Celebrities signing along to radio hits has become a hit for comedian James Corden but Carpool Karaoke had humble beginnings.
The idea for the Late Late Show segment came from a 2011 sketch featuring Corden and former Wham! frontman George Michael where the two set get enlisted to save the UK charity Comic Relief. Wearing matching jackets, the two argue back and forth over whether Michael’s help is even necessary when Corden lays it on the pop star.
“Because you’re a joke, George! It’s embarrassing. I can’t walk into Comic Relief with you – Comic Relief is about helping people like you,” he says before putting on the Wham! song “I’m Your Man” to cheer up Michael.
And Carpool Karaoke was born. Fast forward five years and the segment is now being pitched as a stand alone television show.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- Coco Gauff Is Playing for Herself Now
- Scenes From Pro-Palestinian Encampments Across U.S. Universities
- 6 Compliments That Land Every Time
- If You're Dating Right Now , You're Brave: Column
- The AI That Could Heal a Divided Internet
- Fallout Is a Brilliant Model for the Future of Video Game Adaptations
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com