Ashley Padilla Thought She’d Lost SNL After Performing In Front Of Lorne Michaels (And Seth Meyers Has A Theory Why)

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Recently, Saturday Night Live has been adding a lot of new performers, and this year’s big cast changes really highlighted that. Ashley Padilla is one of the cast members who stayed on after the shake-up, having joined during the show’s 50th season. She’s been consistently making a name for herself on SNL and is quickly becoming a favorite among viewers. Interestingly, Padilla actually thought she hadn’t gotten the job after her meeting with Lorne Michaels, and Seth Meyers has a theory about why.

Most people familiar with how Saturday Night Live chooses its cast members know that potential performers audition for, and eventually meet with, executive producer Lorne Michaels. This was the case for Ashley Padilla, as she shared with Seth Meyers on Late Night (a clip of which is available on YouTube). Padilla described being flown to New York to audition for the show, and then recounted her meeting with Michaels. After a brief, casual conversation, Michaels delivered some direct news to her.

Meeting him was surreal. He immediately asked if I had any questions, so I blurted out if he was nervous about the 50th season. He seemed a little on edge, admitting he wouldn’t relax until it was all finished. Then, pretty directly, he told me there wasn’t a place for me on the cast. I just said ‘Okay,’ he said ‘Alright,’ and I figured that was my cue to leave, so I said ‘Okay, bye.’ It was a quick, slightly awkward encounter, but I’ll always remember it!

I still feel embarrassed remembering that uncomfortable conversation. After it, Padilla learned that other performers who’d met with Michaels had received the same response. Surprisingly, she later got a call from a producer offering her the job. So, why did Michaels initially say what he did? Seth Meyers offered an explanation for the executive’s seemingly harsh behavior.

You know, I get the impression he’s really hesitant about hugs, but it’s not that he dislikes them. I think he’s just uncomfortable with really enthusiastic, over-the-top hugs. He seems like he’d prefer a more gentle, low-key embrace.

More on Lorne Michaels

Lorne Michaels is reflecting on the challenges of Saturday Night Live’s first season, recalling it as a particularly difficult time. After 51 years with the show, he’s sharing memories of those early struggles.

Though there were rumors Judd Apatow might take over from him in the past, Lorne Michaels doesn’t seem like an unfeeling person in public. He might not enjoy overly enthusiastic hugs from new cast members, though. Despite any stories you hear, it’s clear Michaels genuinely cares about the people who work on the show, both now and in the past – Pete Davidson has even spoken about Michaels’ support during difficult times.

As a huge SNL fan, I’m really impressed with Ashley Padilla. It seems like Lorne Michaels made a great call bringing her on! She’s been killing it in sketches like “Simon and Heather” and “Surprise,” and her first appearance on Weekend Update as Jo-Ann from Jo-Ann Fabrics was instantly iconic. Lately, she’s been absolutely nailing her portrayal of Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary. Honestly, she’s quickly becoming one of the show’s brightest stars, and I’m so glad her audition with Michaels went well – she thought it had been a disaster!

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Don’t miss Saturday Night Live when it returns on Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time as part of the 2025 TV season. You can also watch complete episodes by subscribing to Peacock.

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2025-12-16 03:38