The Late Late Show with James Corden has been a talk show sensation, with its unique and captivating segments capturing the hearts of millions of viewers. One such segment that has become a cultural phenomenon is Carpool Karaoke. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global sensation, Carpool Karaoke has taken the chat show to a whole new level.
When brainstorming ideas for the show, James Corden and his team were determined to create something fresh, exciting, and different. They realized that they needed a segment that would grab the audience’s attention and become their signature moment. Just like Jay Leno had jaywalking and David Letterman had stupid pet tricks, they wanted their talk show to have a distinctive feature.
As fate would have it, James Corden and his friend Ben had previously done a successful sketch for Comic Relief, where James picked up George Michael from jail in a car. This sketch planted the seed for Carpool Karaoke, as they thought, “What if we drive around with celebrities, singing along to their music?” And just like that, Carpool Karaoke was born.
However, getting celebrities on board initially proved to be a challenge. The concept of sitting in a car and singing their own songs to a host they barely knew was met with skepticism. But the team persisted and pitched the idea relentlessly. Eventually, they managed to convince Mariah Carey, who agreed to participate after watching James and George Michael’s car ride.
Little did they know that this simple concept would take the world by storm. As Mariah Carey sang along to her own hits, the segment went viral, amassing 14 million views in just four days. The success of Carpool Karaoke quickly became apparent – it allowed viewers to see their favorite artists in a new light, completely relaxed and having fun.
Other big-name artists soon followed suit, with the likes of Adele, Justin Bieber, Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, and Lady Gaga all taking a seat in James Corden’s car. The unfiltered and intimate setting of the car allowed for unprecedented interviews and unforgettable moments. Adele‘s rendition of “Hello” particularly stands out, as it garnered millions of views and even surpassed the viewership of prestigious events like the Grammys.
The impact of Carpool Karaoke extended beyond just entertainer’s rides with James. It became a platform for artists to promote their music and reignite their careers. Stevie Wonder‘s greatest hits soared back onto the charts after his carpool session. The segment also caught the attention of the White House, leading to a memorable episode with former First Lady Michelle Obama.
To this day, Carpool Karaoke remains one of the most beloved segments in late-night television history. It has amassed over a billion views and has even spun off into its own show. James Corden and his team continue to create magical carpool moments, bringing joy to viewers around the world.
As the show comes to an end, we can’t help but reminisce about the incredible journey that Carpool Karaoke has taken us on. It has become more than just a segment; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has touched the hearts of millions. So let’s buckle up and sing along one last time as we bid farewell to the carpool with the gang on The Late Late Show with James Corden.
