Who Is Role Model? Inside His Viral SNL Debut With Charli XCX Amid Taylor Swift Feud Rumors

Role Model made a major splash on Saturday Night Live on October 11, 2025, delivering a standout performance with a surprise guest — Charli XCX. The rising pop singer took the stage to perform his viral track “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” and invited Charli to join him as his “Sally girl,” sending fans into a frenzy.

The moment marked a significant milestone in Role Model’s career as he continues to transition from online sensation to mainstream pop star. It also stirred online buzz after Charli’s outfit choice fueled speculation about an ongoing rumored feud with Taylor Swift.

Role Model’s SNL Debut and Charli XCX’s Surprise Appearance

Role Model, 28, made his SNL debut as the musical guest for the second episode of Season 51, hosted by Amy Poehler. Known for blending confessional songwriting with slick pop production, he performed his hit song “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” a track that has gone viral across social media since its release.

During his set, Charli XCX — the Grammy-winning “Apple” singer — surprised viewers by appearing on stage as his “Sally girl,” a tradition in Role Model’s live shows. The role is typically filled by a guest performer or celebrity, with previous appearances by artists like Conan Gray and Troye Sivan. Charli’s cameo brought a roar from the audience, as she stepped out in a leather skirt, sheer tights, boots, and sunglasses.

Her T-shirt, however, became the center of online chatter. It read “Max’s Kansas City,” which many fans interpreted as a subtle dig at Taylor Swift, who spends much of her time in Kansas City with fiancé Travis Kelce. Others argued the shirt referenced Role Model’s last album, “Kansas Anymore,” released in July 2024.

The appearance highlighted Role Model’s growing influence in the pop scene and cemented his status as a performer capable of commanding major stages and viral moments alike.

Who Is Role Model? From Bedroom Pop to Global Stage

Born Tucker Pillsbury, Role Model is an American singer-songwriter who first gained attention through his introspective pop songs shared online in the late 2010s. He initially pursued filmmaking before shifting to music, self-releasing tracks that caught the attention of major labels. Known for his confessional lyrics and melodic hooks, Role Model has built a devoted fanbase and carved a space as one of Gen Z’s most relatable pop storytellers.

His discography includes fan-favorite songs like “Blind,” “Forever & More,” and “Death Wish,” but it’s “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” that has catapulted him to new heights. The song’s mix of nostalgia and raw vulnerability struck a chord with listeners, turning it into a viral phenomenon on TikTok and streaming platforms.

Role Model’s music often explores themes of love, identity, and growing up in the digital age. His lyrical honesty and genre-blending sound have earned comparisons to artists like Troye Sivan and Lauv, but he’s quickly establishing his own lane. The release of “Kansas Anymore” marked a new creative chapter, showcasing a more refined sound and deeper storytelling.

Fan Reactions and Rumored Taylor Swift Feud

Social media exploded following the SNL performance, with fans dissecting every detail of Charli XCX’s cameo and debating the meaning behind her Kansas City T-shirt. Many speculated it was a deliberate reference to Taylor Swift amid ongoing fan theories about tension between the two artists.

The rumored feud stems from speculation that Taylor’s song “Actually Romantic” from her 2025 album “The Life of a Showgirl” was a response to Charli’s 2024 track “Sympathy Is a Knife.” Charli, who recently married George Daniel of The 1975 — the band of Taylor’s ex Matty Healy — has not publicly commented on the alleged rift.

While the shirt could simply reference Role Model’s album, the timing and choice of words added fuel to the online fire. As one fan wrote on social media, “Wearing a Kansas City tee right now is no coincidence.” Others, however, dismissed the feud talk as fan speculation, suggesting the outfit was a clever nod to Role Model’s artistic branding.

With this headline-making SNL performance, Role Model has cemented himself as one of pop’s most exciting rising stars — and the conversation around Charli XCX’s cameo ensures fans will be talking about this moment for weeks to come.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Role Model?

Role Model is the stage name of Tucker Pillsbury, a 28-year-old American pop singer-songwriter known for his introspective lyrics and viral hits.

Q2: What song did Role Model perform on SNL?

He performed his viral track “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” joined on stage by Charli XCX as his “Sally girl.”

Q3: Why did Charli XCX’s outfit spark rumors?

Charli wore a “Max’s Kansas City” T-shirt, which many interpreted as a subtle reference to Taylor Swift, who spends time in Kansas City.

Q4: Is there a feud between Charli XCX and Taylor Swift?

Fans believe Taylor’s song “Actually Romantic” responds to Charli’s “Sympathy Is a Knife,” but neither artist has confirmed a feud.

Q5: What is Role Model’s latest album?

His latest album is titled “Kansas Anymore,” released in July 2024, marking a new creative direction in his music.