In the clip, Moira (Catherina O’Hara) kicks things off with a half-hearted speech honoring teachers and their dedication to helping students. “We’ve invited some of our nearest and dearest to help us express our indebtedness,” she says.
When the rest of the cast joins the Zoom call, Patrick leads an all-hands performance of Carey’s “Hero,” with assistance from Twyla (Sarah Levy). Just when we think the acapella performance can’t get any better, Carey surprises everyone by crashing the concert and finishing off the vocals. (Wind-blown hair included.)
Carey goes on to compliment the cast, saying, “You all sounded so good I had to get in on it.” And then adds, “To all the teachers and professors, especially the ones who had to deal with students like me, who never really showed up at school on time, you rose to the occasion and helped these students reach the finish line.”
It’s important to mention that Carey’s commencement speech isn’t a solo act, since her 9-year-old twins—Moroccan and Monroe, or “Roc” and “Roe”—interrupt the conversation. “Can I get on the Zoom call?” one says. Followed by, “Mom, can I have an orange soda?”
Guess David can cross “Perform with Mariah Carey” off his bucket list. (No one has to know it was virtual.)
