Stephen Colbert Just Named His Band Leader

A new era of late night TV is nearly here, and it's time to embrace the newest update about it: Stephen Colbert has just named Stay Human's Jonathan Batiste as his newest band leader on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. Those who have been hiding from media for the past year might want to be reminded that Colbert is taking over The Late Show following David Letterman's retirement, but this new band announcement is just as exciting as Colbert's rise to power. Not only will we answer the important question of "Who is Jon Batiste?," but we'll also see a new show host/band leader dynamic blossom right before our eyes.

When it comes to the host-band leader relationship, there's a certain important chemistry that you see on these late night TV shows. You need to have a slam-dunk showman and a usually more laid-back (but still essential!) band leader to to trade witty jabs with during empty moments. For instance: What would David Letterman be without Paul Shaffer and his sunglasses? That BFF dynamic goddamn essential to the success of any late night show.

Another key element? Having a generally talented band helps. See, for example, Jimmy Fallon's relationship with The Roots: it's so endearing, and you always see them showcase their innovation. I am eternally grateful that there now exists a children's instrument cover of Carly Rae Jepson's "Call Me Maybe."

So here's just a few things that I hope to see in the shiny new Colbert-Batiste union.

Adorable Back-And-Forth Banter

Colbert and Jon Stewart sort of had their own weird thing when Colbert owned his clueless conservative persona. Now that Late Show will feature Colbert as Colbert, he needs a new bestie to help him get the party started. Perhaps Batiste is that man?

At Least One Ridiculously Creative And Viral-Worthy Recurring Skit

Or some casually ridiculous and consistently LOL-worthy sketch. For example, Colbert had his running joke in which he would pull a myriad of things out from under his desk on The Colbert Report, Mary Poppins-style. And, as I mentioned earlier, The Roots REALLY know how to do bigger-scale things and make use of a plastic xylophone. What will Batiste and Colbert think up? Only time will tell.

Insane Talent And On-Point Musicianship

Batiste went to the Julliard School and collaborated with Prince, so I feel pretty confident about this.

The Ability To Improv At The Drop Of A Hat

Like... if Ian McKellen is guest starring to promote his new film, Batiste best be ready to play a Lord of the Rings medley for the intro music.

Important Dance-Offs To Daft Punk Covers

Colbert dancing to "Get Lucky" was one of the best moments of my life. So, more of that.

A 'Do Not Make Love Sign.'

To quote Colbert's assessment of Batiste, “His music makes the audience feel so good, we may have to install a ‘Do Not Make Love’ sign.” Dude, here's hoping.

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