Kenan Thompson impersonates Kanye West in SNL, leads to colorful reactions
Saturday Night Live's season 50 finale brought a mix of laughter and tension as it revisited its long, complicated history with rapper Kanye West. The episode opened with a nervous Mike Myers trapped in an elevator with Kenan Thompson's sharp impersonation of Kanye, prompting both awkwardness and biting humor.
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Scarlett Johansson, playing a tourist, witnessed the unfolding reunion, which harked back to some of SNL's most unforgettable moments involving the outspoken musician. This reunion not only reflected the evolving public persona of Kanye West but also revealed the lasting impact of his controversies on the comedy world.
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Revisiting the infamous Hurricane Katrina moment
The sketch referenced the unforgettable 2005 Hurricane Katrina telethon when Kanye West shocked millions by stating, 'George Bush don't care about Black people.' Myers, visibly uncomfortable, recalled that moment, poking fun at his own stunned silence. This historic moment remains etched in SNL lore as one of the most unexpected live television incidents. The skit cleverly used humor to revisit that tension, showing how the entertainment industry still grapples with Kanye's unpredictability and bold statements.
The complex relationship between Kanye West and SNL
Kanye West's appearances on SNL have always been layered with drama. After the telethon incident, he returned as a musical guest seven times, often delivering innovative performances. However, their relationship deteriorated sharply following his 2018 MAGA hat rant. Wearing the red 'Make America Great Again' cap, Kanye launched into an unscripted monologue supporting Donald Trump, leaving the cast visibly uncomfortable.
Cast members like Kenan Thompson and Ego Nwodim have since described their unease during that episode. Thompson said, 'It would have been cool if he just did the music thing, and spoke through the hat.' Nwodim's experience was especially poignant, noting that she was the only Black cast member remaining while others left the stage in protest.
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Legacy and fallout: beyond the sketch
The ongoing feud between Kanye and SNL highlights the broader cultural and social complexities surrounding the rapper's public persona. After the 2018 incident, Kanye has not appeared on the show, but the legacy lingers. The sketch's subtle nod to this fraught history reflects SNL's ability to engage with current events and personal controversies through satire. Meanwhile, Kanye's ex-wife Kim Kardashian's 2021 hosting debut added another layer to this saga, as her romance with Pete Davidson made her a focal point of Kanye's online attacks.
The episode not only revisited historic tensions but underscored the challenges of navigating celebrity controversies in live television. SNL continues to be a cultural barometer, using humor to process difficult conversations about race, politics, and fame.
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