James Corden’s “Carpool Karaoke” series has been unbelievably influential on the current state of the entertainment industry. This unique, unfiltered, and truly unforgettable way of interviewing celebrity music artists through singing their songs in a car works so well.
Corden relates to the average American car singer and makes them laugh seeing their favorite songs belted out by the original artist. On YouTube, the videos have amassed hundreds of millions of views. There are a few standouts, however, that were popular among viewers. To celebrate some of the best moments, we look back at the Carpool Karaoke YouTube videos that gathered the most viewership, ranking them from least to most viewed.
12 First Lady Michelle Obama
86M Views
Michelle Obama's Carpool Karaoke may not be the obvious pick when it comes to the most viewed videos on the platform. However, America's former First Lady ended up being one of the people willing to tune in for the Carpool Karaoke sensation to amazing results. With 83M views, the former First Lady has managed to capture many hearts with her sweet disposition. This is no wonder, considering how playful and fun Michelle Obama has always been.
One of the songs that the iconic public figure sang along to was none less than Beyoncé's "Single Ladies," among many other well-known hits. What's more, surprise guest Missy Elliott even dropped in to sing "This Is For My Girls" at one point. No doubt, it was a fun and refreshing episode, and its impressive viewership numbers just highlight that.
11 Ariana Grande
89M Views
With 89M viewers, Ariana Grande's episode had to make it to this list. The well-regarded singer, who is set to star in the anticipated Broadway musical screen adaptation Wicked, counts on a very deserved large fanbase who can't help rooting for anything she does, and for good reason. Not only does Ariana sing along to popular hits of hers like "Side to Side," but also showcases her dancing skills in this episode.
Given the number of fans the well-known singer has, it is not the least surprising that Grande's video has so many views on YouTube and stands among the best Carpool Karaoke episodes. In user Jess's own words (and as many other users on the platform agreed), "she can sing literally anything, anything. It's like an angel inside her throat."
10 Ed Sheeran
91M Views
One of the most popular Carpool Karaoke episodes features none other than singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, who TV enthusiasts may also recognize from having made a proper surprise TV cameo in Game of Thrones. Corden, along with one of the world’s most famous redheads (there are actually tons of Internet memes going around about this), spent the day singing along to Sheeran hits like “Shape of You,” “Thinking of You,” and “Castle on a Hill.”
To make things even more interesting, Sheeran even brings out his guitar and plays in the car. Needless to say, this episode is such a great watch for fans of this singer. Plus, whether you're a fan or not, it is pretty captivating to hear some of this superstar’s personal stories.
9 Justin Bieber Vol. 2
93M Views
After having had his own fair share of carpool karaoke, Justin Bieber returns for another round of the YouTube series with Corden. In this entertaining episode, the two chat about their respective fans and strike audiences with nostalgia by bringing it back to Bieber’s most famous songs, which, of course, include “Never Say Never.”
Bieber is seen putting some of his dance moves to practice with Corden, namely showcasing his waves and body rolls. Furthermore, the two style each other in this episode in order to look "swag." Whether they are successful is another question. Although this Carpool Episode is a bit wacky, it is still worth a watch for fans of the singer.
8 Jennifer Lopez
96M Views
Another iconic Carpool Karaoke episode features none other than Jenny from the Block, who has also proven herself to be quite the great actor as proven through Jennifer Lopez's intriguing filmography. Corden and JLo listen to some of her most popular songs, including “Love Don’t Cost a Thing,” “Booty,” and “Jenny from the Block.”
On top of this, the host also asks JLo about the famous people she has on her phone, and she even allows Corden to send Leonardo DiCaprio a text. This Carpool Karaoke episode is not only wildly funny but gives JLo the attention she always deserves while also shedding light on the singer and actor's comedic talents, which certainly do not go unnoticed by anyone who decides to watch it.
7 BTS
110M Views
In this episode of Carpool Karaoke, Corden is joined by all seven members of the highly succesful Korean boyband, BTS. They all sing some of their songs on the “Map of the Soul: 7” album and even cover one of Mars’ songs like “Finesse (Remix).” Corden then investigates some of the members’ nicknames, attributed by their fanbase.
