Jimmy Fallon

Jimmy Fallon Impersonated Ryan Lochte at the VMAs, and Michael Phelps Loved It

Phelps could be seen mouthing "Oh my God" while capturing the impersonation on his phone

As the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards neared its finale late Sunday night, "Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon blazed onto the stage to present the highly anticipated 2016 Video of the Year Award — except he was wearing a costume.

Standing at centerstage was not the entertainer of a late-night show, but the bleached blond, tracksuit-clad Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte.

It was one of the standout moments of the night and even Michael Phelps didn't want to forget it.

Lochte's behavior turned into Fallon's punchline, having sparked controversy at this year's Olympiad for initially alleging he and his fellow swimmers had been pulled over in their taxi and robbed with a gun cocked to his head, only for police to debunk that story.

MTV Video Music Awards 2016 Winners: The Complete List

"Who had the best video of the year? I can't tell you that. They're all so great and so talented, I could never choose," he joked at the mic. "I couldn't tell you even if there was a gun to my head."

Fallon played off of Lochte's penchant for stretching the truth by claiming he was the mastermind behind all of this year's nominated videos.

"I directed all five nominees. What an amazing year I've had! I taught Drake the 'Hotline Bling' dance," he said. "I made 'Lemonade' with Queen Bey."

The crowd seemed entirely amused by the bit, including Phelps, Lochte's teammate and competitor. The most decorated Olympian of all time took in the show from his seat in the audience alongside fiancee Nicole Johnson, and the couple definitely got a kick out of the joke.

While Johnson, a former Miss California, laughed into her hands, Phelps could be seen mouthing "Oh my God" while capturing the moment on his phone.

Though Fallon had the audience briefly in stitches, Beyonce quickly stole his thunder when she ultimately won the Moonman for her hit, "Formation."

For more of the night's jaw-dropping moments, visit E!'s roundup here.

MTV Video Music Awards 2016 Red Carpet Arrivals

Copyright E! Online
Contact Us