Olivia Rodrigo Channels Her Inner Miranda Priestly in Hilarious SNL Promo
Olivia Rodrigo may have underestimated the demands of Saturday Night Live. Ahead of her hosting debut, the pop sensation jokingly characterized herself as a mere “glorified assistant” to the show’s veteran cast.
In a comedic promo released this Wednesday—just days before she takes the stage at 30 Rock—the Grammy-winning artist wanders through the studio halls alongside cast members Andrew Dismukes and Jane Wickline. She insists with earnest humility, “I really just want to help you guys make the best show possible. No, really, I work for you guys this week. Think of me as your glorified assistant.”
The tone shifts abruptly with the arrival of James Austin Johnson, who channels his inner Miranda Priestly. Donning a sharp blazer and a signature silver pixie cut, Johnson exudes the cold, commanding energy of the iconic editor-in-chief from The Devil Wears Prada. When Rodrigo giggles at his sudden change in demeanor, she admits, “It’s just my first time hosting, so I’m still learning about all these skits.”
Johnson’s reaction is swift and biting. He launches into a brilliant parody of the famous “cerulean sweater” monologue, lecturing the singer: “I find it sort of comical that you think these ‘skits’ have nothing to do with you when in fact your entire career has been turned into sketches by the people in this very room.”
The tension is comically cut short when Tommy Brennan rushes in to warn them that showrunner Lorne Michaels is on the premises. Abandoning his icy persona in a panic, Johnson breaks character, shouting, “Crap! Please don’t tell Lorne about this,” before scrambling to exit the scene.
The sketch arrives at a serendipitous moment, coinciding with the buildup to the upcoming Devil Wears Prada sequel. Meanwhile, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch for Rodrigo’s dual role as host and musical guest this weekend. Fans are buzzing about the potential debut of her latest single, “Drop Dead,” ahead of the summer release of her highly anticipated new album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love.
Catch the full, fashion-forward promo above.
