Charles Barkley hosts the first new "Saturday Night Live" of 2012 this week, but it may be the musical guest — Kelly Clarkson — who provides the better comedy material.
Clarkson recently voiced her approval of Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul in a WhoSay post. "I love Ron Paul," she wrote. "I liked him a lot during the last Republican nomination and no one gave him a chance. If he wins the nomination for the Republican party in 2012 he's got my vote. Too bad he probably won't."
After her fans balked at her support, given some of Paul's far-right-leaning political positions, Clarkson clarified she doesn't agree with the more controversial stances but likes Paul "because he believes in less government and letting the people (all of us) make the decisions and mold our country. That is all. Out of all of the Republican nominees, he's my favorite."
Also read: Kelly Clarkson Endorses Ron Paul
Despite the minor kerfuffle, the missives led to an overnight boost in sales of Clarkson's latest album, "Stronger" and a Clarkson shout-out by Paul earlier this week when he was campaigning for Iowa caucus votes.
As for "SNL," a Clarkson/Ron Paul — as played by "SNL" featured player Paul Brittain — is rife with opening sketch or "Weekend Update" possibilities. Meanwhile, check out a promo for Saturday's show with NBA legend/TNT basketball analyst Barkley and "SNL" star Bill Hader: