Sesame Street is celebrating its 45th birthday today, marking decades of entertaining children's programming delivered through lovable monsters and catchy songs.
The iconic program debuted 45 years ago on Nov. 10, 1969 and has since become the longest-running children's show in U.S. TV history.
Over the years, changes have been made to the show and its central characters to reflect the times. For example, Cookie Monster now occasionally takes a break from his biscuit-only diet to snack on some fruits and veggies.
However, one of the most-loved features of the show remains the same: Inviting adult celebrities and icons to make guest appearances.
Sesame Street Vice-President Scott Chambers told The Associated Press that because the show is designed for both parents and children, it often asks adult celebrities to star in its sketches.
In honour of Sesame Street's 45th anniversary, CTVNews.ca has rounded up five of the best celebrity guest appearances.
1. Learning to count with Feist
In 2008, Sesame Street had a visit from Canadian singer Leslie Feist, who stopped by to give the monsters a lesson in counting.
In the sketch, Feist sings and dances along with Elmo and friends, while delivering a re-worked version of her single "1,2,3,4."
Throughout the adorable clip, the singer proudly proclaims her love of counting "penguins by the door" as well as "chickens just back from the shore."
2. Paul Simon makes the kids dance
In a classic 1977 sketch, Paul Simon sits on the famous Sesame Street stoop armed with an acoustic guitar to perform his single "Me and Julio Down By the School Yard."
Simon's version is great, but it's the young girl sitting next to Simon who steals the show while she happily belts out the tune's opening lines. Meanwhile, a group of young children let loose and dance at the bottom of the brownstone steps.
3. Billy Joel serenades Oscar the Grouch
In the show's 20th season, singer Billy Joel and actress Marlee Matlin visit Sesame Street to serenade Oscar the Grouch with a special version of "I Love You Just the Way You Are."
Joel and Matlin, who tell Oscar that they're self-proclaimed "grouch groupies," sing an altered version of the classic tune to the grumpy monster, letting him know that they appreciate his cranky personality.
"Don't go changing just to please me, because being friendly's not your style," Joel sings. "Don't want to hear you saying 'thank you,' I would hate to see you smile."
Appearing less than thrilled, Oscar interjects throughout the song, noting that he "never smiles" and complaining that the song is "the mushiest thing" he's ever heard.
4. Katy Perry plays dress up with Elmo
Pop superstar Katy Perry brought a rare element of controversy to Sesame Street, after she appeared on the show wearing an outfit that some viewers deemed inappropriate for children's programming.
In the sketch, Perry wears a green strapless minidress while singing a rendition of her single "Hot N Cold." Throughout the clip, Perry chases Elmo through several different animated city streets, asking him why he's no longer interested in playing with her.
While the clip never aired on TV, it has garnered over 69 million views on Perry's own YouTube channel.
5. "1-2-3 Sesame Street" with Stevie Wonder
In 1973, a young Stevie Wonder gave an extended musical performance on Sesame Street, accompanied by a full band and background singers.
Decked out in his classic sunglasses and surrounded by small fans, Wonder performed his single "Superstition," as well as special song called "1-2-3 Sesame Street" for the younger crowd.
In a follow-up sketch, Wonder gets some one-on-one time with Grover, teaching the blue monster the basics in jazz scatting.
