Kim Kardashian poked fun at the Bachelorette franchise and showed off her comic chops opposite Chris Rock, John Cena and others when she made her debut as host of Saturday Night Live over the weekend.
Among those vying for the 40-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star’s affection was NBA star Blake Griffin, who previously dated her younger sister Kendall Jenner.
Kim’s first time hosting SNL comes after she’s been a regular target on the series for years and following a week with 20-hour work days and plenty of support and advice from her estranged husband Kanye West and famous comedians.
First time! Kim Kardashian, 40, poked fun at the Bachelorette franchise and showed off her comic chops opposite Chris Rock, John Cena and Amy Schumer when she made her debut as host of Saturday Night Live over the weekend
Although she looked as if she was about to send the Brooklyn Nets player packing after his ‘inexcusable’ behavior at ‘the luau barbecue,’ Kim got a laugh out of the audience after sending him to the next round.
‘But, you’re also a six-time NBA All Star, and that intrigues me. Do you accept this token?’ she joked.
Among the other celebrity guests was Gossip Girl’s Chace Crawford — though Kim just used initials for the last names — as well as actual Bachelorette star Tyler Cameron.
Chris Rock was among the contestants, and she joked that their date just consisted of watching all of his stand-up specials while he mouthed along.
Old pals: Among those vying for the 40-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star’s affection was NBA star Blake Griffin, who previously dated her younger sister Kendall Jenner
Hunks: Gossip Girl and The Boys star Chace Crawford and The Bachelorette’s Tyler Cameron both competed for Kim’s affections
Comedy fan: Chris Rock was among the contestants, and she joked that their date just consisted of watching all of his stand-up specials while he mouthed along. ‘OK, this might be against the rules,’ Kim said, before admitting she connected with one of the show’s producers, which turned out to be comedian Amy Schumer
‘OK, this might be against the rules,’ Kim said, before admitting she connected with one of the show’s producers, which turned out to be comedian Amy Schumer.
She asked for Amy to accept her token to the next round, even though she’d never dated a woman before, which Amy accepted ‘with both [her] holes.’
Jesse Williams was next up, and Kim admitted she hadn’t talked to him at all that week, but he was ‘the most attractive man’ she’d ever met.
Finally, it came down to John Cena or Zeke, played by Kyle Mooney. Although she didn’t like that Cena had a wife, she still picked him.
Coasting on this looks: Jesse Williams was next up, and Kim admitted she hadn’t talked to him at all that week, but he was ‘the most attractive man’ she’d ever met
Tough call: Finally, it came down to John Cena or Zeke, played by Kyle Mooney. Although she didn’t like that Cena had a wife, she still picked him
Yikes! The sketch took a dark turn when Mooney’s character fell into a deadly pit of fire after not being chosen
‘I’m going to really need you to figure out this wife situation,’ she said. ‘But first, do you accept this token?’
The sketch took a dark turn when Mooney’s character fell into a deadly pit of fire after not being chosen.
For her monologue, Kim poked fun at her estranged husband Kanye West as she made her hosting debut on Saturday Night Live.
The reality star star opened with some searing jokes about Kanye, who has reportedly helped her prepare for the show.
She gushed that he was the ‘best rapper of all time,’ a ‘genius,’ and the ‘richest Black man in America.’
‘So, when I divorced him, you have to know it came down to just one thing: his personality,’ she joked.
Hitting close to home: Kim poked fun at her estranged husband Kanye West when she made her debut hosting Saturday Night Live
Kim’s hosting debut comes after a whirlwind week with 20-hour work days.
The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star was finally helming the decades-old sketch comedy series after being a regular target of its jokes for years.
She stepped out for her monologue in a striking hot pink crushed velvet bodysuit with that was similar to outfits she wore for photoshoots earlier in the week.
It also featured the long gloves that have become a regular fixture of some of her recent ensembles.
Kim opened up her monologue by acknowledging how some people were hesitant to see her host.
‘I know, I’m surprised to see me too!’ she joked.
