Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig Return to ‘Saturday Night Live’ as Kate McKinnon Debuts as Host
variety.comWilliam Earl “Saturday Night Live” alums Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig joined Kate McKinnon as the latter returned to “SNL” for the first time as host, 18 months since she bowed out of the cast after a 10-year tenure.
After the cold open, which spoofed Hollywood award shows, McKinnon hit the famous Studio 8H stage and did a short monologue.
She acknowledged the awkwardness for her of coming back to her “old job” but in a different role. “My name’s Kate, hi. I used to work here,” McKinnon said, sporting a blonde bob haircut and sleek black tuxedo suit. “This is so weird to be doing the monologue.” She noted she’s not accustomed to performing as herself. “I don’t really like to talk in my own voice — that’s kind of why I got into this racket in the first place.” McKinnon also nodded to having had a “big year” since her “SNL” departure with her prominent role in the box office blockbuster “Barbie.” After McKinnon began signing the heart-tugging holiday classic “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” to “SNL” exec producer Lorne Michaels — with adapated lyrics such as “feed me figs and make me wigs/reactivate my ID” — McKinnon was joined by Rudolph and Wiig in what was clearly an emotional moment for all three stars.
Musical guest Billie Eilish is set to make her third appearance on tonight’s “SNL” since 2019. She made her debut as musical guest during Season 45 with Woody Harrelson as host.
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