Lilly Singh, a Canadian Indian comedian and YouTube star, is poised to break barriers as the first woman of color to host a late night talk show on a major American network. Her upcoming NBC program, A Little Late with Lilly Singh, marks a significant milestone in television history, both for its diversity and for the unconventional path she has taken to reach this stage. Here are five essential things to know about this trailblazing entertainer.
1. She Began Her Career on YouTube
Singh launched her YouTube channel, IISuperwomanII, in October 2010, a name inspired by her childhood belief that she had an 'S' engraved on her chest, granting her superpowers. In a 2018 interview with Vogue US, she revealed that she was not particularly happy at the time of the launch, and creating videos became a transformative outlet that allowed her to flourish. Over the years, she has amassed 14 million subscribers, regularly posting humorous sketches that often parody family dynamics, cultural stereotypes, and everyday life. Her success on the platform has been staggering: in 2017, Forbes listed her among the world's highest-paid YouTubers, with earnings estimated at $10.5 million from her channel alone. She has collaborated with Hollywood celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra, Amber Rose, Dwayne Johnson, and James Franco, leveraging her online fame into crossover appeal. This digital-first career path is emblematic of a new generation of entertainers who bypass traditional media gatekeepers, and Singh's transition to network television underscores the growing influence of online personalities.
2. She Has Already Won Several Awards
Singh's impact has been recognized by both digital and mainstream award bodies. In 2014, she ranked 39th on New Media Rockstars' list of top YouTube channels, and she has been nominated for numerous accolades since. She won an MTV Fandom Award in 2015, a Teen Choice Award in 2016, and a People's Choice Award in 2017. Additionally, she received the 2017 Streamy Award for Best Comedy Series, among others. These honors reflect not only her popularity but also her ability to connect with a diverse, global audience. Her award wins highlight the shifting landscape of entertainment, where digital creators are increasingly celebrated alongside traditional television and film stars.
3. She Is a UNICEF Ambassador
In 2017, Lilly Singh was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, joining a prestigious roster of celebrities dedicated to children's rights. As part of her role, she advocates for ending the cycle of hatred and discrimination that girls and women often harbor toward one another. She launched a campaign with the organization and partnered with the brand ME to WE to create a 'rafiki' bracelet, inspired by Maasai tradition in Kenya. Proceeds from the bracelet sales fund education for young girls in Kenya, addressing gender inequality in education. Singh's ambassadorship is a testament to her commitment to social issues, and she often uses her platform to speak about mental health, feminism, and inclusivity. Her philanthropic work adds depth to her public persona, showing that she is not just an entertainer but also an activist who leverages her influence for positive change.
4. She Is Also an Actress
Though YouTube sketches remain her primary medium, Singh has ventured into film and television acting. She appeared in the 2011 independent film Thank You, the 2014 comedy Dr. Cabbie, the 2016 hit Bad Moms, and the 2018 HBO film Fahrenheit 451. These roles, while not leading, demonstrate her versatility and willingness to explore different facets of performance. Her acting credits also include voice work in animated projects and guest appearances on shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. This experience likely prepared her for the demands of hosting her own late night show, where she will need to interview guests, perform sketches, and maintain a consistent on-screen presence.
5. She Is Openly Bisexual
Singh came out as bisexual in 2019, shortly before the announcement of her talk show. While sexual orientation should not define a person's professional achievements, her openness is historically significant. No openly bisexual woman has ever been given the reins of a major network late night show in the United States. Moreover, no woman of color has hosted such a program. Singh's identity as a bisexual woman of South Asian descent places her at the intersection of multiple underrepresented groups in American media. Her show, A Little Late, airs at 1:35 a.m. Eastern time, replacing Last Call with Carson Daly. This time slot, while not prime, still offers a platform that has historically been dominated by white men. Her presence is a step toward diversifying late night television, which has long been criticized for its lack of inclusion. Broadcasting on NBC, the show will reach a wide audience, and Singh's unique perspective as a millennial immigrant-daughter, bilingual (she speaks English and Punjabi), and digital native will likely infuse the format with fresh energy.
Bonus: She adores her dog. Singh's pet, Scarbro, is a constant companion, appearing on red carpets and in Instagram posts. She even created a dedicated account for him, showcasing her lighter side.
Singh's journey from a YouTube bedroom studio to the historic soundstage of A Little Late with Lilly Singh is a testament to the power of digital creativity and persistence. Her show premiered on September 16, 2019, and while it faced the challenge of a late-night slot, it quickly garnered attention for its viral moments and celebrity interviews. Singh's comedic style, rooted in her own experiences as a woman of color, resonates with a generation that craves authentic representation. She has also used the platform to highlight social causes, such as mental health awareness and gender equality. In an industry where gatekeeping has often limited who gets to tell stories, Singh's achievement signals a shift toward more inclusive narratives. As late night continues to evolve, her voice adds a much-needed dimension, proving that the future of television may well be shaped by those who first found their audience online. Her impact extends beyond ratings: she inspires young girls and boys from marginalized backgrounds to pursue their dreams, regardless of the barriers they face. With 14 million YouTube subscribers and a growing television presence, Lilly Singh is not just a first — she is a force that will influence the entertainment landscape for years to come.
Source: Vanity Fair News