Hozier masterfully covered the Pogues’ holiday classic “Fairytale of New York” when he appeared as musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” on December 21st.

Originally written and recorded by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, the ballad is a popular Irish Christmas song.

Hozier’s performance of “Fairytale of New York” was full of poignancy – it was the final part of the 50th season finale of “SNL”, it was performed just days after the anniversary of Kirsty MacColl’s death and comes just days before what What would happen was singer Shane MacGowan’s 67th birthday.

Of course, the setting was equally poignant – singing “Fairytale of New York” in perhaps the most iconic show ever filmed in New York City needs no explanation.

However, the song has been at the center of debate in recent years because of lyrics that include “slut” and “fagot.” Both words were removed from Hozier’s “SNL” performance and instead replaced with “Hag” and “You’re Haggard.”

Hozier sings “Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues on SNL tonight pic.twitter.com/6YC6RNdj1k

— Hozier’s Vocals (@hoziersvocalss) December 22, 2024

Hozier was the musical guest on Saturday evening as Martin Short took over as host. The episode featured several special guests: Paul Rudd, Tom Hanks, Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, Scarlett Johansson, Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy, as well as Emma Stone, who gave Hozier a big hug during the show’s bow.

At the start of the episode, Hozier unsurprisingly performed his chart-topper “Too Sweet.”

Hozier’s appearance on “SNL” on Dec. 21 comes more than a decade after his debut on the Studio 8H stage – on Oct. 11, 2014, he performed his breakthrough hit “Take Me To Church” as well as “Angel of Small Death.” and the Codeine Scene” during the third episode of Season 40, hosted by Bill Hader.

Can’t get enough of Hozier singing “Fairytale of New York”? Check out this clip of him singing it alongside Glen Hansard and Imelda May during the Dublin Christmas party in 2016: