Stevie Wonder Carpools with James Corden, Voice So Beautiful Corden’s Eyes Well with Tears
In this world, it seems like most things hit a point where they start to go downhill. Precious few things get better over time, age gracefully, or hold their beauty.
Stevie Wonder is one of those things, as proven by an episode of “The Late Late Show with James Corden.” Originally posted in September 2015, the video is still warming hearts and bringing a mist to people’s eyes.
The idea of singing in a car with a celebrity got its start when Corden tried it out with George Michael and recognized its potential. According to an interview with Stephen Colbert, though, it had a rough start.
“There was something very joyful about it,” Corden said. Despite that, no one would bite when he offered.
“Imagine a recording artist,” he said. “They said no. There wasn’t anyone who would do it, and then there was a chance meeting with Mariah Carey, and she said, ‘OK, I’ll do it.’”
From there, it has taken off, and the segments have become hits. What’s more down-to-earth and approachable than your favorite artist singing along to tunes during a road trip?
In this particular 2015 clip, though, Corden starts out a bit agitated. “Are you sure you’re okay to drive?” Corden asks nervously. “I’m just saying, are you sure you’re okay to drive, because this is making me feel a bit … uneasy.”
“I got my license!” claims Wonder. “I keep my license… wait a minute… I don’t.”
Realizing he doesn’t have his license, Wonder accuses Cordon of having done something to it, but Corden claims he’s got nothing to do with it. “Nothing to do with me, mate,” Wonder jeers in a Corden-like accent.
The pair switches seats and Cordon gets behind the wheel. As the two drive along, Wonder starts accusing Corden of not even having any of his music, just as “Superstition” starts playing.
Without missing a beat, Wonder quips, “Hey, watch where you’re driving there, buddy.”
Next up, Wonder FaceTimes someone to make sure the guy driving him around really is James Corden. “Hello? Hey, do you know this guy? Is this … is this James Corden?”
“Yeah! You know we watch him at night,” the voice on the other end says. Apologizing, Wonder remarks, “It’s all good. But, you know, all English guys look alike. No offense, man.”
But the most emotional moment comes when Corden asks Wonder if he could sing to his wife on the phone. He does, though he pretends to be British at first.
Then he breaks into “I Just Called To Say I Love You,” and he even changes the words to the song to make the message from James, who promptly gets teary-eyed and then has to wipe away the tears. Ever witty, he ends the song with “and he promises me that he will let me be on his show for an hour.”
The clip illustrates that Stevie Wonder still has that magical voice and is as sharp as ever. Corden got a run for his money, but it was clear he had a lot of respect for the man and his music.
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