Elmo tells all: ‘Sesame Street’ 55th season features SZA and more

The 55th season of Sesame Street debuts January 16, 2025, on MAX, featuring a star-studded musical lineup that includes SZA, Chris Stapleton, Reneé Rapp, Noah Kahan, and Samara Joy. The new season focuses on emotional well-being, with episodes blending life lessons and music. Songs tackle themes like gratitude, feelings, and taking turns, tailored to the unique styles of each guest artist.

SZA performs an alt-R&B-pop track about gratitude, while Stapleton contributes a country song about music and friendship, co-written during a surreal Zoom session. Joy teaches improvisation through jazz in a rare live performance, aligning with her episode’s theme. Rapp and Kahan deliver heartfelt lessons through acoustic and folk music, respectively.

Sesame Street music director Bill Sherman explains that crafting memorable songs for the show requires creating “earworms on earworms” within just 90 seconds. The show’s mission of connection resonates through its music, as Elmo highlights how it unites people across different tastes.

Celebrating its legacy of education and entertainment, Sesame Street has won over 200 Emmys and continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

Source: AP News