If Apple Music‘s intention to steal viewers from under YouTube‘s nose wasn’t clear before, now there can be no doubt.
Apple has just confirmed that it’s beaten all rivals to acquire the rights to a new weekly series based on James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke.
Although the series is a spin-off from the popular intro segment to Corden’s The Late Late Show, the British comedian won’t actually present it. He’ll be behind-the-scenes as an executive producer.
We haven’t yet been given a premiere date – or details of a new host – but we do know that the 16-part series will be exclusively windowed for Apple Music subscribers, and co-produced by CBS and Fulwell 73.
The Carpool Karaoke section of the Late Late Show has become a viral smash online, with segments featuring the likes of Adele, Elton John, Michelle Obama and Justin Bieber singing their favourite tracks clocking up hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.
“We love music, and Carpool Karaoke celebrates it in a fun and unique way that is a hit with audiences of all ages,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior VP of internet software and services.
“It’s a perfect fit for Apple Music — bringing subscribers exclusive access to their favorite artists and celebrities who come along for the ride.”
“It’s a perfect fit for apple music – bringing subscribers exclusive access to their favourite artists and celebrities who come along for the ride.”
Eddy Cue, Apple
Late Late Show executive producer Ben Winston, founder of Fulwell 73, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Apple Music on this exciting new series of Carpool Karaoke. The joy of Carpool is both the intimacy it creates, while seeing the love our passengers have for music. Where better to showcase that than with Apple Music?”
“We’re delighted to bring one of the biggest viral hits, Carpool Karaoke, to Apple Music, where our new series will be available on this phenomenally popular subscription service,” stated Scott Koondel, Chief Corporate Content Licensing Officer, CBS Corporation.
The series is Apple Music’s latest foray into the world of music-themed video.
Late last year it secured the world exclusive distribution rights for Taylor Swift’s official 1989 live concert film.
It has also paid to license projects like music documentary The Score from Vice Media.
And in terms of original content, Apple is believed to have created a series, Vital Signs, with Dr. Dre.Music Business Worldwide
