TLDR;
This episode celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Hot Ones with Kiki Palmer, who's making a record-breaking third appearance. They try new sauces and the Popeyes and Hot Ones menu collab. Kiki shares insights on perfectionism, the future of Hollywood, and her approach to hosting. She also discusses her new album and upcoming projects, offering advice to future Hot Ones contestants. The episode ends with Kiki and Sean sharing a "smooch".
- Kiki Palmer returns for her third Hot Ones appearance.
- They sample Popeyes and Hot Ones collab menu items.
- Kiki shares her views on perfectionism, Hollywood's future, and hosting.
- She discusses her self-funded album and upcoming projects.
- The episode concludes with a playful "smooch" between Kiki and Sean.
Introduction and Popeyes Collab [0:11]
Sean Evans welcomes Kiki Palmer back to Hot Ones for a special 10-year anniversary episode. This time, they're partnering with Popeyes to introduce the Spice Lord menu, which includes the Sizzling Sriracha dippers, Smoke and Rojo sandwich, and the Darend Dab ghost wings. Kiki expresses her excitement about being back on the show and trying the new offerings.
Perfectionism and Career Principles [1:55]
Sean asks Kiki about her relationship with perfectionism, considering her numerous projects and continuous growth. Kiki says that she'll always want to give her best and prepare well, but she's also learned to have more grace with herself, accepting that things will become what they're meant to be. She also shares two non-negotiable principles for doing everything well: finishing what you start and building a strong team.
Hollywood's Future and Personal Inspiration [3:58]
Kiki talks about her optimism for the future of Hollywood, particularly the rise of individual brands and niche voices. She appreciates the ability to directly connect with audiences through social media, which helped her define her creative voice. Her biggest fear is losing inspiration after being in the industry for so long.
Sizzling Sriracha Dippers and Creative Freedom [5:23]
Kiki tries the Sizzling Sriracha dippers, marinated in Hot Ones pickled garlic Sriracha sauce, and finds them delicious. She then discusses her self-funded album, "Just Kiki," and the visual metaphor of her being a doll in a box, representing her experience as a product in the industry. She explains that traditional music channels can be "soul sucking" because they require speaking to non-creative people to make money, which is why she chose to self-fund and maintain creative control.
Hosting Pet Peeves and Creating a Safe Space [8:30]
Sean brings up Kiki's extensive hosting experience and asks about her pet peeves. Kiki reiterates that one-word answers are annoying and adds that she dislikes when guests seem unhappy to be there. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and relaxed space for her guests, offering snacks and avoiding "gotcha" questions.
The "Nope" Monologue and Smoking Rojo Sandwich [10:43]
Kiki shares insights into her fast-talking monologue in Jordan Peele's "Nope," explaining that she rehearsed the lines extensively to allow for improvisation and give the director multiple options. She then tries the Smoking Rojo sandwich, a crispy chicken fillet with Hot Ones Los Calientes Rojo spread, and enjoys it.
Eddie Murphy's Praise and "In My Own Little Corner" [12:39]
Kiki expresses her excitement and disbelief at receiving praise from Eddie Murphy, who said she reminded him of a younger version of himself. She admires Murphy's iconic status and the pathway he created. She then discusses the challenges of performing "In My Own Little Corner" from Cinderella on Broadway, especially learning to sing it in a classical style rather than her natural R&B style.
Sauce Number Eight and Food Influencer Hot Takes [15:44]
Kiki struggles with sauce number eight, finding it painful and lacking flavor. Sean asks about her experience with Hot Ones over the years, and she admits that she always tells herself it's worth trying again. She shares her "food influencer hot take," saying that they're lying about the messes they leave in their kitchens and that she would show the reality of the mess if she were one.
Reality TV and Darend Dab Ghost Wings [18:19]
Kiki, a reality TV fan, believes she would have won American Idol if she had the chance, citing her Chicago background and compelling storyline. She then tries the Darend Dab ghost wings, Popeyes classic wings with a ghost pepper dry rub, and completes the Hot Ones challenge for a record-breaking third time.
Advice for Future Contestants and Final Remarks [20:02]
Kiki advises future Hot Ones contestants to keep talking, stay hydrated, and remember it only lasts for an hour. She encourages them to be open to the experience. She promotes her upcoming movies, "The Pickup" and "Good for Fortune." Finally, Kiki suggests a "quick smooch" with Sean, which they playfully do, ending the episode on a lighthearted note.