Bette Midler Delivers Legendary, Profane Farewell to Stephen Colbert

The Divine Miss M brought down the house with a hilarious and heartfelt "Wind Beneath My Wings" parody for Stephen Colbert, complete with some unforgettable digs at a certain former president.

TL;DR:

• Bette Midler performed a rewritten version of her classic hit "Wind Beneath My Wings" for Stephen Colbert.
• The powerful song served as both a poignant tribute to Colbert and a sharp, profane critique of Donald Trump.
• "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" is scheduled to end in May 2026, wrapping up a decade-long run.

Get ready to grab some tissues (and maybe a swear jar) because Bette Midler just delivered one of the most memorable late-night farewells ever! Appearing on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" this past Tuesday, the legendary singer and actress didn't just sing a song; she dropped an absolute bombshell of a tribute, perfectly blending heartfelt emotion with her signature, no-holds-barred political commentary.

A Divine Tribute: Bette Midler's Unforgettable Serenade

It all went down as Stephen Colbert prepares to wrap up his successful run on "The Late Show" in May 2026. Bette Midler arrived on set, not just for a chat (though she was also there to promote her non-profit, the New York Restoration Project), but with a special "proclamation" in hand. Colbert, ever the comedian, playfully suggested it looked like her diploma, to which Midler quickly retorted, "It's your diploma!" A lighthearted start for what would become an iconic moment.

Before launching into her performance, Midler, known for her powerful voice and stage presence, humbly remarked, "I haven’t sung in a long time." But any doubts were instantly squashed as soon as she began. Her voice, as strong and captivating as ever, filled the Ed Sullivan Theater, proving that the Divine Miss M has lost none of her magic.

From Beaches Classic to Middle-earth Magic

Midler took her beloved 1988 hit, "Wind Beneath My Wings" (from the iconic film "Beaches"), and completely rewrote the lyrics to honor Colbert's near-decade-long tenure. But this wasn't just any tribute; it was specifically tailored for Colbert, a known superfan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s "Lord of the Rings."

The song skillfully wove in references from Middle-earth, creating a truly unique and personal message. Lines like, "Did you ever know that you’re my Frodo? You stand for what’s right with wit and class," clearly resonated with the host and the audience, turning a classic ballad into a whimsical, yet deeply meaningful, ode to his character and integrity.

The Unmistakable Lyrics and Audience Roar

While the "Lord of the Rings" nods were a fantastic touch, Midler didn’t shy away from what many truly expected from her: a direct and unapologetic jab at former President Donald Trump. She praised Colbert for his unwavering stance, singing, "I hold you high as the great eagles, because you never kissed the orange a--." The audience erupted, and Midler, never one to miss a moment, encouraged them to join in, repeating the line several more times until the crowd was singing along with gusto. The performance concluded with another "Lord of the Rings"-inspired line: "Fly, fly away! Like Gandalf’s golden wings / Thank you, thank you, thank God for you, the Lord of all our rings."

"Did you ever know that you’re my Frodo? You stand for what’s right with wit and class. And I hold you high as the great eagles, because you never kissed the orange a--."

— Bette Midler, on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert"

Colbert, clearly deeply moved by the song's sincerity and humor, stood up to embrace Midler, telling her, "I love you." He then playfully capped off the moment with a joke, "Well everybody, thank you for joining us for our last show," acknowledging the finality and emotion of the tribute.

Why Stephen Colbert's Late Show is Winding Down

The poignant farewell comes as "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" prepares to conclude its run in May 2026, marking a decade since Colbert took over from David Letterman in 2015. CBS announced the cancellation in July, publicly attributing the decision to "financial reasons."

However, many critics have speculated there's more to the story. The announcement followed closely on the heels of Colbert's sharp criticism of a $16 million settlement that Paramount, CBS's parent company, had reached with the Trump administration. This has led to suggestions that the network’s decision might have been influenced by a desire to curry favor with the FCC, especially as Paramount was pursuing a merger with Skydance (a merger that was later approved). Whatever the underlying reasons, the end of Colbert's era signals a significant shift in the late-night landscape.

Bette Midler's Long-Standing History of Political Zingers

Bette Midler's unapologetic dig at Donald Trump during her performance comes as no surprise to long-time fans. The "Hocus Pocus" star has been a vocal and persistent critic of Trump for years, never shying away from expressing her political views.

Her critiques often make headlines, like her infamous joke during the 2024 presidential election campaign, where she implied she'd drink a bottle of Drano if Trump won. True to her word, after Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States on November 5th, Midler deactivated her X (formerly Twitter) account. She has also been a prominent supporter, campaigning for Kamala Harris.

Her outspokenness isn't new. In 2020, during the Republican National Convention, Midler publicly criticized Melania Trump, calling her an "illegal alien" who "can’t speak English." While she later issued a public apology for mocking Melania’s accent, it highlighted her readiness to engage in political discourse. This history has not been without its responses; in 2019, after Midler shared and later apologized for a fake Trump quote, the former president famously retaliated by calling her a "washed-up psycho." Her performance for Colbert, therefore, wasn't an isolated incident but a continuation of her consistent and bold public stance.

A Tradition of Saying Goodbye: Midler's Late-Night Legacy

For those familiar with late-night television history, Bette Midler's farewell performance for Stephen Colbert wasn't just a one-off special; it's part of a cherished tradition she's maintained. The Divine Miss M has a reputation for gracing the final seasons of beloved talk show hosts with heartfelt musical tributes. She herself noted this during her appearance, recalling her legendary performance on the very last episode of "Late Night with Johnny Carson" in 1992, where she serenaded him with "One More For My Baby."

This recurring act of respect and friendship within the industry underscores Midler's deep connection to the world of late-night and her profound appreciation for the hosts who shape it. Her ability to blend humor, emotion, and sometimes a bit of profanity, into these farewells has made them iconic moments in television history, reinforcing her status as a true entertainment legend.

The Lasting Impact of a Legendary Performance

Bette Midler’s serenade to Stephen Colbert was more than just a musical number; it was a potent blend of entertainment, political commentary, and genuine emotion. It celebrated a host known for his wit and integrity, acknowledged the changing landscape of late-night television, and reiterated Midler’s own fearless voice in the public sphere. As "The Late Show" counts down to its final episode, this performance will undoubtedly stand out as a highlight, capturing the unique spirit of Colbert’s run and the enduring talent of Bette Midler.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered! When is "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" officially ending? The show is scheduled to conclude its run in May 2026. Why is "The Late Show" being canceled? CBS publicly cited "financial reasons" for the cancellation. However, some critics suggest the decision might also be linked to political pressures following Colbert's critiques of the Trump administration, especially in light of Paramount's merger endeavors. What was Bette Midler's other famous late-night farewell performance? Bette Midler famously performed "One More For My Baby" on the final episode of "Late Night with Johnny Carson" in 1992. Is Bette Midler still making music or performing? While she remarked on "The Late Show" that she hadn't sung in a long time, her voice was clearly as strong as ever. She continues her work with her non-profit, the New York Restoration Project, and makes occasional public appearances, often leaving fans hoping for new music. Sources

• The Daily Beast
• UPI News
• Showbiz411.com
• The Wrap
• NY Post