Maya Rudolph Reprises Beyoncé Role in ‘SNL’ Hot Ones Sketch
The last time Maya Rudolph hosted Saturday Night Live in March 2021, the show struck gold with one simple comedic premise: what if the seemingly unflappable musician Beyoncé had to go on Hot Ones? The internet interview show, where celebrity guests have to eat increasingly spicy chicken wings between each question, was a viral success because it brought out an unpredictable human side in its larger-than-life guests.
Since Rudolph had already perfected her Beyoncé impression as a cast member, centering the sketch around her made perfect sense. She quickly melted down, lashing out at host Sean Evans (played by Mikey Day) and sweating profusely. “This was the only thing I have attempted that I did not slay,” Rudolph’s Beyoncé explained in this week’s sequel sketch, “And that bothered both me and my husband. My husband is Jay-Z.”
Tragically, Beyoncé’s second attempt went south just as quickly. “Damn, my bones are hot,” she said, already covered in sweat. “That wing was a real one. Oh, you’re about to make me sing.”