Calum Scott’s 2021 performance of “Rise” on The Late Late Show with James Corden is a strong reminder that subtlety and emotional honesty can be far more impactful than spectacle. Instead of leaning on dramatic visuals or elaborate production, Scott centered the moment around what has always been the foundation of his artistry: his voice, his openness, and the sincerity of the emotion he conveys.
To understand why the performance connected so deeply, it helps to start with the song itself. “Rise,” featured on Scott’s debut album Only Human (2018), was written during a time of personal loss and emotional disruption. The song reflects the process of rebuilding after being broken — not through denial or exaggerated positivity, but through patience, self-trust, and the quiet decision to move forward. Its lyrics are simple and direct, focusing on resilience and inner strength without unnecessary complexity.
In its studio form, “Rise” is intentionally restrained. It opens softly, supported by minimal instrumentation that keeps Scott’s voice front and center. As the song unfolds, additional layers are introduced gradually, guiding it toward a controlled, emotionally charged peak. Throughout, the production never overshadows the vocal performance. Instead, it mirrors the emotional journey of the lyrics, moving from vulnerability toward determination.
For The Late Late Show, Scott pared the song down even further. The arrangement was stripped back, allowing his vocal phrasing and delivery to carry the full weight of the performance. From the opening lines, he sang with calm restraint, steering clear of overt dramatics. His tone felt grounded and intimate, making the lyrics sound personal and authentic rather than staged.
As the performance progressed, Scott allowed the emotion to build naturally. He resisted the urge to rush or overemphasize the song’s climactic moments. When the song reached its peak, the power came from control and clarity rather than sheer loudness. Even at its most intense, his voice remained steady and focused, reinforcing the sense that the emotion was genuine and internal.
Visually, the performance matched this understated approach. Scott’s simple wardrobe and largely still posture ensured that nothing distracted from the song itself. His movements were minimal, but meaningful — subtle expressions and small gestures conveyed emotion without the need for grand physicality. This quiet presentation aligned perfectly with the song’s message, suggesting that true strength doesn’t need to be loudly displayed.
What ultimately set this performance apart was its authenticity. “Rise” has always been deeply personal, and Scott honored that truth by trusting both the song and the audience. He didn’t reshape it to fit television expectations. Instead, he allowed its message to unfold naturally, creating a moment that felt reassuring rather than overwhelming, and uplifting without becoming sentimental.
In a television landscape often filled with high-concept performances, Calum Scott’s rendition of “Rise” stands out because it remained faithful to the song’s emotional heart. It served as a reminder that vulnerability, when expressed with honesty and care, can be just as powerful — if not more so — than spectacle, and far more likely to endure.