Sometimes the answer is right in front of your eyes – or in this case, the windshield. It turns out that an actor you’ve probably never heard of – James Corden – has struck YouTube gold by singing along, and with “the radio,” with celebrities.
The Late Late Show with James Corden on CBS-TV airs in most markets well after midnight. Talk about a show that is up against amazing, iconic competitors like Fallon, Kimmel, and Colbert.
And yet, Corden is now breaking through, thanks to a single benchmark that has generated strong ratings, millions and millions of viral YouTube downloads, and of course, tons of buzz.
Why does “Carpool Karaoke” work?
Because even the rich, famous, powerful, and egomaniacal do what we all do – sing along in the car with the radio blaring on the way to work or the mall.
NPR’s Ari Shapiro recently featured Corden and his video benchmark in a fun interview the other day on All Things Considered. It was just a year ago that Corden connected the dots – his warm, relatable humor, the intimacy of the car, and the universal joy of singing along in the car – and created a viral YouTube franchise.
In just 12 months, he’s lured everyone from Adele, Justin Bieber, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John into the front seat of a car to joyously sing their biggest hits (and others) in a hilarious bit that is just pure fun. Corden gets into the spirit, often donning clothes and props that are emblematic of his celebrity singers. And because of his charm and the disarming concept itself, these often egomaniacal celebrities just seem to melt in the front seat and become attractive and often funny.
And it gives Corden a chance to talk to an iconic artist in the most intimate of settings – the close confines of the car. As Corden explains to Shapiro, “All I want is our guest to shine.”
Email recipients: click here to watch one of James Corden’s “Carpool Karaoke” videos
Can a single benchmark catapult an actor, a host, and even a TV show?
You be the judge.
The complete list of James Corden’s “Carpool Karaoke” videos is here.
Thanks to Seth Resler for the inspiration.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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