Jason Sudeikis hosted Walmart’s 56th annual Associates Celebration on Friday, June 5, at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas, delivering laughs and surprise to more than 10,000 Walmart employees gathered from around the world.
The actor, known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” and as the star of “Ted Lasso,” was kept under wraps as the year’s celebrity host. Walmart tradition holds the host’s identity as a top secret until the event begins, and the crowd’s reaction when Sudeikis took the stage was electric.
The celebration capped Walmart Associates Week, a multi-day event that included tours of Walmart’s new headquarters campus in Bentonville and visits to the Walmart Museum. The morning show featured three major musical performances: Benson Boone opened with singing and gymnastics, followed by Shaboozey, and closing with Pink, the three-time Grammy Award winner pop-rock performer who received the Billboard Music Award’s Icon Award in 2021.
A Milestone Event for New Leadership
This year’s celebration marked a significant moment for Walmart’s leadership. John Furner, who took the chief executive position on February 1 after the resignation of Doug McMillon, attended his first Associates Celebration as CEO. McMillon, who led the company for 12 years, received a standing ovation at the event.
In remarks at the celebration, Furner emphasized the company’s evolution as a “people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer” and highlighted ongoing innovation in artificial intelligence and automation. Walmart reported fiscal year 2026 revenue growth of nearly $715 billion with a 5.1% increase in sales, and the company continues to invest in AI-powered shopping assistants and digital shelf labels across its stores.
A Tradition of Celebrity Hosts
Sudeikis joins a storied list of celebrity hosts who have graced the Walmart Associates Celebration. In recent years, the event has featured Jimmy Fallon (2025), Peyton Manning (2024), Kevin Hart (2023), and James Corden, with performers including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Usher. The tradition underscores Walmart’s commitment to celebrating its workforce on a grand scale.
The company also stated that the average hourly wage for Walmart employees across the country is more than $18 an hour. Associates who made the farthest trip to attend came from India, according to event organizers.
Sources
- The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette — detailed coverage of Sudeikis hosting the event, performer details, CEO transition, and revenue figures
- KHBS (40/29 News) — attendance numbers, venue details, performer lineup, and Walmart revenue and wage information
