Maggie Rogers Celebrates Colbert’s Legacy and Launches Arts Foundation

Marking a decade since her breakthrough, Maggie Rogers honors Stephen Colbert with a heartfelt tribute while launching a foundation to boost music education.

Ten years ago, a simple classroom moment catapulted Maggie Rogers from an ambitious student to a music sensation overnight. That grainy video of Pharrell Williams reacting to her song “Alaska” didn’t just change her life — it became a defining moment in modern music history. Now, with her career flourishing and three acclaimed albums under her belt, Maggie is channeling that same spark into her next chapter: philanthropy and advocacy.

From Viral Sensation to Champion for Arts Education

It’s wild to think how a candid video clip from a 2016 NYU classroom catapulted Rogers into the spotlight. Pharrell Williams, invited by NYU professor Bob Power to join a senior seminar at the Clive Davis Institute, was visibly blown away when Maggie played her demo for “Alaska.” This unscripted moment, captured on camera, quickly went viral, giving Maggie a platform that few new artists ever get.

Fast forward to today, Maggie is taking that lightning strike and turning it into a beacon for others. She’s officially launched the Maggie Rogers Foundation, a philanthropic effort dedicated to expanding access to arts and music education for students from all walks of life.

The foundation’s mission is twofold:

• To create more opportunities for young creatives to develop their talents regardless of background.
• To promote wellness and advocate for women’s health — causes Maggie has passionately supported throughout her career.

Maggie Rogers at the March 28, 2026, No Kings protest in Minneapolis (photo: Astrida Valigorsky / Getty Images).

Giving Back to Where It All Began

In a full-circle moment, the foundation’s first major project is the Maggie Rogers Endowed Scholarship Fund at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where Maggie herself honed her craft. This scholarship specifically supports students pursuing music production, honoring the exact program that nurtured her own artistic journey.

It’s a beautiful nod to her roots — and a powerful way to pass the torch to the next wave of music makers. As Maggie puts it, “The support I received during my formative years at NYU was invaluable, and now I want to give others that same chance.”

A Night to Remember on The Late Show

To celebrate the milestone of her breakthrough and the launch of her foundation, Maggie paid tribute to Stephen Colbert, who is wrapping up his iconic run on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. On April 1, she performed two songs on the show: her signature hit “Alaska” and a soulful cover of “One More for My Baby”, a classic once famously revived by Bette Midler during Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show farewell in 1992.

Watching Maggie’s performance was like witnessing the passing of a torch—both honoring the rich history of late-night music performances and her own remarkable rise. It was a poignant moment, blending nostalgia with the promise of fresh artistry.

Activism and Music: Front and Center

Maggie’s commitment to using her platform for positive change was underscored just recently when she performed at the No Kings protest in Minneapolis. Sharing the stage with legendary figures like Bruce Springsteen, Senator Bernie Sanders, Joan Baez, and Jane Fonda, she demonstrated that her art and activism go hand in hand.

This protest wasn’t just a musical event; it was a powerful convergence of voices united for social justice. For Maggie, it’s another reminder that music has the power to inspire, unite, and mobilize communities.

"The support I received during my formative years at NYU was invaluable, and now I want to give others that same chance." — Maggie Rogers

The journey from a viral classroom moment to a thriving career and now a philanthropic mission is nothing short of inspiring. Maggie Rogers’ story reminds us that sometimes, the most unexpected moments can lead to lifelong passions and powerful platforms for change.

So, what’s next for Maggie? With her foundation gaining momentum, she’s not just shaping her future — she’s shaping the future of the arts and music education for countless young creatives.

FAQ

• How did Maggie Rogers first gain widespread attention?
  Maggie went viral when Pharrell Williams reacted with awe to her demo of “Alaska” during a 2016 NYU seminar, a moment that was captured on video and rapidly spread online.
• What is the goal of the Maggie Rogers Foundation?
  The foundation aims to expand access to arts and music education, helping students from diverse backgrounds pursue creative careers while also advocating for women’s health and wellbeing.
• Where will the foundation’s first scholarship be offered?
  The Maggie Rogers Endowed Scholarship Fund will be at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, supporting students studying music production.
• What songs did Maggie perform on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert?
  She performed “Alaska” and “One More for My Baby”, the latter a classic associated with Frank Sinatra and famously revived by Bette Midler.
• What recent activism has Maggie Rogers been involved in?
  She performed at the No Kings protest in Minneapolis alongside renowned activists and musicians, blending her music with social justice efforts.

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