James Corden’s “Carpool Karaoke” series has had a profound impact on the landscape of the entertainment industry. This innovative, candid, and genuinely memorable format for interviewing celebrity music artists through the unique experience of singing their own songs while driving in a car has resonated deeply with audiences and continues to thrive.
Corden connects with the everyday American car singer, delivering laughs as they watch their all-time favorite songs performed by the original artists themselves. The show’s episodes on YouTube have garnered hundreds of millions of views, showcasing a variety of memorable moments. Here, we celebrate some of the most iconic moments by revisiting the most viewed Carpool Karaoke YouTube videos, ranked from least to most popular.
17
Red Hot Chili Peppers
68M Views
The Red Hot Chili Peppers showcase their playful chemistry with Corden during their ride to work. This electrifying quartet, who have been childhood friends for years, share fascinating anecdotes about their upbringing. From a 12-year-old Anthony Kiedis being babysat by the legendary Cher (who humorously has no memory of the event), to the creation of their cannabis-inspired tune “Heemi Lheemey” at just 15 years old, the band becomes captivating with every passing moment.
Physical comedy ensues as the band members challenge each other to wrestle. Stopped in front of a stranger’s porch, Kiedis and Corden engage in a humorous grappling match, resulting in the host being hilariously subdued. As they belt out hit after hit, from the lyrically debatable “Give It Away” to the iconic “Californication,” the most entertaining moment features Corden, Kiedis, and Flea singing “The Zephyr Song” without shirts, much to the delight of Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer, who remain fully clothed.
16
Paul McCartney
74M Views
In a special U.K. edition of Carpool Karaoke, Paul McCartney, the iconic member of The Beatles, joins Corden for an unforgettable ride. They kick off their journey with a rendition of “Drive My Car,” setting a nostalgic tone as they cruise through the streets, even stopping by shops—including a barbershop where a young Paul famously had a photoshoot.
A poignant moment arises as they visit Paul’s childhood home, a place he hasn’t seen since he was 20 years old. Though it now belongs to someone else, Paul vividly recalls every detail of the house. As they explore each room, he reminisces about precious moments shared with his parents, the corners where he penned songs with John Lennon, and the very spot where they performed for his father. This intimate glimpse into his past presents a humble portrait of a man whose name is now synonymous with success and fame.
15
Harry Styles
79M Views
Harry Styles makes his much-anticipated return to Carpool Karaoke, having previously appeared in the back seat with his fellow One Direction members. Now, as a solo artist with a chart-topping debut album, Styles takes the front seat to deliver an emotional performance of his latest hit, “Sign of the Times.” He openly shares that the song often moves him to tears (though he jokingly claims it’s in a “cool” way).
Beyond his singing talent, Styles is also known for his bold fashion choices. He effortlessly pulls off everything, while Corden humorously attempts to wear Styles’ clothing (including a daring black mesh tank and a shiny skin-tight shirt), resulting in a laughable outcome. The two further enhance their ride with renditions of “Hey Ya!” by Outkast and “Endless Love”—with Styles insisting on channeling Lionel Richie while Corden embraces his inner Diana Ross.
14
Billie Eilish
82M Views
Billie Eilish marks the celebration of her debut studio album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” in an exciting episode of Carpool Karaoke. As they cruise together, Eilish strums her beloved ukulele—one of the many instruments in her repertoire—and sings in her signature velvety voice. Despite her superstar status, she can’t help but express excitement over her Coachella encounter with Justin Bieber, the idol she has long admired. In a remarkable display of skill, she seamlessly raps the verses from “Baby.”
Taking a nostalgic detour to her childhood home, Eilish shows Corden where her musical journey began: her brother FINNEAS’ bedroom, where many of their singles and EPs were created in the comfort of family. Corden even meets a unique member of Eilish’s family: her pet spider, adding whimsical charm to the episode.
13
First Lady Michelle Obama
84M Views
Michelle Obama‘s appearance on Carpool Karaoke may not be the first choice that comes to mind when considering the most viewed episodes. However, the former First Lady has successfully captivated audiences with her charm, achieving an impressive 84 million views. This is hardly surprising, given her fun-loving and playful nature.
Among the popular songs featured in this delightful episode is none other than Beyoncé‘s “Single Ladies,” alongside other well-known hits. Adding a surprise twist, the iconic Missy Elliott even joins in for a performance of “This Is For My Girls.” It’s evident that this episode is a refreshing treat, and its staggering viewership reflects its widespread appeal.
12
Lady Gaga
88M Views
Lady Gaga takes center stage in this thrilling segment of Carpool Karaoke, bringing along her latest album “Joanne.” She kicks off the fun with a high-energy rendition of “Move Bitch” by Disturbing Tha Peace and Ludacris. From heartfelt ballads like “Perfect Illusion” to her timeless dance anthems like “Bad Romance,” this episode showcases the remarkable versatility of the iconic artist.
However, even the most talented artists face challenges behind the wheel. As Corden and Gaga swap driving duties, he humorously comments on the car swerving along the narrow streets. In a hilarious twist, the singer reveals her vocal warm-up routine, which includes the amusing phrase “Benedict Cumberbatch is Sherlock Holmes,” proving that even fun can be an effective vocal exercise.
11
Ariana Grande
91M Views
With an impressive viewership of 89 million, Ariana Grande’s episode undoubtedly deserves a spot on this list. The beloved singer, who is set to star in the eagerly awaited Broadway adaptation of Wicked, boasts a dedicated fanbase that supports her every move—and for good reason. In this episode, Ariana not only performs popular hits like “Side to Side” but also showcases her exceptional dancing skills.
Given her massive following, it’s no surprise that Grande’s video has amassed so many views on YouTube, solidifying its place among the most popular Carpool Karaoke episodes. As one user, Jess, eloquently stated (and echoed by many others), “she can sing literally anything, anything. It’s like an angel inside her throat.”
10
Ed Sheeran
93M Views
One of the standout Carpool Karaoke episodes features the immensely popular singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, who is also known for his surprise cameo in the hit series Game of Thrones. During this delightful episode, Corden and the world-renowned redhead sing along to Sheeran’s greatest hits, including “Shape of You,” “Thinking of You,” and “Castle on a Hill.”
To elevate the entertainment factor, Sheeran even brings along his guitar for an impromptu jam session in the car. This episode is a must-watch for fans of the artist. Additionally, whether you’re a devoted follower or just a casual listener, hearing some of this superstar’s personal anecdotes makes for an engaging experience.
9
Justin Bieber Vol. 2
94M Views
After his initial carpool karaoke experience, Justin Bieber returns for another entertaining episode with Corden. In this lively segment, the two discuss their fanbases and take audiences on a nostalgic trip down memory lane by revisiting some of Bieber’s most celebrated songs, including “Never Say Never.”
Throughout the episode, Bieber showcases some of his iconic dance moves alongside Corden, effectively displaying his signature waves and body rolls. Additionally, the duo humorously styles each other to achieve their own sense of “swag.” While the outcome is debatable, this Carpool Karaoke episode is still a delightful watch for any fan of the star.
8
Jennifer Lopez
97M Views
Another unforgettable Carpool Karaoke episode features the multi-talented Jennifer Lopez, who has continually proven her prowess as an actor as well as a musician. During her episode, Corden and JLo sing along to some of her greatest hits, including “Love Don’t Cost a Thing,” “Booty,” and “Jenny from the Block.”
Moreover, Corden playfully queries Lopez about the famous contacts stored in her phone, leading to a fun moment where she allows him to text Leonardo DiCaprio on her behalf. This Carpool Karaoke segment not only brings laughter but also provides JLo with the spotlight she rightfully deserves, showcasing her comedic talent alongside her impressive musical abilities.
7
BTS
113M Views
In this exciting episode of Carpool Karaoke, Corden welcomes all seven members of the incredibly successful K-Pop group, BTS. They join him to perform songs from their acclaimed “Map of the Soul: 7” album and even offer a cover of Bruno Mars’ “Finesse (Remix).” Corden takes the opportunity to explore some of the unique nicknames bestowed upon the members by their dedicated fanbase.
