James Corden revealed to Howard Stern that the "Late Late Show" sketch "Carpool Karaoke" had a suspenseful first ride with Mariah Carey. According to James Corden when the "Late Late Show" sketch enlisted Mariah Carey for the first episode of "Carpool Karaoke," the "Touch My Body" singer refused to sing.
According to Howard Stern, James Corden and his "Late Late Show" team tried to get "Carpool Karaoke" off the ground as long as two months. All artists that the "Late Late Show" approached for "Carpool Karaoke" said no, until Mariah Carey helped James Corden turn it into a viral hit.
James Corden told Howard Stern, however, that on the day of the episode, Mariah Carey told the "Late Late Show" host that she was not going to sing. Instead, for the first episode of "Carpool Karaoke" Mariah Carey only wanted to drive around and chat with James Corden.
The Daily Mail reports that James Corden refused to let the hurdle set him back on his "Carpool Karaoke" premiere. When Mariah Carey refused to do any karaoke singing during their ride, James Corden decided that he will do the singing.
Fortunately, Mariah Carey quite gamely chimed in when James Corden started playing "Always Be My Baby" on the stereo and "Carpool Karaoke" was finally and properly born. Mariah Carey and James Corden smoothly did a few more songs interspersed with chats in the "Carpool Karaoke" episode.
Fans happily picked up the "Late Late Show" "Carpool Karaoke" sketch with Mariah Carey and the episode quickly invaded the internet. More stars became easily willing to sign up for "Carpool Karaoke" with James Corden on the "Late Late Show" after seeing the success Mariah Carey brought onto the segment.
Howard Stern cites James Corden in admission by the "Late Late Show" host that despite his "Carpool Karaoke" success, he does not see himself staying too long with late night TV hosting. For the time being, fans can continue to catch the "Late Late Show" and fresh episodes of "Carpool Karaoke" with James Corden every weeknight on CBS.