Quick Read
- Tina Fey joked about Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s rivalry at the 2025 Emmys.
- Her humor softened the blow of Lamar’s loss to SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special.
- The joke highlighted Fey’s ability to blend Hollywood, hip-hop, and pop culture.
Blending Worlds: Tina Fey’s Signature Style
The 2025 Emmy Awards were a night full of surprises, memorable speeches, and a fair share of cultural touchstones. But perhaps no moment captured the room’s attention quite like Tina Fey’s presentation of the Outstanding Variety Special (Live) award. In true Fey fashion, she delivered a punchline that not only elicited laughter but also offered a subtle commentary on the cultural zeitgeist.
Standing on stage in a shimmering gown, Fey began by acknowledging the tension in the room. The nominees in her category included some of the biggest names in entertainment, from Beyoncé’s dazzling Beyoncé Bowl to Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed Super Bowl Halftime Show. But it was her quip about Lamar’s rivalry with fellow hip-hop titan Drake that set the room alight.
“If Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime special wins,” she began, pausing for effect, “I’m really going to hear it from Drake. And Drake and I are supposed to play pickleball tomorrow.” The audience erupted in laughter, not just because of the absurdity of the image—Fey and Drake squaring off on a pickleball court—but also because of the layers of meaning embedded in her joke.
The Power of a Well-Timed Joke
Fey’s humor has always been her superpower, and this moment was no exception. By invoking the long-standing feud between Lamar and Drake, she tapped into a narrative that has transcended hip-hop to become a broader cultural phenomenon. The rivalry, marked by years of subliminal diss tracks and social media speculation, represents more than just artistic competition—it’s a symbol of ambition and influence in contemporary pop culture.
But Fey didn’t stop there. Her mention of pickleball—a sport once considered niche but now a celebrity obsession—added a satirical edge. It was a deft move, blending Hollywood, hip-hop, and everyday trends into a single, cohesive punchline. The result? A joke that resonated with everyone in the room, regardless of their familiarity with the Lamar-Drake saga.
Softening the Blow
Fey’s joke also served a deeper purpose. Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show, widely praised for its political commentary and visual innovation, was seen by many as a frontrunner for the award. Its loss to Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary Special could have been a moment of disappointment, particularly for fans who viewed it as more than just a performance but a cultural milestone.
By reframing the moment with humor, Fey shifted the focus from what Lamar didn’t win to how his work continues to influence the cultural conversation—even inspiring jokes at one of television’s most prestigious events. It was a reminder of her ability to command a room, using humor as both a shield and a spotlight.
A Night of Highs and Lows
Fey’s moment was just one highlight in an evening filled with standout moments. Stephen Colbert received a standing ovation as he accepted the award for Outstanding Talk Series for The Late Show, delivering an emotional speech about love and loss. Cristin Milioti won hearts with her ecstatic acceptance speech for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series, while Tramell Tillman made history as the first Black man to win Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in Severance.
However, not all moments landed as gracefully. Host Nate Bargatze’s recurring bit about docking money from a $100,000 donation to the Boys and Girls Club of America for overly long speeches was initially amusing but quickly wore thin. And while the audience appreciated Reba McEntire’s live rendition of the Golden Girls theme song, many felt it added unnecessary runtime to an already packed show.
A Legacy of Humor and Insight
For Tina Fey, the night was another chapter in a career defined by her ability to navigate complex cultural landscapes with humor and intelligence. From her days on Saturday Night Live to her groundbreaking work on 30 Rock, Fey has always been a master of blending the personal with the universal, the absurd with the profound.
At the 2025 Emmys, she once again proved why she remains one of the most respected voices in entertainment. Her joke about Kendrick Lamar and Drake wasn’t just funny—it was a microcosm of her unique talent for making us laugh while making us think.
In an industry often criticized for taking itself too seriously, Tina Fey’s humor reminds us of the power of levity. It’s not just about the laughs—it’s about the truths those laughs reveal.