James Corden's Carpool Karaoke segments have become late night/viral internet classics at this point, but it looks like Corden had a bit of help coming up with the now-iconic concept, according to Digital Spy (opens in new tab).
During a 2011 sketch for Comic Relief, a major charity in the UK, Corden teamed up with pop legend George Michael and the result was the comedy baby that would grow up to be Carpool Karaoke. In the sketch, Corden played his Gavin and Stacey character, Smithy, and Michael played himself—but a version who wasn't "allowed" to be a part of Comic Relief.
To cheer Michael up, Smithy drove him around and together they belted out the singer's 1986 Wham! classic, "I'm Your Man."
Michael, the groundbreaking pop star who many remember as half of the duo Wham!, was found dead in his home (opens in new tab) in England on Christmas Day. Naturally, Corden was among the celebrities who paid tribute to the singer on social media following the sad news.
I've loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time.December 25, 2016
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