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
- Why Trump’s Message Worked on Latino Men
- What Trump’s Win Could Mean for Housing
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Sleep Doctors Share the 1 Tip That’s Changed Their Lives
- Column: Let’s Bring Back Romance
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com