James Corden addresses ‘divisions’ in America in final Late Late Show
James Corden has used a farewell speech on the final episode of his CBS talkshow to address the deep political and ideological rifts in America. “We started this show with Obama, then Trump and a global pandemic. I’ve watched America change a lot. I’ve watched divisions grow and I’ve felt a sense of negativity boil over,” said Corden in his last appearance as host of The Late Late Show.
He implored his audience to “remember what America signifies to the rest of the world. My entire life it has always been a place of optimism … Yes, it has flaws but show me a place that doesn’t. Show me a person that doesn’t.”
“We are all more the same than we are different. There are so many people who are trying to stoke those differences and we have to try as best we can to look for the light, look for the joy. If you do, it’s out there. That’s all this show has ever been about,” he said.
Corden announced one year ago that he would be ending his late-night show after eight seasons, citing a desire to return to the UK to be closer to family and loved ones. His parents were seated in the audience for the final taping, and his sisters, he joked, were in town too, but at a bar instead.
Harry Styles and Will Ferrell were Corden’s final guests on the programme. Styles has been a frequent visitor to the show, and has even guesthosted twice.
“As a friend, I’m so incredibly proud of you,” Styles told Corden. “On a personal note, you’ve been a safe space to me always as a friend.”
He added that he was “selfishly very excited that you’re coming home.” Styles, Corden and Ferrell then embraced in a group hug.
On Thursday CBS also aired a primetime special called “The Last Last Late Late Show Special” with taped segments featuring Tom Cruise and Adele.
There were also goodbyes from other late night hosts. Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and David Letterman all appeared in a pre-taped segment with Corden. They joked that since Corden was ending his show, they could each call dibs on one of his segments.
They all chose Carpool Karaoke, referencing Corden’s most popular sketch in which he drives around Los Angeles with celebrities and sing songs. Paul McCartney, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder and Chris Martin all appeared in previous sketches.
Corden ended the show by playing piano and singing a song with the crew and staff gathered around the stage.
“Part of me thinks I should stay here forever but deep in my heart I just know,” Corden sang. “No more shows to be showing, it’s time I was going. It’s time. Thanks for watching, that’s our show.”