Colbert and Cumming Collaborate on Satirical Anthem for Billionaires

NEW YORK — Stephen Colbert and Alan Cumming are taking a comedic jab at billionaires with their new song titled “Billionaires Are Actually Good.” The pair introduced the song during Tuesday night’s episode of “The Late Show,” aiming to highlight the absurdity of extreme wealth in light of a new Forbes report indicating a record number of billionaires.

Colbert, known for his sharp wit, opened the segment by expressing disbelief at the increasing number of billionaires. “Why can’t we have more than ever of something good?” he asked, aligning the discussion with a growing public dissatisfaction with wealth inequality.

The song serves as both satire and commentary, intended to poke fun at the world’s elite while also encapsulating a greater social critique. As Colbert recalled, several billionaires were granted prime seating during Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration, which he mentioned as emblematic of the disproportionate influence billionaires hold in society.

Cumming joined Colbert, reinforcing the sentiments expressed in the song. “The answer, I think, is simple,” he said, quoting a famous saying, “Money can’t love.” This line resonated with the audience, highlighting a sentiment shared widely in discussions about wealth and happiness.

During the performance, Colbert’s humorous delivery and Cumming’s theatrical flair combined to create an engaging moment that entertained while provoking thought. The duo’s collaboration adds to the ongoing conversation about wealth and privilege, prompting audiences to reflect on the societal ramifications of having billionaires steering economic and political decisions.

“We hope this song makes them think twice about their choices,” Colbert said. “Because after all the things they’ve accumulated, it seems that it’s never enough.” The audience responded with laughter and applause, indicating that the song’s message struck a chord.

The release of “Billionaires Are Actually Good” is timely, as public scrutiny of wealth has intensified following recent economic events. The song exemplifies how entertainment can serve as a vehicle for social commentary, merging humor with serious discussions about equity and societal values.