Wow. Where do I even start?
Last night was one of those nights I’ll carry with me forever — even though you won’t find me in any clips or catch me in a single frame of the broadcast. Because I wasn’t on the actual show… but I was there.
Yup. I was backstage at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Even typing that feels surreal.
It all happened kind of fast. One minute I’m going about my day, and the next I’m getting this wild opportunity to be behind-the-scenes at one of the most iconic late-night shows in the world. I grew up watching Jimmy, laughing at the sketches, singing along with the musical guests, always wondering what it’s like behind that curtain. And suddenly — I was behind it.
Let me tell you: it’s magic.
The studio energy is something else. Everyone is moving with purpose, but also warmth. The crew? Total pros. They’re calm, kind, and completely on top of their game. You can tell it takes a small army to make a show like that look so effortless on TV. And Jimmy? Just as funny and genuine off-stage as he seems on camera. I didn’t get a long conversation with him — just a wave and a smile — but it was enough to confirm that he’s exactly what you’d hope for.
There’s something kind of special about being in a space that’s not meant to be seen. The green rooms, the hallway chatter, the pre-show jitters. I watched performers pace, practice, breathe. I saw producers in their flow. I witnessed moments of real humanness — tiny bits of vulnerability, excitement, nerves, joy. It made everything feel real in a way I didn’t expect.
And even though I didn’t get my moment in front of the camera, I don’t feel like I missed out. In fact, I think I got the better end of the deal. I got to be a fly on the wall during one of the most iconic productions in late-night television. I got to watch the magic being built from the inside. And I got to leave with this wild mix of inspiration, gratitude, and fire in my chest to keep going.
So no, you won’t see my face on the show. But I was there. I felt it. And it meant something.
To everyone who made last night possible — thank you, thank you, thank you. I’ll be talking about it for a long, long time.
And who knows… maybe next time I will make it on camera
With love and still-sparkly eyes,
Kelsey Kay Holmer
