James Corden 'Owes' George Michael For The Success Of Carpool Karaoke

4 January 2017, 17:23 | Updated: 2 November 2017, 15:29

The comedian and the late singer took part in a sketch for Comic Relief in 2011 which went on to inspire Carpool Karaoke.

James Corden paid a heartfelt tribute to George Michael on his chat show this week and said he "owes" the singer for the success of 'Carpool Karaoke'.

The comedian and performer worked together on a sketch for Comic Relief in 2011 which inspired James to include 'Carpool Karaoke' as a segment on the 'Late Late Show'.

However, the 38-year-old admitted that it was difficult to get stars to agree to take part but when he showed his first guest, Mariah Carey the sketch he had done with George, she agreed on the basis that "if it's good enough for George, then it's good enough for me."

"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 TV host continued.

"We owe him so much at this show, George we miss you so much, we really will."

I've loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time.

— James Corden (@JKCorden) December 25, 2016

James also admitted that George's music helped him to get through some lonelier times in his life.

"I feel like I've loved George Michael as long as I've loved music, and I know so many of his fans feel the same. I can remember so many times when I've felt like he was reaching his hand out and telling me that I'm not on my own and that feelings aren't particular to you."

The Wham! singer passed away, aged 53, at his home in Oxfordshire and the cause is still unknown.

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