Emmys 2017: Sean Spicer drives podium onstage to address host Stephen Colbert

With Stephen Colbert as host for this year’s Emmy Awards, it was a safe bet that his opening monologue would get political — but no one could have predicted the cameo he pulled off.

After making a few jokes about President Trump, Colbert mused about how to accurately count this year’s Emmy ratings. He called upon an expert — former press secretary Sean Spicer — who drove onstage with a podium, à la Melissa McCarthy on Saturday Night Live.

The surprise appearance caused jaws to drop around the auditorium. Veep star Anna Chlumsky stared open-mouthed in disbelief, while Modern Family’s Julie Bowen and Sarah Hyland clutched each other, laughing. And of course, McCarthy herself looked stunned.

“This will be the largest audience to witness an Emmys, period,” boasted Spicer — who was known for exaggerating the truth while working at the White House. “Both in person and around the world.” Colbert replied, “Wow, that really soothes my fragile ego,” and then bade farewell to “Melissa McCarthy.” After his big moment, it sounds like not many people rushed to congratulate Spicer — at least, if this tweet from Billy Eichner is any indication.

Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:
• Emmys 2017: The Complete Winners List
• Emmys 2017: All the red carpet arrivals
• Emmys 2017: Stephen Colbert sings about treason, tears and ‘This is Us’ in opening number
• Emmys 2017 review: ‘Veep,’ ‘Handmaid’s Tale,’ and Trump were Emmys’ big winners