RuPaul’s recent appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” took a delightfully unexpected turn when he performed a humorous impression of Maya Rudolph’s late mother, Minnie Riperton. Known for her 1975 hit “Lovin’ You,” Riperton’s legacy includes a famously high note that RuPaul took on with his signature flair.
In a memorable segment, RuPaul, who is currently hosting episodes of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” decided to pay tribute to Riperton in his unique style. Rather than diving into the highly anticipated Kamala Harris impression that Rudolph will bring back to “Saturday Night Live” next month, RuPaul chose to showcase his own take on Riperton’s iconic high note.
The moment came about five minutes into the interview when RuPaul, fully embracing the theatrics, began to sing the concluding notes of “Lovin’ You.” As RuPaul prepared for the note, he humorously acknowledged, “Uh, I’m going to start low,” to which Rudolph replied, “Yeah, you better start low.”
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True to his flamboyant style, RuPaul opted to scream the final note rather than sing it, causing a burst of laughter from both himself and Rudolph. In response, Rudolph theatrically lifted her hair as if the force of the scream had blown it back.
The audience and social media users on X (formerly Twitter) had a blast with the bit, commenting on the hilarious shift in energy when RuPaul smoothly transitioned to asking about Rudolph’s father, Richard Rudolph. The contrast between the dramatic musical display and the sudden, composed inquiry about Rudolph’s father led to a flurry of amused reactions online.
Some users noted the stark change in tone, with comments like, “The transition to ‘what’s your father doing’ was crazy 😂” and “The immediate 180 to going back to asking questions 😭.” Others appreciated the comedic timing, calling it “art” and comparing RuPaul’s antics to the eccentric interview style of Jiminy Glick.
Minnie Riperton, who passed away from breast cancer in 1979 at the age of 31, left a lasting impact with “Lovin’ You,” a reworked lullaby she used to sing to her daughter Maya. The song’s outro features Riperton tenderly repeating “Maya, Maya,” a touching reminder of the deep bond between mother and daughter.
RuPaul’s playful homage to Riperton, combined with Rudolph’s perfect reaction, made for a memorable and heartwarming moment on television, celebrating a legendary artist and her enduring legacy.
