Stevie Wonder, James Corden Squabble, Sing on ‘Carpool Karaoke’
Stevie Wonder cruised California alongside James Corden, mocking The Late Late Show host’s accent, FaceTiming friends and family and belting a slew of hits in the latest installment of “Carpool Karaoke.”
The pair’s chemistry was palpable from the opening bit, in which Corden nervously sat in the passenger’s seat while Wonder insisted he was good to drive; when the musician was unable to find his license, he accused Corden of swiping it and riled him up with a snotty British lilt. On the road, however, the tension dissipated as the pair bopped along to “Superstition,” and Wonder cautioned Corden, “Hey, watch where you’re driving!”
Elsewhere, Wonder gave a family member a call to make sure it was Corden who was driving the car: “All English guys look alike,” he cracked. “All sound alike — no offense, man.” After singing “Sir Duke,” Wonder hopped on the phone with Corden’s wife to serenade her with an a cappella version of “I Just Called to Say I Love You.”
Later, Wonder informed a friend — again via FaceTime — he would be forming a new group with Corden called the Wondercats. Though their name sounded old, their vibe would be futuristic (neon outfits with Corden dancing on the piano) and their shtick would be penning new lyrics to Wonder’s classics. Then, to the tune of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” the Wondercats made their debut: “Like a fool I went and stayed too long, but the Wondercats are coming strong / Here we are, signed, sealed, delivered / We’re yours.”
Despite their initial sniping, the segment closed with Wonder insisting Corden give him a call if he ever needed a buddy to drive along with to work. The two then finished up their trek with a rousing rendition of “For Once in My Life.”
Though he may not be singing karaoke shotgun, Wonder will return to the road soon. The musician recently added 20 new dates to his Songs in the Key of Life Performance Tour, starting September 30th at the Bell Centre in Montreal.