No one is safe from being parodied on SNL! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most accurate, funniest, and/or entertaining parodies of singers on “SNL.”
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00:00Raise your hands, raise your voice. Give the chickens another choice.
00:06Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most accurate,
00:11funniest, and or entertaining parodies of singers on SNL.
00:21Number 20. Cecily Strong as Alanis Morissette.
00:25He's nice because he's Santa, baby.
00:29For this star-studded compilation, the SNL cast and host,
00:33Jimmy Fallon, bring out their best impressions.
00:36It's the best time of the year.
00:39This includes Cecily Strong's impersonation of 1990s star Alanis Morissette. With long hair
00:45and a fresh take on Hand in My Pocket, the performer nails the artist's overall vibe.
00:51He's mad, but he's happy. He's old, but he's kind.
00:56It also helps that Strong can hold her own as a confident and effective singer.
01:01Pairing her up with John Millhiser's parody of Billy Joe Armstrong,
01:05this funny scene gives us all pure nostalgia for another era of rock.
01:14The comedian's expert delivery and the Santa-infused lyrics only enhance the experience.
01:21Number 19. James Austin Johnson as Jay-Z.
01:24This is Jay-Z and he's downstairs.
01:27With his successful takes on the likes of Donald Trump,
01:30We've been waiting a very long time for that Negroni.
01:33James Austin Johnson stands out among a talented cast at SNL.
01:38This segment gives him a chance to show off a few unexpected impersonations.
01:43This is Batman reading Where's Waldo.
01:48Where is he?
01:49His take on Jay-Z might surprise some, but it's also super hilarious.
01:54How would you play Jay-Z?
01:57Oh, he'd be downstairs. We don't see him because he's downstairs.
02:00He even plays into the fact that he could play the rapper off-screen.
02:04Self-aware and completely absurd,
02:06this impression is a completely new take on the performer.
02:09Johnson finds a way to get laughs by only saying Beyonce's name.
02:13Beyonce!
02:15Showing that he's a versatile comedian,
02:17the cast member shines in an unlikely spin on a hip-hop legend.
02:23Beyonce!
02:26Beyonce!
02:27Number 18. Dana Carvey as Bob Dylan.
02:32For this Weekend Update segment,
02:34Dennis Miller introduces Dana Carvey's Bob Dylan.
02:38This version of the music legend speaks in funny gibberish.
02:41Listen, I need some help interpreting this part.
02:44Let's get one of the Wilburys out here. Petty?
02:45Miller even has to interpret for Dylan as the sketch continues.
02:49With the inclusion of David Spade as Tom Petty,
02:55this goofy take on rock icons keeps the laughs coming.
02:58No, no, sit a little.
03:00Time is hittin' me.
03:02I think David's cryin' should still surface.
03:06Yeah, that's right.
03:09Carvey's accent and vocal impersonation
03:11exaggerate the actual man's voice in a hilarious way.
03:20This skit trades accuracy for a free-spirited silliness
03:23that makes the whole premise that much funnier.
03:26Playing off of Spade, the lead impressionist doesn't need English to command the screen.
03:38Yes, in America too, cause I'm free! Free for you!
03:47Number 17. Will Ferrell as Robert Goulet.
03:50Breadchips of Spade. The voice is back.
03:55Channeling the crooner, Will Ferrell plays Robert Goulet as a self-serious caricature.
04:01Hoist the mainsail and scuttle the ship.
04:06This sketch puts the singer and his brothers in a production entitled Red Ships of Spain.
04:15It's a great excuse for Ferrell to sing and overact as Goulet,
04:19making this double as a critique of all washed-up performers.
04:23The comedian also plays his target opposite his daughter in one of many hilarious moments.
04:28Oh, Captain Ho, I hunger for your loins!
04:33While this impersonation might seem dated to younger viewers,
04:36it works without having to know anything about the original guy.
04:40The lead performer does a fantastic job with an impression perfect for his comedic sensibilities.
04:46That's it! Show's over!
04:48Number 16. Adam Sandler as Axl Rose.
04:51In this parody of We Are the World, the cast comes together to make fun of all kinds of singers.
04:59This includes Adam Sandler's inspired take on the Guns N' Roses frontman.
05:08The comedian has a believable outfit,
05:10but his vocal impression really captures the artist's unique style.
