James Corden filmed a special edition of his ‘Carpool Karaoke’ concept in New York City to be shown at last night’s Grammy Awards.
But the talk-show host’s plan to repeat the success of his popular series in the Big Apple backfired as he ended up getting punched in the face by an irate commuter!
Don’t worry, though, as the brutal attack was all part of the hilarious skit.
Londoner Corden, 39, lives in LA these days, where he hosts The Late Late Show.
And one of the highlights of the programme is his Carpool Karaoke series, where A-list stars join him in his motor for a sing-song.
Well, the former Gavin & Stacey star was hosting the Grammys ceremony last night, and had a little surprise up his sleeve.
He introduced a clip that showed him attempting to translate the idea to the New York subway – with a couple of high-profile friends.
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As the video started, the presenter announced: “I’m here with Sting and Shaggy to put a little Big Apple twist on Carpool Karaoke. This is subway Carpool Karaoke.”
The trio then launched into a rendition of the Police classic Every Breath You Take, with Sting strumming an acoustic guitar.
However, their impromptu performance didn’t go down well with a burly construction worker sat opposite them.
He bellowed: “Hey fellas – knock it off! You’re annoying everyone on the train!”
Corden retorted: “No, we’re doing a Carpool Karaoke but, like, a New York special edition.”
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But the builder was having none of it, shouting: “I don’t give a [expletive] – shut up!”
Undeterred, the travelling band then started singing Shaggy’s hit It Wasn’t Me, provoking a few disgruntled comments from fellow commuters.
At that point, the builder stood up and gave Corden and chums a final warning.
He told them: “I’ve already said this once, and I’m not gonna say it again – shut up and sit down!”
However, Corden stood his ground, retorting: “How about YOU shut up and sit down!
“You may think you’re powerful, sir, but you’ll never be as powerful as the power of music.”
Big mistake. The bruiser in the high-vis jacket screamed at him: “You wanna see power?” and then decked the British star with a powerful left hook. Ouch!
But while the skit was quite amusing, a lot of people took to Twitter to criticise Corden’s hosting skills.
One mocked on Twitter: “Can we give James Corden back to England?”
And another said: “James Corden is the most insulting example of the US rewarding an untalented person just because they’re English.”
Corden is married to TV producer Julia Carey, who gave birth to the couple’s third child – a daughter – in December.