‘SNL’: Bowen Yang Sings ‘Defying Gravity’ Dressed as New Jersey Drone
During the year’s final episode of “Saturday Night Live,” cast member Bowen Yang appeared at the “Weekend Update” desk dressed as one of the drones that have been sighted over the skies of New Jersey — which, as co-anchor Michael Che explained, caused the FAA to issue “temporary flight restrictions” over the state.
“Wow, indoors,” Yang said as the drone. “Different.”
“So, how are you?” asked Che. “Or should I say, what are you?”
Yang replied, “No, see, we’re not going to do that. I know what I am, and I don’t have to explain myself to anyone at any time for any reason.”
“Okay, but who’s controlling you?” said Che.
“Who’s controlling you, Michael?” Yang batted back. “People are like, ‘Is a UFO? Is it a drone? Is it promo for SNL 50?’ Meanwhile, I’m just minding my own business, hovering over people’s homes, maybe filming them.”
“Dude, why are you in New Jersey?” asked Che. “Um, why is anyone in New Jersey?” retorted Yang. “Oh, right, because there’s beautiful nature and good schools! Yeah! Bet you thought I was gonna make some cheap ‘Sopranos’ joke. No, people live there, have some respect.”
“They’re saying these sightings are just manned aircrafts,” said Che.
“Alright, what’s this obsession with whether I’m manned or not?” asked Yang. “For the record, I can get a man whenever I want. Trust me, there’s no problem there. Manned, unmanned, I make it work.”
“Go ahead, ask me who I prefer to have sex with,” Yang continued. “It’s helicopters, okay? I like them because they’re like me but they’re bigger and louder. And they book a lot of TV work. I’m dating the helicopter from ‘Succession,’ if you must know.”
Yang then bemoaned how people shoot lasers at him and hide their kids. “I feel like Elphaba, for real for rea,” Yang said, evoking the heroine of “Wicked” — the movie musical in which he also stars. So naturally, he launched into a drone-inspired rendition of “Defying Gravity,” complete with green lighting. “Fine, I’ll be the villain. I’m the one you want, it’s me!” cried Yang, mimicking lyrics from the showstopping number in the hit film.
“If you care to find me, look to the Jersey sky!” Yang sang with gusto. “And nobody, in all of Jerz, no Bethanny that is or werz, is ever going to bring me down!”
Martin Short is the episode’s host with Hozier as musical guest.
