From Miley to Adele: Ranking the Top 'Carpool Karaoke' Episodes

Entertainment

| LAST UPDATE 05/16/2023

By Malikah Mcintosh

Carpool Karaoke took over the world. Everyone who is anyone has appeared on the show, and this is a ranking of the best of the best, according to Thrillist. Keep scrolling to see who got the top spot!

30. Justin Bieber

Starting off the list is none other than Justin Bieber. Justin and host James Corden wear matching white tuxedos and look fly as they drive through Los Angeles traffic singing after the Grammy Awards.

James Corden Justin BieberJames Corden Justin Bieber
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

They discuss how fun the Grammys were and unpack what they received in their "goodie bags." Bieber got amazing gifts like headphones, a watch, and a private plane trip, while Corden was gifted chapstick, a candle, and a book. They sing Bruno Mars's Uptown Funk together and the theme song to James Corden's The Late Late Show

29. Demi Lovato & Nick Jonas

Former Disney Channel stars Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas joined James Corden for Carpool Karaoke. They went over their dating past with Corden. To keep it short: Demi dated Nick's brother Joe, and Nick dated Demi's BFF Selena Gomez. They sang hits from their solo careers, including Demi's Heart Attack and Nick's Chains.

Demi Nick James CarpoolDemi Nick James Carpool
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

The three were jamming so hard that they even thought of starting a band together. They stopped on a street in Los Angeles and performed for people passing by. They drummed up quite a crowd but ultimately decided not to start a group. Though they didn't start a band, they def made a fun episode.

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28. Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez has done it all, including Carpool Karaoke! Joining James Corden on his way to work, she suggested they take a tiny detour and have some fun before they hit the office. The duo ended up on a rollercoaster singing some of her hit tunes. No trip to the amusement park is complete without a stop for fast food after.

James Corden Selena GomezJames Corden Selena Gomez
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

They roll through the McDonald's drive-thru, and the cashier is freaking out. Rightfully so, it's Selena Gomez! They sing along to Gomez's best tunes like Same Old Love and Love You Like a Love Song. They are having a fabulous time, and it definitely shows. Who's next?!

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27. Gwen Stefani

James Corden and his guest Gwen Stefani star this episode off with a throwback, singing No Doubt's Don't Speak. This is the band and the song that put Gwen on the map. Then, they continue going through some of her hits from her solo career, like Sweet Escape and Rich Girl

Gwen Stefani James CordenGwen Stefani James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

Then, the biggest surprise comes when Ocean's 11 George Clooney and Notting Hill actress Julia Roberts hop into the car. They join in on the fun and sing Hollaback Girl together. Simply put, this episode of Carpool Karaoke was bananas, b-a-n-a-n-a-s.  

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26. Miley Cyrus

Joining James Corden in this episode is Miley Cyrus. While there were no songs from her Hannah Montana days, Cyrus and Corden sang some of her biggest hits. They even sang Party in the USA while driving past the Hollywood sign. What could be cooler than that?

Miley Cyrus James CordenMiley Cyrus James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

They also sang along to Wrecking Ball, The Climb, and We Can't Stop. Miley dished about how she is a horrible driver and always hits things in her own driveway. She even told Corden about how she drove into the sound trailer while filming The Voice. Yikes! It's a good thing that Corden was behind the wheel.

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25. Lady Gaga

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known as Lady Gaga, was one of the most fun guests that Corden has had on the show. The pair reenacted how she heard and accepted the Super Bowl Halftime show. They even went through vocal exercises together to warm up their voices.

Lady Gaga James CordenLady Gaga James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

They sang a variety of Lady Gaga's best hits, including Bad RomanceBorn This Way, and Poker Face. Naturally, Lady Gaga's own driving skills came up during their ride around town together. She told Corden how she passed her driving test when she was 30, and her dad cried. Our hearts are melting! 

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24. Adam Levine

The lead singer of Maroon 5, Adam Levine, joined James Corden for this rocking episode of Carpool Karaoke. They sang the best of Maroon 5's hits, including Moves Like Jagger, This Love, and She Will Be Loved. A police officer even pulled them over, requesting to hear a performance! A first in Carpool Karaoke.

James Corden Adam LevineJames Corden Adam Levine
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

Not only did they sing together, but they tested out a claim that Adam Levine made. He said that he could balance anything on his face, so obviously, they had to prove if it was true. Levine easily balanced multiple items, from a broom to a traffic cone. The episode ended with Corden and Levine on a test track. Casual, right?

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23. Madonna

James Corden takes Carpool Karaoke across the country to the Big Apple for this episode with Madonna. She brought her magnetic energy with her as they drove through the packed streets of New York City. At one point, Madonna unbuckled her seatbelt to twerk in the car! 

