Today’s interview started off on the wrong foot as BBC Breakfast viewers could hear Don speaking and playing chords on his guitar.
Using the music as a kick-off point, Louise welcomed viewers back to the show by saying: “Look at that! Right on cue.”
As Don began speaking over the presenters as they introduced him, Louise cut in and said: “We’re on air.”
Ignoring Louise, Don continued to talk, forcing Charlie to tap him and insist: “Don, we’re on air now.”
Coolly, he replied: “Yeah, okay.”
Laughing at the performer’s dedication to finish his sentence, Louise then cut in again: “Can I introduce you?”
But before she finished, Don started playing his guitar again.
Louise continued: “This is Don McLean.”
Insisting further, Charlie quickly asked: “Should we give you a formal introduction?”
“No,” he replied. “Let’s not.”
Whilst discussing his music career, Charlie mentioned Don’s breakthrough song American Pie, asking about the writing process.
After Don answered, he swiftly burst into a rendition of the song, serenading the presenters and the crew.
Once he had finished performing, the presenters thanked the singer for joining them, and hastily closed the show, having ran out their time.
One viewer jokingly tweeted about the performance: “That’s the problem with someone holding a guitar – they could burst into song at any moment #bbcbreakfast.”
While another riffed: “Charlie and Louise struggling not to cringe? #bbcbreakfast.”
At least Don’s mic was working, which wasn’t the case earlier on in the show for weather reporter Matt Taylor, who experienced a technical error live on air.
BBC Breakfast airs weekdays at 6am on BBC One.
