Bette Midler Delivers Hilarious Trump Roast with ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ Parody on Stephen Colbert

Bette Midler took the stage on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on October 14, delivering a humorous tribute to the show and its host. Midler’s appearance coincided with the announcement of Colbert’s talk show cancellation after an impressive 11-season run.

Bette Midler’s Hilarious Trump Roast

The Oscar-nominated actress, now 79, performed a parody of her well-known song “Wind Beneath My Wings.” In a playful tone, she implored Colbert, “I want to beg you, don’t go!” She expressed gratitude for Colbert’s influence and support during his tenure. Midler praised him, saying, “You’re a voice of sanity and reason.”

Colbert’s Show Cancellation

CBS announced that “The Late Show” would wind down, with Colbert’s final episode scheduled for May 2026. The show, which debuted in 1993, was the highest-rated program in its time slot but faced financial challenges. Reports indicated it was incurring losses of nearly $40 million each year.

• Top Ratings: The show maintained its position in the 11:30 p.m. slot.
• Financial Issues: CBS cited a “challenging backdrop in late-night” as a reasoning behind the cancellation.
• Final Season: Colbert’s final show is set for May 2026.

Political Context and Controversy

The cancellation was further complicated by political dynamics. Colbert had openly criticized a $16 million settlement involving Trump and Paramount Global concerning a defamation lawsuit. This led to speculation regarding the motivations behind the cancellation.

Trump himself reacted to the news, initially celebrating the show’s end, stating that Colbert’s removal was due to a “pure lack of TALENT.” He later clarified that he had no direct involvement in the decision.

Midler’s Creative Performance

During her playful roast, Midler compared Colbert to Frodo Baggins from “The Lord of the Rings,” showcasing her characteristic wit. Her parody included lines that humorously highlighted Colbert’s integrity in the face of modern political challenges.

As Midler concluded her performance, she expressed her heartfelt appreciation for Colbert’s impact on the late-night landscape. Her remarks and musical tribute captured both the humor and gravity surrounding a major change in television history.