More than three years ago, when the corporation was a young infant competing with the content giants in the commercial channels, “Carpool Karaoke” was first launched in its Israeli version with the driver’s standard – Nicky Goldstein. As an addict to the American version, I was very moved by the gesture, until I watched it. What can I tell you? Let’s just say that watching those episodes today is a bit like watching a high school model’s high school picture – awkward, not nice to remember and we better all forget about those looks.
And here, last night, the first episode of “Carpool Karaoke” aired in its new version. Well, you could say that under the word “upgrade” this season appears. In fact, everything in it was upgraded – the composition, the concept, the choice of songs and of course the conductor (Suri, Nicky) when Udi Kagan was chosen to win over this orchestra and turned out to be the perfect casting. Truth be told, not at all surprising.
For those who are unfamiliar with the format, it is worth mentioning: “Carpool Karaoke” is actually a corner from one of the most successful night programs in America, “The Late Late Show” “with singer and host James Corden, which has been broadcast for over five years on the American CBS network. In each episode he puts a superstar in his car, and when I say superstar I mean Sia, Chris Martin, Ariana Grande and that’s just the beginning. For 20-30 minutes the two sing, laugh and talk about life and music, in what has become one of the most beloved and talked about corners in the United States.
Carpool Karaoke The Israeli version (Photo: Dana Polig)The Israeli version of the corporation has succeeded in creating the perfect mix of elements that keep the program similar to the original, and on the other hand, adapt it precisely to Israeli culture and local artists. With all the love, it’s a little hard to compare the excitement a viewer has when he sees Adele or Jennifer Lopez fooling around and singing in a car – to the same excitement when Hanan Ben Ari or Eliad do. Meanwhile, Kagan manages to make the program Israeli and light-hearted while creating excellent dynamics with the guests and providing a feeling as if the two are best friends ever.
Another difference between the two is the amount of link and nonsense footage taken outside the vehicle. If in the American version, Corden and the guest get out of the band only in exceptional cases (Paul McCartney surprises an audience at a local restaurant with a personal performance, like this in a small way) – here the concept is to visit places related, in one way or another, to the artist – which spices up the musical journey. Although sometimes they tend to be too long. This is how Sarit Hadad finds herself making a face as a hairdresser (after all, a former hair stylist) and Hanan Ben-Ari finds himself building a stool as a tribute to his lacking handiman skills.
Carpool Karaoke The Israeli version (Photo: Dana Polig)The success of an episode in “Carpool Karaoke” rests on two main things: One is the musical aspect, as it is a golden opportunity to hear our favorite singers almost in absolute live – as they sing for their enjoyment in the car. In this respect the choice of the artists’ hits, at least from the episodes sent for preview, was accurate – but the original playback that accompanies Kagan and the guest is too strong, which is completely sinful to the point and detracts from the experience.
The second is the personal aspect, the conversations that form in the car and the general mood. It is evident that the choice of the production and Kagan is to focus on humor and indeed the show itself is very funny and fun, which brings out the best in Kagan, whose wit and quality we are used to from “Messiah”, but also from the guest singers. However, I would have been happy to see more balance between the comedic and musical passages – to reveal more stories behind the songs and personal experiences that have not been told so far, which fit into this intimate platform, since it essentially relies on music.
Carpool Karaoke The Israeli version (Photo: Dana Polig)“Carpool Karaoke” proves, similar to the corporation’s previous success, “Rehearsals”, that good entertainment does not necessarily depend on huge budgets, effects and pyrotechnics. Mix together music, laughter and energies – and here we get a product that respects the viewer and provides the escapism we so desperately need. Well, have you started working on a second season yet?
“Carpool Karaoke” will be broadcast on Sundays at 10:15 PM starting Jan. 24 here at 11 p.m.