Hugh Jackman Changed The Lyrics To ‘Sweet Caroline’ To Be About The Late Show’s Untimely Demise: ‘I Just Love This Motherf—ing Show.’

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With the 2025 TV season wrapping up, viewers are already looking ahead to 2026. However, the new year will also bring some disappointing news, including the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The talk show will conclude in May, and its cancellation has been widely discussed. Many of Colbert’s celebrity guests have commented on the show ending, and Hugh Jackman recently joined them – but instead of speaking about it, he expressed his sadness through song.

Jackman appeared on The Late Showon Thursday while promoting his new film, Song Sung Blue, which is about the real-life Neil Diamond tribute band, Lightning & Thunder. To celebrate, the actor sang “Sweet Caroline,” but he totally changed the lyrics, telling Colbert it was a surprise for him. Now, I am both singing along and crying after watching this lovely tribute:

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Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” is the definitive version – it’s a classic that everyone instinctively sings along to, no matter the occasion. However, Hugh Jackman’s rendition, which included a reference to the event’s cancellation, made it particularly memorable. Combine that with the entire crowd joining in, and you have a truly special moment. Here are the lyrics Jackman sang:

Okay, so listen, I’m a huge Stephen Colbert fan. It’s just… the way he plays with the persona, the little bits, the repetition – it cracks me up every time. That whole bit about jokes, and then pleading with him not to leave? Hilarious! And honestly, the sheer audacity of him asking if he can swear and then just going for it? It’s brilliant. I just absolutely love this show, seriously.

The cancellation of The Late Show caused a big reaction, with many in the late-night world expressing shock and support. Andy Cohen suggested CBS had made a mistake, and Jon Stewart passionately defended the importance of late-night television. Interestingly, Jimmy Kimmel prioritized campaigning for Stephen Colbert and The Late Show to win an Emmy, rather than promoting himself, and their efforts paid off with a win for Outstanding Talk Series in September, to a very enthusiastic audience.

Guests on the show have repeatedly mentioned its upcoming end. Last week, Taylor Swift asked for extra time to choose her favorite songs, and Colbert pointed out they only have until May. Emma Stone even playfully suggested a sketch for her next visit, but then sadly realized that, unless she’s invited back within the next five months, there won’t be another opportunity.

The cancellation of The Late Show was a real blow to many fans, and it still feels surprising even after several months. It’s great to see guests really putting on a show while it’s still on the air. While Hugh Jackman’s performance of “Sweet Caroline” was unforgettable, I’m excited to see what other memorable moments will happen before the final episode in May.

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2025-12-19 22:08