The camaraderie in the car is palpable, with each of the seven members receiving their moment in the spotlight, making the episode enjoyable for everyone involved. As Corden asks the pop stars about the celebrities they aspire to meet, it becomes evident that this highly viewed Carpool Karaoke episode is a must-watch, particularly for K-Pop enthusiasts.
6
Selena Gomez
119M Views
In this episode, Selena Gomez, known for her role in Only Murders in the Building, joins Corden for a delightful ride that takes an unexpected turn—a trip to an amusement park! The duo sings some of Gomez’s latest hits, including “Same Old Love,” and even revisits her classic “Come & Get It” while on a rollercoaster.
After an exhilarating karaoke session, the pair stops at McDonald’s, where they discover Gomez’s lyrics printed on the cups—a delightful surprise! This Carpool Karaoke episode is perfect for fans of the talented actress, singer, and television personality. To top it off for die-hard fans, they conclude the episode with one of her most iconic tracks.
5
Sia
156M Views
In this memorable episode of Carpool Karaoke, Corden is joined by the globally adored pop sensation Sia. The singer, known for her distinctive wig and oversized bow, performs her biggest hits, such as “Chandelier,” “Diamonds,” and “Elastic Heart.” Corden humorously critiques her high-note pronunciation while even donning a wig himself for added fun!
To cap off this particularly entertaining episode, the two harmonize in identical wigs during a duet of “Alive,” showcasing their vocal prowess. They also test Sia’s unique talent of holding a dozen eggs in her hands, demonstrating that Corden and Sia’s chemistry makes for a delightful pairing that fans of her music will thoroughly enjoy.
4
Bruno Mars
157M Views
Bruno Mars takes Corden on a lively ride through Los Angeles in this highly viewed episode of Carpool Karaoke. They start off with a bang, singing Mars’ hit “24K Magic,” followed by other chart-toppers such as “Locked Out Of Heaven.” At one point, Mars even impersonates the King of Rock ‘n Roll, Elvis Presley, recounting how he discovered his passion for performing.
During the smooth and sultry “Versace on the Floor,” Mars instructs Corden on a “sexy” dance move, leading to hilarity. The episode is filled with singing, harmonizing, and plenty of jokes, making it not only a must-see for Bruno Mars fans but also for anyone looking for a lighthearted, entertaining experience.
3
Justin Bieber
161M Views
Corden takes a joyride with the beloved pop sensation, Justin Bieber, as they delve into nostalgic throwback tunes like “Baby,” while playfully commenting on how much he’s matured since his early days. Throughout the episode, Corden takes viewers through Bieber’s extensive repertoire, mixing in humor and even swapping outfits for a laugh.
Additionally, the host challenges Bieber to showcase his hidden talent of solving a Rubik’s cube in under two minutes. As the episode wraps up, the duo harmonizes to classic R&B, with Bieber’s first appearance on the show ranking as the third most watched Carpool Karaoke episode, boasting over 161 million views, proving that Bieber Fever is very much alive.
2
One Direction
204M Views
Released in 2015, this highly popular episode of Carpool Karaoke features Corden picking up the former boyband sensation, One Direction. As they cruise through downtown Los Angeles, Corden is joined by Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, and Louis Tomlinson. The group sings some of their greatest hits, including the 2011 classic “What Makes You Beautiful,” and “Story of My Life.”
Corden even tries his hand at hitting high notes while learning dance moves from the boys! Given the sheer fun and entertainment value, this particular episode is a must-watch for fans of One Direction, allowing them to reminisce about the glory days of the beloved group.
1
Adele
266M Views
The most-watched Carpool Karaoke episode to date features the phenomenal Adele. Released in 2016, shortly after her global hit “Hello,” this episode sees Corden travel to the UK to pick up Adele for a delightful joyride around London. During their ride, Adele sips (or chugs) tea, reveals personal stories, and showcases her incredible vocal talents by singing some of her biggest hits, including the beloved “Someone Like You.” Given their location, it’s only fitting that they even break into a few Spice Girls songs.
This record-breaking Carpool Karaoke episode stands out for its combination of humor and heartwarming moments, allowing fans to see the British superstar in a relatable and entertaining light. If the top James Corden carpool karaoke episode is measured by views, this iconic segment unquestionably takes the crown.
