James Corden is set to follow in the footsteps of The Tonight Show’s Jimmy Fallon. After the success of Fallon’s Lipsync Battle bit on the Tonight Show, the former SNL member launched the Lip Sync Battle series, which sees two celebrities going head to head evert week in the most over the top, cameo-filled (one word – Beyonce) lip sync battles of all time.
Now Corden is also gaining his own spin off thanks to the power of viral hits. After landing celebs like Adele, Justin Bieber and Elton John for his Carpool Karaoke segments, Corden is now launching Caraoke Showdown, a half-hour game show hosted by Craig Robinson. Corden will work mostly behind the scenes on the show, but will appear in some segments.
It’s no surprise that the viral sensation has earned its own series, a feat that has been rightly earned by Corden and his can’t-miss Carpool Karaoke segmenets. But what is it about the series that makes them such a big hit? We break it down.
1. He Makes People Likable
Carpool Karaoke has featured divas, boy bands, and Justin Bieber. The Biebs gets his own category. That’s what happens when you become the biggest pop star in the world and then pee in bucket. Corden’s Carpool Karaoke series has been able to mix the host’s likability with the low-pressure environment of a car to bring out the best in its guests.
2. It’s Hilarious
Sure, the musical guests are amazing and have some of the biggest hits of all time, but getting to laugh with celebrities is one of the biggest joys of Carpool Karaoke. Sia pretending to be lost inside her wig? Hilarious.
3. It’s Emotional
So often we see A-listers rubbing elbows with one another and feel removed from the world of celebrity. Although Corden has enjoyed a successful career both in North America and in his home of the UK, at heart he’s still a fan like the rest of us. This was apparent when James requested Stevie Wonder call Corden’s wife, causing the Late Late Show host to break down in tears.
4. Singing IRL
There’s something amazing and humbling about getting to hear your favourite artist happily singing along to their own songs that makes our loves for music grow even stronger.
5. Learnin’
Thanks to Carpool Karaoke, we’ve learned that Iggy Azalea and Demi Lovato really are besties, Carrie Underwood likes to watch her NHL husband fight on the ice, Niall Horan would marry Selena Gomez, and Adele could have a second career as a rapper. She’s a motherf***ing monster.
Watch The Late Late Show With James Corden every Monday to Friday at 12:30am ET on CTV and catch up with episodes online here.