LOS ANGELES – In a segment that’s already become the stuff of late-night legend, Bruno Mars hopped into James Corden’s Hyundai for the latest installment of Carpool Karaoke on The Late Late Show, delivering a funky, feel-good ride that’s sure to have fans belting out hits in their own cars for weeks. Airing on November 21, 2016, this episode arrives hot on the heels of powerhouse appearances by Adele and Madonna, proving that Corden’s sing-along staple is the ultimate vehicle for star-studded joyrides.

As the duo cruised through the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles, Mars, fresh off the release of his platinum-selling album 24K Magic, wasted no time turning the car into a mobile concert hall. Kicking things off with the titular track “24K Magic,” the pair dove headfirst into a medley of Mars’ biggest smashes: the explosive “Uptown Funk” (that Mark Ronson collab still slaps), the soulful “Locked Out of Heaven,” the heart-wrenching “Grenade,” the silky “Versace on the Floor,” the reflective “If I Knew,” and even a throwback to his early days with “Perm.” Corden, ever the enthusiastic co-pilot, matched Mars note-for-note, though he hilariously admitted he couldn’t quite keep up with the Grammy winner’s effortless falsetto.

But it wasn’t all high-energy hooks—there were plenty of candid chats to keep things grounded. Mars opened up about his pre-show rituals, revealing that his tour rider demands include a deck of cards for late-night poker games and a healthy supply of Spanx to keep his signature sleek looks in place. “It’s all about that compression,” he quipped, demonstrating a quick tuck that left Corden in stitches. The conversation took a nostalgic turn when Mars confessed his lifelong obsession with Elvis Presley, leading to an impromptu cover of “Jailhouse Rock” that had the host declaring it “the funkiest Elvis impression I’ve ever heard.” Mars, ever the showman, even tested Corden’s theory that he could rock any hat—from a sequined gold number to a fuzzy fedora—proving once again why he’s the king of cool under pressure.

What makes this Carpool Karaoke stand out in a segment that’s already hosted icons like Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, and Paul McCartney? It’s Mars’ infectious charisma. The 31-year-old (at the time) Hawaii native brought his A-game, blending vulnerability with volcanic energy. “I’ve been a fan forever,” Corden later shared in a 2021 interview, admitting he felt “a bit depressed” after wrapping the shoot. “I’d been hyping it up in my head for months. When it was over, I was gutted—I didn’t want the ride to end.” Fans echoed the sentiment online, with Reddit’s popheads community hailing it as “Carpool of the year” and Twitter exploding with clips of Mars’ hat parade.

Since its debut in 2015, Carpool Karaoke has become more than a sketch—it’s a cultural phenomenon, racking up billions of YouTube views and even spawning a 16-episode Apple TV+ series in 2017. Bruno’s episode, clocking in at over 15 minutes of pure groove, exemplifies why: it’s unscripted magic that captures artists at their most relaxed and relatable. Who knew traffic jams could sound this good?

Nearly a decade later, the segment’s legacy endures. Mars, now 39 and riding high with hits like “Die With a Smile” alongside Lady Gaga, looks back on it fondly in recent interviews, calling it “one of the most fun days of my career—no cameras, no pressure, just vibes.” Corden, who stepped away from The Late Late Show in 2023, has credited Mars’ energy as a highlight that “recharged my love for the bit.” And for viewers? It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best escapism comes from a simple drive with your favorite tunes cranked up.

As Carpool Karaoke continues to pop up in specials and spin-offs, Bruno Mars’ funky detour remains a gold standard—proof that a little rhythm and a lot of heart can turn any commute into a blockbuster. So next time you’re stuck in gridlock, crank up “Uptown Funk” and channel your inner Bruno. Who knows? You might just start a revolution in your rearview mirror.