The Scoville Romance: 5 Spicy Details About Sean Evans' Crush On Keke Palmer And That Viral Kiss

The world of celebrity interviews got a whole lot spicier when *Hot Ones* host Sean Evans finally had his long-standing celebrity crush, Keke Palmer, sit across from him for a record-breaking third time. The episode, which aired in the latter half of 2024, became an instant viral sensation, not just for Keke’s legendary reactions to the progressively hotter wings, but for a shocking, unscripted moment that addressed the romance rumors head-on. As of December 2025, the story of the *Hot Ones* host and his multi-talented guest remains one of the most talked-about "what ifs" in pop culture, a testament to the undeniable chemistry that viewers—and Keke herself—noticed.

The saga of the "Scoville Romance" is a rare look into a genuine, unforced connection between two major media personalities. It all started with a casual confession and culminated in a moment of pure curiosity and flirtation that left fans demanding a full-fledged relationship. This article dives deep into the timeline, the details of the crush, Keke’s candid reaction, and what this viral moment means for the future of both stars.

The Complete Player Profiles: Sean Evans and Keke Palmer

To truly appreciate the magnitude of this viral celebrity crush, it is essential to understand the backgrounds of the two stars involved. Both Sean Evans and Keke Palmer have carved out unique, highly respected niches in the entertainment industry.

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Sean Evans: The King of the Hot Seat

• Full Name: Sean Evans
• Born: April 26, 1986
• Birthplace: Evanston, Illinois, U.S.
• Career: YouTube Personality, Host, Producer
• Claim to Fame: Co-creator and host of the popular YouTube series *Hot Ones*, produced by *First We Feast*. The show features celebrity interviews conducted while both the host and guest eat ten progressively hotter chicken wings, testing their endurance against the Scoville scale.
• Notable Entities: *Hot Ones*, *First We Feast*, Complex Media, celebrity interviews, hot sauce challenge, bald head, low-key personality.

Keke Palmer: The Multi-Hyphenate Icon

• Full Name: Lauren Keyana "Keke" Palmer
• Born: August 26, 1993
• Birthplace: Harvey, Illinois, U.S.
• Career: Actress, Singer, Television Host, Producer, Author
• Claim to Fame: Her breakout role in *Akeelah and the Bee* (2006) and subsequent major roles in films like *Hustlers* (2019) and Jordan Peele’s *Nope* (2022). She has also hosted talk shows and starred in TV series such as *Scream Queens*.
• Notable Entities: *Akeelah and the Bee*, *Hustlers*, *Nope*, *Scream Queens*, *Strahan, Sara and Keke*, Emmy Award winner, singer-songwriter, talk show host, Darius Jackson.

The Timeline of the Crush: From Confession to Kiss

The romance rumors didn't start with Keke Palmer’s third appearance on *Hot Ones*. Instead, the tension had been building for years, fueled by fan speculation and Sean Evans's own subtle cues. The story truly ignited when the host was put on the other side of the interview table.

The 2023 'Chicken Shop Date' Confession

In a 2023 crossover episode, Sean Evans appeared as a guest on Amelia Dimoldenberg’s popular web series, *Chicken Shop Date*. Dimoldenberg, known for her hilariously awkward and direct interview style, didn't hold back. She asked Evans if he had ever had a crush on a guest that came on *Hot Ones*.

Evans, visibly flustered but honest, confirmed that he had. When pressed to reveal the name, he reluctantly admitted that his celebrity crush was Keke Palmer. The confession instantly went viral, sending the internet into a frenzy. Fans of both stars began campaigning for a romantic pairing, citing their undeniable on-screen chemistry from Keke's previous *Hot Ones* appearances.

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Keke Palmer’s Candid Reaction: "The Vibes Were Vibing"

Keke Palmer, ever the social media savvy star, quickly caught wind of Evans's admission. She took to Instagram to share a clip of the confession, confirming that she, too, felt a spark during their spicy encounters.

“It was love at first hot wing—this was too kind @seanseaevans,” she joked in her caption. More seriously, she later told a major publication, "I knew the vibes were vibing." This comment solidified the fan theory that the connection was mutual, or at least that Keke was highly receptive to the idea.

The Viral On-Camera Kiss: "To See If There's a Spark"

The moment everyone was waiting for happened during Keke Palmer’s third, and record-breaking, appearance on *Hot Ones*. As the interview neared its fiery conclusion, Keke took control of the narrative. She decided to address the crush, which had by then become a major talking point in pop culture.

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Without warning, Keke leaned across the table and planted a quick, affectionate kiss on Sean Evans's cheek. She explained her reasoning to the stunned host: "I saw an interview... and I was like, 'Oh, let me see if there's a spark.'" The host, known for his unflappable composure, was visibly surprised and blushing, simply responding, "The spark was sparking!"

This single moment, a playful and bold move by Keke, became the defining clip of the episode, proving that sometimes, the heat from the hot sauce can lead to a different kind of heat altogether. The entire exchange was a masterclass in celebrity flirtation, blending genuine curiosity with the high-stakes environment of the *Hot Ones* challenge.

Are Sean Evans and Keke Palmer Dating? A Look at Their 2025 Status

The natural question following a viral on-camera kiss is whether the two stars decided to pursue a relationship. As of late 2025, the answer, while disappointing to fans, suggests that the kiss was a fun, spontaneous moment of connection rather than the beginning of a full-fledged romance.

Keke Palmer’s Focus on 2025 and Beyond

Keke Palmer has been very open about her relationship status following her public split from her former partner, Darius Jackson, with whom she shares a child. She has expressed a strong desire to focus on her personal happiness and career in 2025.

The actress has stated she is open to dating again, but she is prioritizing healing and self-discovery. She even humorously revealed her new dating criteria, saying she is looking for a "Steve Urkel" or a "type of guy who is really sweet and kind." While the chemistry with Sean Evans is undeniable, Keke's current intention seems to be centered on her own journey, making any immediate romantic pairing unlikely.

Sean Evans’s Private Dating Life

Sean Evans is famously private about his personal life, preferring to keep the focus on his guests and the wings. However, reports have linked him to various women over the years. He was previously in a relationship with TV host Natasha Alexis Martinez, which began around 2018.

More recently, Evans was reportedly linked to adult film star Melissa Stratton, though details about the nature and longevity of that relationship remain scarce and largely unconfirmed by Evans himself. The *Hot Ones* host has consistently maintained a low profile, which makes any official confirmation of a new relationship—especially one as high-profile as Keke Palmer—highly improbable. The viral kiss, therefore, remains a beautiful, spontaneous moment of shared celebrity history, a testament to the power of a celebrity crush finally being acknowledged in the most public and spicy way imaginable.