Producers of the Emmys expressed regret for playing their customary “wrap it up” music during John Oliver’s unique acceptance speech on Sunday night.
During his speech, the comedian mispronounced his son Hudson’s name and paid tribute to a late family pet. “We have the most fantastic dog. She was at our wedding and supported us through the pandemic, she was there for two pregnancies,” Oliver shared before the music started to fade him out. He wryly commented on the choice of music, comparing it to a somber tune that made him “feel like Sarah McLachlan.”
The music was eventually paused, allowing Oliver to complete his heartfelt speech in honor of “all dogs.” When the music resumed, he humorously said, “Play me off now.”
Emmys producer Jesse Collins later apologized to Oliver and his family, acknowledging the mix-up regarding the music selection. “We turned it off at his request and turned it back on when he said he wanted to be played off,” he explained.
Another producer, Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, described their feelings during the moment, stating, “When he was talking about his dog, which was very sweet … we’re like, ‘OK, you got to wrap it up,’ and then the music starts playing. And he’s like, ‘My dog is dead,’ and we were like, ‘Oh my god,’ just mortified.”
The producers pointed out that they typically do not have prior knowledge of the winners’ speeches, which made it impossible to predict Oliver’s emotional tribute or the fact that his dog had passed away. “John always gives us the fun moment,” Rouzan-Clay concluded.