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James Corden pays tribute to George Michael, who inspired "Carpool Karaoke"

Honoring George Michael
Celebrities honor George Michael 01:25

James Corden paid tribute to late singer George Michael, who died on Sunday, but the “Late Late Show” host had a very personal connection to the pop star: Michael inspired “Carpool Karaoke.” 

Corden tweeted on Sunday, “I’ve loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time.” 

That might refer to when Michael hopped into Corden’s car in 2011 for a sketch Corden created for the British charity Comic Relief, years before he hosted the “Late Late Show.” 

The sketch became a rough prototype for “Carpool Karaoke,” reports ET. In it, Corden, who was in character as Smithy from “Gavin & Stacey,” drove with Michael as they sang some of the singer’s biggest hits. See the video below. 

Smithy to the Rescue - Red Nose Day 2011 - BBC Comic Relief Night by BBC on YouTube

Corden also tweeted a video of Michael performing “Prayer for Time,” saying the song means more now. 

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