Stephen Colbert Guests April 7, 2026

Episode clips

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey reflects on choosing comfort and confidence in fashion, then promotes The Oprah Podcast while sharing her playful dream of marrying Paul McCartney. She also explains how live audiences shaped her television career from AM Chicago onward.

Interview

“I Don’t Do Anything That’s Not Comfortable” - Oprah Winfrey’s Rules For Fashion

Oprah Winfrey explains the style rules she now follows, from choosing comfort over painful gowns to wearing a dramatic Stella McCartney coat at Paris Fashion Week. She also reflects on aging, confidence and learning to dress for the life she wants rather than enduring fashion for appearances.

Interview

“I Did Not Marry Paul McCartney” - All Of Oprah Winfrey’s Dreams Have Come True Except One

Oprah Winfrey discusses The Oprah Podcast and reveals her long-running fantasy of marrying Paul McCartney, including an emotional moment holding his hand at the Kennedy Center Honors. She also explains why a live audience changed the energy of AM Chicago and became essential to her approach to television.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile discusses Returning to Myself and her effort to make wine culture more approachable, then explains how a Minneapolis benefit raised $700,000 for families affected by ICE. She performs “Forever Young” and “Church and State” and promotes the Human Tour.

Interview

Hopefully Somebody Else Will Recognize Themself In My Music - Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile discusses Returning to Myself, describing the album as a document of personal change meant to help listeners recognize themselves. She also introduces Proud Angels, a wine named in tribute to Elton John, and explains her effort to make wine culture more approachable and community-minded.

Interview

Minneapolis, Under ICE Occupation, Set An Example For The Rest Of The Country - Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile describes raising $700,000 for families affected by ICE at a Minneapolis benefit and explains why her Singing Resistance project emphasizes that it is okay to change one’s mind. She also recounts fighting back after a vacuum-cleaner scam and announces dates for the Human Tour.

Musical Performance

“Forever Young” - Brandi Carlile (LIVE on The Late Show)

Brandi Carlile performs Alphaville’s “Forever Young” on The Late Show.

Musical Performance

“Church & State” - Brandi Carlile (LIVE on The Late Show)

Brandi Carlile performs “Church and State” from her album Returning to Myself on The Late Show.

Other episode clips

Monologue

Record-Setting Lunar Mission | America’s Bloodthirsty President | How To Get To Waffle House

Stephen Colbert covers Artemis II’s record-setting lunar mission and images from the far side of the moon before turning to Donald Trump’s threats to destroy Iran’s civilization. He also jokes about a FEMA official’s unusual claim that he can teleport to Waffle House during disasters.

FAQ

Who were the guests on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Apr 7, 2026?

Oprah Winfrey and Brandi Carlile were the guests on this episode.

When did this episode air?

Apr 7, 2026.