Trump Heads to the Middle East, Falls in Love With Saudi Crown Prince in ‘SNL’ Cold Open: ‘I Love the Arabs! Get Me to Allah’s Country!’

Trump Heads to the Middle East, Falls in Love With Saudi Crown Prince in 'SNL' Cold Open: 'I Love the Arabs! Get Me to Allah's Country!'

The season finale of "Saturday Night Live" began with a political cold open featuring James Austin Johnson's Trump palling around with Saudi Arabian Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (Emil Wakim). "We've been having a lot of fun in the Middle East," Trump said, referring tohis last week's travels. He spoke about his trip, including discussing eating the local cuisine and admitting that he prefers to dine at the "Mobile McDonald's" — which is, of course, areal thing. More from Variety Michael Che Gives Humiliating Apology to Scarlett Johansson for Lewd 'SNL' Jokes: 'I Was Just Lashing Out Because I'm Jealous ... I've Never Seen a Human Vagina' 'SNL': Kanye West Parodied, Says 'I'm in the KKK Now' in Wild Sketch With Mike Myers Trump Calls Bruce Springsteen 'Not a Talented Guy,' 'Dried Out Prune' and 'Dumb as a Rock,' as American Federation of Musicians Denounces Presidential Attacks on Springsteen, Taylor Swift "I, of course, am a big fan of everything Saudi Arabia has to offer, from the oil to the money to end of list," Trump said. Trump also spoke about accepting the$400 millionAir Force One plane offered to him by Qatar, which he admitted, is "a pre-bribe," also noting that the foreign plane is much better, asking, "Have you seen what's going on withourplanes?" Trump finally laid it on thick near the end of the sketch, saying, "I love the Arabs! I love the Arabs! I don't want to go! Let me stay! Get me to Allah's country," a nod at Morgan Wallen's infamous post-'SNL'social media message. Trump then went into the audience to reflect on it being the season finale of "SNL," saying, "Season 50 — worst one yet!" "I'm here to break the fourth wall," he continued. "After tonight, you won't be seeing me here for a while — not the fake, fun version of me that makes you smile. See you again in the fall if we still have a country — it's a coin toss!" Watch the cold open below. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

byRicky Wilson

in

May 17, 2025

Trump Heads to the Middle East, Falls in Love With Saudi Crown Prince in ‘SNL’ Cold Open: ‘I Love the Arabs! Get Me to Allah’s Country!’

Trump Heads to the Middle East, Falls in Love With Saudi Crown Prince in 'SNL' Cold Open: 'I Love the Arabs! Get Me to Allah...

Read More

Scarlett Johansson brings 50th season of 'SNL' to a low-key close

Scarlett Johansson brings 50th season of 'SNL' to a low-key close

"Saturday Night Live"was more reflective than festive in the final episode of its 50th season. Scarlett Johansson, who set a record for a woman with her seventh appearance as host, used her monologue to lead most of the current cast of the NBC sketch institution in a song sung to the tune of Billy Joel's "Piano Man." The performance looked back on an eventful year that included an election, anepic anniversary specialand astar-studded concert. "Sing us a song, it's your monologue, the 50th season is through," Johansson sang, along with Bowen Yang, Ego Nwodim, Mikey Day, Heidi Gardner and others. "It's lasting forever, we did it together, and we got to spend it with you." Johansson teased, then took back, a guest appearance that would have been in keeping with the season's excess of guest stars. "Ladies and gentlemen, Billy Joel!" she shouted, before adding, "wrote this song." No post-season cast departures have been announced, so no emotional farewells were necessary, but Johansson and the cast joked in the song that Sarah Sherman would be gone. "It's been a great season and Sarah is leaving, we're all gonna miss you next year!" they sang. A stunned Sherman replied, "Wait, what? Did you guys hear something?" Johansson's husband, Colin Jost, is a writer on the show and anchor of the "Weekend Update" segment. Jost and co-anchor Michael Che returned to their annual season-finale tradition of writing and being forced to deliver wildly inappropriate jokes for each other. Johansson is the subject of many of the Che-written jokes, so this year Jost compelled Che to bring her out and apologize for once comparing part of her body to "Costco roast beef." The 50th season brought muchmedia discussionof who might run the show should 80-year-old creator Lorne Michaels ever step down. Some have suggested Jost might replace Michaels and Che forced Jost to address the issue with one of the jokes written for him. "It's SNL's 50th season, so I want to take a moment to say something to our boss," Jost said. "Lorne, retire, bitch! let me run the show." Jost also appeared in a pre-recorded, behind-the-scenes bit where Johansson has torrid sex with Yang after she confesses to Nwodim and Gardner that she has a crush on him, and learns he has only been publicly pretending to be gay "for the clout." Johansson has her heart broken when she learns Yang also has been hooking up with Nwodim, Gardner and guest starEmily Ratajkowski. In another behind-the-scenes digital short made by the three members of comedy group Please Don't Destroy, Johansson treats the trio to a first-class flight that becomes a luxe hip-hop video until the men panic when they learn they are landing at thetroubled airport of Newark, New Jersey. Musical guestBad Bunnyappears as an air traffic controller, working alone on his first day. As in nearly every episode of this season, James Austin Johnson did his impression of PresidentDonald Trumpin the cold open segment, which had him "finding love" with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Johnson's Trump broke the fourth wall and walked into the audience at the end of the bit. "It's the 'SNL' finale, season 50 — worst one yet!" he said. "See you again in the fall if we still have a country. It's a coin toss."

byRicky Wilson

in

May 17, 2025

Scarlett Johansson brings 50th season of 'SNL' to a low-key close

Scarlett Johansson brings 50th season of 'SNL' to a low-key close "Saturday Night Live"was more reflective than festive in...

Read More

Bono’s Wife and Kids Make Rare Public Appearance for Deeply Meaningful Event

Bono's Wife and Kids Make Rare Public Appearance for Deeply Meaningful Event

Bono, who is known as the lead singer and songwriter of the hit band U2, had his family with him to celebrate an exciting moment as his new documentary,Bono: Stories of Surrender, made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16. The talented Irish musician, whose real name is Paul Hewson, was joined by his wife,Ali Hewson, as well as his daughterJordanand sonElijah. His other two children,EveandJosh, didn't appear to be in attendance at the event. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 Bono and his family were dressed to the nines for the happy night, all wearing monochromatic looks that complemented one another. While Bono looked sharp in an all-black tuxedo with a matching bow at his throat, his wife and daughter went for stylish gowns that were black on top and white on the bottom, with both outfits incorporating sheer fabric and soft accents. Meanwhile, Bono's son Elijah wore a simple black suit with a white shirt underneath. Ali and Jordan don't often attend events, so their appearances at the premiere were extra special. Bono's son Elijah is more often in the public eye as a member of his band Inhaler, which released its debut album,It Won't Always Be Like This, in 2021. Bono's new documentary,Bono: Stories of Surrender, reportedly got a seven-minute standing ovation after its premiere at Cannes, according toVariety. Luckily, fans won't have to wait long to watch it, as the movie is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on May 30. Related: Bono and Catherine Zeta-Jones Serenade Michael Douglas on His 80th Birthday

byRicky Wilson

in

May 17, 2025

Bono’s Wife and Kids Make Rare Public Appearance for Deeply Meaningful Event

Bono's Wife and Kids Make Rare Public Appearance for Deeply Meaningful Event Bono, who is known as the lead singer and songwriter of the...

Read More

DWTS' Judge Derek Hough 'In Tears' As He Selflessly Gives Up His Birthday

DWTS' Judge Derek Hough 'In Tears' As He Selflessly Gives Up His Birthday

Dancing With the Starspro-turned-judgeDerek Houghturned the big 4-0 on Saturday, May 17, but he did not spend his big day celebrating with family and friends. Instead, he flew to Orlando, Florida, to raise money for kids battling cancer. In an Instagram story, Hough said that a lot of fans had been asking how he was celebrating his birthday, so he told them about the fundraiser for Runway to Hope. "I have a lot of people asking me if I'm having a big party tonight for my 40th birthday, and the truth is I am, but not for me," said Hough. "Tonight is about this amazing event that I'm hosting calledRunway to Hope. It's for kids that have cancer, battling cancer. And we're here to raise money to help, to serve them and their families, so it's an honor to be able to be here tonight. It's a privilege to be here in Orlando, Florida to do something meaningful and to give back in some way for this milestone birthday, and then we'll get to celebrating in a different way later on, but for now? Let's go raise some money for some kids." He also reposted a video that someone at the fundraiser took of him on stage, addressing the crowd. In the video, Hough said, "I want to make sure we raise as much money as possible for this incredible, incredible organization. By the way, I'm backstage in tears, this has been an incredibly moving night." We wouldn't expect anything less from Mr. Hough. Runway to Hope is a non-profit organization in Central Florida that believes "no family should battle pediatric cancer alone,"according to the website. "Through relationships with children's hospitals, Runway to Hope fosters collaborative efforts among corporations, local businesses, and philanthropists to not only raise funds and awareness, but also bring new programs and initiatives to the pediatric cancer community, all while providing direct support and aid primarily to Central Florida children and their families impacted through the Family Assistance Program," the website explains. Previous hosts for this annual event include manyDancing With the Starspros and contestants —Cheryl Burke, Lindsay Arnold, Joey Fatone, Maria Menounos, Nikki Bella, Robert Herjavecand wifeKym Johnson,Brooke BurkeandGabby Douglas, among many other non-DWTS celebrities.

