The numbers are in. Bruno Mars helped “Saturday Night Live” earn season high ratings when he played host and performer this weekend.

The variety show garnered its best numbers of the season, with a 5.4 rating,according to Bruno’s label Atlantic Records. It was the strongest showing in seven months, besting episodes hosted by Seth MacFarlane, Daniel Craig, and Christina Applegate.

Not only did Bruno score in the ratings department, he also earned rave reviews for his performance. The first-time host and second-time performer pulled out all the stops, appearing in several sketches, including playing a sassy 17-year-old girl and acting alongside Tom Hanks.

In addition, he hit the stage to perform “Locked Out of Heaven” and “Young Girls” from this forthcoming album Unorthodox Jukebox, due December 11. [RapUp]