That time when Usher, Luke Evans and James Corden competing for sexiest male vocalist title bowled people over
James Corden probably has one of the most entertaining talk shows out there. Corden often invites various notable guests and cooks up entertaining scenarios with them. In one of the 2017 episodes of "The Late Late Show with James Corden," the host started lamenting the lack of soul and sexiness from modern male vocalists in the industry. “I feel like there aren’t male vocalists out there doing sensual, soulful vocals anymore,” Corden complained at the beginning of the fun segment and even declared himself as “the sexiest male vocalist alive.” But Corden was about to face someone who could rightfully dispute his claims.
R&B and pop superstar Usher appeared on the stage, shocking the audience and interrupting Corden playfully. Usher challenged the host to compete with him in a sensual vocal riff-off to settle the score. "Unfortunately, we can't do that," Corden declined. "To have a riff-off, sir, we need to have The Filharmonic and they aren't here." Just as Corden finished his sentence, the famous a cappella group appeared to assist Usher and Corden in their vocal battle. Then the battle amongst the sensual male vocalists began as the audience cheered them.
Corden initiated the vocal challenge by singing a portion of K-Ci & JoJo’s 1998 piano ballad “All My Life” and extended the chorus portion with a lengthy vocal riff. Then it was Usher's turn to sing and he joked, “Wow, somebody bring this guy a Tic-Tac.” Usher sang Marvin Gaye’s 1971 anthem “Mercy Mercy Me" and flaunted his flawless falsetto as The Filharmonic backed as his vocal support. However, the audience was not prepared for another surprise. The "Clash of the Titans" actor, Luke Evans, emerged from backstage as the audience members howled in joy.
"Do you guys think this is sexy?" Evans remarked. "There's nothing sexy about what's happening here. I'm just saying—if this is truly a riff-off of the sexiest vocals, then as far as I'm concerned, you guys can battle it out for second and third place." To prove his point and hijack the title of the sexiest male vocalist, Evans started singing 1984 track "I Want to Know What Love Is" by Foreigner. "I guess what they say is true—no one sings like Gaston," Corden appeared defeated as he referred to Evans' character from "The Beauty and the Beast."
"Luke, that was unbelievable. All right, I am going to call it. You guys were better than me," a disheartened Corden admitted. "I am not going to get upset about it or anything. I am going to walk away with what little dignity I have intact and I will get back to the political comedy that I do every night on this show. I shouldn't have started this. I am not a sexy singer and I am fine with that," he added. However, Usher and Evans joined hands to console the heartbroken host.
"It's a mind thing, James. As long as you feel sexy when you are singing, the audience will buy into it," Usher advised Corden. "Hang on, are you saying that there is a world where we can all work together and stay together?" Corden asked hopefully. Then Usher and Evans included Corden to form a trio, backed by The Filharmonic as usual and started performing Al Green's "Let's Stay Together." The episode concluded with Corden returning to his host duties in the middle of the performance and thanked the viewers for watching the show as the celebrity guests continued to perform behind him.