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Actress/singer Keke Palmer brought her trademark charisma to the spicy wings challenge when she appeared on Hot Ones, effortlessly blending humor with candid storytelling. As the heat intensified, she dished on her multifaceted career, which spans acting, singing, and hosting, while dropping quick-witted one-liners that kept both the audience and host Sean Evans laughing. Following Palmer’s appearance, a smitten college student created a video that got her attention. Here’s how she responded to the sweet and funny clip from the much-younger man.

Keke Palmer’s ‘Hot Ones’ appearance sparked romantic interest from a college student on TikTok

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Keke Palmer appeared on Hot Ones with host Sean Evans in September 2025. While on the program, Palmer playfully flirted with Evans, even suggesting that they “smooch.” Cole Smith, a smitten college student, saw the clip and decided he’d shoot his shot with the actress.

“This message is for Keke Palmer,” Smith says in his viral TikTok. Smith notes that he saw Palmer get “mad flirty” with Evans and was curious about the situation, as he thought she was married. However, after learning that Palmer isn’t married anymore, he wanted to “throw” his “hat in the ring” for a chance at love.

“I got fedoras, I got f***in’ golf visors, I got sombreros, all of the hats,” Smith says. “Sure, Sean Evans is a great guy, but wouldn’t you rather be with a college student that forgot to shave this morning? I mean, come on, look at that scruff!”

Smith then jokes about their age difference. “Are you 11 years older than me? Yes! Am I in a relationship right now? Maybe,” he continues. He then jokes about only having a Nutri-Grain bar to offer and not feeling phased by her movie-star status.

“So, you can just let me know,” he concludes. “I have Skype. I don’t know. Hit me up!”

Here’s how Palmer responded after the viral TikTok

Cole Smith’s viral TikTok following Keke Palmer’s Hot Ones appearance got back to Palmer. So, she playfully responded with her own TikTok.

“I heard all the nice things you said about me, and you were so bold for doing so,” Palmer says. “I was kind of gagged when I found out I was 11 years older than you. That means when you were born, I was already winning spelling bees. That means when you were learning how to talk, I was already jumping rope.”

“The point is, while I’m open to a little swirl or two, even though the last time I did that, the Black community had me in a chokehold,” she continues. “The truth is, I’m not ready to be a cougar, you know? I’m not ready just yet. But if I was, you’d be the first one I was calling. We’d be munching on that Nutri bar together.”

Is Keke Palmer single in 2025?

It looks like Keke Palmer is single as of September 2025. Palmer is not currently married and has not publicly confirmed any new romantic relationships. She shares joint custody of her son, Leodis, with her ex-partner Darius Jackson, with whom she separated in October 2023 following a tumultuous relationship.

After her divorce, Palmer has focused on personal growth and creative endeavors. She released her album, Just Keke, which delves into her experiences and reflections on the relationship. Additionally, she has been involved in various projects, including her role in the film One of Them Days, which showcases her versatility as an entertainer.

While Palmer doesn’t seem to take Cole Smith up on his dating offer, she also didn’t flat-out deny him, which many of her fans noted in her TikTok comments.

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