James Corden Madonna CarpoolJames Corden Madonna Carpool
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

The pair sang some of Madonna's greatest hits, from Express Yourself to Papa Don't Preach. While singing Vogue, they obviously had to do some voguing themselves. Between songs, they talked about Madonna's children and what it's like being a parent. She also told Corden how she wanted to be a nun when she was younger. 

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22. Sam Smith

Fellow Brit Sam Smith hopped in the front seat with James Corden this time around. It was an incredibly entertaining episode that featured some of Smith's best tracks, including Too Good at Goodbyes, Stay With Me, and I'm Not the Only One. The pair harmonized beautifully. 

Sam Smith James CordenSam Smith James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

They also talked about getting starstruck by celebrities, and naturally, the convo went to how gorgeous Ryan Gosling is in person. Now we know! Smith mentioned how much he loved Fifth Harmony, and Corden had a little surprise for him. The girls of Fifth Harmony got in the backseat, and they all sang Work From Home together. 

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21. Britney Spears

Oops, Corden did it again - he made another amazing episode of Carpool Karaoke. This time it was with the one and only Britney Spears. They sang some of her greatest tracks together, like Womanzier and Toxic. They went through some of the craziest aliases that Spears has used at hotels, like Alotta Warmheart. 

Britney Spears James CordenBritney Spears James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

They talked about their families, and Britney confessed she wanted to have three more kids. No Britney Spears episode would be complete without this classic. For Baby One More Time, Corden and Spears dressed in matching schoolgirl outfits, reminiscent of the famous music video. We can watch this over and over again!

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20. Lin-Manuel Miranda

They say there's magic in the air on Broadway, but all the magic was inside the car during this episode of Carpool Karaoke. Lin-Manuel Miranda joined James Corden as they drove around New York City singing karaoke. They obviously did songs from Miranda's hit Broadway musical Hamilton. Along the way, they picked up a few friends. 

Broadway James Corden CarpoolBroadway James Corden Carpool
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jane Krakowski, and Audra McDonald joined the carpool. They sang Seasons of Love from Rent and One Day More from Les Misérables. This may have been the most harmonized karaoke session ever to be recorded. Ferguson said in the car, "There's nothing like live theater." We agree.

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19. Bruno Mars

The Hawaiian native brought out some serious dance moves for this karaoke session. He tried to teach James Corden a few, but no one can groove quite like Bruno Mars. The two rocked out to some of Bruno's best tracks, from 24K Magic to Locked Out of Heaven. The energy was off the roof. 

Bruno Mars James CordenBruno Mars James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

Bruno revealed that he knew he wanted to perform when he was only four. He was impersonating Elvis Presley, and he was sold on the life of the entertainer. Corden claimed that Mars could pull off any hat in the world and brought a few out so he could test the theory. Corden was correct - Bruno looked good in every hat.

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18. Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande rode in the passenger seat for this Carpool Karaoke episode with James Corden. She showed off her impression of Celine Dion, which deserved a standing ovation. Grande revealed that when she was little, she practiced singing by listening to Dion, Mariah Carey, and Destiny's Child.

Ariana Grande James CordenAriana Grande James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

They sang some of Ariana's songs, like Dangerous WomanSide to Side, and No Tears Left to Cry. The pair got a little thirsty as they drove through Los Angeles, so they stopped at Starbucks for a quick treat. Ariana ordered a grande, of course. How could she not!? 

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17. Jennifer Lopez

It doesn't matter how many rocks she's got, the next guest is still just Jenny from the block. Jennifer Lopez and James Corden had a hell of a time on this episode of Carpool Karaoke. They sang her hits Jenny from the Block, On The Floor, and Love Don't Cost a Thing. 

Jennifer Lopez James CordenJennifer Lopez James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

They cleared up a big rumor that JLo did not insure her butt for a million dollars and discussed her multiple proposals. Corden took JLo's phone and started going through her contacts. He was amazed by how many celebs she had in there! He even texted Leonardo DiCaprio, and the actor responded. How can this be topped?!

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16. Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Red Hot Chili Peppers was a rocking time while they did carpool karaoke with James Corden. They sang some of their hits from over the decades they have been in the business, like Under the Bridge, Californication, and Can't Stop. We even got an exclusive song.

Red Hot Chili PeppersRed Hot Chili Peppers
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

Lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis and bass guitarist Flea sang everyone a song they made up as teenagers. For part of the trip, Anthony, Corden, and Flea rode shirtless as rockstars do. They also stopped on a neighborhood street and wrestled on someone's front lawn. This Carpool Karaoke was a ride of a lifetime.

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15. Christina Aguilera

Joining James Corden for this top-rated karaoke session by Thrillist is Christina Aguilera. The pair discuss Aguilera's days on the Mickey Mouse Club with Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake, and Britney Spears. The Dirrty singer dished that Gosling had a crush on Spears. We are shocked by the news. 

James Corden Christina AguileraJames Corden Christina Aguilera
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

Christina and James sang her hits like Beautiful, Genie in a Bottle, and Fighter. For part of the time, they rocked out with bedazzled microphones, the way every superstar should. Bridesmaids actress Melissa McCarthy also joined them for some singing. No wonder this karaoke session ranked so high. 

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14. Justin Bieber

Ranking again on the list is Justin Biber. This time they sing Never Say Never and What Do You Mean? The duo sang one of Justin's favorite songs, Ironic by Alanis Morissette. We swear that Justin almost burst into tears when the first few chords played. That's not all. They also rapped along to Kanye West. 

Justin Bieber James CordenJustin Bieber James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

In classic Justin and James fashion, they got into some shenanigans, too. They went shopping to try and update James's look, and they brainstormed what James's fans could be called since Justin's are the Beliebers. They also switched roles, and James taught Justin a dance move to show off at the club.

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13. Ed Sheeran

It is another British Invasion in this karaoke session. Ed Sheeran joined James Corden, and it was one fun-filled drive through Los Angeles. They competed in trying to fit Malteesers in their mouths. Sheeran reached 55 Malteesers! This may have been more impressive than his singing and guitar-playing skills.

Ed Sheeran James CordenEd Sheeran James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

In classic Sheeran fashion, he had his guitar with him. He told James that his guitar makes him feel safer and more comfortable whenever he's nervous about going on stage. They sang only a few of Sheeran's many hit songs, like Shape of You, Sing, and Thinking Out Loud. We could listen to Sheeran play the guitar all day long. 

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12. Foo Fighters

For this Carpool Karaoke, James Corden traded in his usual Range Rover for a van because the rock band the Foo Fighters was in the car. They sang All My Life, Best of You, and The Sky Is a Neighborhood. Guitar player Dave Grohl told Corden about how he broke his leg and dislocated his ankle during a concert, but the show had to go on!

Foo Fighters James CordenFoo Fighters James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

So, someone held his ankle together as Grohl finished the concert. If that's not hardcore, we don't know what is! They stopped at the Guitar Center during their drive. Drummer Taylor Hawkins had a drum-off against host James Corden. Who do you think won? Hawkins, easily. They also performed with James playing as the frontman.

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11. Sia

With her signature black-and-white wig covering her face, singer Sia joined James Corden for a drive around LA. She revealed why she wears by the wig in the first place. She told James that she had been in the industry for years with moderate success, so she was looking for what was missing in pop music. It was a mystery!

Sia Wig James CordenSia Wig James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

So, now she sports the wig when there are cameras around. James even wears a matching wig for part of the time with her #twins. They sang Chandelier, Elastic Heart, and Titanium, just to name a few. As always, the trip wouldn't be complete without some antic. Sia showed off how she could fit a dozen eggs on the top of her hands. 

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10. Michelle Obama

During the final months that President Obama was in office, his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama, took a spin in the car with James Corden for Carpool Karaoke. They sang Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder and Single Ladies by Beyoncé. The former First Lady showed just how much she could rock out.

Michelle Obama James CordenMichelle Obama James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

Corden asked about their secret service code names. Michelle said hers was Renaissance, and immediately, Corden wanted one. He came up with Tiramisu. We love it. There was also a surprise drop-in from singer Missy Elliott. Of course, they sang Get Ur Freak On and This Is for My Girls. This was one presidential karaoke session. 

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9. Barbra Streisand

Legendary singer Barbra Streisand was the one behind the wheel for this karaoke session. Streisand picked host James Corden up and confessed that she failed the written driving test 3 times when she had to renew her license. Uh-oh! They sang Streisand classics like Don't Lie to Me, Memories, and Don't Rain On My Parade.

Barbra Streisand James CordenBarbra Streisand James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

Barbra was constantly frustrated that no one pronounced her name correctly, not even Siri. So, what did she do? She called the CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, and asked him to change how Siri says her name. Corden and Streisand tested it out, and Siri said it correctly! Now that is real star power.

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8. Harry Styles

British singer Harry Styles sat beside James Corden. This wasn't the first time he had appeared in Carpool Karaoke. The last time was with his former band, One Direction. This time, Harry was able to enjoy the front seat. After they sang Sign of the Times, Harry confessed that he sometimes cries when he performs the song.

