Singer-songwriter Tucker Pillsbury, better known by his stage name Role Model, has turned his live performances of “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” into one of 2025’s most viral concert traditions. At each stop on his No Place Like Tour, the 28-year-old artist invites a “Sally” to join him on stage for a lively dance and singalong during the song’s bridge a spot now coveted by both fans and A-list celebrities alike.
What began as a spontaneous joke quickly evolved into a full-blown cultural moment. Role Model told PEOPLE that the idea started after he jokingly brought out influencer Jake Shane at a show to play into an online meme. “People loved it,” he said. “Then we thought, maybe we should do this every night and now it’s my favorite part of the set.”
The list of “Sallys” has since grown to include stars from film, television, and music each adding their own flair to the already electrifying moment.
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The tradition took off when Jake Shane, known for his hit podcast Therapuss, first joined Role Model on stage in Dallas wearing a cowboy hat. The crowd’s reaction sparked the trend that would define the rest of the tour. Soon after, Reneé Rapp brought her signature high-energy performance to the April Los Angeles show, dancing with a drink in hand as the audience sang along.
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At New York City’s Governor’s Ball, Conan Gray appeared as that night’s Sally, rushing onto the stage to plant a kiss on Role Model before jumping around in a “Wish I Were Sally” T-shirt. A few weeks later, SNL comedian Bowen Yang fulfilled a lifelong dream of joining the singer on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, perfectly executing the choreography live on television.
The most heartwarming Sally moment came in Boston, where Role Model’s mother, Susan Pillsbury, took the stage in a “New England Born and Raised” T-shirt. After hugging her son, she danced proudly while the hometown crowd cheered.
Later, 13 Reasons Why star and musician Dylan Minnette joined as Sally in Los Angeles, surprising fans with his confident stage presence. Academy Award winner Natalie Portman, Role Model’s costar in Lena Dunham’s upcoming film Good Sex, became “Sally Portman” during a New York performance in July, turning the viral segment into a movie-star moment.
Morning-show legend Al Roker brought his signature charm to the Citi Concert Series in August, showing off some impressive dance moves. Then, Kate Hudson delivered one of the summer’s most talked-about cameos at the Aspen Up in the Sky Festival, channeling her iconic How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days character in a silky pink dress reminiscent of her famous yellow gown.
Pop icon Hilary Duff appeared as Sally at the Austin City Limits Music Festival on October 3. Role Model shouted, “This is what dreams are made of!” a playful nod to her Lizzie McGuire Movie hit.
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing Sally was Charli XCX, who joined Role Model on Saturday Night Live on October 11. Wearing a Kansas City shirt and black sunglasses, the “Apple” singer strutted across the stage before placing the shades on Role Model as she exited, a cheeky power move that instantly went viral.
And on November 4, during his sold-out London concert, Role Model topped himself once again by welcoming Niall Horan as his latest Sally. The former One Direction member danced alongside him in a casual denim outfit, sending the crowd and the internet into a frenzy. Fans praised the unexpected collaboration, calling it “the best Sally moment yet.”
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What makes the “Sally” moment so powerful is its unpredictability. Some celebrity cameos are planned months ahead, while others happen at the last minute. “Some people ask to do it,” Role Model admitted, “and others I have to get down on my knees and beg.”
The combination of humor, intimacy, and spontaneity has made “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” more than just a song it’s become a living piece of pop culture. Each new “Sally” appearance trends across TikTok, Instagram, and X, with fans guessing who will be next.
As his No Place Like Tour continues through Europe and North America, audiences eagerly await the next surprise guest. With appearances already ranging from Oscar winners to morning-show hosts, Role Model’s viral stage tradition shows no sign of slowing down and the world is watching to see who will become the next unforgettable “Sally.”