The dynamic among the eight of them in that car is so sweet, and each of the seven members gets their own special feature and screen time, which also helps make the episode really enjoyable. Between this and Corden asking the pop stars who are the celebrities they'd love to meet, this highly watched Carpool Karaoke episode is such a great one, particularly for K-Pop fans.
6 Selena Gomez
118M Views
In this episode, Only Murders in the Building's Selena Gomez — one of the most popular faces in both the music and TV industry (Gomez's performance as Mabel is truly great)— joins Corden for a drive and an…. amusement park trip? The two team up in the car not only to sing some of Gomez’s top, more recent hits (including “Same Old Love”) but also go back to basics by singing along to “Come & Get It” on the rollercoaster.
After some more karaoke, the pair visit the local McDonald’s to see Gomez’s lyrics printed on the cup — such a lovely surprise! This Capool Karaoke video is perfect for enthusiasts of the actor, singer, and television personality extraordinaire. And for the real, die-hard fans, they end the episode with a proper treat: one of her most iconic hits.
5 Bruno Mars
153M Views
Bruno Mars helps the YouTube host navigate LA in this phenomenal episode of Carpool Karaoke, which is also, understandably, one of the most viewed. The two start right off the bat with Mars’ hit “24K Magic.” They sing some of his other hits, including "Locked Out Of Heaven," and Mars impersonates the King of Rock 'n Roll, Elvis Presley, when describing how he discovered his love of performing.
During the slow and sensual “Versace on the Floor,” Mars teaches Corden a seemingly “sexy” dance move to amazing results. More singing, harmonizing, and joking ensues. This episode is not only a great watch for the Bruno Mars fans out there, but for anyone who enjoys a bit of fun.
4 Sia
153M Views
Corden is joined by the iconic, internationally beloved pop singer Sia for this super popular episode of Carpool Karaoke. The pop star, in her staple wig and gigantic bow above it, sings along to her biggest hits; “Chandelier,” “Diamonds,” and “Elastic Heart” each are featured in this amazing episode. Corden even jokes about her pronunciation when singing high notes and dawns a wig himself!
To finish this particularly fun Carpool Karaoke episode off, the two showcase their voices by dueting “Alive” in identical wigs, and ultimately test Sia's secret talent: holding a dozen eggs in her hands. It is clear that Corden and Sia make for a wonderful pairing, and fans of Sia's works will genuinely enjoy this episode.
3 Justin Bieber
159M Views
Corden hits the road with child-turned-adult music superstar, the iconic, fan-favorite Justin Bieber. Together, they unearth some of his throwback, classic tunes like “Baby” while commenting on his now mature looks and voice. As seen in the more recent Bieber episode, Corden takes fans through the star's repertoire while cracking jokes now and then, and even swapping clothes.
Additionally, the Carpool Karaoke host also tests Bieber’s secret skill of solving a Rubik’s cube in under 2 minutes. Towards the end of the episode, Bieber and Corden harmonize to classic R&B. Bieber's first episode in the show is the third most watched in the category with over 159M views, making it very clear that the Bieber Fever is still a thing these days.
2 One Direction
199M Views
Released in 2015, Corden picks up the former boyband sensation to guest in his TV show in this highly watched episode of Carpool Karaoke; as he carpools through downtown Los Angeles, Corden is joined by Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, and Louis Tomlinson. The Brits (and Irish) drive around as they sing some of the band’s most famous songs, including the 2011 hit “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Story of My Life,” and more.
Corden even hits a few high notes himself while learning some dance moves from the band! Given how fun and overall entertaining it is, this specific episode is certainly a great one to watch for One Direction fans who are looking to reminisce on times when they were together.
1 Adele
263M Views
The most viewed Carpool Karaoke video to this day is Adele’s impeccable car concert. Released in 2016 (after her worldwide hit “Hello”), this episode sees Corden travelling to the UK to pick up Adele for a joyride around London. Adele sips (or rather, chugs) some tea, reveals some personal information, and sings some of her biggest hits, including the beloved "Someone Like You." Considering that the two are in London, it only makes sense that they would even bust out some Spice Girls.
This most-watched Carpool Karaoke episode in particular is absolutely hilarious in addition to being endearing, and fans of this British singer will adore seeing her in such a personal (and hilarious) light. If the best James Corden carpool karaoke episode was measured by views, this would definitely rank at the top.