SNL’s Kate McKinnon Had A Disastrous First Meeting With Beyonce And Jay-Z

Although Kate McKinnon was reluctant to speak to Beyoncé and Jay-Z, acknowledging “I blew it” on “The Ellen Show,” she delivered a heartfelt speech about Ellen DeGeneres with ease before presenting her with the Carol Burnett Award. McKinnon credited DeGeneres’ historic coming out as a pivotal moment that helped her feel more comfortable about her own sexuality and the prospect of pursuing a TV career. 

Their friendship began in 2013. Degeneres was so charmed by McKinnon’s impression of her that she invited the actor to perform on her talk show. McKinnon, who had revered the TV host for a long time, was shocked. “I was so nervous and weird and that was amazing that you called me,” McKinnon reminisced during a 2022 appearance on “The Ellen Show.” While she developed her impersonation, McKinnon took inspiration from DeGeneres’ carefree dance style, which helped her overcome her own anxiety about dancing onstage.

Over the years, McKinnon made numerous appearances on DeGeneres’ show. During a 2016 episode, the actor showed off her versions of both DeGeneres and Hillary Clinton, who was also a guest that day. McKinnon displayed her comfort with both women by standing next to them with her arms around their shoulders while performing her spot-on impersonations. Speaking as the talk show host, McKinnon greeted Clinton, before switching to her impression of the former presidential candidate. Clinton was particularly delighted with McKinnon’s act, laughing and applauding her enthusiastically.