Maya Rudolph Makes Triumphant Return To “SNL”

These days, Maya Rudolph stars in the new NBC hit series “Up All Night,” but fans remember her best as a former “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) troupe member. To the delight of many, this past Saturday Rudolph took to the stage and appeared as a guest host for “SNL,” bringing a few high-profile friends to boot.

SEE ALSO: Jeremy Lin Slur Was Unintentional?

Using a little help from former SNL cast mate and current “Parks and Recreation” star Amy Poehler and singer-turned-actor Justin Timberlake, Rudolph’s appearance was one of the show’s highest-rated outings, nearly besting Timberlake’s guest host appearance in 2011.

Highlights of the show include a funny Beyoncé impersonation with Jay Pharoah playing a jovial Jay-Z announcing the birth of their baby. Poehler reprised her “Bronx Beat” role with Rudolph, Timberlake, and Andy Samberg — almost stealing the show in the segment. Rudolph also gamely played First Lady Michelle Obama in a skit that barely made lift-off. Even conservative television host Bill O’Reilly mugged for the cameras in a skit along with Kenan Thompson.

Finally, Rudolph did a beautiful photo reenactment of her mother Minne Ripperton’s 1974 “Perfect Angel” album cover. Did you enjoy the performance?