Kate McKinnon Reveals How Justin Bieber’s Songs Kept Her Awake on SNL: A Hilarious Behind-the-Scenes Insight

Kate McKinnon’s Legendary SNL Career and Dedication to Comedy

Kate McKinnon has been a cornerstone of Saturday Night Live (SNL) for nearly a decade, captivating audiences with her sharp comedic timing, brilliant impressions, and commitment to physical humor. From her unforgettable portrayal of Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential election to her iconic characters like the close encounter alien abductee, McKinnon’s versatility has cemented her place as one of the most beloved SNL cast members in the show’s long history. Throughout her tenure, McKinnon has become known not just for her on-screen performances, but also for the intense work ethic she brings to each episode, staying up for long hours and pushing herself to deliver comedic gold week after week.

However, as McKinnon has recently revealed, staying awake and energized through the grueling production schedule of SNL isn’t always easy. In a recent interview, she opened up about one of her unusual tactics for combating fatigue during the all-night writing and rehearsal sessions: listening to Justin Bieber’s music. Known for her quirky sense of humor, McKinnon’s revelation that Bieber’s catchy pop tunes helped her stay awake and alert during the long hours of preparation offers a humorous glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of SNL and the lengths to which performers go to stay on top of their game. McKinnon’s ability to navigate the demanding environment of SNL while consistently delivering stellar performances is a testament to her dedication to her craft. Her playful admission about using Justin Bieber’s music as an energy boost further illustrates the lighter side of what can be an incredibly intense and exhausting job. Fans of both McKinnon and SNL are intrigued by this fun detail, which humanizes one of comedy’s most enigmatic stars and gives a sneak peek into the unique ways performers handle the pressures of live television.

How Justin Bieber’s Music Became Kate McKinnon’s Secret Weapon

Kate McKinnon’s method of using Justin Bieber’s music to stay awake during SNL rehearsals might seem unusual, but it’s not surprising given how music can energize and motivate people in a variety of contexts. Bieber, with his infectious pop songs, upbeat melodies, and dance-worthy rhythms, has created a catalog of music that easily lends itself to boosting one’s mood and energy levels. For McKinnon, who often had to power through exhausting writing sessions and late-night rehearsals, turning to Bieber’s music provided just the right jolt of energy to keep her going through the night. In the interview, McKinnon humorously described how Bieber’s music became her personal fuel during the late hours when her energy was flagging. She playfully noted that songs like “Sorry” and “What Do You Mean?” were particularly effective in keeping her alert and focused. It’s easy to imagine McKinnon, known for her quirky and vibrant personality, dancing around the SNL writers’ room to Bieber’s catchy beats, using his music to power through the fatigue that comes with creating sketch comedy under immense pressure. McKinnon’s love for Justin Bieber’s music offers a lighthearted contrast to the often grueling and serious work that goes into creating SNL episodes. The fast-paced nature of live television means that every cast member has to be ready to perform at their best, often with little sleep and under tight deadlines. For McKinnon, finding humor in her own process—like using pop music to stay awake—adds a fun, relatable element to the otherwise intense work of late-night comedy production.

The Role of Music in Creative Processes on SNL

Music has always played an important role in the creative environment at Saturday Night Live. From live musical performances by top artists every week to the importance of soundtracks and songs in many sketches, music and comedy have a symbiotic relationship on the show. For McKinnon, using music as part of her creative process was a natural fit, and her fondness for Justin Bieber’s songs is just one example of how performers and writers on SNL use different forms of art to fuel their creativity.

In addition to being a mood booster, music can also inspire new ideas and fresh perspectives. For a show like SNL, where creativity needs to be constantly flowing and each week brings a new set of challenges, having an energetic playlist can make a big difference. McKinnon’s choice of Bieber’s upbeat and sometimes humorous tracks could have helped spark ideas for her many sketches, allowing her to stay in a playful, energetic headspace. The collaborative and often chaotic nature of SNL means that writers and performers must constantly be on their toes, and music can serve as a grounding or energizing force. McKinnon’s reliance on Bieber’s music highlights how SNL cast members and writers find their own unique methods for tapping into their creativity, even when they’re operating on little sleep. The mental and physical endurance required for the show is intense, and any tool—whether it’s caffeine, music, or quick naps—becomes crucial in maintaining the high-energy performance that live television demands. For McKinnon, Bieber’s music served as both a practical tool and a fun, unexpected source of motivation in the hectic world of sketch comedy.

Kate McKinnon’s Humor in Everyday Life: Finding Joy in the Simple Things

Kate McKinnon’s admission that she relies on Justin Bieber’s music to stay awake is a perfect example of her ability to find humor in everyday life. Known for her eccentric characters and over-the-top impressions, McKinnon has always brought a sense of playfulness and irreverence to her work. This revelation about her pop music preference underscores McKinnon’s natural sense of humor and her ability to laugh at herself—even in the middle of a chaotic production schedule. One of the reasons McKinnon has resonated so deeply with audiences is her willingness to embrace her quirks and oddities. Whether she’s portraying an alien abduction victim or channeling political figures like Rudy Giuliani, McKinnon’s comedy thrives on pushing boundaries while maintaining an inherent relatability. Her choice to use Justin Bieber’s music as a way to combat exhaustion shows that even in the midst of intense work, McKinnon finds joy in the small things—like a catchy pop song—and isn’t afraid to let that joy become a part of her process. In a broader sense, McKinnon’s reliance on music to keep herself going during long nights speaks to the universal experience of needing a pick-me-up to power through tough times. Whether it’s a favorite song, a cup of coffee, or a pep talk from a friend, everyone has their own go-to sources of motivation. McKinnon’s choice to be open about this aspect of her SNL experience allows fans to see her as not just a brilliant performer, but also someone who deals with the same challenges of exhaustion and creativity that so many others face in their own lives.

The Enduring Impact of Kate McKinnon on SNL and Comedy

Kate McKinnon’s impact on SNL cannot be overstated. Over the course of her time on the show, she became one of the most iconic and versatile cast members, able to switch seamlessly between political impressions, off-the-wall characters, and heartwarming moments. Her dedication to her craft, willingness to push comedic boundaries, and ability to fully commit to each role made her one of the brightest stars in the show’s long history. McKinnon’s openness about using Justin Bieber’s music to stay energized during SNL rehearsals is just one example of the many ways she has approached comedy with a sense of fun and a refusal to take herself too seriously. This playful attitude is a large part of what made her so successful on SNL and why fans continue to follow her career with enthusiasm. Even as she has transitioned to new roles outside of SNL, McKinnon’s influence on the show remains, with newer cast members undoubtedly looking to her as an example of how to combine hard work with a sense of humor and joy. As she continues to explore new projects in film and television, McKinnon’s legacy at SNL is secure. Her ability to find humor in everyday situations, including something as simple as listening to Justin Bieber to stay awake, has endeared her to audiences and cemented her place as one of the most innovative and entertaining comedians of her generation. Whether she’s creating memorable characters or finding motivation through music, McKinnon’s contributions to come