See Willie Nelson Sing ‘On the Road Again’ for Miss Piggy
Since writing it in 1980, Willie Nelson has performed “On the Road Again” at countless live shows, and has even sung sung it at the White House and on the Academy Awards. Now, he adds another milestone to his (and the song’s) legacy: appearing as himself on the hour-long season finale of The Muppets, which airs tonight on ABC.
After breaking her leg during rehearsals for a dance number on her Up Late TV show, Miss Piggy lands in the hospital. Kermit, whose long-term romantic relationship with Piggy had ended by the time The Muppets first went on the air last fall, gathers the crew to broadcast the show from the hospital and the episode finds the couple reevaluating their relationship. Back at the studio, Rizzo, Pepe and Yolanda find creative ways to keep Pache occupied so he doesn’t ruin the show while Kermit is out.
Nelson, joined by the Up Late band Electric Mayhem, sings his classic tune to Miss Piggy during the episode, which — true to Miss Piggy’s demeanor — is titled “Generally Inhospitable.” Also guest-starring as himself in the episode is Jack White, who offers Kermit some much-needed advice on his complicated love life.
The Muppets previously sang “On the Road Again” for an episode of the Jim Henson Hour (which also featured k.d. lang) in 1989. In 2001, Nelson titled his 55th album Rainbow Connection and recorded the Paul Williams song that gave Kermit a Top Thirty hit in 1979.
The Muppets season finale airs Tuesday, March 1st, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.