Lorne Michaels, the renowned creator of Saturday Night Live, faced a potential conflict with pop sensation Taylor Swift, according to a recently published Vulture profile on February 14. This article comes just ahead of the much-anticipated SNL 50th-anniversary special, where the legacy of this iconic sketch comedy show will be celebrated.
Diving into the rich history of SNL, the profile reveals a notable incident from 2015, when the pop icon personally reached out to Michaels. Swift requested the removal of a sketch that humorously targeted her well-known girl squad. Initially, the showrunners had approached Swift to invite her to participate in the skit. However, not only did the 14-time Grammy winner decline the offer, but she also expressed her desire for the entire sketch to be scrapped, showcasing her influence in the entertainment industry.
Michaels’ witty retort to Swift was memorable, as he reportedly said, ?Taylor, I do not negotiate with terrorists.? This playful yet bold response was delivered while he casually tossed a piece of popcorn into the air, catching it effortlessly in his mouth, demonstrating his trademark humor amidst the tense situation.
Billboard has reached out to Taylor Swift?s representative for additional comments on this intriguing encounter. Swift’s influence and star power continue to spark conversations in the media and among fans alike, reflecting her significant role in contemporary pop culture.
That same year, SNL aired two memorable sketches centered around the “Karma” singer’s friend group. These sketches became a cultural phenomenon, largely due to the popularity of Swift’s ?Bad Blood? music video, which featured an ensemble of her celebrity friends. Swift?s 1989 World Tour further amplified this camaraderie, as she often invited her squad members to join her on stage, blending music and friendship in a unique way. One sketch humorously envisioned a dystopian future where Swift and her entourage dominated the world, with cast member Kenan Thompson dramatically narrating, ?First it was the models, then the athletes, then it was everybody?Police, the fire department, Matt LeBlanc.?
In another hilarious skit, comedy legends Amy Poehler and Tina Fey parodied Swift’s iconic ?Bad Blood? music video, featuring their own quirky rendition of a ‘squad.’ Instead of Swift’s glamorous models and actresses, they humorously included their nannies, gynecologist, and comedian Amy Schumer, showcasing their comedic talents while playfully critiquing the concept of celebrity entourages.
Following the airing of the controversial sketch, Swift took a light-hearted approach to mend any perceived rift with Michaels. The day after the show’s broadcast, Michaels received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Swift, accompanied by a thoughtful note stating, ?I hope there?s no bad blood,? signaling that all was well between the two, despite the previous tension.
This weekend, the iconic Saturday Night Live will celebrate its milestone SNL50 anniversary special, featuring performances by legendary artists like Paul McCartney, Sabrina Carpenter, Miley Cyrus, and many other celebrity guests. Over its remarkable 50-year history, Swift has graced the SNL stage multiple times, starting with her dual debut as host and musical guest in 2009, followed by performances in 2017, 2019, and 2021, solidifying her status as a staple in the show’s illustrious roster.
