Kevin James and Billy Joel: A Musical Friendship Filled with Laughter and Fun
Kevin James and Billy Joel became friends after meeting at one of Joel's concerts in Florida in 2009. They bonded over their shared Long Island roots and have maintained a close friendship since then. Joel has invited James to make guest appearances at his live shows, including performances at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and Nassau Coliseum. During these appearances, James would humorously praise Joel and jokingly attempt to play the piano before launching into a rendition of Joel's hit song "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)." Joel would then play the song himself, much to James's delight.
James put in a lot of practice to perfect his performance of "Miami 2017" for these gigs, even rehearsing with Joel at his house. James suggested to Joel that he should play the song poorly for comedic effect, but Joel's response was that James couldn't play it badly. The shows were well-received, and a few years later, James was joined onstage by his TV wife, Leah Remini, at another one of Joel's concerts. The duo performed a comical interpretive dance routine, with Remini eventually bringing out her former Dancing With the Stars partner, Tony Dovolani, to join in the fun. James continued the silliness by dancing with a giant hero sandwich.
The dynamic between Kevin James and Billy Joel during these live performances showcases their friendship and shared sense of humor. Their collaborations on stage have delighted audiences and added a fun and lighthearted element to Joel's concerts. The chemistry between James and Joel is evident in their playful interactions, making their joint appearances a memorable and entertaining experience for fans.