Pretty in pink: She stepped out for her monologue in a striking hot pink crushed velvet bodysuit with that was similar to outfits she wore for photoshoots earlier in the week
Kim opened up her monologue by acknowledging how some people were hesitant to see her host. ‘I know, I’m surprised to see me too!’ she joked
Harsh: She joked that her ex Kanye West was the ‘best rapper of all time,’ a ‘genius,’ and the ‘richest Black man in America.’ ‘So, when I divorced him, you have to know it came down to just one thing: his personality,’ she joked
In addition to poking fun at her divorce, Kim referenced her sex tape with Ray J.
‘When they asked, I was like, “You want me to host? Why? I haven’t had a movie premier in a really long time,”‘ she said of the tape
She joked that no one told her when it was coming out.
‘It must have slipped my mom’s mind,’ she added to more laughter.
Kim also referenced her father Robert Kardashian, who introduced her to her ‘first Black person,’ O.J. Simpson.
‘I know it’s weird to remember the first black person you met, but O.J. Does leave a mark, or several, or none at all. I still don’t know,’ she joked.
The reality star rounded out her set by joking that her sisters used her body as a reference for their plastic surgeons.
A whole new world: After the break, Kim was back in a sketch inspired by Disney’s Aladdin, with Pete Davidson playing the eponymous character while she was dressed as Jasmine on a flying carpet
Not up to it: As they soared through the clouds, Pete suggested her calling him a ‘street rat’ was a slur, before admitting that he was worried he wouldn’t be able to please her — physically
Competition: Cecily Strong appeared as Jasmine’s sister Journey (‘We all have “J” names’),’ while Kenan Thompson played her boyfriend Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys, which made Pete feel even more insignificant
Wish granted: Bowen Yang also popped up as the genie, who granted Pete’s wish for a larger penis, though Kim noted that it was ‘the wrong color’ to laughter and groans from the audience
After the break, Kim was back in a sketch inspired by Disney’s Aladdin, with Pete Davidson playing the eponymous character while she was dressed as Jasmine on a flying carpet.
As they soared through the clouds, Pete suggested her calling him a ‘street rat’ was a slur, before admitting that he was worried he wouldn’t be able to please her — physically.
‘If we go all the way, you might break me. Like, my thing might just break,’ he said.
Cecily Strong appeared as Jasmine’s sister Journey (‘We all have “J” names’),’ while Kenan Thompson played her boyfriend Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys, which made Pete feel even more insignificant.
Bowen Yang also popped up as the genie, who granted Pete’s wish for a larger penis, though Kim noted that it was ‘the wrong color’ to laughter and groans from the audience.
Night out: Next up, Kim starred in a pre-taped music video in a shimmering outfit she previously showed off on Instagram. She joined Ego Nwodim, Cecily Strong and Punkie Johnson for a song about ‘boss-a** women in the club.’
She’s gone: ‘I’m in the VIP and the music is bumping. / I get up on the couch and —,’ Kim wrapped, before a jump cut showed her out like a light and splayed out on the sofa in the club
Second wind: She came back for more later in the song, but she just fell asleep on a guy’s shoulder after chatting at the bar
Feet on fire: Ego ended up with her feet in buckets of ice and thinking she could wear the same Louboutins she used to
Next up, Kim starred in a pre-taped music video in a shimmering outfit she previously showed off on Instagram.
She joined Ego Nwodim, Cecily Strong and Punkie Johnson for a song about ‘boss-a** women in the club.’
Kim and her pals were adults established in their careers who decided to relive their youth with a night out at the club, but it turned out too be too much for them to handle.
‘I’m in the VIP and the music is bumping. / I get up on the couch and —,’ Kim wrapped, before a jump cut showed her out like a light and splayed out on the sofa in the club.
She came back for more later in the song, but she just fell asleep on a guy’s shoulder after chatting at the bar.
Ego ended up with her feet in buckets of ice and thinking she could wear the same Louboutins she used to, while Cecily decided to let loose with all the food she wanted, until some dairy sent her rushing to the bathroom.
