Jon Batiste is leaving 'The Late Show'

Stephen announced on the show on Thursday (11.08.22): "We've been so lucky to have a front row seat to Jon's incredible talent for the past seven years. And will we miss him here? 'Yeaaa!' But we're happy for you, Jon, and I can't wait to have you back on as guest with your next hit record."

Louis Cato, who has served as interim bandleader this summer, is taking on the job on a permanent basis when 'The Late Show' returns for its eighth season on 6 September and Stephen is delighted to have the "musical genius" in charge.

He said: "Louis has done a great job this summer, and he is very humble, so he won't say this. But I will. He's a musical genius. He can play basically every instrument over there. Give him an afternoon, he'll learn how to play Mozart on a shoehorn."

The musician will be joined by Joe Saylor, who, like Louis, has been with 'The Late Show' since its launch, as well as longtime house band members Endea Owens, Jon Lampley, Louis Fouche, and Negah Santos.

The new bandleader is "genuinely excited" about what is to come.

He said: "It has been one of the great honors of my life to work on this show, alongside some of the most talented musicians and creatives I know.

"Watching and learning from both Jon and Stephen for these past seven years, I'm genuinely excited to continue the tradition of excellence they've established."