Maya Rudolph Becomes America's Favorite Graduation Speaker After Impersonating Beyoncé—Watch Now!

Former Saturday Night Live star gets the crowd laughing with her National Anthem rendition

By Mike Vulpo May 19, 2015 1:08 AMTags
Maya Rudolph, Tulane University commencementnola.com/YouTube

Attention all colleges: We recommend calling Maya Rudolph immediately for next year's graduation!

The former Saturday Night Live star traveled to Tulane University in Louisiana Saturday afternoon to inspire the graduating class.

And while she had plenty of thoughtful words of advice, everyone is talking about the final moments of her speech. Put your hands up single ladies because Maya is about to perform her amazing Beyoncé impersonation. "I love you Class of 2015," she shared. "Now would you all please rise for the National Anthem."

Without further ado, we give you four minutes of pure hilarity as the comedian and actress channels Queen Bey, Oprah Winfrey and other famous faces.

Performances aside, Maya had some serious advice to share for the students. Along the way, the 42-year-old even opened up about her own dreams back when she was sitting in a cap and gown.

"During senior year, my father asked me what I planned to do after I graduated, and I told him I want to be on Saturday Night Live," she shared. "But until that moment, I never wanted to admit that being on SNL was my dream. I never wanted to admit that I was a Thespian."

She continued, "So if I must give any of you advice it would be say yes. Say yes, and create your own destiny." And regardless of how big you vision the years ahead, Maya is proof that they can come true.

"So hold on to your old friends. Kiss your Mama. Admit what your dreams are. Don't beat yourself up if you don't know what you're gonna do tomorrow," she shared. "But work hard and don't be lazy. And put away your damn phone once in a while. And be nice to jerks because we still don't know the criteria for getting into heaven yet."