Bill Hader reveals the worst-behaved 'SNL' musical guest during his tenure

"He just seemed exhausted or at the end of his rope."
 By 
Angie Han
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Working with celebrities isn't all sunshine and roses. Take it from two Saturday Night Live alums.

During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Bill Hader and Jay Pharoah revealed the "worst-behaved" musical guest they'd ever encountered during their time on the show: Justin Bieber.

"He was in a bad place," Hader told Andy Cohen as Pharoah agreed. "Maybe he's in a better place, but then he was in a very – it was rough." As he recalled it, Bieber "just seemed exhausted or at the end of his rope."

And while a hot young celebrity acting out is hardly shocking, Bieber stood out because most SNL guests don't act that way. "Everyone's usually on great behavior," said Hader.

The two were referring to a 2013 episode during which Bieber appeared as both the host and the musical guest. (Bieber had been on the show once before as a musical guest in 2010, before Pharoah joined the cast.)

Although the SNL vets didn't go into detail about Bieber's antics in this interview with Cohen, Hader has spoken about his experience with the pop star before. In 2013, shortly after his departure from the show, Hader spilled the beans to Howard Stern.

"Justin Bieber showed up with like 20 guys," he said at the time. "And you know, when you're backstage, it's a very, small constricted place. He had a guy holding a slice of pizza, a guy holding a Diet Coke. You were going around stage and trying to fight around all these people to get dressed."

Topics SNL

Mashable Image
Angie Han

Angie Han is the Deputy Entertainment Editor at Mashable. Previously, she was the managing editor of Slashfilm.com. She writes about all things pop culture, but mostly movies, which is too bad since she has terrible taste in movies.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You

'SNL UK' roasts Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor during first ever Weekend Update
A woman sits behind a news desk. In the top left is an image of a house with the headline, "Andrew Moves".

Finn Wolfhard wants to tour with his indie band in 'SNL' skit
Man in bright orange jacket and white tracksuit scolds teenager sitting on couch next to mom

'SNL UK' cold open mocking Keir Starmer gets shared by Donald Trump
A worried man sits behind a desk.


More in Entertainment
How to watch Chelsea vs. Port Vale online for free
Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts

How to watch 'Wuthering Heights' at home: Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi's controversial romance now streaming
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi embracing in still from "Wuthering Heights"

How to watch New York Islanders vs. Philadelphia Flyers online for free
Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders warms up

How to watch Mexico vs. Belgium online for free
Israel Reyes of Mexico reacts

How to watch Brazil vs. Croatia online for free
Vinicius Junior #10 of Brazil leaves

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 4, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!