Remembering George Michael: Watch The Singer In An Early Version Of ‘Carpool Karaoke’ With James Corden In 2011 (VIDEO)

2016 has been a terrible year for many reasons, and 99% of those reasons end with “Trump,” but this year has also been difficult for the entertainment business. Back in September of this year, 71 celebrities had already died, which is more deaths than any other year records have been tracked.

And as you all know, the deaths didn’t magically end in September. 2016 has continued to kill people. Some of the biggest names we’ve lost this year?

Prince, David Bowie, Harper Lee, Merle Haggard, Gene Wilder, Alan Thicke, Muhammad Ali, Leonard Cohen, Alan Rickman, Florence Henderson, Phife Dawg, Doris Roberts, and now George Michael.

The 53-year-old singer/songwriter died of heart failure over the “Christmas period.” His death was a shock to many, although, we probably should have been prepared for this. We should have known 2016 had one more left hook to throw at us.

On Christmas Day, Michael’s publicist released a statement to the media:

“It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period. The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.”

And instead of being depressed and letting 2016 ruin the end of the year, we’re going to fight back and celebrate Michael’s life by sharing this super cool video with you.

Back in 2011, before James Corden hosted his own late night show in the states, and before Carpool Karaoke became the most popular segment in late night, the comedian had an early version of the segment with George Michael.

The video you see below was a sketch for the charity Comic Relief. Michael and Corden (who is playing a character from a British sitcom) ride around in a car and sing along to some of Michael’s greatest hits.

Check it out…