Freaky Saturday: Kim stunned in another glittering bodysuit for another pre-taped sketch titled The Switch in which she went tit-for-tat with Aidy Bryant. She wish she could slow down for once by swapping bodies, and luckily she had a magical clock to do just that
Surprise! Aidy was shocking photographers with her unkempt pubic hair poking out of a sleek yellow bodysuit
What a difference: Meanwhile, Kim was trying out Aidy’s medical-grade 200 SPF sunscreen, which had the consistency of ‘chowder’
Kim stunned in another glittering bodysuit for another pre-taped sketch titled The Switch in which she went tit-for-tat with Aidy Bryant.
The KUWTK star wish she could slow down for once.
‘I’m just so busy all the time. I just want one normal boring day, kind of like the day you have every day,’ she said.
Oddly, Kim had a magic clock that let the two switch places for one day. Suddenly Aidy was swamped by paparazzi and was studying for the Bar, while Kim was dressed as the SNL star.
While Aidy was shocking photographers with her unkempt pubic hair poking out of a sleek yellow bodysuit, Kim was trying out Aidy’s medical-grade 200 SPF sunscreen, which had the consistency of ‘chowder.’
Kim’s younger sister Khloé and her mother Kris Jenner made a surprise appearance with Aidy, though they didn’t seem to notice any difference after she decided never to switch back to her old life
‘I really love my new family!’ she said, while Kris said she was sweet. Meanwhile, Khloé was shocked to be introduced to a milkshake for the first time
Even freakier: Then Kim burst into the room and battled for the clock with Aidy, but the turmoil ended up switching the SNL star with her mother Kris
Kim’s younger sister Khloé and her mother Kris Jenner made a surprise appearance with Aidy, though they didn’t seem to notice any difference after she decided never to switch back to her old life.
‘I really love my new family!’ she said, while Kris said she was sweet.
Meanwhile, Khloé was shocked to be introduced to a milkshake for the first time.
Then Kim burst into the room and battled for the clock with Aidy, but the turmoil ended up switching the SNL star with her mother Kris.
Aidy took over as the new Kardashian–Jenner matriarch and banished Kris.
Evening news: The next live sketch took place on a local news channel with Aidy Bryant and Kenan Thompson hosting
Whoops: Kim was playing Shonda, who did the Powerball drawing, except that there was a letter that shouldn’t have been there
Does not compute: The next jackpot was announced by Rhonda (Cecily Strong), but her drawings weren’t any better, as one ball was blank and another was just the ‘Milwaukee Bucks.’ Ego played Diana Ross, who improbably had a ticket with the same nonsense symbols
The next live sketch took place on a local news channel with Aidy Bryant and Kenan Thompson hosting.
Kim was playing Shonda, who did the Powerball drawing, except that there was a letter that shouldn’t have been there.
‘Shonda, I don’t think there are supposed to be letters in the drawing,’ Kenan said, looking puzzled.
The next jackpot was announced by Rhonda (Cecily Strong), but her drawings weren’t any better, as one ball was blank and another was just the ‘Milwaukee Bucks.’
On Shonda’s next attempt, she drew multiple meatballs and bread.
Ego played Diana Ross, who improbably had a ticket with the same nonsense symbols.
In charge: After Weekend Update, Kim returned for The People’s Kourt, in which she played her sister Kourtney Kardashian as the judge of a TV court reality show
Family battle: Her real-life sister Khloé played herself as she took Kim (played by Heidi Gardner) to Kourt for stealing her makeup artist. She joked that Kim was in her Met Gala outfit, so no one could see her face
Bitter: Kris was back to sue Kylie Jenner (Melissa Villaseñor) and Kendall Jenner (played by Halsey). She took Kylie to court to get her to give birth faster, and she sued Kendall because she was too boring on KUWTK
After Weekend Update, Kim returned for The People’s Kourt, in which she played her sister Kourtney Kardashian as the judge of a TV court reality show.
‘Order, order in the Kourtney,’ she said, mimicking her sister’s voice.
Her real-life sister Khloé played herself as she took Kim (played by Heidi Gardner) to Kourt for stealing her makeup artist.
She joked that Kim was in her Met Gala outfit, so no one could see her face.
Kris was back to sue Kylie Jenner (Melissa Villaseñor) and Kendall Jenner (played by Halsey). She took Kylie to court to get her to give birth faster, and she sued Kendall because she was too boring on KUWTK.
Loved up: Kim also poked fun at Kourtney by getting intimate from behind the bench with her beau Travis Barker, played by Mikey Day
Close to home: Things got more personal when Chris Redd appeared as Kanye West, who sued Kim because she ‘hurt’ him by impersonating him, though he pronounced it like ‘hat.’ He was mad that Kim said his favorite musical was Wicked
Nailed it: Pete Davidson did an impeccable impression of his pal Machine Gun Kelly, who was with Chloe Fineman playing Kourtney’s new friend Megan Fox
Awkward! The last case on the docket was O.J. Simpson’s, with Kenan Thompson playing him. ‘Hey, how come you don’t invite me to anything anymore?’ he joked
Kim also poked fun at Kourtney by getting intimate from behind the bench with her beau Travis Barker, played by Mikey Day.
Things got more personal when Chris Redd appeared as Kanye West, who sued Kim because she ‘hurt’ him by impersonating him, though he pronounced it like ‘hat.’
He was mad that Kim said his favorite musical was Wicked.
Pete Davidson did an impeccable impression of his pal Machine Gun Kelly, who was with Chloe Fineman playing Kourtney’s new friend Megan Fox.
The last case on the docket was O.J. Simpson’s, with Kenan Thompson playing him.
‘Hey, how come you don’t invite me to anything anymore?’ he joked.
Finale: Kim’s final sketch of the night saw her playing herself in a Skims commercial. She unveiled a new line of Skims shapewear for ‘thick dogs’
Goofy: Kenan played D’Ennis, head designer of Skims for thick dogs. He brought out a big bull dog with a little brown suit, before Heidi showed off another pooch in a tan outfit
Close to home: ‘My dog used to be ashamed of how she looked, but Skims gave her confidence. And now, she’s dating Scott Disick,‘ joked Melissa
Kim’s final sketch of the night saw her playing herself in a Skims commercial.
She unveiled a new line of Skims shapewear for ‘thick dogs.’
Kenan played D’Ennis, head designer of Skims for thick dogs. He brought out a big bull dog with a little brown suit, before Heidi showed off another pooch in a tan outfit.
‘My dog used to be ashamed of how she looked, but Skims gave her confidence. And now, she’s dating Scott Disick,‘ joked Melissa
Kenan joked that the Skims for thick dogs came in all the classic colors, like ‘beige, brown, and that’s it.’
Rocking out: Halsey looked fierce in a futuristic black bodysuit with and a sever pixie cut as she performed her new single I Am Not A Woman, I Am A God
From the future: The singer, who came out as nonbinary and uses they/them and she/her pronouns interchangeably, sang to the pulsing beat with an abstract background inspired by science fiction films
Sweet: She was back for her second and final song with Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac providing acoustic guitar
Back in black: She was dressed in a voluminous black dress and a wide-brimmed hat with a veil while singing her ballad Darling
Halsey looked fierce in a futuristic black bodysuit with and a sever pixie cut as she performed her new single I Am Not A Woman, I Am A God.
The singer, who came out as nonbinary and uses they/them and she/her pronouns interchangeably, sang to the pulsing beat with an abstract background inspired by science fiction films.
The track was the lead single from her most recent album If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power.
She was back for her second and final song with Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac providing acoustic guitar.
She was dressed in a voluminous black dress and a wide-brimmed hat with a veil while singing her ballad Darling.
Her big night: Kim’s debut comes after a whirlwind week of 20-hour work days and consultations with her estranged husband Kanye West and other comedians; Kim seen leaving her hotel Saturday with Kanye following
Fox News previously reported that while Kim is ‘nervous’ about her live-TV appearance because it’s a ‘big challenge,’ though she’s ‘determined to be a success.’
Kanye has helped to calm her nerves with tips for her monologue and even the kinds of outfits she should wear during the broadcast.
Kim filed for divorce from the Donda rapper earlier this year, but they’ve managed to keep up a strong relationship when it comes to their parenting, and she has even supported him at the listening parties for his latest album.
