But is the snake real?! Kaley Cuoco recreated Britney Spears‘ memorable “I’m A Slave 4 U” Video Music Awards dance during the Thursday, January 28, episode of Spike TV’s Lip Sync Battle.
The Big Bang Theory actress, 30, took to the stage in a similar getup to the pop princess’ ab-baring costume during that now-iconic 2001 MTV VMAs performance. Cuoco first dropped down from a decorative pole in her body-baring gear as host LL Cool J and her opponent, Josh Gad, clapped their hands and laughed in response.
She then expertly sashayed her hips, crawled across the floor and allowed her backup dancers to pick her up and whisk her around the stage.
Unlike Channing Tatum, Cuoco was unable to secure the song’s actual singer for her grand finale—but she nabbed a python! (Though not exactly Britney’s snake, Banana.)
The actress returned on-stage with the yellow reptile—later revealed as “Steve the Snake”—draped across the back of her neck. Cuoco held it delicately with both hands as she concluded her performance.
The self-proclaimed animal lover posted a photo via Instagram on Friday of her rehearsing with the python. “#bts first time I met tonight’s @spikelsb co-star!” she wrote alongside a pic of herself freaking out as the snake was released from its container.
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Their interaction, however, went well. “5 minutes later.. We were in love,” Cuoco captioned another snap. “#bts #stevethesnake #slaveforyou.”
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Watch her performance, plus Britney’s above!