Stephen Colbert took his final bow after nearly 11 years as host of The Late Show with a star-studded finale and musical performance that ended on a joyful note.
Colbert, who succeeded David Letterman in 2015, invited his celebrity friends, live audience, and members of his crew to dance with him onstage for his final act. The show closed out with Beatles icon Paul McCartney performing “Hello, Goodbye,” with Colbert and Jon Batiste singing backup. The host was also joined by Louis Cato (pictured above) and the Great Big Joy Machine, which was the show’s house band for The Late Show.
Last July,CBS announced the cancellation of the 33-year-old show, citing it as “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late-night.” But many of Colbert’s fans and friends believe the show’s cancellation was punishment for Colbert’s consistent criticisms of President Trump and his administration. The cancellation also follows the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) approval of Paramount Global’s $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media.
For the finale, NBC News reported fans showing their support for Colbert with some carrying signs that read, “Thank you, Stephen,” and “See BS,” as they lined up outside the Ed Sullivan Theater hoping for a chance to be among the last studio audience. Colbert also received tributes across social media, ranging from former celebrity guests Natasha Rothwell to fellow former late-night hosts like Conan O’Brien and political leaders such as former President Barack Obama.
Other notable guests to close out the run included Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd, Tim Meadows, Tig Notaro, Ryan Reynolds, Jon Stewart, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, Neil deGrasse Tyson, singer Elvis Costello, and current and former band leaders.
Throughout Colbert’s run, there were countless performances that made The Late Show a must-watch. Here’s curated list of our Top 5 unforgettable performances during his tenure.
Raye, 2026
Performing the sixth single off her latest album, The Music May Contain Hope, Raye wowed the audience with a mesmerizing performance of “Click Clack Symphony.” Surrounded by a chorus of angelic voices and shown in a black and white broadcast, Raye delivered pop, cabaret, and jazz wrapped in a beautiful musical arrangement.
Doechii, 2024
A couple of months before taking home her Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2025, Doechii performed “Alligator Bites Never Heal” on the late-night show stage. While performing “Denial Is a River” and “Boiled Peanuts,” the artist displayed a breathtaking, symbolic act with her precise dance movements and mesmerizing braids that tethered the rapper to her background dancers.
Earth, Wind & Fire, 2020
During the pandemic, Colbert created the #PlayAtHome segment to continue the show’s musical performances. Earth, Wind & Fire delivered an impressive version of their 1974 hit, “Devotion,” featuring a split-screen with up to 11 musicians and singers, each performing from home.
Janelle Monáe, 2018
Janelle Monáe brought out her inner Janet Jackson and Prince while giving a thrilling performance of her 2018 hit “Make Me Feel” from her third studio album, Dirty Computer. The artist captivated the audience with her blend of seamless dance moves, a checkerboard stage, and retro visual effects.
Kendrick Lamar, 2015
Kendrick Lamar set the standard for other artists to follow as the first musical guest on the revamped Late Show. With a row of freshly braided cornrows and a full band behind him, Lamar delivered a commanding set of melodies from his third studio album, To Pimp a Butterfly.