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Get ready to groove with some of Stephen Colbert’s most unforgettable and hilarious musical performances! From touching duets and Broadway-inspired numbers to rock tributes and quirky comedy jams, Colbert knows how to bring the music—and laughs. Whether he’s rocking out with legends or surprising guests with impromptu songs, these moments showcase his unexpected musical talent and timeless charm. Which of these performances struck a chord with you?
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00:06Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today, we're counting down our picks for the most entertaining, funny, and or memorable musical
00:13detours in the comedian's career.
00:21Number 10. Burning Down the House
00:24Embracing chaos and creativity, David Byrne showed up for The Late Show one last time to play a classic.
00:35Burning Down the House seems like a great meta-statement in light of Stephen Colbert's show Closing Up Shop.
00:42Along with Byrne and his band, the host steps in to play along with the Talking Heads' favorite.
00:55There's more attitude bubbling underneath the surface as the performers rock out with reckless abandon.
01:01The singer can do no wrong as he once again proves his worth as a timeless artist.
01:05Taking the stage and offering up some innovative choreography, the entire ensemble gives audiences some fun sights and sounds.
01:19Burning Down the House
01:21Number 9. That's the way the world goes round
01:24For those that know the work of John Prine, they likely cherish his bespoke songwriting.
01:29That's the way that the world goes round
01:32Up one day, the next day down
01:35Stephen Colbert introduced a previously unseen duet as a tribute to the musician.
01:40Singing That's the Way the World Goes Round, the two do justice to a great piece from Prine's catalog.
01:46When the sun come in the window
01:47I saw a broke, I stood up and laughed
01:50I thought it was a joke
01:51That's the way that the world goes round
01:54You might not think of Colbert as a country singer, but he's a fine addition to a legendary force of
02:00nature.
02:00The meditative work shines on decades later and under completely different circumstances.
02:05Anybody who doesn't know this artist should use this clip as an excuse to explore his discography.
02:10That's the way that the world goes round
02:17Number 8. This Year
02:19This particular band could have sung any number of songs, but they brought out an older track for this performance.
02:25Locking eyes, holding hands, twin high maintenance machines
02:30This year comes with some inspirational and relatable lyrics.
02:35The Mountain Goats could easily do it themselves, but then Stephen Colbert joins in to amplify the chorus.
02:40I am the main hit through this year, if it kills me
02:46Showing some serious excitement, the comedian adds even more energy to this track.
02:51The mix of folk and rock allows for a vibrant mixture of vocal styles.
02:55Playing along on one of his favorite songs, Colbert uses this appearance to live out what might have been one
03:00of his lifelong dreams.
03:10Number 7. Stephen Colbert and Matthew Broderick's impromptu duet
03:14Given his track record on Broadway, Matthew Broderick always seems ready to burst into song.
03:20All I want is a room somewhere
03:25Far away from the cold night air
03:28This appearance on The Late Show gives him an opportunity to perform a duet with the host.
03:33Broderick and Stephen Colbert take the interview in a different direction, discussing their admiration for My Fair Lady.
03:39This inspires their impromptu performance of Wouldn't It Be Loverly.
03:49Both performers are more than game to show off their vocal chops before jumping to their feet.
03:54As costumed extras add to the fun, you realize this is all an excuse for two actors to strut their
04:00musical stuff.
04:05Loverly, Loverly, Loverly
04:12Number 6. Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell sing Orleans
04:16These two have been through a lot together.
04:19It's exciting to watch old friends and colleagues hang out again, even if it's just for a guest spot on
04:24The Late Show.
04:25Dance with me
04:27I want to be your partner, can't you see?
04:37Steve Carell appeared on Stephen Colbert's CBS talk show for a friendly chat.
04:41Once the conversation shifted to music, the two took a big swing with this unexpected musical performance.
04:57They chose to sing the soft rock song Dance With Me.
05:00If you love the single or 70s music, you might be excited to watch these two sing this underappreciated throwback.
05:06The Orleans track somehow became a touching tribute to this duo's endearing friendship.
05:11The music is just starting, night is calling, and I am falling, dance with me.
05:20Number 5. Sully Song
05:23Sully Sullenberger is an American hero that deserves his own musical.
05:27Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert play into that notion, giving viewers the next best thing.
05:39On the Night of Too Many Stars in 2010, the comedians appeared in pilot gear to sing a goofy song
05:45about Sullenberger.
05:46Jon Stewart interrupts at several points, but he also helps to sell the bit even more.
05:51Carell and Colbert have fun with a wonderfully dumb idea that includes a cameo from Tay Zonday.
