As fans likely expected, Ariana Grande nailed every note of her “Carpool Karaoke” session with James Corden. The two sang all her hits, from “Dangerous Woman” to “God Is a Woman” to “Side to Side.” They even squeezed in a Broadway moment as they delivered a pitch-perfect duet of “Suddenly Seymour.” But the real appeal of a good “Carpool Karaoke” is not the singing, but the intermittent gossip that happens between songs. On that front, its hard to blame anyone who walked away a little disappointed—at least, if they were hoping to hear even one detail about Grandes relationship with Pete Davidson. Because throughout the 13-minute ride, Grande and Corden somehow managed not to discuss the singers fiancé even once.
As we already knew, Grande injured her hand while filming their segment—and the bandage on her hand can be clearly seen in the video. Whatever led to the injury, it does not play out on screen, nor is it addressed. One moment that could have prompted a mishap came when Grande addressed rumors that her preferred method of transport is human, thanks to a photo she once posted of her tour manager carrying her after a video shoot. Corden followed up by carrying Grande piggyback style into a Starbucks for a quick snack. Naturally, she ordered her beverage in a Grande size.
Grande and Corden have a great rapport, as seen on other episodes of The Late Late Show. Earlier this week the two sang their way through the plot of Titanic using pop songs. In that segment, as in this one, Grande busted out her classic Celine Dion impression. (During the carpool, she gamely sang “Its All Coming Back to Me Now.”) Still, their conversation likely leaves a craving for something more. After all, although Grande did mention a constant barrage of pregnancy rumors, she never name-checked Davidson or offered a single morsel about their relationship. Davidson, on the other hand, spoke about their engagement on The Tonight Show.
Perhaps Grande wants to talk about more than her relationship with Davidson—which would be fair enough, given how often female celebrities are reduced to their romantic relationships. Still, its hard not to wish Corden had found something more interesting to discuss than the little-attended Jaws-themed birthday party Grande had when she was two years old. Genial conversation is all well and good, but as the Late Late Show host well knows, fans come for the gossip. And as this form continues to age and its novelty wears off, hed be well advised to give the people what they want.
Get Vanity Fairs HWD NewsletterSign up for essential industry and award news from Hollywood.Laura BradleyLaura Bradley is a Hollywood writer for VanityFair.com.
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