James Corden Challenged Adam Lambert to a Queen Showdown — Then Brian May and Roger Taylor Walked In
James Corden and Adam Lambert took part in a Queen sing off on the late night talk show (Picture: CBS)
James Corden may have thought he was simply joking around when he claimed he could be a better frontman for Queen than Adam Lambert. But the playful boast quickly turned into an unforgettable musical showdown when two members of the legendary band unexpectedly appeared on The Late Late Show.
Lambert, who finished as runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol, was appearing on the CBS late-night program to promote an upcoming 25-date North American summer arena tour with Queen.
Corden seized the opportunity to issue a challenge.
“I know I would be a better front man”
Lambert confronted Corden over his claim that he could do a better job fronting Queen.
“I heard you saying that you think you would be a better front man than me for Queen?” Lambert asked.
Corden didn’t back down.
“No, I don’t think I would be a better front man for Queen. I know I would be a better front man for Queen,” he replied.
James and Adam rocked out to tunes like Don’t Stop Me Now and Another One Bites the Dust (Picture: CBS)
That was enough to turn the exchange into a full-blown competition.
Lambert suggested the two settle the argument with a head-to-head singing battle. Corden agreed, but pointed out one obvious problem: Queen wasn’t there.
“I would love nothing more than to embarrass you with these angelic pipes,” Corden joked, “but there’s no way I can prove I’d be a better front man for Queen, because Queen aren’t here.”
Then Brian May and Roger Taylor appeared
The pair got really competitive during the heated ‘Queen-off’ (Picture:CBS)
(Picture: CBS/Giphy)
Corden’s excuse didn’t last long.
Lambert revealed that Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor were actually there, setting the stage for an impromptu “Queen-off.”
The pair then went head-to-head, taking turns performing some of Queen’s biggest hits, including “Don’t Stop Me Now” and “Another One Bites the Dust.”
Surprise guests Brian May and Roger Taylor rocked up to perform some of their greatest hits (Picture: CBS)
With May and Taylor watching and judging, the friendly competition quickly became increasingly intense.
Lambert, who was preparing to tour North America with Queen, showed exactly why he had been chosen to perform alongside the iconic rock band.
Corden eventually admits defeat
Adam Lambert is going on tour with Queen across North America (Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
After trading performances, Corden finally conceded that Lambert had won the battle.
“You’re a better front man than me,” he admitted.
But the competition ended on a high note, with the two performers joining forces for a powerful rendition of “Somebody to Love.”
Lambert delivered a standout vocal performance, while the surprise appearance from May and Taylor transformed what began as a playful argument into a memorable Queen celebration.
In the end, there may not have been a true loser — but when it came to the question of who could front Queen, Corden was willing to admit that Lambert had the edge.