‘SNL’ pays tribute to Sandy Hook victims with ‘Silent Night’ sung by children’s chorus

‘SNL’ pays tribute to Sandy Hook victims with ‘Silent Night’ sung by children’s chorus

NBC

The New York City Children's Choir performs 'Silent Night' during the opening of 'Saturday Night Live' to honor the victims of the Sandy Hook massacre.

“Saturday Night Live” made a rare departure from its comedic opening to pay tribute to the children and adults killed at a Connecticut elementary school.

Not known for treating anything seriously or tenderly, the show made a fitting exception during the first moments of its show Saturday. Rather than the usual comedic sketch, a children’s choir appeared on camera and angelically sang “Silent Night,” with the touching refrain, “Sleep in heavenly peace.”

Then the members of the New York City Children’s Chorus shouted out the NBC show’s time-honored introduction: “Live from New York, it’s ‘Saturday Night!”’

It was the night’s sole reference to the tragedy and struck just the right tone.

Later, the chorus returned to join musical guest Paul McCartney in a rendition of his “Wonderful Christmas Time.”

Other celebrities made surprise appearances during thChristmas “SNL” episode, including Samuel L. Jackson, Alec Baldwin, Tom Hanks, Kristen Wiig, Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey. The guest host was Martin Short.