Last night on The Late Show, Stephen Colbert welcomed back international rock legend and 17-time Grammy Award winner Sting for a special round of the infamous “Colbert Questionert.” Known for his soulful music and thoughtful presence, Sting delivered witty, sincere, and surprisingly humorous answers that gave fans a rare glimpse into his personality beyond the stage.
The segment opened with enthusiastic applause as Sting joined the stage with his band. Stephen warmly greeted him, remarking on how it’s always a privilege to have Sting both as a guest and musical performer. Then came the challenge: 15 rapid-fire questions designed by The Late Show Labs to “plumb the depths of a guest’s soul.”
Sting took a moment to prepare, joking about concentrating, before accepting the challenge with a confident “Yes.”
What follows is a selection of memorable moments from the Colbert Questionert:
Best sandwich? Sting’s quick answer: “Club.” A classic choice that earned applause from the audience.
One thing you should throw out? He answered simply, “Caution.” An intriguing reply hinting at a desire to live boldly.
Scariest animal? “A cat,” Sting said with a laugh, explaining he’s terrified of cats, much to the amusement of the crowd. Even his dogs share that fear!
Apples or oranges? Being English, Sting chose “English apples,” adding a playful note to the debate.
Most prized autograph? Sting revealed he has only one autograph — Frank Sinatra’s, inscribed “To the New Blue Eyes,” a humorous mismatch as Sting’s eyes are green.
What happens when we die? The question turned philosophical, with Sting reflecting, “It’s only conjecture, but I imagine it’s the same as it was before I was here,” emphasizing the importance of creating “heaven on earth” rather than hell.
Favorite action movie? Without hesitation, he chose the classic The Magnificent Seven.
Window or aisle seat? Sting prefers the window, enjoying watching the world below or the stars above during flights.
Favorite smell? “Espresso in the morning,” he said with a smile.
Most used app? “The New York Times,” showing his interest in staying informed.
Cats or dogs? “Dogs,” he answered firmly, reiterating his feline fears.
Song to listen to for the rest of your life? Sting surprised many by choosing “The Sound of Silence” — not just Simon & Garfunkel’s song but the literal silence, revealing a deep appreciation for quiet moments.
Stephen’s number guess? A playful back-and-forth ensued, with Stephen thinking Sting might guess 18, though Sting was firm in his answer.
In five words, describe yourself: Sting summed it up with “More of the same, please,” showing humility and a desire for consistency.
As the segment closed, Stephen congratulated Sting for completing the Colbert Questionert with style. Sting’s latest album, The Bridge, was promoted, leaving fans eager to hear more from the multifaceted artist.
Overall, the interview offered a warm, humorous, and reflective look at Sting, reminding audiences why he remains an enduring figure in music and culture.
