanied by her brother/ collaborator Finneas and jazz bassist Christian McBride, as well as a six-piece string ensemble. “What Was I Made For?” was introduced by Gerwig who appeared on stage alongside this week’s host (and “Barbie” costar) Kate McKinnon in a joyful embrace.
Eilish wore a simple pink polo short, jeans and silver-lame hightop sneakers. Her performance was accompanied by a backdrop paying homage to the film’s powerful montage scene, but with childhood home-movie clips and personal photos from Eilish, plus past and present “Saturday Night Live” cast-members Chloe Fineman, Heidi Gardner, Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney, Ego Nwodim, Kate McKinnon, Maya Rudolph, Sarah Sherman, Chloe Troast and Kristen Wiig.
The song is up for five Grammy Awards (including song of the year and record of the year) as well as a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award; an Oscar nomination seems likely as well.
Eilish, Finneas and the song were also honored at Variety’s 2023 Hitmakers ceremony earlier this month, receiving the film song of the year award for “What Was I Made For?” They were introduced with a moving speech by Elton John’s longtime songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin.
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