James Corden has paid a loving tribute to George Michael, reflecting on the late music icon and the huge impact he had on his life. The British stars joined forces in 2011 to film a Comic Relief sketch which ultimatelyinspired Carpool Karaoke. Appearing on The Late Late Show on Monday, the popular presenter took some time to remember the iconic singer, who passed away on Christmas Day.
"I feel like I've loved George Michael as long as I've loved music, in a way, and I know so many of his fans feel the same," explained James. "I can remember so many specific times in my life where I might have felt on my own, and George's music would feel like, you would listen to a song and he would reach his hand out and tell you that you weren't on your own and that these feelings were not particular to you."
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James, 38, talked about how their collaboration for the charity sketch had inspired the highly successful Carpool Karaoke. "It was the first time I'd ever sung in a car with anybody, and it's become quite a big part of my life now, and he really inspired it," the host revealed.
James went on to explain how he struggled to find celebrities to film the segment, sending potential guests the clip of his skit with Michael which, Mariah Carey agreed to do it. James concluded: "Her words were, 'If it's good enough for George, then it's good enough for me. 'So we all have so much to thank him for, for the music that he's given that will last forever."
James Corden and George Michael first joined forces in 2011 or Comic Relief
George's publicist announced the news that the singer had passed away aged 53 on Christmas Day. The Wham! star was born Georgious Kyriacos Panayiotou in North London in 1963. He sold more than 100 million albums throughout his career which spanned almost four decades. His song Last Christmas was one of his former band's most well-known classic hits, and a special part of the festive seasons for millions around the world.