Ice Spice Makes Her SNL Debut as Musical Guest with Rema Collab, Surprise Intro from Taylor Swift

Ice Spice hit the Saturday Night Live stage for the first time as a musical guest this weekend, and she even got a little help from her friend Taylor Swift.

The rapper’s performance accompanied SNL alum Pete Davidson’s first hosting gig for the 49th season premiere. After performing her hit "In Ha Mood" — and before it was time for the musical guest to shine once more for a performance of "Pretty Girl" with collaborator Rema — Ice, 23, was introduced by a certain industry pal.

"Once again, Ice Spice," Swift said on camera to announce the rapper's second track.

Ice, whose real name Isis Naija Gaston, opted for flashing neon lights, background choreography, and a few of her own go-to dance moves. "In Ha Mood" saw Ice rock a black T-shirt, denim shorts and a diamond necklace, as during "Pretty Girl" she wore a green top and tan skirt, with her signature "Princess" necklace.

"Pretty Girl" marks both Ice and Rema's latest single, having released this week with a colorful music video, weeks after NBC announced Ice Spice’s SNL debut with Davidson in early October. 

News of her performance came months after the cancellation of Davidson’s originally scheduled appearance with Lil Uzi Vert as the musical guest due to the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, which ended in late September. 

Ice Spice skyrocketed to fame when her song, “Munch (Feelin’ U),” went viral on TikTok in 2022. Her rise gave way to multiple high-profile collaborations, such as Nick Minaj on “Barbie World,” PinkPantheress on “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” and Swift on her “Karma” remix. 

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Swift, who revealed Ice Spice as a surprise guest on her Eras tour, had compliments of her own for the SNL performer. 

"I’m a massive fan of this brilliant artist and after getting to know her I can confirm: she is THE ONE to watch," Swift wrote on Instagram of the rapper earlier this year.

Ice Spice released her first EP Like…? in January, in which a collab on “Gangsta Boo” with Lil TJay earned the rapper her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Most recently, the “Deli” artist also won the best new artist title at the 2023 MTV VMAs in September, where she teared up and grew emotional as she accepted the award. 

"Thank you so much. Thank you MTV. Oh my God, this is so cool," the rapper said as the crowd roared. She then went on to thank her fanbase. "I just want to thank my Munchkins. I love you guys so much."

She concluded her speech by paying tribute to her hometown of New York City: "Shout out the Bronx. Period!"

Saturday Night Live season 49 continues with its second episode next week on Saturday at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC, where rapper and singer Bad Bunny will double as host and musical guest.