05:17Sandler stands out amongst strong work from Chris Farley as Carnie Wilson
05:22and especially Mike Myers' goofy Mick Jagger.
05:29Coming back later, the Happy Gilmore star rises to the high notes of Rose's famous range.
05:34You might not think of him as an impressionist,
05:36but this performer shows off here with a few well-placed notes.
05:40Number 15. Melissa Villasenor as Lady Gaga.
05:52When this comedian joins Weekend Update, she does it dressed like Lady Gaga.
05:56Here we go!
05:57This segment is supposed to be about the Oscars,
06:00but Melissa Villasenor uses it as an opportunity to do a fun Gaga impersonation.
06:05Hold on one second, Melissa, are you dressed up as Lady Gaga?
06:09What? No, I just wore this for all my Melissa monsters out there.
06:14She even has a funny back and forth with host Colin Jost about her intentions.
06:18How dare you? I'm not doing an impression, I'm Melissa.
06:21All of this sets up her cover of Shallow,
06:23the latter of which features some impressive vocals from Villasenor.
06:27Tell me something girl, are you happy in this modern world?
06:36Kyle Mooney then joins her with his own entertaining Bradley Cooper impression.
06:49Ultimately, this whole skit gives the talented
06:52performer a chance to deliver a climactic finish.
07:0714. Jimmy Fallon as Mick Jagger
07:14Come on Mick, come on, you can do this, right?
07:18When Mick Jagger stops by his dressing room, he consults his reflection for some advice.
07:22Here we are, Saturday Night Live.
07:24The latter is played by Jimmy Fallon in an entertaining performance.
07:28The impression captures the general tone of the singer's voice,
07:31but really excels because of the comedian's energetic take.
07:35Yeah, what's pointing fingers?
07:36You know, like that. I'm pointing my fingers and I'm pointing my fingers pointing at you.
07:44Jagger even appears to crack as he plays opposite the SNL cast member.
07:48From arguments to compliments, this whole conversation captures the full range of
07:52the frontman's emotions. It's also a plus to see the actual vocalist poke fun at himself.
07:57Now why don't you just put me in a bloody time capsule in 1969?
08:02I mean, you think you said the pointing fingers was style? I mean, that's completely style.
08:06Fallon flails around in a comedic scene that's both fantastical and hilarious.
08:11Pointing, pointing, pointing, pointing at you.
08:1713. Gilda Radner as Patti Smith
08:20Mick Jagger, if you're out there, this is for you.
08:25Under the name Candy Slice, Gilda Radner takes aim at punk rocker Patti Smith.
08:31We've been looking for you. Everybody's dying to meet you.
08:34This funny skit introduces the fictional artist as a chaotic personality that can't be tamed.
08:39Stumbling around in her entrance, Radner's interpretation takes a swipe at hard partying
08:45singers. She isn't afraid to be herself or burp in people's faces during a dedicated
08:50piece of comedic acting. The character might not be a carbon copy of Smith,
08:55but it does play up the rock star stereotypes in a hilarious performance.
08:59Take my wife and all that shtick.
09:03Make me die just to meet ya.
09:07Radner also sings her heart out in an intense song
09:10featuring all of the 1970s punk ethos she can muster.
09:14Rock me and roll me
09:20till I'm sick.
09:2312. Taron Killam as Eminem
09:26Assembling for a special single about Valentine's Day,
09:30Lil Wayne and Eminem join Weekend Update to talk about their collaboration.
09:34So there's nothing offensive in this song?
09:36I mean, tell him like this, man. If there was, we took it out.
09:39Taron Killam plays the latter rapper as a more pensive and nonverbal communicator.
09:46After Jay Pharoah does a verse as Wayne,
09:48Killam gets ready to complete his amazing transformation into Marshall Mathers.
09:53I'd love to. Hit it.
09:5713. The Detroit MCs Best Bars
10:02This includes a stunning performance that includes all the vocal intensity
10:06of the Detroit MCs Best Bars.
10:09It's even funnier that it all comes after a huge buildup,
10:12with the cast member waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
10:15The performer doesn't hold back and even throws in a funny surprise at the end.
10:24Nice!
10:24No, no, no, no, no. Hold on.
10:2711. John Belushi as Joe Cocker
10:35Among his funniest impressions,
10:37John Belushi totally became Joe Cocker on Saturday Night Live.
10:46He portrayed the soul singer in a pristine vocal impersonation.
10:50There's also his amazing moves, finding a way to embody the spirit of Cocker with every step.
10:5712. The Real Singer
11:06The Real Singer actually joined Belushi for a one-of-a-kind performance in the second season.
11:12Seeing the two men on stage together, we can appreciate the comedian's work even more.
11:16The comedy legend turned these wild moments into something all his own.
11:27Combining the Woodstock performer's signature sounds and move,
11:33the cast member left a huge mark on early SNL history.
11:4110. Kristen Wiig as Liza Minnelli
11:45In a hysterical Season 17 sketch entitled,
11:48Liza Minnelli Tries to Turn Off a Lamp,
11:50Kristen Wiig captures all the physical flair of the famous subject.
11:54Paired with host Jonah Hill, Wiig locks into Liza Minnelli's quirky vocal tone,
12:04complemented by some serious jazz hands and body distortions.
12:11She is constantly in motion, tapping into Liza's commanding stage presence
12:16and slightly anxious demeanor.
12:18With the constant smile and physical theatrics,
12:21Wiig's characterization couldn't be more spot on.
12:31It's truly an astute parody that captures everything Liza.
12:419. Vanessa Bayer as Miley Cyrus
12:44Hello! It's Miley, y'all!
12:46In only her second SNL episode, Vanessa Bayer unveiled her bubbly Miley Cyrus impression.
13:00And with this parody, Vanessa's not only got the Southern twang down,
13:04but also the lovable perma-grin from Miley's Disney days.
13:08I don't know if y'all saw,
13:10Of course, when Bayer later performed it when her subject hosted the show,
13:26and Miley showed up as Justin Bieber, the meta-parody became even more effective.
13:31Justin, what have you been up to lately?
13:34You know, I'm just chilling right now. Wink.
13:38With the comedian and singer placed side by side.
13:41While vocal tone is crucial for this parody, Vanessa also nails young Miley's rambling ways,
13:47and her more innocent and exuberant persona from way back when.
13:548. Maya Rudolph as Beyoncé
13:57Did somebody say my name?
13:59Over the years, this parody evolved into a classic SNL bit,
14:02so much so that it made a Season 39 cold open.
14:14As the daughter of the late Minnie Riperton,
14:16Maya Rudolph was blessed with a natural singing talent.
14:20Yet this parody is more about Beyoncé's stoic presence than anything else.
14:24With a hand on the hip and some faux wind,
14:26Maya locks into the cool and collected Beyoncé vibe.
14:43Which allows her to be a little silly with the vocalizations.
14:46Most of all, it's about the confidence regardless of what's actually being said.
14:51And so, with such physical command,
14:53Maya's scripted and improvised lines take it to the next level.
15:117. Anna Gasteyer as Celine Dion
15:14I would like to say, joyeux Hanukkah!
15:17Not bad, eh?
15:19After the massive success of Titanic and Celine Dion's iconic love song,
15:24My Heart Will Go On,
15:25Anna Gasteyer capitalized with a truly exaggerated parody.
15:37Her performance on The Celine Dion Show
15:39touches on the artist's always surprised yet confident demeanor.
15:43My life is better than I ever imagined it would be.
15:46For sure better than yours anyway!
15:49The accent is key, of course.
15:51Oh, thank you so much!
15:53But Gasteyer succeeds by capturing Celine's phrasing,
15:56making each word and movement absolutely epic.
16:00Okay, my first guest, much like me, is also a fabulous singer.
16:05Please welcome the very beautiful Mariah Carey!
16:08It began as a timely comedic bit
16:10and evolved into a recurring sketch for the SNL veteran.
16:14All in all, it's a parody that touches on Celine's likeability
16:17while highlighting her somewhat affected ways.
16:316. Kay McKinnon as Justin Bieber
16:34I know adventures and I want you to come with me on the next one, girl.
16:38With a ripe-for-parody Calvin Klein ad as fodder,
16:42Kate McKinnon barely has to speak a word to crush this impression.
16:48With the facial expressions alone speaking volumes.
16:52Of course, the fact that it's a gender-bending characterization
16:55does up the hilarity factor.
16:57This tattoo made me say owie.
17:02With Justin's soft-spoken ways and supreme posturing,
17:06the poses mean everything for this parody.
17:08There's a rhythm to the way McKinnon mimics the pop star's move
17:12that's full of the kind of contrived masculinity
17:14and childish behavior you'd expect from a young pop star.
17:18Plus, it helps that McKinnon actually kind of looks like Bieber.
17:285. Fred Armisen as Prince
17:31I see presents being opened round the tree.
17:33I see Lisa got a pair of neon skates.
17:38Over the years, the famously eccentric Prince was a frequent SNL guest,
17:43and on numerous occasions, the multi-talented Fred Armisen
17:46has immersed himself in the Prince persona,
17:49communicating all the little nuances that made the artist so captivating.
17:53Prince, hello.
17:58Prince does not want to shake hands.
18:00He wants to pretend you are a mirror.
18:02There's the voice, of course,
18:03and Armisen does nail that aspect of the impression.
18:06But it's the non-verbal behavior, the eyes, the ego, the posturing,
18:10that transcends usual parodies.
18:18Armisen is an SNL performer that often went over the top with impressions,
18:23as evidenced by his more chaotic yet memorable parody of Radiohead's Tom York.
18:32But with Prince, he keeps it tight, focused, and hilarious.
18:444. Phil Hartman as Frank Sinatra
18:51In the early 90s, old Blue Eyes was far past his prime,
18:55yet he remained a relevant figure in pop culture.
18:57And so, this Phil Hartman bit pinpoints Frank Sinatra's old-school style
19:02as he chastises numerous musicians while offering a few backhanded compliments as well.
19:14It's a remarkable parody for the look and vocal similarities.
19:18Plus, it captures Sinatra's no-nonsense demeanor,
19:21as evidenced by his rather blunt language.
19:28While some younger performers on the Sinatra group tap into early 90s trends,
19:34only a seasoned veteran like Hartman could truly perfect an older Sinatra impression,
19:39expanding on the original Joe Piscopo performance.
19:493. Jimmy Fallon as Barry Gibb
19:52Whereas some SNL parodies are more subdued and nuanced,
19:58this classic Jimmy Fallon bit hilariously overemphasizes the sounds
20:02and movements of the most famous BG, one Barry Gibb.
20:09It's a recurring sketch, and one that benefits from Justin Timberlake's appearance.
20:13But it's Fallon's frenetic energy that stands out most,
20:23as this is most definitely a disco-era parody.
20:30Like many Fallon impressions, it's loose and reminds us that it's live TV,
20:34with Jimmy pushing and pushing until someone cracks up.
20:43Pop stars often come across as pretentious and self-involved,
20:47and this parody allows Fallon to channel his inner rock star.
20:552. Jay Pharoah as Kanye West
21:03During his first season on SNL,
21:06Jay Pharoah produced one of the most stunning impressions,
21:09and one that would become a trademark.
21:13Given Pharoah's vast array of remarkable impressions,
21:21it's no surprise that he perfectly mimics Kanye West's hyper-pomposity.
21:30On his own, Pharoah kills it with this parody,
21:33but he really shines when paired with another performer.
21:36There's a subtle reference to Yeezy's physical mannerisms,
21:45but it's mostly about the rhythmic vocalizations and knowing when to extend certain words.
21:51Of course, there are the Kanye catchphrases too,
21:58and Pharoah's hilarious ability to demonstrate how Yeezy can be a bit dramatic.
22:061. Eddie Murphy as Stevie Wonder
22:29It's one thing to look and sound like a parody subject,
22:36but it's another to perfect their actual singing voice.
22:44In the early 80s, Eddie Murphy transformed from an unknown teenager
22:49into a pop culture superstar,
22:53in large part thanks to his celebrity parody sketches.
22:56With the Stevie Wonder characterization, young Eddie holds his own on the SNL stage,
23:02showcasing a raw comedic skill set that would later help him transition into cinema.
23:15Much like he did with his also iconic James Brown parody,
23:19Eddie combines improv, rehearsal, and natural talent to sell the bit and keep us laughing.
23:26Did we forget one of your favorite SNL singer parodies? Let us know in the comments.
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23:56Thanks for watching!