Carpool Karaoke Returns: Here are the nine best moments from James Corden’s series

Carpool Karaoke is back! It’s been two years since James Corden has been able to drive around LA and sing very loud with famous people, but after a long wait – thanks you know what – it’s now making a return.

In a video shared by The Late Late Show account, it was announced that the popular segment will return because “social distancing is over,” with Nicki Minaj as the first guest.

The series began as a segment on the late-night talk show back in 2015. The premise is simple: Corden picks up a major music star — past guests have included Niall Horan, Celine Dion, Michael Bublé, Justin Beiber, and Iggy Azalea — and drives them around like it’s a carpool. They play songs – mostly by the artist himself, sometimes other hits – and have a hearty singsong.

The first guest ever was Mariah Carey – the star sat in her sunglasses, blonde fringes covering half her face, spoke with an English accent and was having a blast, and lo and behold the series became an instant hit.

Doesn’t sound particularly funny, but it is. Maybe it’s the awkward seating position, Corden’s easy-going manner, or the sight of usually untouchable musicians fooling around shouting out the lyrics to their own songs? Whatever it is, the concoction works, and the segments regularly go viral.

To celebrate the reboot, or rather, so we can all see our favorite moments again, here’s our recap of the biggest and best parts of the show.

Michelle Obama and Missy Elliot

A simply impressive combination. Nobody is cooler than Michelle Obama, and Corden must have thought about how to rise to the challenge. He did a great job getting the legend Missy Elliot to ride out in the last quarter of the 15 minute clip. The best moment has to be when all three celebs start having an absolute blast to get their freak on.

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Cardi B

Cardi B and James Corden come from different universes, and that’s what makes this ride so good. Cardi is, as usual, naggingly honest about her journey to the top, while James is still a Buckinghamshire native for all his Hollywood success. There are some literally loud moments where Cardi uses her water bottle as a microphone and rolls down her window to yell at the passing cars.

Rod Stewart and A$AP Rocky

Shortly after the release of A$AP Rocky’s song Everyday starring Rod Stewart, viewers of the Late Late Show were treated to the seemingly odd duo on Carpool Karaoke. The clip starts off with British favorite Rod, who’s as laid back and charming as ever, but then the scene gets even better when A$AP shows up to rap his verse.

Madonna

Madonna’s carpool is only on this list for the opening sequence. It’s Madonna’s Vogue on the radio, and both the singer and Corden pose at each “Strike a Pose” command. The good mood is contagious.

Adele

Adele’s Ride With Corden in 2016 has been viewed 253 million times, making it the most viewed carpool karaoke clip of all time. And it’s clear why. Not only is Adele her usual genius self, but she really belts out her songs. Then she raps Nicki Minaj’s verse from Monster – iconic.

Billie Eilish

Billie’s carpool is by far the healthiest of the group. She’s only 18 and she looks that way in the clip – probably a combination of her seriousness and her enthusiasm for every song James plays. Anyway, it’s nice to see the talent enjoying themselves. She leans back in her chair, bouncing in her seat and playing the ukulele. Best of all, the duo stops by Billie’s childhood home to check out her tarantula. As he holds the giant spider, it disappears, making the chat moderator tremble.

Gwen Stefani, George Clooney and Julia Roberts

There’s certainly no bigger superstar carpool moment than George Clooney and Julia Roberts, who stopped by for a brief cameo during Gwen Stefani’s ride. And who knew they’d ever get to witness the famous actors rapping along to Hollaback Girl? It was a surreal treat.

KanyeWest

As usual, Kanye West had to do things a little differently. Corden catches the rapper on a plane while he’s out with his Sunday service choir. That means the sound and energy is incredible every time they burst into a song.

In the days before her conservatorship ended, Britney graced our screens with carpool karaoke. The pop star was cute and hilarious, and for Britney fans, there was literally nothing better than seeing the artist sing along to her hits. Now that her conservatorship is over, a second round of a freer, happier Britney would be very welcome.

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