Jon Batiste Defends Stephen Colbert After ‘Late Show’ Axing: ‘His Voice Won’t Be Silenced

Jon Batiste, the Grammy-winning musician and former bandleader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, has spoken out in response to CBS’s recent announcement that the show will conclude in 2026. In a candid interview with Rolling Stone Australia/New Zealand, Batiste described the decision as “a symptom of big money,” highlighting the broader implications corporate choices can have on freedom of expression.

“We’re in a time where the right price can silence the voice of free speech, which we should be very, very conscious of,” Batiste said. “As artists, we have to constantly fight for free speech and fight for the ability to be able to share the authentic truth of our being.”

Reflecting on Seven Years with Colbert

Batiste joined The Late Show band in 2015 when he was in his twenties and stayed on until 2022, forging a creative partnership with Colbert that shaped his career. Reflecting on his tenure, Batiste shared the profound impact the experience had on him.

“It meant so much to be on national television and learning the ropes of being on a nightly show with a band, and really being on camera and doing that for seven years. And to evolve as an artist in partnership with him,” he said. “I’m very grateful to him and I think where he goes next, his voice won’t be silenced.”

The End of an Era and What’s Next

The cancellation of The Late Show marks a significant shift in late-night television, coming a decade after Colbert took over from David Letterman. CBS has confirmed the program will not continue with a new host, choosing instead to retire the show altogether.

“We are proud that Stephen called CBS home,” the network said in a statement. “He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.”

Meanwhile, Batiste is preparing to release his new album, Big Money, later this year, continuing to push forward in his own musical journey.