Justin Timberlake a frequent guest on Saturday Night Live found himself in a comical situation in November 2008. Andy Samberg contacted Timberlake about participating in a sketch conceived by Bobby Moynihan. The sketch idea involved Timberlake Samberg and Moynihan as Beyoncé's background dancers who were initially rejected.
Timberlake recounted in the documentary "Ladies & Gentleman… 50 Years of SNL Music" that Samberg described Moynihan's idea as featuring them as unselected background dancers for Beyoncé . Timberlake's initial reaction to the prospect of wearing a full leotard was met with amusement and agreement to proceed with the sketch.
However convincing Beyoncé to participate in this humorous concept proved challenging. Bowen Yang an SNL star noted the potential difficulties in involving musical guests in sketches. Timberlake confirmed Beyoncé's initial reluctance. She was hesitant about the idea despite being polite. Timberlake felt confident in the sketch's comedic potential and its future reception.
Determined to secure Beyoncé's participation Timberlake took an unusual step. He donned the leotard heels and hose intended for the sketch. Wearing a robe he approached her door revealed his attire and struck a pose. Beyoncé's surprised reaction "No you didn't!" marked a turning point. She agreed to participate and the sketch became an SNL moment.
The Iconic Saturday Night Live "Single Ladies" Sketch Featuring Justin Timberlake Andy Samberg and Bobby Moynihan
The sketch aired on November 18 2008 episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by Paul Rudd. It featured Rudd as the director of Beyoncé's " Single Ladies " music video introducing her to her new backup dancers played by Timberlake Samberg and Moynihan.
In the sketch Rudd reassured Beyoncé about the dancers calling them "pros". Timberlake Samberg and Moynihan then entered in black leotards white tights and black heels. They greeted Beyoncé as the dancers. The scene transitioned to the music video filming where Beyoncé performed her signature dance while the three men attempted to follow.
The humor escalated as Beyoncé repeatedly stopped filming expressing dissatisfaction with the backup dancers. Rudd's character eventually revealed that the dancers were his stepsons explaining his wife's wish for him to spend more time with them. Despite this revelation Beyoncé declined to have them in her music video delivering a comedic "Hell no".
The "Single Ladies" sketch became widely recognized and celebrated as a highlight featuring a musical guest on SNL. Samberg mentioned in a podcast that they encouraged Timberlake to approach Beyoncé due to their similar celebrity status and Timberlake's willingness to wear a leotard to honor her. He described Beyoncé as sweet and delightful and expressed confidence that the sketch would be well-received.
Justin Timberlake Helps a Fan with a Memorable Gender Reveal During Concert
Beyond his SNL comedic moments Justin Timberlake recently created a personal memorable moment for a fan during a concert in Salt Lake City. A long-time fan since his NSYNC days attended his concert with front row seats.
The fan considered that her proximity to the stage might allow Timberlake to see a sign. She decided to create a sign asking him to assist with her gender reveal . Remarkably Timberlake noticed her sign and agreed to participate in the reveal.
The fan and her husband had previously kept their children's genders a surprise until birth. However inspired by the concert opportunity they brought an envelope containing the gender information. During the concert Timberlake announced to the audience and the expectant parents that they were having a girl.
The gender reveal became a shared moment of joy for the fan her family and even strangers online. Her husband recorded the event and shared it on social media. The video gained unexpected traction being shared widely beyond their immediate circle. Despite the viral attention the fan and her family are excited about welcoming a new baby girl and the unique story of her gender reveal with Justin Timberlake's help.