Kate McKinnon’s Heartwrenching SNL Performance of “Hallelujah” Will Make You Cry

No one does Hillary Clinton quite like Saturday Night Live‘s Kate McKinnon (other than, you know, Hills herself). In the first episode of SNL since the election, the comedian was back in her white pantsuit, once again portraying Hillary (who we might soon see supporting daughter Chelsea’s political career) to a tee.
There was one major difference this time around, however: The skit had most people in tears rather than fits of laughter. Taking a somewhat unexpected approach after the history-making election results, the episode got rather poignant as Kate’s Hillary took to the piano to sing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” as can be seen in the clip below.
WOW. Not only was the performance a beautiful tribute to Leonard, the legendary poet and artist who passed away earlier this week, but it seemed to perfectly sum up how much of the nation is feeling RN, a fact Jamie Lee Curtis couldn’t help but point out on Twitter.
I woke up to #katemckinnon delivering the emotions and hope so many are feeling. Thank you Leonard Cohen and #SNL! https://t.co/oRu55qTD49
— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) November 13, 2016
“Thank you Leonard Cohen and #SNL!” she wrote. She was by no means the only one who was utterly moved by the moment. Although there was a LOT of buzz surrounding funnyman Dave Chappelle making his hosting debut, the spotlight soon shifted to Kate’s moment on stage, with fans praising the show, Kate and Hillary.
Not since 9/11 have I ever been as moved by #SNL. Thank you #KateMcKinnon, we needed that. Thank you #Hillary. #RIPLeonardCohen. ❤
— Jennifer Wagner (@Jenndwag) November 13, 2016
Kate McKinnon as Hillary singing Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, then Dave Chapelle on Trump. The best 15 minutes of SNL I’ve ever seen.
— Adam Conover (@adamconover) November 13, 2016
I hope Hillary watched Kate McKinnon's opening & knows how much she's loved. How much we ALL love her. #SNL
— Laurie Crosswell 🌞 (@lauriecrosswell) November 13, 2016
Yet no matter what folks thought of the performance itself, the simple yet extremely powerful message Kate delivered at the end of her rendition of “Hallelujah” was the real kicker. It came in the form of a single sentence and, if you ask us, it was perfect: “I’m not giving up, and neither should you.”
“Hallelujah” to that!
What did you think of last night’s SNL episode? Tweet us @BritandCo.
(h/t Hollywood Reporter, photos via Saturday Night Live via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty)
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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