Notably, in the promo which SNL shared on Instagram, the KUWTK star recited her name as ‘Kim Kardashian West,’ retaining her Kanye’s last name, which was also featured on promotional images put out by SNL
Working hard: Kim shared that she finished rehearsals in the early morning hours of Saturday after a 20-hour-long day
Sinking her teeth in: Kim Kardashian showcased her acting chops as she questioned whether she will ‘look the best’ in a hilarious promo for her hosting debut on Saturday Night Live
Ouch! She brutally shut down Cecily after she suggested they start a girl group. ‘We already said “no” when you pitched that backstage’
Kim will be hosting with Halsey providing the musical entertainment.
In the promo for this week’s episode, Kim jokingly played a mean girl as she shut down SNL star Cecily Strong.
‘Oh my gosh, this crazy thought just occurred to me in this exact moment right now,’ Cecily jumped in once Kim introduced Halsey. ‘Should we start our own girl group?’
The pop star firmly replied: ‘Absolutely not,’ with Kim adding: ‘We already said “no” when you pitched that backstage.’
‘Oh, you could hear me,’ Cecily replied. ‘I wasn’t sure because security had me in a headlock.’
Earlier in the day, Kim gave SNL’s fans a rare look into her preparation when she took over the show’s Instagram account.
Although she didn’t appear to be focused on rehearsals for the day, she showed off multiple stunning ensembles for photoshoots.
Pretty in pink: The long-running sketch comedy show announced a social takeover earlier this week, and Kim commenced to share a short video of herself in a hot pink crushed velvet suit
According to TMZ, Kim has been getting tips on making the audience laugh from standup icons Dave Chappelle, Amy Schumer, Ellen DeGeneres, Amy Wolf, and James Corden.
They’ve been helping her to nail her rhythm and comic timing, as well as giving her tips on things to mention in the monologue, which the host often collaborates on.
On Friday a source told DailyMail.com exclusively: ‘Kim is really apprehensive about it and wants people there she trusts who can have her back and make her feel like this is a fun experience and not some massive hurdle.’
Butt of the joke! The best Kardashian SNL skits over the years
While it may be the first time Kim Kardashian has hosted Saturday Night Live – the reality star has long been fodder for writers on the show.
Here, DailyMail.com takes a look at the some of the finniest skits poking fun at the reality TV star family…
Kristen Wiig as Kris Jenner (2011)
Arguably the best Kardashian-themed skit goes to Wonder Woman star Kristen Wiig who hilariously lampooned the family matriarch Kris Jenner. In the skit, Kristen as Kris is seen trying to get in on the fun as Kim, Khloe and Kourtney pose for sexy photoshoots. Kristen brings the house down with the line: ‘What do I have to do for attention… kill somebody?’
Nicki Minaj as Kim Kardashian (2014)
Rapper Nicki Minaj famously parodied Kim in 2014 on the Weekend Update segment, and joked about her Paper Magazine shoot. Minaj joked that the naked photos of Kim were just missing some context. She joked that they should have included the correct backgrounds against the pictures, including a doctors office, a chalkboard and a beach.
Kim Kardashian (Nasim Pedrad) and Kanye West (Jay Pharoah) were lampooned alongside Lady Gaga playing a Apple Genius employee (2013)
Kim was mocked by the show in 2013, when she was played by Nasim Pedrad. In the skit, Kanye gives a speech about how he turned a whiny Kim into an artist, philosopher, and fashion icon. Hilarity ensues when Lady Gaga shows up as a Genius Bar employee, as Kanye says she doesn’t deserve to be called a ‘genius’ like himself and his wife.
Lampooning: Cecily Strong as Kendall Jenner (2017)
One of the most welcome bashes the famous family received, was when they ripped Kendall Jenner for controversial Pepsi commercial. Considered to be tone-deaf at the time, as it seemed as though Kendall handing a beverage to a cop was the key to ending police brutality. Cecily Strong brought the laughs playing the famous model.
