A pair of chart toppers from different genres were the musical guests on Wednesday's premiere episode of a weekly talk show hosted by Elmo. Yes, Elmo.
The loveable red Sesame Street star (voiced by Ryan Dillon) kicked off the 13-week run of The Not-Too-Late Show on the U.S. streaming service HBO Max with visits from rapper Lil Nas X and country singer Kacey Musgraves.
Lil Nas X, who was introduced by Cookie Monster (David Rudman), told Elmo there was one song he has always wanted to sing – “Elmo’s Song.” Cue the lip-synced, auto-tuned duet of the ditty Elmo first sang to Big Bird and Snuffleupagus in 1990.
Musgraves came out to entertain the studio audience – a mix of humans and puppets – with an acoustic version of “Rubber Duckie,” the ode to a bathtub companion made famous by longtime Sesame Street resident Ernie in 1970.
Elmo’s list of upcoming musical guests on The Not-Too-Late Show includes the Jonas Brothers, Dan + Shay, Josh Groban, Sara Bareilles and Ciara.
Watch the performances from the debut episode below: