One of the most unforgettable moments in Saturday Night Live (SNL) history came in 2008,
when Beyoncé joined the cast for a hilarious parody of her hit song “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).”
While the sketch has since become legendary, it almost didn’t happen due to the superstar’s initial reluctance.
Justin Timberlake, however, played a pivotal role in persuading Beyoncé to embrace the idea, which became a fan-favorite moment that still resonates today.
In the documentary Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music,
which aired during the SNL 50th anniversary celebrations, Timberlake revealed the behind-the-scenes story of how the sketch came together.
It all started with a text from his former Saturday Night Live collaborator, Andy Samberg, who had worked with Timberlake on the famous “Dick in a Box” sketch. Samberg pitched the idea for a parody of Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” music video, featuring Timberlake, Samberg, and SNL cast member Bobby Moynihan as her background dancers. The only problem? Beyoncé was initially hesitant about the concept.
“He was like, ‘Bobby Moynihan has this great idea for a sketch about you, me, and him being Beyoncé’s background dancers for ‘Single Ladies’ that never made the cut,’” Timberlake recalled in the documentary. “And I was like, ‘Full leotard?’ And he said, ‘Yeah.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, this is too funny. Like, we have to do this.’”
Despite the excitement, Timberlake had to personally convince Beyoncé that the sketch was going to be a huge success. He recalled how he showed up at her dressing room on the day of the shoot, donning a black leotard, pantyhose, and high heels—complete with a robe covering the entire outfit. Timberlake had to sell it in person to convince Beyoncé to go along with the idea.
“I knocked on her door. I walked in, and I threw the robe down, and I put my hands on my hips,” Timberlake explained. “She was like, ‘No, you didn’t.’” Beyoncé’s initial reaction was one of disbelief, but Timberlake’s bold move worked—she laughed at the sight of him and finally agreed to go forward with the sketch.
The resulting SNL moment was nothing short of iconic. Timberlake, Samberg, and Moynihan—dressed in full “Single Ladies” outfits—performed the famous choreography with full enthusiasm. The sketch, which featured Paul Rudd as a music video director introducing Beyoncé to her backup dancers, became an instant classic. Their perfectly executed dance moves, combined with the absurdity of seeing male performers in leotards and heels, left audiences in stitches.
The sketch’s success wasn’t limited to SNL fans. Even former President Barack Obama later referenced the moment during a conversation with Beyoncé at his 2009 inauguration. “I’m not like Justin—I didn’t put on the outfit,” Obama joked to Beyoncé. “I didn’t want my girls thinking that I couldn’t, y’know—I got a little something.”
While Beyoncé was initially hesitant, the performance was a huge hit. The skit, along with her own energetic performance of “Single Ladies” later that evening, cemented its place in SNL history. It also marked an enduring partnership between Beyoncé and the show, showcasing her ability to embrace comedy and satire, as well as her iconic dance moves.
Timberlake’s efforts to convince Beyoncé to embrace the parody paid off in the best way possible, turning a simple sketch idea into one of the most talked-about moments in SNL history. The influence of the sketch has continued to resonate over the years, as even years later, fans still look back fondly on the hilarious image of Timberlake and his fellow dancers in full “Single Ladies” regalia.
Today, the “Single Ladies” parody stands as a testament to the power of comedic collaboration and the unique chemistry between Beyoncé, Timberlake, and the SNL team. Timberlake’s behind-the-scenes antics and persistence helped create a pop culture moment that will never be forgotten.
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