James Corden Opens Up About George Michael's Death and 'Carpool Karaoke' Inspiration
If his passionate performances from the driver’s seat are any indication, no one is a bigger music lover than James Corden. The British host of The Late Late Show got serious on Tuesday night, while reflecting on the passing of the late George Michael.
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“I feel like I've loved George Michael as long as I've loved music, in a way, and I know so many of his fans feel the same,” Corden noted. “I can remember so many specific times in my life where I might have felt on my own, and George's music would feel like, you would listen to a song and he would reach his hand out and tell you that you weren't on your own and that these feelings were not particular to you."
The charity sketch with Michael in 2011 inspired the now-viral “Carpool Karaoke,” and Corden could not be more grateful.
“It was the first time I'd ever sung in a car with anybody, and it's become quite a big part of my life now, and he really inspired it,” Corden said.
He also noted that when he signed on as the host of the CBS late night show, he struggled to find artists willing to perform in the sketch. Corden would send potential participants the clip of his skit with Michael until finally, Mariah Carey agreed to do it.
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“Her words were, 'If it's good enough for George, then it's good enough for me. I'll do it.' So we all have so much to thank him for, for the music that he's given that will last forever, but we personally, here at this show, we owe him so much," Corden concluded.
Michael passed away at age 53 on Christmas Day after suffering congestive heart failure. For more on his death, watch the clip below.