Alicia Keys Continues 'Digital Short' Tradition On 'Saturday Night Live'

January 18, 2010

Are you watching a video on the Internet right now? Does it have a gorgeous R&B star in it? How about a socially awkward character played by Andy Samberg? Is it viral-vid goodness? If you said yes to all three of these criteria, then you my friend are watching an "SNL Digital Short."

	This past weekend's "Saturday Night Live" (hosted by a fumbling yet charismatic Charles Barkley) continued the tradition of musical guests showing off their comedy acting chops. This week's skit featured musical guest Alicia Keys playing a fictionalized version of herself who, after an alcohol-fueled night out, decides to side with her visceral needs over her better judgment and makes the ubiquitous booty call. Lo and behold, a lispy Andy Samberg — sporting a Ringo Starr wig and a frilly shirt — answers the phone. Spoiler alert: Comedy ensues.

The skit conjures up similarities to another hit video from the Lonely Island crew from a few weeks ago that featured then musical guest Rihanna. In "Shy Ronnie," Samberg teamed up to perform with the singer as another social misfit, though this time as a character suffering from a crippling shyness rather than a case of extreme flamboyancy. source: newsroom.mtv.com