James Corden is really making a name for himself on the late night talk show circuit, particularly with his Carpool Karaoke segment on the Late Late Show. And the latest in the series, featuring Rod Stewart with a pop-up surprise appearance by A$AP, doesn’t disappoint.
In this segment, of which Corden has already done versions with singers like Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber, Stewart goes all out, rocking out to his top hits, like The First Cut is the Deepest, Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?, Maggie Mae, and Ooh La La. When he breaks out singing his new hit, Everyday, rapper A$AP literally pops up from the back seat to do the hook. Stewart’s voice is as cool, raspy, and distinctive as ever, while Corden holds his own as he sings along. Stewart belts out his tunes with gusto, even head banging and playing air guitar along with an instrumental solo.
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Naturally, this is still a talk show. But stationary interviews are so passé these days. And talk, they did, about everything from smashing up hotel rooms back in the day, to shagging the ladies, drinking, the iconic Stewart hair, and being banned from every Holiday Inn, then subsequently checking in as Fleetwood Mac.
Stewart also provides some interesting tidbits of information, like how his “first time” at 15 with a much older woman inspired the hit Maggie May; and how hotel smash-ups typically happened back in the day because the bands didn’t feel they were getting the respect they deserved.
“I have never felt as cool in my life as I do right now,” says a clearly mesmerized Corden as it hits him that he’s driving around with Rod Stewart and A$AP.
Seventy-year-old Stewart, born in the U.K., has a career that spans more than 50 years, and has been named one of the best-selling artists of all time. It’s safe to say that he’s the most high-profile passenger Corden has had do Carpool Karaoke, and it shows on Corden’s face throughout.
It’s worth checking out the full 9:15 of the video.
