Oprah Winfrey filmed her Farewell Spectacular yesterday and she needed nearly 20,000 seats and a filled arena to do so. “Guests could not contain all the excited”, said an E! News reporter. To really get the party started Oprah’s long time BFF Gayle King, sauntered in with daughter Kirby and the Black Eyed Peas took the stage.
“Oprah Winfrey, today you are surrounded by nothing but love,” said Tom Hanks after walking the lady of the hour, who was dressed in purple and walked on stage to the BEP’s “I Gotta Feeling.” Hanks then added, “Some might say pulling of this party has been a darn near mission impossible.”
“I’m so happy you are all here. How did you get tickets? You must know somebody,” Oprah said. Poet Maya Angelou recited piece specially composed for her friend, accompanied by my dear friend and multi-talented Alicia Keys on the piano.
Actor & singer Tyrese later on tweeted “I’m high, I can’t believe I’m here” as he posted a photo with Aretha Franklin and Maya Angelou. This was by far one of the biggest farewell events any network has ever seen and there is no doubt we will all miss the Oprah Winfrey show one way or another. Oprah has inspired me to believe in my dreams and to work hard for what I believe and for this I am very thankful.
See below to see who else showed up to Oprah’s Farewell Spectacular.
- Katie Holmes joined in along with Halle Berry and Queen Latifah, Josh Groban sang “Over the Rainbow.”
- Madonna surprised Oprah
- Patti Labelle showed up for the final bars
- Beyonce performed “Run the World ( Girls)”
- Dakota Fanning greeted Oprah with a big squeeze filled withe emotion
- John Legend, Tina Fey and Steve Carrell checked in via satellite
- Tom Cruise center stage to introduce Rascal Flatts
- Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith showed up for the second half of the taping
- Michael Jordan popped out to surprise Oprah
- Jamie Foxx hit the stage to sing “Isn’t She Lovely” piano playing Stevie Wonder
- Jerry Seinfeld offered up some Oprah material
- Simon Cowell introduced Rosie O’Donnell
- Maria Shriver showed up to salute her dear friend
- Jay Z, Tyler Perry, Emmitt Smith, Carlos Boozer, Charles Barkley and Dave Chapelle
To read more on this amazing event visit E!online.