05:56Chocolate rain. Hit the goose and then you'll land the plane. Chocolate rain. Passengers felt hardly any pain.
06:07They even incorporate some choreography, highlighting important details such as the aviator's incredible mustache.
06:13Stewart joins the duo for the ending and helps to make Everybody's Talking About Sully a classic.
06:19Big finish! Everybody's talking about Sully, Sully. Everybody's talking about Sully.
06:26Number 4. Lord of the Rings Rap
06:29We're not sure if anyone loves the Lord of the Rings more than Stephen Colbert.
06:33Number one trilogy, the number one trilly. Try to deny and you just sound silly.
06:38Worldwide gross of almost three billy. 16 times what they made on free willy.
06:43Celebrating the film franchise and its 20th anniversary, the Late Show host came together with the film's cast to rap
06:49about Peter Jackson's trilogy.
06:51This includes some stunning wardrobe, elite performances, and clever lyrics.
06:56A strider, some riders, golem, a spider. We got a gray wizard and we got one that's whiter.
07:01Best drill ever, baby, don't you forget! That's right, Anna Kendrick. Pitch Perfect A-
07:06Colbert and many actors from the series joined forces in a combination of pure fandom and musical comedy.
07:13It's both a loving tribute and one of the nerdiest things that's ever happened.
07:17We can only hope that the same performers come together for another round every anniversary.
07:21Lord of the Rings is the number one trilly. Lord of the Rings is the number one trilly. Trilly. Trilly.
07:29Trilly. Trilly. Trilly. Trilly.
07:30Number three, Colbert gets lucky.
07:32Instead of having Daft Punk as a guest, Stephen Colbert offered up a one-of-a-kind musical experience of
07:38his own.
07:46This led to a dance party that few other moments on the Colbert rapport could beat,
07:50but employing several of his former guests, the host danced through multiple locations to the sounds of Get Lucky.
07:56Hugh Laurie, Jeff Bridges, and even Bryan Cranston helped dance with him.
08:08The comedian even found his way into the office of Henry Kissinger.
08:11This star-studded and sometimes bizarre experience included some awesome moves as well.
08:17It's one of the sillier and more notable segments from an impressive run on Comedy Central.
08:32After nearly a decade, The Colbert Rapport cultivated a special place in political comedy history.
08:52The Comedy Central show ended with a triumphant send-off.
08:55Alongside a bunch of former guests and other celebrities, the comedian sang his way into television history.
09:01The host is joined by old colleague Jon Stewart, along with a star-studded chorus that grows with each verse.
09:15Singing the song, We'll Meet Again, the musical number offers up both a tribute and a poignant ending for a
09:21comedic institution.
09:22The series proved in its final moments that it could make you laugh, cry, and surprise you all in one.
09:29For someone who's not good at goodbyes, we think he did a pretty good job.
09:32I mean, who could top an exodus grand as flying off in a sleigh with Santa Claus, Abraham Lincoln, and
09:37Alex Trebek?
09:38Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
09:44This performance is the opportunity of a lifetime for any long-time Taylor fan.
09:57Billionaires are actually good.
09:59The comedian dishes out a stylish takedown of the ultra-wealthy.
10:03Every billionaire is strong and funny.
10:06Every billionaire should have your money.
10:08You need insurance that you haven't got.
10:10But they need a yacht in their bigger yacht.
10:13Sleep through the static.
10:14Jack Johnson and Colbert serenade the audience in a laid-back performance.
10:28Singing with Andrew Lloyd Webber.
10:30You'll never expect this insane version of Jesus Christ Superstar.
10:34Jesus!
10:37You start to believe the things they say of you.
10:42You really do believe this talking ball is true.
10:49The host shares a lovable duet with the iconic singer.
10:52Everybody, have you heard?
10:55Who's gonna find your Mockingbird?
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11:25Number 1.
11:27Steven's Musical Farewell.
11:28For his final act on The Late Show,
11:31Steven Colbert went all out with his guest stars.
11:33He first accompanied John Batiste and Elvis Costello for a rendition of Jump Up.
11:37Jump up, hold on tight, can't trust a promise or a guarantee.
11:44The intimate performance lets the singers do their thing, adding to the soulful song and lyrics.
11:50The scene then changes to the theatre space everyone knows as Paul McCartney kicks off a Beatles classic.
11:55You say goodbye when I say hello, I have a little cry.
12:02Hello Goodbye feels like a fitting finale, letting viewers know that every end is also a beginning.
12:08Given the theatre's namesake, McCartney's presence only enhances this profound callback to music history.
12:23Did we forget another music-related moment from Colbert's career?
12:27Let us know in the comments below.
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