10 of the Best James Corden Carpool Karaoke Episodes

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James Corden, previous host of “The Late Late Show,” ended his eight-year show run in April, leaving behind a legendary vault of iconic celebrities singing along to their hits as Corden “drives” to work. 

Linking up with famous artists from the 60s until now, Corden has had an amazing lineup of guests over the years, taking them to a pub, a wrestling ring, the set of a soap opera, and more. Corden’s humorous and contagious energy creates a space within the car for artists to rock out and engage in the silly antics Corden encourages. 

Here are 10 of the best Carpool Karaoke episodes you won’t want to miss. 

Paul McCartney

Legendary Beatle Paul McCartney joined Corden for a drive around Liverpool, stopping at some of his personal landmarks along the way. They visited the ever-iconic Penny Lane, a street in Liverpool popularized by The Beatles’ song “Penny Lane.” McCartney signed the brick wall and stopped into the Penny Lane barber shop, where a photo of John Lennon cutting Paul’s hair was on display. 

McCartney’s childhood home, where Lennon and McCartney would rehearse and write songs, was the next stop.  Unsurprisingly, a crowd quickly gathered around his home, leaving McCartney to politely shake the hands of fans. 

Their last stop was at the Philharmonic Pub, where McCartney wowed customers with a surprise concert. After playing several songs, McCartney ended with the legendary “Hey Jude,” leaving the audience tearing up in awe of the legend standing before them.

Broadway ft Lin-Manuel Miranda, Audra McDonald, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Jane Krakowski

Leading up to his hosting the 70th Tony Awards, Corden was joined by critically acclaimed playwright and creator of the renowned musical, “Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel Miranda, who helped Corden navigate New York City while belting out “Alexander Hamilton.” 

After making a stop, they were joined by Broadway greats Audra McDonald, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Jane Krakowski. Singing hits from Rent, Jersey Boys, and Les Misérables, the fivesome belted along, showing off their powerful voices. 

Foo Fighters

All six members of the rock band Foo Fighters exuded contagious energy while crammed into Corden’s car, singing a few of their greatest hits, including “All My Life,” “Best of You,” “Learn to Fly,” and “The Sky is a Neighborhood.”

Corden took the opportunity to ask Dave Grohl about breaking his leg during a stadium show in Sweden two years prior. Despite the bad break, Grohl’s fans were overjoyed when he returned to the stage to finish the set – all while a medic stabilized his ankle by holding it in place for the remainder of the show. 

The group then headed to Guitar Center where Taylor Hawkins was surprised to see his photo mounted over the entrance. Grohl, Hawkins, and Corden played the drums together before performing a rock heavy version of “Never Gonna Give You Up” with the whole band. 

Lizzo

Rapper and vivacious icon Lizzo paired up with Corden to sing some of her major hits. After singing hits “Good As Hell,” and “Juice,” Corden surprises Lizzo by bringing out a flute. Her real flute is named “Sasha Floot,” after Beyoncé’s alter ego. Lizzo described Beyoncé’s music as a source of hope for her when she was being bullied, and the two then sang “Crazy In Love,” by Beyoncé. 

After singing “Special,” and singing “About Damn Time,” the duo pulled over on the side of the road to do the viral TikTok dance created by Jaeden Gomez. Bringing in backup dancers and Gomez herself, Lizzo and Corden danced with exuberance. Corden and Lizzo ended their drive by singing “Truth Hurts,” Lizzo’s claim to fame. 

Bad Bunny

When Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny joined Corden, in addition to singing his hits, “Dakiti, “I Like It,” and “Tití Me Preguntó,” he shared stories about his stage name, how he almost missed his opening number at the Grammys, and stories of his childhood. 

As a child, Bad Bunny enjoyed drawing and painting, inspiring Corden to schedule an impromptu art class where the two drew each other – though Bad Bunny’s portrait of Corden looked more like Donald Trump. 

The highlight of this carpool however is when Bad Bunny takes Corden to a wrestling ring, where he teaches Corden some moves before putting him up against WWE star Rey Mysterio. 

Bad Bunny’s appearance ends with the duo listening to “As It Was,” by Harry Styles, which brings us to our next Carpool Karaoke. 

Harry Styles

Just two years after sitting in Corden’s backseat as a member of the former boyband One Direction, Harry Styles showed off his solo skills, when he joined Corden to sing hits from his first solo album, including “Sign of the Times,” “Sweet Creature,” and “Kiwi.”

Taking inspiration from Styles’ vibrant and bold fashion sense, Corden and Styles tried on Harry-coded outfits, including a black mesh top and a shimmery skin-tight gold top. 

The two then jammed out to OutKast’s “Hey Ya!” and quickly switched gears singing along to “Endless Love,” with Styles singing Lionel Richie’s part, and Corden singing Diana Ross’ part. 

Continuing down the emotional path, they acted out scenes from “Notting Hill” and “The Titanic,” as Styles was just starting his acting career in the movie “Dunkirk.”

Styles and Corden rocked out to “Kiwi” as they ended their karaoke session, yelling his iconic lyrics, “I’m having your baby, it’s none of your business!”

Lady Gaga

Just before Lady Gaga headlined the halftime show at Super Bowl LI, she joined Corden for his morning “commute.” 

Adorned in a sparkly outfit with a huge bowtie, Gaga and Corden sang “Perfect Illusion,” “Bad Romance,” “Edge of Glory,” “Born This Way,” “Poker Face, ” and “A Million Reasons.”

Not long into the drive, the two switched seats to let Gaga “drive” testing her as she had just passed her driver’s test a few months prior. 

Gaga shares she wrote “Poker Face,” “Born This Way,” and “Just Dance,” in ten minutes each, showing off the skilled lyricist Gaga is. Corden then appeared in a few of Gaga’s most iconic looks, including a recreation of the infamous meat dress. 

Decked out in pink cowboy hats, the two wrap up the drive with “Million Reasons.” 

Lil Nas X

“Old Town Road,” rapper Lil Nas X joined Corden’s drive, singing, “Old Town Road,” “Industry Baby,” “That’s What I Want,” and “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” 

Corden asked about Lil Nas X’s first love of music, noting that he played the trumpet in middle school. Pulling out two trumpets from the backseat, the two play the intro to “Industry Baby,” before singing along to it. 

As Corden and Lil Nas X discuss acting and accents, Corden takes Lil Nas X to the set of 

California-based soap opera, “The Bold and the Beautiful,” where the two play a waiter and busboy, laughing through the scene. 

Elton John 

Eccentric and acclaimed British singer, pianist, and composer Elton John helped Corden drive to work on a rainy day. Starting with the classics “Your Song,” and “I’m Still Standing,” the duo then switched to “Crocodile Rock,” rocking colorful feather boas and sunglasses. 

After singing along to “Tiny Dancer,” they spoke about John’s album that had been released just days earlier, called “Wonderful Crazy Night.” John explained that he wanted to make a joyful album that expressed the happiness he was feeling in his own life. 

With Corden sporting a lion mane and nose, the duo sang “Circle of Life” from “The Lion King.” 

John’s appearance ended with the iconic, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” originally recorded by John in 1974 and then introduced to a new generation when JOhn performed it as a duet with George Michael at Live Aid in 1985. 

Adele

Marking the final Carpool Karaoke during the last week of Corden’s “The Late Late Show,” Adele made an appearance, waking Corden up and driving him to work. Corden discusses being excited and scared to face the end of his eight-year show run, but explains that it’s time for him to go home and spend time with family. 

The pair belted along to “Rolling in the Deep,” “Love Is A Game,” “I Drink Wine,” “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” by Barbra Streisand, and “Hometown Glory.” 

Corden reflected on his past guests, including his first guest Mariah Carey, one of his most iconic guests Stevie Wonder, and Adele’s first appearance on Carpool Karaoke. 

Before singing “I Drink Wine,” the two shared an emotional moment as they recounted vulnerable moments in their relationship including a conversation they once had that inspired the song.

As Adele and Corden tear up saying goodbye, Adele notes that they will see each other the next day. 

Which Carpool Karaoke episode is your favorite?