One of TV’s oddest coincidental pairings just made an entire audience (and all of Tumblr) swoon.
Benedict Cumberbatch and R. Kelly both appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live last, and Kimmel decided, after acknowledging his “eclectic mix of guests,” to bring it all together.
Taking advantage of Cumberbatch’s baritone voice, Kimmel had the Emmy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA-nominated actor perform a dramatic reading of Kelly’s “Genius.”
Cumberbatch isn’t exactly known for a love of interviews, but he appeared to be in good spirits as he sat in the spotlight and read the lyrics. He had trouble keeping a straight face as he read the sensual words, and he certainly knew what he was doing when he looked straight at the camera and said, “Go to sleep, and when we wake up I’ll hit that thing again. Promise,” before winking.
For comparison, here is “Genius” in full, leaked by Kelly prior to the release of his new album Black Panties.
Now we’re just waiting for Kelly to return the favor with his best Smaug impression.
H/T Daily Picks and Flicks | Photo via Jimmy Kimmel Live/YouTube
