Who says a sports awards gala needs an athletic legend to host? Especially when it’s the world’s biggest and most glamorous sports awards.
On Wednesday night, Drake hosted ESPN’s ESPY Awards celebrating excellence in sports, and the hip-hop legend managed to excel in his own right.
Here, his five best plays as ESPY host:
Singing ‘Let It Go’ as Manny Pacquiao
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guJvZX67MMY
In one hilarious bit, Drake took on the persona of karaoke-loving Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao to sing every child’s favorite song from “Frozen.”
We also hear it’s the Brazilian soccer team’s theme song.
Jokes at Don Sterling’s expense
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dho-qiXWUMk&start=240s
It had to happen — best to get it over with in the monologue. Drake mentioned that the awards show at the Nokia Theatre in downtown LA was just a few hundred yards from the Staples Center, which is “as close as Donald Sterling is allowed to get.”
Roars of laughter erupted — but highly disciplined Clippers forward Blake Griffin managed to suppress his laughs.
Taking aim at Cleveland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro4EfOLRiL0
Elsewhere in his opening monologue, Drake mocked LeBron James’ return to Cleveland after previously deserting the Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.
“I think it makes sense financially,” Drake said. “I mean, you know what $40 million gets you in Miami? A really nice house. You know what $40 million gets you in Cleveland? Cleveland. All of it. You get the whole thing.”
Dueting with Brian McKnight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lykStL37Uo
In one of the more uncomfortable moments for the athletes in attendance, Drake sang a parody song called “Side Pieces” — the term used to describe women in adulterous affairs with married athletes — and even brought out R&B singer Brian McKnight, who looked as though he just stepped off a cruise ship, to help him.
Getting friend-zoned by Skylar Diggins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtVr72d94nY
Speaking for many men who watch ESPN regularly, Drake expressed his love for beautiful WNBA star Skylar Diggins by reciting a poem while wearing the jersey of Diggins’ alma mater, the University of Notre Dame.
Then Diggins, who now plays for the Tulsa Shock, appeared from behind him, looking stunning. Seeing her, Drake begged for a kiss. Diggins told him to close his eyes, then grabbed his face and planted one right on his forehead.