Pete Davidson, the comedian known for his stand-up, acting, and headline-grabbing personal life, recently showcased another talent – or lack thereof – on Saturday Night Live. Hosting the season 49 premiere, Davidson didn’t just deliver jokes; he delivered a full-blown musical parody of Ryan Gosling’s iconic “I’m Just Ken” from the Barbie movie, titled “I’m Just Pete.” But did this performance prove, once and for all, Can Pete Davidson Sing? Let’s dive into the hilarious skit and break down Davidson’s vocal (and comedic) performance.
The skit cleverly begins backstage at SNL, with cast members Andrew Dismukes and Punkie Johnson humorously questioning Davidson’s hosting gig. Referencing his recent show Bupkis and its seemingly low viewership despite featuring stars like Joe Pesci and Edie Falco, their banter sets the stage for Davidson to address his public persona and career anxieties through song.
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Dressed in a blonde wig and channeling a shirtless Ken, Davidson appears in a pink Barbie dreamhouse setting. The lyrics of “I’m Just Pete” immediately address the initial joke and launch into a self-deprecating exploration of Davidson’s public image. “No one cares about the work I do, I made a show with Joe Pesci too and no one streamed it but my mom,” he sings, highlighting his comedic persona built on vulnerability and self-awareness. The song continues with witty lines about his personal life, including a reference to calling Colin Jost while high and jokes about his appearance.
Moving beyond the initial scene, the skit expands into a full musical number. Davidson, now fully clothed and joined by SNL dancers in a Barbieland setting, continues his comedic exploration through song. He touches on his dating life, his reputation, and even the online moniker “Skete” given to him by Kanye West during his relationship with Kim Kardashian. The skit cleverly incorporates a visual gag with Kanye West’s image flashing on screen during this line, adding another layer of humor for pop culture enthusiasts.
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The parody then takes another turn, featuring a “Pete army” comprised of SNL cast members playing different versions of Davidson, including “Met Gala Pete” and “Black Pete.” This segment further emphasizes the self-parody element, with Devin Walker’s “Black Pete” questioning the simplicity of his assigned persona adding to the skit’s comedic absurdity.
Davidson also doesn’t shy away from referencing his personal struggles. In another scene set in a pink rehab office, he sings about his recurring rehab stints, delivered with his signature blend of dark humor and honesty. The skit further mirrors the Barbie movie’s iconic dance sequence, with Davidson and dancers recreating Ken’s routine in a blue studio, complete with “B.D.E.” (Big Dick Energy) flashing on screen – a playful nod to internet slang and Davidson’s perceived persona.
The “I’m Just Pete” parody concludes back in Barbieland, with Davidson continuing to riff on his public image, dating life, and decision to delete his social media accounts for his mental health. The skit ends with a humorous car crash, referencing Davidson’s real-life car accident earlier in the year, bringing the self-deprecating humor full circle.
So, can Pete Davidson sing? The skit isn’t exactly a vocal showcase in the traditional sense. Davidson isn’t hitting operatic notes or displaying technical singing prowess. However, that’s entirely the point. His singing is intentionally comedic, slightly off-key, and perfectly in line with the parody’s humorous and self-aware nature. He’s not trying to be Ryan Gosling vocally; he’s using singing as another comedic tool to deliver jokes and poke fun at himself and his public persona. In this context, Davidson’s singing is not about vocal ability but about comedic delivery and performance. He successfully uses the parody song to amplify the skit’s humor and connect with the audience on a comedic level. Therefore, while Pete Davidson may not be winning any singing awards soon, he undoubtedly can sing – comedically, effectively, and hilariously – when the role calls for it.
