Jon Batiste Leaving Late Show With Stephen Colbert After Seven Seasons – The Hollywood Reporter

Jon Batiste is leaving CBS’ Late Show with Stephen Colbert After serving as the bandleader since the show debuted in September 2015, presenter Stephen Colbert announced Thursday.

Colbert told his audience that Louis Cato would replace him. Batiste, a recent Grammy Award winner, was absent from the show this summer.

“Jon has decided to leave the show,” Colbert said in the episode. “But it’s for all the best reasons, including continuing to share his art with the world.”

The host explained that Batiste was out of town and couldn’t be on set for a big farewell. Colbert continued: “We are very fortunate to be in the front row in front of Jon’s incredible talent over the past seven years. “But we’re so happy for you, Jon, and I can’t wait for you to come back as a guest with your next hit. I love you.”