James Corden, host of viral video web hit sensation "Carpool Karaoke" and late-night chat fest The Late Late Show With James Corden, is set to host the 2017 Grammy Awards. Corden will replace former host LL Cool J, who had helmed the awards show for the past five years.
James Corden's star is continuing to rise, and it's safe to say that of all the multitalented host's various projects, it's the viral smash hit "Carpool Karaoke" that has propelled him forward the most.
When Corden was first announced as the new host of CBS' late-night talk show in 2015, he appeared to be an unorthodox choice. The portly Brit was relatively unknown in the states, but his fame in the UK helped him snag fellow Brits such as One Direction, Adele and Elton John as guests for the sing-along "Carpool Karaoke" rides, segment of his chat show The Late Late Show With James Corden that ultimately went viral on the web and helped support both the main show from which they originated and Corden's career in general.
Soon, almost every A-list music star was taking a "Carpool Karaoke" ride with Corden, including Justin Bieber, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga, just to name a few. Even First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama took a ride and crooned with the singing comedian. Corden was selected to host the Tony Awards in June of this year, and now he has been given the job as host of one of the most illustrious award shows of all, the Grammys. It's no surprise that Recording Academy President CEO Neil Portnow referenced "Carpool Karaoke" when making the announcement.
"Thanks to 'Carpool Karaoke,' we've all been on some incredible rides with James, and The Recording Academy couldn't be more excited to welcome his passion and enthusiasm for music, both as an entertainer and a fan, to the Grammy stage on Feb. 12," said Portnow ."He's got big shoes to fill after the magnificent run we had with LL Cool J, but James Corden is a commanding, dynamic showman who, we believe, is perfect to host the GRAMMY Awards."
Corden, who has also hosted his native country's Brit Awards four times, also picked up a couple trophies himself earlier this year when he received two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Interactive Program and Outstanding Variety Special. Meanwhile, "Carpool Karaoke" remains on a roll, with upcoming guests including Bruno Mars and Madonna, whose appearances are likely to push the segment's total number of views on YouTube to over 2 billion.
