(CNN) Anyone could have predicted that Stephen Colbert's opening Emmy monologue would include talk of politics and mentions of President Donald Trump, but no would could have predicted a surprise cameo from White House alum Sean Spicer.

The former White House press secretary made a brief appearance at the end of Colbert's opening monologue for a bit that appeared to mock Spicer's defense of Trump's inauguration attendance.

On stage, Colbert asked if someone could predict how large this year's Emmy audience would be -- Spicer's cue to emerge from backstage.

The reactions to Sean Spicer were better than Sean Spicer #Emmys pic.twitter.com/KTBZwVwXCM — Emily Longeretta (@emilylongeretta) September 18, 2017

"This will be the largest audience to witness the Emmys, period -- both in person and around the world," Spicer said from a podium.

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