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KLG: I’ll sue Wiig for ruining my song

Posted: Monday, November 16, 2009 11:33 AM by Ryan Osborn
Filed Under: ,

From Rina Raphael

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Kathie Lee and Hoda should feel flattered instead of battered by all the spoofs of them “Saturday Night Live” has done. A new one aired live from New York over the weekend, once again showing our morning heroines – played by Kristen Wiig (as Kathie Lee) and Jenny Slate (as Hoda) – doing a rather boozy version of the chat that opens TODAY’s fourth hour.

But this time there was something new added: A spoof of “Everyone Has a Story,” the segment in which Kathie Lee salutes in song ordinary people who have surmounted extraordinary challenges. The real KLG had a few choice words to say about that, particularly when a clip ran showing Wiig-as-Kathie Lee crooning “Everyone Has a Story,” only to be vigorously pummeled by musical guests the Black Eyed Peas (Taboo even removed a shoe to get his point across).

Watchng the clip stony-faced, Kathie Lee broke a smile only when a joke at Hoda’s expense came along. “Everyone seems to enjoy it … but I don’t think it’s that funny,” she said. But what really seemed to get her goat was Hoda’s assertion that Kristen Wiig can sing.

KLG shook her head emphatically at that opinion, drawing an audible response from TODAY show crew off-camera. “Oh, it’s OK to beat the crud out of me, that’s fine,” Kathie Lee exclaimed. “But when I say ‘I’m sorry, the woman can’t sing’ – that’s a problem for you people?!

“I think I’m going to sue [Wiig] for ruining my song,” she added.

Does Kathie Lee have grounds for legal action? Watch the full response:

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Related: Video: Hoda and KLG react to 'SNL' sketch

 

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Comments

I thought the beginning was really funny. Though the end was a bit much. I felt like it was mean and out of line. Kathy Lee is a wonderful person and has a great voice. To compare her to Black-Eyed Peas is rediculous. Completely different style of music!

stacey lougman, troy, ohio (Sent Monday, November 16, 2009 10:10 AM)

I don't think the spoof was funny due to the fact Saturday Night Live and Hoda & Kathie Lee are on the same network. Yes I chuckled a little when I saw it on Saturday, but when the Black-eyed Peas started kicking and punching Kathie Lee on the ground it just wasn't cool. I'm surprised Lorne Michaels and whoever else is in charge felt it was OK to go that far with a spoof on other NBC TV personalities. And then Poor Kathie Lee has to sit there on TV this morning and watch the spoof while everyone laughed - and she couldn't make a big deal out of it or people would have accused her of being too sensitive or of having no sense of humor. I just thought it crossed the line from funny over to mean. It just wasn't cool of Saturday Night Live, or of the Black-eyed Peas - and I'm usually a big fan of both.

Tatiana Somers, NY, NY (Sent Monday, November 16, 2009 10:32 AM)

The woman on SNL can not sing like Kathie Lee and probably never will.  I have listened to KLG since her days on Name That Tune and her voice is a joy to listen too.

Gay, Columbus, OH (Sent Monday, November 16, 2009 10:38 AM)

I was really upset with SNL for their spoof of KLG and Hoda. It was poorly done! I can't believe anyone would be led to believe Hoda has no life!  She is a beautiful and intelligent woman who bring class to the show.  Kathi Lee is cute as she can be and vivacious and they make a good pair on the show.  The only thing SNL could have done better was have them both talking at the same time.  Sometimes Kathi gets a little too excited and forgets and interrupts Hoda, but that's just her enthusiasm coming out!  She just can't wait sometimes!!  Hoda is gracious to her so it all seems to work out!

Marsha Hemby, Winterville, N.C. 28590 (Sent Monday, November 16, 2009 10:48 AM)

LOL I love the SNL video. It brightened up my day.....

Amy S. Beeville, Tx (Sent Monday, November 16, 2009 11:11 AM)

Regarding the SNL skit....I have a great sense of humour but I think they went too far when they absolutely beat up Kathie Lee....validating physical violence doesn't sit well with me and shouldn't purposely be played out for ratings....I also don't think Hoda's character was played well.  Kathie Lee you're so animated and that's why you are so much fun to imitate.

Karen Kiernander (Sent Monday, November 16, 2009 11:26 AM)

I thought the spoof was funny but I still really like watching Hoda and Kathie Lee every morning.  I love the thing Kathie Lee does with her eye and Hoda is always a good sport.

Valencia, Bethany, OK (Sent Monday, November 16, 2009 11:34 AM)


I agree with Kathie Lee she has the better voice.

Deborah- Rchester,NY (Sent Monday, November 16, 2009 11:41 AM)

I am a fan of this show. I love KL and Hoda! I think the SNL spoof was funny and KL should lighten up just a bit. I don't think the character was trying to outsing you, she was just performing a parody. Take this as a compliment and laugh as we all did at this. Smooches, Glenda!

Glenda , Tampa, FL! (Sent Monday, November 16, 2009 12:13 PM)

I love Kristen Wiig and her impressions so it didn't bother me although I do agree taking it to physical violence is a bit far.  Kristen Wiig CAN sing, though.  Don't know who is better because I've never heard Kathie Lee sing.

Gina, Seattle, Washington (Sent Monday, November 16, 2009 3:41 PM)

Kathie Lee had a very honest, exasperated, yet funny reaction.

I think the spoof is funny (and KW really does have a good voice but she was singing badly on purpose)

I guess I can see both sides.

The first Hoda was much funnier though. Why they fires her is a major mystery. And this girl looks way too youthful to be playing her.

Elyse MD (Sent Monday, November 16, 2009 10:28 PM)

This is not an issue of humor, but an issue of a lack of character of anyone who finds this funny.  WHY would Kathie Lee Gifford find it amusing to watch a skit depicting herself being brutally pummeled?  Why should she be asked to "lighten up" for her purported "over sensitivity"?  
If neither NBC nor the staff of SNL understands Kathie's dismayed on-air reaction to this tasteless attempt at "humor", skit test-viewing by normal humans prior to airing should be considered.  NBC owes Kathie Lee Gifford a HUGE apology.

Michelle Shaughnessy (Sent Monday, November 16, 2009 10:44 PM)



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