Gal Gadot as Kendall Jenner (2017)
Gal Gadot was also praised for sending up Kendall, when she appeared on SNL in 2017. In it, the Wonder Woman star jokes about a fictitious show called Kendall’s Model House with Gigi and Bella Hadid – where fans can watch them ‘complain around a huge bowl of fruit.’
Lookalike: Kim proved she had somewhat of a sense of humor when she met her SNL impersonator Nasim
Nasim Pedrad was SNL’s resident Kim Kardashian impersonator while starring on the show for five seasons from 2009. She later revealed to Conan O’Brien that upon meeting Kim, she was ‘was very, very scared’ but the reality star was ‘really sweet.’ She explained that Kim wanted to know one thing: ‘At one point she was like, “Do we really sound like that?” I was like ‘…No’, and she just goes, “Ohhh, good!” She was so sweet!”
Can Kim Kardashian save SNL’s ratings after dismal season debut?
Saturday Night Live is hoping Kim Kardashian’s star-power can attract a desperately needed surge in viewers, after this season’s opener earned the show’s lowest ratings in history.
While the reality star’s upcoming hosting gig has attracted a lot of buzz, it will take a ton of eyes to bounce back from last week’s dismal ratings.
According to Nielsen, the season 47 premiere is now the lowest-ranked episode among the show’s key demographic – adults between 18-49.
First time host Owen Wilson’s October 2nd episode scored a 0.92 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and 4.9 million total viewers, meaning that just .92% of that group watched the show, according to Nielsen.
Ratings magnet? SNL is hoping that this weekend’s host Kim Kardashian can help them bounce back from a dismal season opener, which earned some of the show’s lowest ratings in history
The record for the episode with the all-time fewest viewers is still held by Scarlett Johansson, but that was not a season premiere. Her episode, which aired on May 2, 2015, was watched by 4.7 million viewers.
SNL producer Lorne Michaels has been courting Kardashian to make an appearance for some time.
In August it was reported that Kim and momager Kris Jenner met up with Michaels at the Beverly Hills Hotel’s Polo Lounge.
‘Lorne wants her to do the show,’ an insider told KNEWZ , noting Michaels was hoping to get Kardashian to do the premiere.
Tanked: First time host Owen Wilson’s October 2nd episode scored a 0.92 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and 4.9 million total viewers, meaning that just .92% of that group watched the show, according to Nielsen
Historic low: The record for the episode with the all-time fewest viewers is still held by Scarlett Johansson, but that was not a season premiere. Her episode, which aired on May 2, 2015, was watched by 4.7 million viewers
Last season, Saturday Night Live jumped up from the second spot back to the top as the number one comedy show among all broadcast and cable networks.
But the show’s ratings and viewership has been sinking in recent years.
The new season opened with a sketch poking fun at President Joe Biden and the division within the Democratic Party but after four years of endless material provided to the show by President Trump, the show has been criticized last season for going easy on President Biden.
This weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by Kim Kardashian and featuring musical guest Halsey airs October 9th at 8:30pm PST/ 11:30PM EST.
From Adele to Elon Musk: A look back at SNL’s most surprising guest hosts and which of them bombed
While she may not be a singer, actor, or comedian – Kim Kardashian certainly isn’t the first celebrity that has been a surprising pick as a Saturday Night Live host.
Here, DailyMail.com takes a look at some of the most bizarre choices of SNL guest stars, and which of them bombed live of the night…
Donald Trump (2015)
Former President Donald Trump first hosted SNL in 2004, but it was his 2015 appearance that really caused a stir. The show’s decision to let a Republican Presidential nominee host was met with huge criticism and actual protests against the show. Did it pay off? Cast member Colin Jost later confessed that the episode was ‘pretty bad’ while Killam, who played Trump before Alec Baldwin, called it ’embarrassing and shameful.’ Killiam said: ‘It was rough. It was not enjoyable at the time and something that only grows more embarrassing and shameful as time goes on.’
Trump pictured on his first go at hosting in 2004
Adele (2020)
Saturday Night Live is often credited as launching Adele’s career in the States, as she happened to perform on one of the most highest-rated episodes, on September 13, 2008, when Sarah Palin hosted. However, the singer really shocked fans when she decided to host the show last October, despite not having anything to promote at the time (stars usually appear as part of a promotion trail.) The risky move paid off, as the Someone Like You singer went down a storm with hit skits such as her take on The Bachelor. However, she did receive criticism for the Africa sex tourism sketch, where she, Heidi Gardner and Kate McKinnon played divorcees lusting after African men.
