SubscribeWhere's Justin Timberlake's SNL 'Single Ladies' video?
If you're one of the thousands (perhaps millions) of people who searched the Web for Justin Timberlake's hilarious "Saturday Night Live" performance as a leotard-clad, high-heeled dancer upstaging Beyonce in her “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” music video, here’s the latest buzz:
An "SNL" insider tells a GaySocialites source that Timberlake only agreed to do the piece for a "set price," and that means he would get "performance residuals" for any further distribution of the skit.
If that's true, it explains why the hysterical video was removed from YouTube Monday (but not before it got 600,000 hits) and perhaps why it vanished from embedded spots on websites around the world.
It also may explain why the skit is not featured anywhere on the NBC.com website, although another Timberlake skit, Weekend Update, is are available for viewing.
But now, mysteriously, NBC.com has posted a Web exclusive, "SNL Backstage" Justin Timberlake video in which you can see a few seconds of the dance video skit, along with some banter with Justin and Andy Samberg, his dance partner, talking about the skit and the song. Check it out.
Was this possibly done to placate angry viewers wanting to see the dance video skit? Probably. Who can blame blame Justin for wanting to get paid for his work, especially when it's his amazing dance moves.
THIS JUST IN. An email from the Blackberry of NBC publicist Michael Liepis clears it all up. Kinda.
"The story you're citing is completely untrue. Sorry Gaysocialites.com. The reason that sketch isn't online is a simple music clearance issue."
So there you go.
But it’s a shame that so many Timberlake fans won’t be able to see the whole enchilada. What's your only hope thus far?
Keep reading...
It's not Obi Wan Kenobi.
It’s a pal who has kept the show stored on his or her Tivo or DVR and won't mind having you over to watch it over and over and over again.
Start making those calls now.
For her part, Beyonce says she's "in awe" of Timberlake.
"I still can't believe he did that," Beyonce told People.com."He was incredible. We rehearsed it two times. He picked up the choreography. He has this photographic memory. He could probably kill it if he wanted to."
More Justin Timberlake:
Justin Timberlake boozing in Belfast?
No sparks for Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears at Madonna's concert
Justin sings "Vote in a Box" for Obama
Justin talks about marriage and Britney!
Madonna pulls down Justin's pants, raves about his junk!
Photos: NBC.com
Once again, NBC cuts off its nose to spite its face. With thousands of fans (Justin fans! SNL fans! *Potential* SNL fans!) combing the Net to find this clip, would NBC really prefer that *no one* got to see it, rather than pay one performer a residual for his performance?
Posted by: Pope Buck | November 20, 2008 at 11:17 AM
You know NBC kept taking down the dick in a box video too untill enough time went by then they let it be posted. Timberlake would never have asked for a "set price" He isn't like that. This has to do with NBC.
Posted by: susan | November 20, 2008 at 06:39 PM
I have been looking all over this clip. I watched it live Saturday night..came to work Monday and told people about it and looked like an idiot because I couldn't find a clip of it.
Posted by: T | November 21, 2008 at 11:01 AM
SNL needs to do what Monty Python just did...take control of their videos and put up every single skit as a clip on YouTube. Or even as a paid service. I would be MORE than happy to pay a fee if that meant I could watch "The Fruiting" as many times as I wanted.
Posted by: Corpsegoddess | November 21, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Pay the man.
Posted by: Kjo | November 22, 2008 at 06:18 AM
How could there be a music clearance issue when Beyonce is in the skit? This all doesnt make sense!
Posted by: B | November 26, 2008 at 11:05 AM
THERE IT IS! :)
Posted by: gretta | December 01, 2008 at 02:35 PM
this is so funny and Justin doesnt look bad in that outfit you go boy!!!!! U look betta then me hahahahaha
Posted by: Angel judon | December 14, 2008 at 07:41 PM
That "music clearance issue" thing doesn't make sense either. The whole video, with a guy named Jamie Mercado dancing along with it, was on the Bonnie Hunt show and has been on YouTube no problems. NBC sucks.
Posted by: Buzz | December 23, 2008 at 07:50 AM
Regardless of the reason for it...it's one of the best...you need to put online. As for the "Music Clearance Issue". All I have to say to that response is HUH? So, other websites had it posted, but they had to take it off because of a Music Clearance issue? Whatever it takes, that video needs to go up online. It's insanely funny, I haven't laughed that hard in a VERY long time...I need to show other people the amazing humor shown in that skit...it's AMAZING..."We're the Dancers".
Posted by: brooke | December 27, 2008 at 07:12 AM
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Posted by: crystal | February 17, 2009 at 08:19 PM
I found it!!!!!! The website's in Spanish and the video is poor but the clip is in English!
Posted by: susie | May 12, 2009 at 08:13 PM