Maya Rudolph opened the Mother’s Day episode of “Saturday Night Live” by honoring mothers, literally.
Rudolph hosted the penultimate episode of this season of the sketch show, and began her monologue by noting that she is a mother of four. “But Maya, look — you’re not just a mother,” cast member Bowen Yang reminded her. “You are on the mom“, recalling the use of the term in queer vernacular to describe strong, ambitious women. “You were the first to slaughter the house with shoes, queen!”
“Who am I, mother?” Rudolph asked, feigning shock. “you are right!” The host then broke into a propulsive dance, strutting around Studio 8H — also known as the “House of Rockefeller” — wearing a reflective bodysuit while delivering lyrics like “Oops, I made you dance / Remember in that movie when I shit my pants?” played lines Another take on the many meanings of the word “mother”: “Who’s your favorite perky / It’s me, come on, Hanty!” / I’ll also turn this car over if you don’t stop hitting your sister.
The monologue also included appearances from cast members Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, Chloe Fineman (and her dog), and Punky Johnson, who stepped in to deliver a “gay message” that “a monologue gives a friendly body.” The show ended on the main stage, now decorated with disco balls, With Rudolph raising a fan in one of several nods to drag aesthetics, including Thompson’s MC Infinity Decor and a panel of judges issuing verdicts of “10” and “I’m Gagged.” The song alluded to pop culture touchstones like Madonna’s “Vogue” and “Renaissance.” : Part I” by Beyoncé, which also drew on dancehall culture.
Rudolph currently stars in “Loot,” a comedy series currently airing its second season on Apple TV+. Rudolph plays Molly Wells, a woman whose divorce from a Jeff Bezos-like billionaire inspires her to channel her fortune into nonprofit work. She also appears as a voice actress in If, a film written and directed by John Krasinski that will be released widely on May 17.
As a cast member of “Saturday Night Live” from 2000 to 2007, Rudolph co-starred in recurring sketches such as “Bronx Beat” with Amy Poehler, and “The Art Dealers” with Fred Armisen. She has also done impressions of celebrities and public figures such as Beyoncé, Maya Angelou and Donatella Versace.
Rudolph is hosting Saturday Night Live for the third time since leaving the show. She made her MCed debut in 2012 with musical guest Sleigh Bells, and again in 2021 with musical guest Jack Harlow. Rudolph has also had several high-profile roles over the years, including as Vice President to Kamala Harris.
Next week’s episode of “Saturday Night Live” will be the Season 49 finale, featuring host Jake Gyllenhaal and musical guest Sabrina Carpenter.
See the drawing below:
