Jason Aldean Pays Tribute to Vegas Victims, Tom Petty in ‘SNL' Cold Open

Aldean performed Petty's "I Won't Back Down" during the live opening Saturday night

Country star Jason Aldean took the stage on "Saturday Night Live," paying tribute to the victims of the Las Vegas massacre and to the late rocker Tom Petty.

Aldean performed Petty's "I Won't Back Down" during the live opening Saturday night and then introduced the show.

"This week we witnessed one of the worst tragedies in American history," he said. "So many people are hurting. You can be sure that we are going to walk through these tough times together every step of the way."

Aldean was performing at an outdoor concert in Las Vegas last Sunday night when a gunman sprayed bullets into the crowd from a high-rise hotel, killing 58 people and injuring nearly 500.

Petty died Monday in Los Angeles at age 66 after suffering cardiac arrest.

"Wonder Woman" actress Gal Gadot, who was born in Israel, hosted the show, and told the audience in her monologue that it was the first time the show would be broadcasted live in her home country. 

She then offered a warning to Israelis in her native language: "This might be a big mistake," she said. "The writers here clearly know nothing about Israel ... I think they believe I'm actually Wonder Woman." 

Gadot was then interrupted by "SNL" cast member Leslie Jones, who was dressed as the "Times Square Wonder Woman." 

“You know how you take pictures with young girls who look up to you? I do the same with German tourists,” Jones said. 

“You know how you take pictures with young girls who look up to you? I do the same with German tourists,” Jones said. 

Later in the show, Gadot and Jones teamed up again as female warriors in a sketch about the make believe "Myscira Island Nation of the Amazons."

Gadot and Jones, clad in revealing fantasy costumes that resemble something from "Xena: Warrior Princess," were sword fighting in front of a group of about 10 women when "SNL" cast members Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon, wearing typical American clothes, pull up in a boat.  

After banter about how they ended up on the mythical island, McKinnon's character said, "let's cut to the chase, show of hands, who all here's a les?"

After no hands go up, Gadot and McKinnon share a kiss to make sure she doesn't feel attraction to her. 

"I'm sorry, I felt nothing," Gadot said after the kiss. 

Musical guest Sam Smith closed out the show with a rendition of his song "Pray."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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