Stephen Colbert Closes Late Show Run with Prince-Inspired Defiance at Emmys
LOS ANGELES, CA – September 16, 2025 – Stephen Colbert delivered a defiant and emotionally charged acceptance speech at the 2025 Emmy Awards, punctuated by a quote from Prince, just days after the announcement that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would be ending its run. the cancellation, slated for September 2025, has sparked speculation linking it to a potential merger between Paramount and Skydance, and Colbert’s frequent criticism of former President Donald Trump.
The show’s impending conclusion marks the end of a 10-year late-night staple known for its sharp political satire and Colbert’s signature wit. The cancellation impacts not only Colbert and his staff, but also the landscape of late-night television, increasingly dominated by streaming and shifting audience habits. while the future of the show’s team remains uncertain, the circumstances surrounding the decision have ignited a political firestorm, with Trump himself publicly celebrating the news.
Accepting an award at the ceremony, Colbert addressed the audience with a poignant reflection on his connection to the contry. “Sometimes you only truly know how much you love something when you get a sense that you might be losing it. 10 years later, in September of 2025, my friends, I have never loved my country more desperately. God bless America. stay strong, be brave,” he stated.
He then channeled Prince, concluding his speech with a spirited call to resilience: “If de-elevator tries to bring you down, go crazy and punch a higher floor!” A clip of the moment, shared by Spencer althouse on X (formerly Twitter), quickly went viral.
Stephen Colbert quoting Prince at the Emmys is everything. 💜pic.twitter.com/TTCXZhS2
– spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) September 15, 2025
Trump responded to the cancellation on his Truth Social platform, writing, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings.” Colbert, in turn, responded on his show with a direct and colorful rebuke, asking, “How dare you, sir? Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism?” before delivering a pointed “Go fuck yourself” in a New York accent, utilizing an “Eloquence Cam” for emphasis.
Other major Emmy winners included The Pitt, The Studio, and Adolescence, with Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, and Erin Doherty taking home acting awards.
