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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.

How to Watch the 77th Emmy Awards Live Online

The 77th Emmy Awards will be livestreamed online, offering multiple options for viewers to tune in to the ceremony honoring the best in television. This year’s nominations are led by Apple TV’s “Severance” and “The Studio,” while HBO Max boasts the highest overall network tally with 142 nominations, surpassing their previous record of 140 in 2022.

For television fans, the Emmys represent the industry’s highest honors, recognizing outstanding achievements in acting, writing, directing, and production. The ceremony not only celebrates the shows and performers that captivated audiences but also signals emerging trends and influences in the television landscape. This year’s event includes a historic nomination for Kathy Bates, who at 77, is the oldest woman nominated in the lead drama actress category.

Viewers can stream the 77th Emmy Awards live on Paramount+. Alternatively, a free option is available through DirecTV.

The Television Academy implemented minor rule changes this year, notably in the guest acting categories. Performers previously nominated or winning in lead or supporting roles are now ineligible to compete in guest categories for the same role. A change was also made to the directing races, allowing eligible individuals or teams to submit multiple achievements per category if they are for diffrent programs – a departure from the previous one-entry-per-category limit.