Saturday Night Live has ended its relationship with Brian Siedlecker, the programme’s longtime music booker and producer. The decision matters because an SNL musical-guest slot remains a prominent mainstream platform for emerging and established artists, often signalling a significant career milestone.

Siedlecker joined SNL as an intern in 1996 and had booked its musical guests since 2001, beginning with Nelly Furtado during the “I’m Like a Bird” era. NBC did not explain the change, saying it does not comment on staffing; fellow bookers Keri Powers and Rebecca Schwartz will remain, and SNL returns for its 52nd season on 26 September.