Harry Styles James CordenHarry Styles James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

But he added that he cries "in a cool way." Harry isn't the only one who sheds a tear, either. He also told Corden how his mom cried when he played her his album for the first time. Aww! They sing Kiwi and Hey Ya by Outkast. James and Harry even impersonate that scene in Notting Hill. You know the one.

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7. Elton John

It was a rainy day in LA, but there's no better way to spend it than with Elton John. James Corden and Elton John sang some of his greatest records, including Crocodile Rock, Your Song, and Tiny Dancer. Elton revealed that the famous choreographer Arlene Phillips told him he was the worst dancer she had ever worked with. 

Elton John James CordenElton John James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

The duo wore feather boas and fabulous sunglasses for part of the ride, but that wasn't the only costume change. While they sang tunes from The Lion King, Corden wore a lion's mane and a lion's nose. It was a roaring good time, and in classic Elton John fashion, this Carpool Karaoke was over-the-top. 

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6. P!NK

Singer P!nk sang karaoke with James Corden for one of the most fun episodes of Carpool Karaoke. The two talked about her first heartbreak. When P!nk was young, she was convinced she would marry singer Jon Bon Jovi. So, when she found out that he got married to his high school sweetheart, she was absolutely devastated.

P!NK James Corden CarP!NK James Corden Car
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

They sing part of P!nk's catalog, like What About Us, Get the Party Started, and Raise Your Glass. She also talked about how her first-ever tour was opening for N*SYNC. How epic is that! James and P!nk also went to a public park and hung upside down as they sang because your voice sounds better that way, apparently. 

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5. Justin Bieber

The very first time that Biebs got in the passenger seat for Carpool Karaoke was one of the best, according to Thrillist. James Corden and Justin Bieber sang the record that catapulted Justin into fame when he was only 15 years old, Baby. They also sang one of his newer releases, Boyfriend. 

James Corden Justin BieberJames Corden Justin Bieber
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

Not only is Justin a fantastic performer, but he is also skilled at the Rubix cube. He showed off his Rubix cube-solving skills. We have to say, we had no idea that Biebs had this in him. The two guys shared fast food French fries because no drive around town is complete without some fast food.

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4. Paul McCartney

This episode was an incredibly special and moving one. Paul McCartney and James Corden rode around Liverpool, singing hits from The Beatles' catalog and his solo career. They drove past familiar spots, like the church where McCartney was in the choir, and famous landmarks, like Penny Lane. They took a pit stop at his old house.

Paul McCartney James CordenPaul McCartney James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

Just a few of the songs that McCartney and Corden sang include Penny Lane, Let It Be, and Come On To Me. They stopped again at a local pub. Corden served up pints while McCartney performed on stage. This was one of the longest episodes, clocking in at over 23 minutes, but every minute was worth it.

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3. Stevie Wonder

Taking the number third top spot is another legend, Stevie Wonder. Corden and Wonder sang his hits like Superstitious, You Can Feel It All Over, and Isn't She Lovely. During the ride, Stevie Facetimes someone and flips the camera to James Corden, making sure that it is really him. They confirmed it was. 

Stevie Wonder James CordenStevie Wonder James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

One of the best parts of the episode is when Stevie calls James's wife, Jules, who is a huge fan. Stevie sang to her, and Corden was visibly emotional and tearing up. After the call, he exclaims that he just got so many brownie points. Stevie tried to teach James the harmonica, but some things are better left to the pros.

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2. Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson showed off her star power and voice during this karaoke session. They sang her hits, like Trouble and And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going. But that's not all - when they went through a fast-food drive-thru, Jennifer sang in their order. Now that's the only way we want to order a cheeseburger! 

Jennifer Hudson James CordenJennifer Hudson James Corden
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

They also quickly detoured to visit Jennifer's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They obviously had to take a selfie, too. Corden asked the question that everyone needed to know. "What does Oprah smell like?" Hudson also showed off some of her WWE wrestling moves that she learned from her significant other.

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1. Adele

Taking the number one spot, according to Thrillist, is Adele. They drive around London town and sing some of her greats, like HelloSomeone Like You, and Rolling in the Deep. Adele chugs a mug of tea, shows off her rapping skills, and reveals that she played the drums on the recording of Hello. Talk about multi-talented!

James Corden Singer AdeleJames Corden Singer Adele
The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

James and Adele bonded over their love for the Spice Girls, and they sang Wannabe. She explained that she names her albums after her age because they are like "polaroids" of her life at that moment. James pitched himself as her hype man for future concerts. We would love to see that. 

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