Surprise! Adele shocked fans when she hosted last year
Elon Musk (2021)
The announcement of Elon Musk as host immediately caused outrage both from fans and members of the cast. Many threw shade, including popular star Aidy Bryant who subsequently posted a tweet from U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders that criticized ‘the 50 wealthiest people in America today.’ Bryant was not featured in Musk’s episode. While the end result was a mixed bag of reactions from viewers, the Tesla billionaire received praise from openly talking about suffering from Asperger’s syndrome, while his then-girlfriend, the musician Grimes, also leant her support by appearing on the show with him.
Wrong choice? Some SNL stars were less than happy with Musk as host
Paris Hilton (2005)
A both surprising and brave choice for the comedy gig – sadly Paris Hilton stab at SNL glory did not work out well. She appeared on February 2, 2005, riding high off The Simple Life and played an adulterous Barbie Doll and also Melania Trump. While her skits failed to make much of an impact, it was her behind-the-scenes behavior that was called into question. Then SNL star Tina Fey called her a ‘piece of s**t’ to Howard Stern in 2006. Mean Girls star and writer Fey called the Hilton heiress ‘awful’ and and said that she was ‘unbelievable dumb and so proud of how dumb she is.’
Pictured: (l-r) Jimmy Fallon, Paris Hilton during Weekend Update on December 6, 2008
Ronda Rousey (2016)
At the time, Ronda Rousey was a up and coming UFC star on the verge of breaking through into the mainstream when she hosted in 2016. However, the WWE champ hosted the show just a mere two months after her brutal fight against Holly Holm, and perhaps that coupled with a huge snowstorm around NYC affected her performance as reviews were dismal. IndieWire said Rousey ‘wasn’t that effective’ and that Tina Fey had ‘stolen’ the show from her. ‘Bringing in an athlete as host is always a risky move,’ the review said, but also said Rousey ‘didn’t do anything wrong’ and nailed some comic timing.
Pictured: (l-r) Ronda Rousey and Kate McKinnon as Justin Bieber during the monologue on January 23, 2016
Ron Reagan (1986)
Then-President Ronald Reagan’s son Ron Reagan was considered a surprising choice in 1986, and raised many eyebrows at the time. He opened the show ripping off Tom Cruise in Risky Business as he paraded through the White House in his underwear. Randy Quaid played his father while Terry Sweeney went in full drag as Nancy Reagan. Reports said at the time that Reagan, a former ballet dancer, was allowed to approve everything in the skits beforehand. All in all, the shock hosting gig was not a disaster, and is fondly remembered for a Back to the Future skit.
Pictured: (l-r) Randy Quaid as President Ronald Reagan, Ron Reagan during their Back To The Future skit on February 8, 1986
Nancy Kerrigan (1994)
Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan hosted SNL just a mere few months after she was infamously attacked by Tonya Harding’s boyfriend. Certainly an odd choice, TIME Magazine said Kerrigan ‘put in a supremely awkward performance.’ However, while Kerrigan may have missed the comedic mark – it was a ratings hit, also thanks to a legendary musical Aretha Franklin. Chris Farley and David Spade where also praised for their hilarious commentary of Olympic ice skating during the episode.
Nancy Kerrigan onstage during the monologue March 12, 1994
Catherine Oxenberg (1986)
Many will now recognize the name Catherine Oxenberg as being part of the hit HBO documentary The Vow about NXIVM leader Keith Raniere. But back in the 80s, Oxenberg was a hit on Dynasty playing Amanda Carrington and worthy of the SNL hosting gig. She impressed viewers by comparing her mother on the show Alexis Carrington (Joan Collins) to her famous mother in real-life, Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia. Musical guests for the episode included Paul Simon and LadySmith Black Mambazo.
Pictured: Catherine Oxenberg during the Monologue on May 10, 1986