Exclusive: Maya Rudolph's SNL Decision Revealed!

Maya Rudolph as Whitney Houston on Saturday Night Live by Dana Edelson/NBC

This is bad news for Whitney Houston, but great news for Saturday Night Live fans: When SNL kicks off its 33rd season next weekend, Maya Rudolph will still be a part of the cast. Sources confirm that the funny lady — whose contract expired in May — has inked a new deal with the show. And all I have to say to that is, Hallefreakinlujah!

As I reported earlier this month, the down-to-the-wire negotiations fueled speculation that Rudolph was seriously considering leaving. And while I have no doubt that a successful post-SNL career awaits her, I'm relieved she's staying put. Between her, Amy Poehler and Kristen Wiig, SNL boasts the funniest crop of women since the Cheri/Molly/Ana era. And losing any one of them would've been a major drag.

But that's just me. What about you? Are you happy Rudolph is sticking around? Or do you think it was time she pursued those greener pastures? Express yourself below!

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Posted by

Michael Ausiello

Sep 21, 2007 1:47 PM

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YES!!! I'm really happy she's staying, I only hope they use her talent this season more than the last one. Ana
Posted by anymora Sep 21, 2007 2:23 PM Report Abuse

I think this is awesome! I just wish we could see her Donatella Versace more. But anything she does is hilarious!
Posted by IUAngelini Sep 21, 2007 2:37 PM Report Abuse

I am thrilled that Maya is staying but I have to say that I am not really a fan of Kristen Wig and the sketches she is in - I don't know but I just find her characters to be so annoying. Maya as Donatella is one of the few bright spots on SNL these days.
Posted by abbeyroad21 Sep 21, 2007 2:42 PM Report Abuse

I agree - this is very good news, and I also agree that her Donatella impersonation is her best one and I'd like to see more of her (Donatella) this season. Now if the writers can come up with some CONSISTENTLY funny skits, SNL will be worth watching...
Posted by tvforever Sep 21, 2007 2:53 PM Report Abuse

That's great! I agree Amy/Maya/Kristen is an amazing crop of woman. IN fact I'm IN LOVE with Kristen. They need her to do more. I know Amy and Maya have seniority, but Kristen is the future! Also she looks SO much like Addison (Grey's Anatomy), that I'm shocked they haven't done a GA spoof.
Posted by unscrewed Sep 21, 2007 3:02 PM Report Abuse

This is the best news in the history of SNL no the world.
Posted by whennow Sep 21, 2007 4:02 PM Report Abuse

Maya Rudolph is the best thing to happen to SNL in years. It's weird, I actually like most of the cast, but shows overall still seem to suck for the most part. Maya as Whitney slays me though. Abbeyroad, what about 2 A-Holes? I love me those a-holes.
Posted by ofri Sep 21, 2007 4:22 PM Report Abuse

Great news about Maya. Now what I need to know is: does anyone know yet which of SNL's guys are staying/leaving?
Posted by Words Sep 21, 2007 4:37 PM Report Abuse

This has made my day. That's all I can say about that!!
Posted by MissThany Sep 21, 2007 4:41 PM Report Abuse

It's a good thing for SNL. It's not easy to find a women who's capable of playing every single ethnic women in pop culture.
Posted by alynch Sep 21, 2007 5:03 PM Report Abuse

I have to say that I am beyond pleased That Maya will be staying. This is a cause for celebration. I am one of her biggest fans. I fully agree that She, Amy and Kristen make the Show. I'm always laughing when either of those ladies have a skit going on the show. The only other time that has happened was when Ana Gasteyer, Molly Shannon and Cheri Oteri were on the show. And they were a hard act to follow. :^O

Posted by CurtiWills

Sep 21, 2007 5:48 PM

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All I have to say to Maya is this:

LOVING YOU...is easy 'cause you're beautiful...

Aaa-aah-aa-a-a-kaff-kaff-hack-sputter--guh-hay!

I didn't know how much I loved Maya until I:
a) saw her (unexpectedly) in a Prairie Home Companion...my FAVORITE movie of last year;
and
b) when I thought we were losing her from SNL!

The last time I felt that bad was when I realized Phil Hartman was leaving.

SNL's gain is...SNL's gain...!

Posted by TV Gord

Sep 21, 2007 6:42 PM

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I am SO relieved! She is so frackin funny and one of the most omnitalented on that show.
Posted by remysd Sep 22, 2007 11:36 AM Report Abuse

i was hoping she'd leave so she could somehow join the cast of 30 rock
Posted by maclapp Sep 22, 2007 4:07 PM Report Abuse

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