Why Nikki Glaser Doesn’t Want to “Go Hard” on Kylie Jenner at Golden Globes 2026

“Anyone who maybe rolled their eyes at their relationship is kind of on board now more than ever,” she continued. “I know her from The Kardashians and I feel like she’s my friend. I don’t want to go hard on her.”

And with this new mindset, the Not Safe alum—who rose to fame after her viral set on 2024’s The Roast of Tom Brady—noted she now has “a new challenge” since “sometimes, I don’t like going after plus-ones.”

“They’re not the ones being nominated,” she explained of her approach. “They didn’t ask for this.”

Kylie isn’t the only celebrity Nikki is apprehensive joking about, as she’s already received feedback from audiences to not come for Julia Roberts.

“I’m trying out my monologue around L.A., at the clubs here, and just even any joke about Julia Roberts, they are not there for,” she told Gayle King on CBS Mornings Jan. 6. “You cannot make fun of America’s Sweetheart. So, whatever I end up saying about her, that is the most fine-tuned joke that I’ve worked on so hard, because it is very delicate.”

She added, “They were booing, and I was like, ‘Is she here?’ It’s insane.”

Despite those reactions, Nikki is still moving forward in crafting one-liners about her favorite veteran actors—and according to her, it’s all about finding a balance.

“You have to be very delicate about making jokes that aren’t going to ruin anyone's night,” she continued. “But you also want to give the people at home something to laugh at, and you want to poke fun at the people that they're dying for you to make fun of. People at home want you to make fun of the A-listers.”

While there's no official trophy for opening monologue, Nikki Glaser won over many viewers with her routine at the start of the 2025 Golden Globes.

"Good evening and welcome to the 82nd Golden Globes," she began after taking the stage at the Beverly Hilton hotel on Jan. 5, "Ozempic’s biggest night."

Over the next 10 minutes, Nikki made jokes about several stars—including Harrison Ford, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban. She also referenced several headline-making moments in pop culture, including Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's engagement and the meme of Ariana Grande holding Cynthia Erivo's finger during the Wicked press tour.

Plus, the comedian had a few NSFW zingers, including that one about Ben Affleck and another about Glen Powell.

"Glen, you were in everything: Twisters, Hit Man, my head when I'm having sex with my boyfriend," she said. "Thank you so much for the assist. I'll see ya tonight."

Another hilarious part of Nikki's opening act was when she playfully teased Timothée Chalamet, who was nominated in the Best Actor in a Motion Picture—Drama category for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown and brought Kylie Jenner as his date.

"Timothée, you’re just so great at playing these beloved eccentrics—Dylan, Willy Wonka. Who’s next? Adam Sandler?" she said. "Please! Actually, your name sounds like something Adam Sandler would say."

And after asking, "Sandler, can I get a 'Chalamet?'" the Happy Gilmore star obliged and said the name in his iconic voice.

But the funny moments didn't end there. Nikki continued to bring the laughs throughout the night—like when she made a lighthearted jab at how many celebrities turn to plastic surgery.

"I just want to say you all look so amazing tonight," the comic told the audience. "You really brought it. And I love where you put your cheekbones. I don't judge. I'm doing it too now. Yeah, I also recently started 'drinking more water.' 'Meditating?' Oh, doing lots of that. I love how meditating removes your eyelids. It's really convenient."

And who could forget about her musical number?

"There were so many great movies this year—from Wicked to Conclave," Nikki told the crowd. "Wait, that just gave me an idea."

Wearing a pink dress Glinda surely would love, she grabbed a Wicked wand and put on a mitre as a nod to Conclave's story about electing a new pope. Then, she sang her own rendition of Wicked's "Popular" that she called "Pope-ular."

However, the skit was short-lived as Nikki pretended to get a message from a showrunner telling her to cut the bit.

"So much has already happened in the first half, and the acceptance speeches have been on fire," she shared. "Who got shouted-out the most? Let’s look at the numbers."

Then, Nikki turned to a scoreboard that showed the results of who received the most mentions during the speeches.

"Cast and crew are leading the way with 11 mentions," the 40-year-old noted. "Moms are holding strong with three shout-outs. God—creator of the universe—zero mentions. And Mario Lopez, host of Access Hollywood, one."

Not only did Nikki rock the mic, but she also turned the Golden Globes stage into her runway—making at least 10 different outfit changes from the red carpet to the end of the show.

Of course, Nikki wanted to celebrate her big night with her nearest and dearest. So she walked the red carpet with her parents and sister for a family night out.

And after all the celebrations, Nikki gave a special shout-out to her mother (add it to the scoreboard!) noting that Julie Glaser deserves the "best mom award."

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