Indie Singer-Songwriter Shares Unforgettable Experience With Paul McCartney on 'SNL': 'What Is My Life?'
Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith wasn't the only special guest sitting in with Paul McCartney's band when the Beatles legend appeared on Saturday Night Live on May 16.
Joining Smith and McCartney's longtime backing musicians Rusty Anderson (guitar, backing vocals), Brian Ray (guitar, bass, backing vocals), and Paul "Wix" Wickens (keyboards, basking vocals), was singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson.
Best-known for the hits "The Way I Am" (2006) and "Girls Chase Boys" (2014), the platinum-selling indie artist has continued her career as a singer-songwriter, while also making waves on Broadway. She wrote music and lyrics for the Tony- and Grammy-nominated musical adaptation of The Notebook, which appeared on Broadway in 2024. She's also contributed music to and appeared on several TV shows and films.
Yet despite all those career highlights, Michaelson hit another unbelievable high last week as a guest member of McCartney's band. She posted about the experience on social media.
"I got a call on a monday to fill in in Sir Paul Mccartney's band for that Saturday for @nbcsnl and proceeded to have 6 days of "what is my life????" what an honor it has been to be inside this music that has shaped me. his band and crew and team are all as lovely as he. and he is lovely. just as you'd imagine. even lovelier i'd say. I will never forget these 6 days for the rest of my life. I wish my father could see me now. he'd be prouder than punch," she wrote. The caption was accompanied by a carousel of photos documenting her SNL experience with McCartney and his band.
Michaelson's father, Carl, who was a noted composer and music publisher, died on Sept. 11, 2017, due to complications of Parkinson's disease, according to The New York Times.
Her post prompted a comment from McCartney's longtime guitarist Ray, who responded with words that seemingly confirmed her "lovely" experience with McCartney and company. "Thank you Ingrid, you were great!" Ray wrote.
"@brianrayguitar thank YOU for being so amazing !" she responded.
While it's unclear whether Michaelson's work with McCartney will extend beyond his SNL appearance, her role was crucial. As some fans noted that the 83-year-old Beatles legend appeared to be struggling with his lead vocals, Michaelson and the other members of McCartney's band assisted him with backing vocals through the three televised songs. Michaelson also performed Saturday night with McCartney and company on two Beatles' classics that weren't televised-Help!" and "Drive My Car," according to setlist.fm. For the two non-televised songs, McCartney was joined by SNL guest host Will Ferrell.
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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 1:22 PM.