Kelly Ripa Jokes That Kate McKinnon “Would Rather Be Anywhere Else” After She Misses ‘Live’s Viewers’ Choice Show

By Alex Vena
Published Feb. 5, 2024, 11:06 a.m. ET

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Awards season is in full swing, and you know what that means — Live with Kelly and Mark‘s Viewers’ Choice Show!

Ok, maybe not the awards show that immediately came to mind, but this morning’s installment of the hit ABC morning show served as their annual special “featuring a fun look back at the best moments from the past year on Live chosen by the viewers,” per Live‘s official website.

One coveted category was dedicated to the “Best Celebrity Walkout.” While many a celeb have strutted their way onto the show’s soundstage to chat with co-host couple Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, only one could win the prestigious title.

After showing a montage of impressive guest walkouts, they highlighted the category’s five nominees: Joel McHale, Fantasia Barrino, Kate McKinnon, Mikey Day, and Alfonso Ribeiro.

Standing alongside Consuelos with a large, gold trophy in hand, Ripa noted the category had “stiff competition,” but eventually announced McKinnon as the winner.

The Saturday Night Live alum’s iconic entrance took place when she appeared on Live last summer, and featured her enthusiastically high-fiving members of the studio audience. After she hugged Consuelos and then attempted to pick Ripa up, Consuelos ultimately lifted both McKinnon and Ripa off the ground simultaneously.

However, McKinnon wasn’t present at this morning’s awards, leaving Ripa to explain her absence.

“Kate couldn’t be here to accept this award because apparently she’d rather be anywhere else,” she teased. “So we accept this award on her behalf. Congratulations!”

Ripa proceeded to crack up, as she shared that they will “send” McKinnon “this gorgeous trophy with a picture of a distance runner on it.”

This morning’s episode also featured the top 10 Live clips as selected by fans. For those intrigued, the #1 spot ultimately went to Consuelos receiving a smackdown from a University of Michigan wrestler on Live last June.

Live with Kelly and Mark airs on weekdays. Check out their website for your local listings. Watch McKinnon’s award-winning entrance above.