byRicky Wilson

in

May 17, 2025

DWTS' Judge Derek Hough 'In Tears' As He Selflessly Gives Up His Birthday

DWTS' Judge Derek Hough 'In Tears' As He Selflessly Gives Up His Birthday Dancing With the Starspro-turned-judgeDerek Houghturne...

Read More

Michael Che Gives Humiliating Apology to Scarlett Johansson for Lewd ‘SNL’ Jokes: ‘I Was Just Lashing Out Because I’m Jealous … I’ve Never Seen a Human Vagina’

Michael Che Gives Humiliating Apology to Scarlett Johansson for Lewd 'SNL' Jokes: 'I Was Just Lashing Out Because I'm Jealous … I've Never Seen a Human Vagina'

Scarlett Johansson is finally firing back at Michael Che for all those "Weekend Update" jokes. Johansson hosted "Saturday Night Live" for the seventh time this weekend with musical guest Bad Bunny. Che, who co-anchors the recurring "Weekend Update" segment of "Saturday Night Live," writes gags for Colin Jost (Johansson's husband) to read during "joke swaps" each season — and sometimes they're at her expense. More from Variety Trump Heads to the Middle East, Falls in Love With Saudi Crown Prince in 'SNL' Cold Open: 'I Love the Arabs! Get Me to Allah's Country!' Scarlett Johansson Says Filming 'The Avengers' Felt 'Like a Big Mess' and 'Didn't Feel Cool': 'We All Looked Insane. What Are We Doing?' Scarlett Johansson Was Offered 'Sex Object' Roles 'For Years' After 'Lost in Translation,' Says Bill Murray Was in a 'Hard Place' on Set: 'Life Has Humbled Him' Now "Costco has removed the roast beef sandwich from its menu," Jost said in a "Weekend Update" bit during a December SNL episode. "But I ain't trippin'. I've been eating roast beef every night since my wife had the kid." Che and Jost opened the season finale "Weekend Update" segment by acknowledging the long-standing tradition of swapping jokes, and calling Johansson out to join them at the "Update" desk so Che could formally apologize for "comparing your vagina to Costco roast beef." "I was just lashing out because I'm jealous," Che (scripted by Jost) told Johansson. "I've never seen a human vagina. Notice I said human, because I once spent a summer on a farm." Che's self-depreciation continued: "I can't even take my hoodie off during sex because I have more nipples than a pregnant dog. When Colin discovered me, I was selling crack outside a convenience store. Now I'm selling crack outside the American Girl Doll Store." Che ended his Jost-written "Update" jokes by thanking his co-host and giving him long-overdue praise. "I've told thousands of jokes and gotten dozens of laughs, but I've never said those three little words: 'I love you.'" "I had all these cameras on me. I didn't expect the setup to be like that," Johansson told Vanity Fair about Che and Jost's "Weekend Update" bits poking fun at her. "I was like, 'Wow, you really are seventh-, eighth-grade boys.' I feel like it's almost my responsibility to come up with some way to burn Michael back. Retaliation, I'd say, should be expected. Others on the show could support this desire. Know what I mean?" With this latest hosting stint, Johansson has broken the record for the most "SNL" episodes hosted by a woman, having previously tied with Tina Fey and Drew Barrymore, who have both hosted six times. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

byRicky Wilson

in

May 17, 2025

Michael Che Gives Humiliating Apology to Scarlett Johansson for Lewd ‘SNL’ Jokes: ‘I Was Just Lashing Out Because I’m Jealous … I’ve Never Seen a Human Vagina’

Michael Che Gives Humiliating Apology to Scarlett Johansson for Lewd 'SNL' Jokes: 'I Was Just Lashing Out Because I'm Jealou...

Read More