James Corden honoured George Michael on his late night television show on Tuesday, explaining how the singer inspired the viral sensation, "Carpool Karaoke."
In the return of his US talk show following the Christmas break, an emotional Corden said news of the star's death, aged 53, on Christmas Day hit him "really hard".
"I feel like I've loved George Michael as long as I've loved music, and I know so many of his fans feel the same," he said.
Close to tears, the host of The Late Late Show told the audience he had helped him through challenging times.
James Corden described George Michael as "an absolute inspiration" following his sudden death.Credit: BBC
"I can remember so many times in my life when I might have felt on my own and George's music would feel like he would reach his hand out and tell you that you're not on your own and that these feelings aren't particular to you."
Corden also told how the pop star helped make "Carpool Karaoke" – which has since featured Justin Bieber, Michelle Obama, Madonna and Adele as guests – the huge success it is today.
He said he met George in 2011 when they collaborated on a sketch for Red Nose Day.
In the sketch, Corden attempts to save the day by driving the former Wham! star to the fundraising event. After he offends the singer, the two bury the hatchet by singing along to Wham's I'm Your Man.
"It was the first time I'd sung in a car with anybody," Corden revealed.
"It's become quite a big part of my life now, and he inspired it."
Corden explained on Tuesday how many artists were hesitant to participate in "Carpool Karaoke," but Mariah Carey became the first to agree after watching the George clip, which the show used as a blueprint to pitch the concept.
"If it's good enough for George, it's good enough for me," Corden recalled her saying.
"He really inspired it," Corden said.
Fairfax Media