Corden addresses divided America in final 'Late Late Show'

James Corden used part of his farewell speech on Thursday’s final episode of CBS’s “The Late Late Show” to address deep rifts in America over hot-button issues including politics and ideology.

“We started the show with Obama, then Trump, and a global pandemic. I have seen America change a lot. I’ve seen divisions grow and I feel a sense of negativity simmering,” the host said. He urged his listeners to “remember what America means to the rest of the world. My whole life has always been a place of optimism. … Yes, it has flaws but show me a place that doesn’t.” Show me one person who doesn’t.

“Just because someone disagrees with you, it doesn’t make them bad or bad. We are all more alike than we are different. There are many people who are trying to stir up those differences and we have to try as much as we can to find the light, to find the joy. If you do, it’s out there. This is all the show has always been,” he said.

Corden announced a year ago that he would be ending his late-night show after eight seasons, citing a desire to return to his native UK to be closer to family and loved ones. His parents were sitting in the audience for the final taping, and his sisters, he joked, were in town too—but at a bar instead.

Also on Thursdays, CBS aired a primetime special called “The Last Last Late Show Special”, which featured taped segments with Tom Cruise (where he performed stunts) and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from “The Lion King”. “) and Adele, where they taped the final Carpool Karaoke segment.

Corden reminded the singer that she has an Emmy, a Grammy and an Oscar and wondered if she would ever actively pursue a Tony Award. “You have arrogance” he said.

“I really don’t think that’s ever going to happen. I’ll never write music or anything like that because I hate (expletive) music,” Adele said to a laugh. “I also think EGO suits me better.”

Harry Styles and Will Ferrell were Corden’s final guests. Styles has been a frequent guest on the show, and has even guest-hosted twice. He has been playing with Corden for several taped bits, including when the host directed a music video for Styles’ song “Daylight” for only $300 and when the musician recorded an over 11-minute video featuring UK Vs. participated in the section. US dodgeball game where Corden, Styles, “Game of Thrones” actors James Bradley and Benedict Cumberbatch faced players including Michelle Obama, Mila Kunis, Kate Hudson, Lena Waithe and Melissa McCarthy.

Styles told Corden, “As a friend, I’m so proud of you.” “Personally, you have always been a safe place for me as a friend.” He added that he was “selfishly very excited that you’re coming home.” Styles, Corden and Ferrell then share a group hug.

There were also goodbyes from the other late night hosts. Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, and David Letterman all appeared in pre-taped segments with Corden. He joked that since Corden was ending his show, he could debunk each of his segments.

They all picked Carpool Karaoke, referring to Corden’s most popular sketch, where he drives around Los Angeles with celebrities and sings along. Paul McCartney, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder and Chris Martin are just a few of his Carpool Karaoke passengers. The segment was such a hit that it spawned its own series for Apple. Corden only appeared in the first episode with Will Smith in the car.

Corden closed the night by playing a piano and singing a song with the crew and staff gathered around the stage. Corden sang, “Part of me thinks I should be here forever but deep in my heart I just know.” “No more shows being shown, it’s time I was leaving, it’s time. Thanks for watching, this is our show.”