New York The moment arrived: singer-songwriter Role Model (real name Tucker Pillsbury) has officially been unveiled as PEOPLE magazine’s first-ever “Sexiest Man Alive” centerfold and he’s making it count. In a wide-ranging interview, he looks back on his viral live show moment for his hit track Sally, When the Wine Runs Out, his debut on Saturday Night Live, and the daring photoshoot that came with the mantle of “Sexiest Man Alive.”
The “Sally” Phenomenon
Over the past year, Role Model has built a show-time tradition around “Sally.” During performances of “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” he calls out “Where’s my Sally?” and brings on stage a guest, sometimes a fan, sometimes a celebrity who embodies the moment. It’s more than a stunt; it’s become part of his brand.
One of the most talked-about examples: On his SNL debut (October 11), he was joined by Charli XCX as his “Sally.” That surprise helped cement the live moment in internet culture. In his interview, he says: “Charli texted, ‘You are now forever in debt to me and you’re in my pocket.’”
He also revealed that the concept of “Sally” came from a mix of fun and spontaneity: originally just a one-night experiment, but the crowd reaction turned it into a touring fixture. He said he didn’t plan it years ahead he found the moment on the road, and then leaned into it.
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The “Sexiest Man Alive” Reveal
In something that surprised many, Role Model became PEOPLE’s first “Sexiest Man Alive” centerfold. This isn’t the usual list of past athletes or movie stars; for a singer-songwriter in his twenties with a distinct sensibility, it felt like a statement. During the interview he reflects on not being “worried” about topping his viral success, but instead focused on long-term growth.
The cut from the photoshoot is bold: he embraced the vulnerability and the aesthetic of the moment, saying that the title is “kind of like reconciling with an old friend” and enjoying the joke of it all. He’s aware this moment has many layers: pop success, image, and, yes, bravado.
SNL & Live Show Momentum
His SNL appearance mattered. For many artists, SNL is a milestone and for Role Model it wasn’t just the stage, but the moment with Charli XCX. That appearance helped connect his live-show traditions (the Sally segment) with mainstream television exposure. ([turn0search6])
That kind of exposure boosts a podcast episode: you can play clips or describe the visual moment, ask your listeners what they like more, song, performance or surprise guest and open up a discussion about how modern pop artists are blending music, theatre, internet virality and spectacle.
What He’s Saying About the Future
A key part of his interview is the perspective: he says he’s not stressing about topping “Sally” or viral success. He’s writing new music, experimenting, living life. He’s prioritising creative growth over chasing the same moment again. ([turn0search0])
That mindset makes for a great podcast segment: artist reflection, career trajectories, pressure vs freedom. How does one handle “that song that changed everything”? How do you keep surprising fans without repeating yourself?
Social Media & Fan Reaction
The Sally moments have blown up: fan footage, celebrity cameos and shared clips make the live shows shareable. On Reddit, Twitter/X and TikTok, fans either love the surprise guest angle (“Charli as Sally? Legendary”) or raise questions about authenticity and performance craft. The photoshoot reveal sparked its own wave of memes and commentary. Some celebrated the bold move, some poked fun at the “Sexiest Man Alive” title in the context of a younger pop star with a less conventional profile. That range of reactions is exactly what keeps a podcast conversation lively: support, critique, cultural commentary.
Podcast Episode Ideas Based on This
- Segment 1: Play or describe the SNL “Sally” moment. Ask: what makes a show-moment go viral?
- Segment 2: Discuss the PEOPLE “Sexiest Man Alive” title. Invite a cultural critic to weigh in: what does it mean for someone like Role Model?
- Segment 3: Fan-voice intros: bring in fan audio or clips. What equation do fans make between authenticity, performance and celebrity?
- Segment 4: Future watch: What’s next for Role Model? New album, new surprises, the challenge of following a viral moment.
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Role Model’s journey from viral song “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” to a stage tradition, to SNL and a bold title page reveal is more than just entertainment news. It’s a look at how pop music, live performance, celebrity culture and social media now intersect. For your podcast audience, it’s not just “Who is a Role Model?” but “What does his moment tell us about music and fame in 2025?”
