James Corden opened The Late Late Show on a somber note on Monday night (May 22). In a special message taped after news of a suspected terror attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, that killed 22 and injured more than 50, Corden paid tribute to the spirit of the people of Manchester and the lives of those lost in the tragedy.
“While taping our show earlier tonight we heard the horrific news coming out of Manchester, England, that there had been an incident at Ariana Grande’s concert,” he said.
“It shocks me every time we hear this sort of news, that attacks like this can happen,” said Corden, who was raised in Buckinghamshire, which is around three hours south of Manchester. “But especially when there are so many children at this concert tonight… Many of you will not have been in Manchester, but you will definitely have heard of it. It’s famous all over the world for so many wonderful things — great football teams, Man City. Man United. It’s famous for incredible music: Oasis and Joy Division. It was the birthplace of the leader of the Suffragettes. It’s the home of the inventor of the first computer.”
His face devoid of the typical mirth that defines his show and his voice nearly cracking, the father of two continued, “It’s a place full of comedy and curries and character. But when I think of Manchester, the place that I know, I think of the spirit of the people there — and I’m telling you, a more tight knit group of people you will be hard-pressed to find. Strong, proud, caring people with community at its core. The spirit of Manchester will grow even stronger this evening.”
Like many celebrities who were shocked by the news, Corden said his thoughts and prayers were with the people of Manchester last night, including the staff at Manchester Arena, the security and emergency services teams, as well as Grande and her team and the affected families.
“We’ll all go to bed holding out little ones even tighter this evening,” he said.
Watch the tribute below: