Gardner, a Chiefs fan, recognized Kelce's comedic potential from his appearances in various acting gigs and award shows. She persistently advocated for him within the SNL casting department, even when faced with a seemingly impossible condition set by SNL executive producer Lorne Michaels: Kelce had to win the Super Bowl first.
Despite the pressure, Kelce achieved the feat, ultimately hosting SNL on March 4, 2023. Gardner emphasized that her efforts predated Kelce's high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, which significantly boosted his popularity.
To celebrate her hometown hero's appearance, Gardner organized a tailgate party in her dressing room, complete with barbecue and guests. To her surprise, Kelce and his brother Jason, a center for the Philadelphia Eagles, joined the festivities, making it a memorable pre-show experience.
Gardner considers Kelce's pre-show tailgate a unique occurrence in SNL history. Kelce's performance on the show was well-received, with notable sketches alongside other cast members.
Following her success with Kelce, Gardner expressed her desire for future dream hosts, including Patrick Mahomes, LeBron James, Catherine O'Hara, and Nicolas Cage.
