Iconic performer Bette Midler delivered a powerful and politically charged farewell to Stephen Colbert on his “Late Show,” reimagining her classic “Wind Beneath My Wings” as a tribute to his integrity and a scathing rebuke of Donald Trump, deepening her long-standing feud with the former president amidst the controversial cancellation of Colbert’s celebrated talk show.
In a moment that blended heartfelt admiration with biting political commentary, legendary singer and actress Bette Midler, 79, serenaded Stephen Colbert on his “Late Show” this past Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Her performance, a rewritten version of her 1988 hit “Wind Beneath My Wings,” served as both a poignant farewell to the esteemed late-night host and a stark, expletive-laced condemnation of Donald Trump.
Midler’s appearance came as Colbert prepares to conclude his 11-season run in May 2026, a cancellation that has sparked significant debate and fan outpouring. Her tribute resonated deeply with fans, particularly those within the niche community who view Colbert as a beacon of intellectual humor and political steadfastness.
A Touching Tribute and a Profane Punchline: The ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ Parody
With her voice as strong as ever, Bette Midler delivered a performance that was equal parts emotional and incendiary. She tailored the lyrics of her iconic song to reflect on Colbert’s decade-long refusal to compromise his values, particularly regarding Donald Trump.
The revised lyrics praised Colbert’s resilience, noting, “It must have been cold here at the late show, despite the high ratings and awards.” Midler also acknowledged the impending end of his show, telling him, “You need a gig that’s more worthwhile, now that you’re more in demand than Epstein’s file.”
A significant highlight for many fans was Midler’s clever incorporation of Colbert’s well-documented love for J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.” She affectionately referred to him as her “Frodo,” celebrating his wit, class, and unwavering stance for what is right. “I hold you high as the great eagles, because you never kissed the orange a–,” she sang, repeating the line multiple times and encouraging the audience to join in, which they enthusiastically did.
The emotional weight of the performance was evident, with Colbert visibly moved to tears, rising to hug Midler at its conclusion. Midler also expressed her personal gratitude to Colbert, stating, “I wanted to thank you personally and publicly for all you did for me for these last nine and a half years. I would not have made it through without you.” This underscores the host’s perceived role as a “voice of sanity and reason and honesty and most important, honor” for many during tumultuous times, as reported by USA TODAY.
Midler’s Long History as a Trump Nemesis
Bette Midler’s fiery remarks about Donald Trump are not a recent development. The acclaimed performer has been a vocal and consistent critic of the former president for years, often using humor and satire to convey her disdain.
Key moments in their public sparring include:
- 2024 Presidential Election: Midler lightheartedly remarked that she would be “drinking a bottle of Drano” if Trump were to win.
- 2020 Republican National Convention: She famously live-tweeted the event, joking, “I’m surprised Trump wants to destroy the #PostOffice. He got all his wives from it.”
- 2019 Apology and Trump’s Response: Midler publicly apologized after sharing a fake Trump quote on Twitter. Trump, in turn, lashed out, labeling her a “washed-up psycho.”
- “Eau de Trump” Satirical Jingle (2024): In April 2024, Midler collaborated with lyricist Eric Kornfeld and composer Marc Shaiman to create a satirical fragrance jingle titled “Eau de Trump.” The lyrics brutally mocked Trump’s characteristics, suggesting the scent would make one “smell just like a big fat loser” and reek of “sexual abuser” and “universal ridicule.” The jingle even listed humorous, yet pointed, potential side effects such as “diarrhea,” “stupidity,” and “teeny weeny peeny.” This jingle further solidifies Midler’s role as a prominent artistic voice against Trump, a fact highlighted by Yahoo Entertainment in a related context of her broader political statements.
The Legacy of ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ and Its Controversial End
The impending conclusion of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in May 2026 marks the end of an era for late-night television. Despite its high ratings and winning two Primetime Emmy Awards in 2025, including outstanding talk series, the show faced a unique set of challenges leading to its cancellation.
Reports indicated that “The Late Show” was losing approximately $40 million a year, a significant financial burden even for a top-rated program. Paramount Global executives released a statement on July 17, 2025, calling the decision “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” explicitly stating it was “not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount,” as detailed by Yahoo Entertainment.
However, the cancellation announcement followed increasing political scrutiny of Colbert. Days before the news, Colbert had publicly criticized Paramount Global’s controversial $16 million settlement with Donald Trump over a defamation lawsuit. This lawsuit stemmed from a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris. Colbert famously called the settlement a “big fat bribe” in a scathing opening monologue, a move that many speculated contributed to the show’s demise. The details of this settlement were also covered by USA TODAY.
Donald Trump himself weighed in on the cancellation. In a July 18, 2025, Truth Social post, Trump celebrated, writing, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings.” He later denied direct involvement in the cancellation in a July 29, 2025, post on Truth Social, blaming “pure lack of TALENT” and the show’s escalating financial losses.
A Tradition of Farewells: Midler’s History with Talk Show Icons
Bette Midler’s moving tribute to Stephen Colbert is not her first foray into serenading a talk show legend as they prepare to exit the stage. She has a notable history of performing for hosts before they went off the air, a testament to her respect for the craft and the individuals involved.
Most famously, Midler performed “One More for My Baby” in the final episode of “Late Night with Johnny Carson” in 1992. This poignant performance, like her recent tribute to Colbert, highlighted her ability to connect emotionally with audiences and honor pivotal figures in entertainment. Her repeated tradition underscores a deep appreciation for the enduring legacies of these late-night institutions.
The Enduring Impact
Bette Midler’s parody for Stephen Colbert encapsulates a unique moment in pop culture, blending political dissent with a heartfelt tribute to a beloved host. For fans of classic films and discerning cultural commentary, Midler’s performance, alongside her consistent stance against Donald Trump, solidifies her legacy as an artist unafraid to use her platform for both entertainment and activism. As Colbert’s “Late Show” prepares for its final bow, Midler’s “Frodo” tribute ensures that his integrity, and her fierce defense of it, will be remembered.
