When James Corden boldly declared that “boy bands reign supreme,” he had no idea he was about to spark one of the most legendary musical battles in The Late Late Show‘s history. What started as friendly banter quickly escalated into a full-on riff-off that pitted eras, icons, and harmonies against each other—with Liam Payne stepping up to represent the new generation.
Bringing backup in the form of the dynamic a cappella group The Filharmonic, Payne didn’t hesitate to turn the studio into a high-energy battleground of boy band brilliance. From the moment the mic dropped, it was clear this wouldn’t be just another sing-off—it was a full celebration of pop history.
As the competition heated up, NSYNC’s iconic choreography and sharp vocal runs brought a wave of nostalgia to the room, while echoes of George Michael’s soulful sound added depth and power to the mix. Hanson chimed in with their unmistakable harmonies, proving that catchy pop never goes out of style. Then came One Direction—Payne’s own former band—whose anthemic hits sent the audience into a frenzy and reminded everyone just how global their impact was.
Each round of the riff-off built on the last, blending classic tunes with bold attitude and seamless transitions. The atmosphere was electric, packed with playfulness and reverence for the artists who shaped generations of music lovers.
In the end, the real winner was the legacy of boy bands themselves—past, present, and future. And while Corden may have kicked things off with a boast, it was Liam Payne and The Filharmonic who left the stage proving just how strong the boy band spirit still is.
