James Corden just encroached on Shawn Mendes’ Broadway-Lafayette St. B-D-F-M-6 New York City Subway turf.
The “Late Late Show” host showed up early to sing a little “You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt for commuters’ coins, but the whole thing turned into a busker cover battle when Mendes arrived to reclaim his usual Wednesday spot.
Starting with some Oasis, Mendes earned the Los Angeles-based CBS studio audience’s screams right off the bat. Temporarily defeated, Corden exited stage left — but he returned swiftly in a shiny tux jacket and playing a baby grand piano. That’s when he flipped the kid the bird in between “Great Balls of Fire” lines.
Not to be outdone, Mendes traded in his t-shirt and acoustic guitar for a hoodie and full DJ setup.
Corden answered that shrewd move by becoming all five of the Backstreet Boys at once — but Mendes had one more huge trick up his sleeve.
Watch the video above.