Skip to main content

Elton John dresses the part in extended version of Corden's Carpool Karaoke

Elton John Carpool Karaoke
Musical legend Elton John proved that he’s still got it, and that you’re “not too old to do anything” by holding effectively a mobile musical concert following the Super Bowl, with Carpool Karaoke host James Corden.

As the third Brit in a row to be featured in the Late Late Show segment (Chris Martin was last week and Adele the week prior), it comes as no surprise that the bulk of the 12 minute video (specially extended for the web) included the pair belting out some of Elton’s greatest hits. But what really created the concert feel was the costume elements, and quirky “dance” moves.

Clearly, Sir Elton never quite had the dancing prowess, nor sex symbol status of other stars like Mick Jagger, he admits — and even if he had, he was “stuck at a piano.” So he dressed it up as best, and as flamboyantly, as he could.

Elton’s iconic voice, Corden’s continually impressive harmonizing skills, and the lengthy roster of amazing skits helped make this one of the most entertaining Carpool Karaoke segments yet. It was a bit lighter on the humor side than some of the others; how can you beat Adele rapping, or Rod Stewart dishing his rock star secrets, though?

But you can’t help but want to passionately sing along (in your head or out loud) as you watch. When Corden breaks out a Lion King-inspired costume to sing Circle of Life, it’s thoroughly hilarious and nostalgic at the same time.

At the ripe age of 68, the singer still managed to show off his youthful side, crediting much of his energy to his kids, and getting inspired to keep innovating by great young artists, like Ed Sheeran. There’s no sitting back and basking in the glory of being, well, Elton John. “I have the energy of a 20-year-old,” he says. Ironically, however, he does not have the technical knowledge of one, admitting that he doesn’t even own a cell phone.

So far, since the extended version of the segment was posted online it has been viewed just under a quarter-of-a-million times. Considering that Chris Martin’s has almost reached 7 million, and Adele has over 66 million views  (a record for the segment, of course), we’re betting that Sir Elton will be right up there in views in no time.

Who, after all, would not want to see a private, in-car concert with the icon singing everything from Tiny Dancer to Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me? Feel free to hit play a couple of times — it’s definitely worth a couple of looks.

Editors' Recommendations

Christine Persaud
Christine is a professional editor and writer with 18 years of experience in trade and consumer journalism. While she started…
Ed Sheeran talks dive bars and shows hidden talents in 'Carpool Karaoke'
carpool karaoke sheeran ed 2

Ed Sheeran is the latest musician to sit down with James Corden for an edition of the popular Carpool Karaoke segment. And while it was clear he was a bit uncomfortable without a guitar by his side, his vocals shone both with and without it.

In the 13-minute video, which has already received more than 3.6 million views at the time of this writing, and is quickly moving up YouTube's daily trending list, Sheeran belts out his latest and top hits as Corden sings along and harmonizes. In a fun bit, the two do an ad-lib version of Castle on the Hill, altering the lyrics to sing about being stuck in traffic in downtown Los Angeles.

Read more
Apple finally reveals ‘Carpool Karaoke’ debut date after unexplained delay
apple music carpool karaoke delay

Apple has finally set the date for the launch of its Carpool Karaoke show.

The in-car, A-list celebrity sing-along made famous by James Corden on The Late Late Show will be available to Apple Music subscribers starting August 8, the tech giant revealed on Tuesday.

Read more
Apple unexpectedly puts the brakes on its ‘Carpool Karaoke’ launch
apple music carpool karaoke delay

Apple's Carpool Karaoke show for its music streaming service looks to be stuck in the parking lot, at least for the time being.

The tech giant has reportedly delayed the launch of the show, a spinoff of the segment made famous by James Corden on The Late Late Show where the host drives A-list celebrities around while singing their hearts out to famous tracks.

Read more