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May 18th, 2011
10:00 AM ET
Inside Oprah’s star-studded farewellMore than 150,000 "Oprah Winfrey Show" fans wanted to get in to the talk show host's star-studded spectacular last night, but just 20,000 fans made it. The lucky ticket holders for tapings of two of Oprah Winfrey’s final shows lined up outside Chicago’s United Center Tuesday afternoon - anxious to escape a strong spring wind and eager to see what had been billed as an all-star farewell to the Queen of Talk. Cousins Alisia Brown and Nicole Bailey told CNN they scored last minute tickets to the spectacular from none other than Winfrey's best friend, Gayle King.
The Chicago residents and lifelong "Oprah" fans turned up at the United Center in the hopes of finding tickets and bumped into King. The two jumped up and down in excitement from the gift. Bailey told CNN, "I went to a show 20 years ago and haven't been able to get tickets since." As the tapings started, Winfrey walked on stage to thunderous applause from her most fired up fans. Winfrey has frequently stated she's not fond of surprises, but she allowed her production team to make an exception for this party. The first surprise guest? Tom Hanks. The Oscar winning actor and frequent "Oprah" show guest played the role of Winfrey's guide through the night’s events. Winfrey had tears in her eyes as she took in the scene - an arena lined with giant photographs of memorable "Oprah Winfrey Show" moments through the years, and thousands of adoring admirers on their feet. Backstage, "Oprah" producers and publicists juggled teams of journalists and A-list guests. Celebrities from music, movies and TV - ranging from Beyonce and Madonna to Tom Cruise and Diane Sawyer - all came out to send Winfrey off in spectacular style. Patti LaBelle told CNN she spoke with Winfrey just last week and managed to keep her scheduled performance a secret. The R&B legend says, "There is nothing Oprah has left to do. She's done it all!" Madonna recalled to CNN that Winfrey taught her to fight for her beliefs and says her favorite "Oprah" moment was teaching the host how to dance. TV host and "Oprah" regular Nate Berkus credits Winfrey for launching his television career, but says he appreciates her most for her friendship and empathy. "I think the one moment I won't forget is when I came back from Asia after the tsunami and lost my partner. I sat on the show on a stage that was so comfortable to me. It'd be like [someone] sitting on their own sofa in their home. That's how comfortable it was for me to be back on the stage of the 'Oprah Winfrey Show.'" One by one, dozens of Winfrey's most famous friends took to the stage in tribute. Maria Shriver has been friends with Winfrey for 30 years and received a strong show of support from the audience when she took to the stage. Dressed in a navy sequin gown, Shriver thanked Winfrey for her friendship through the years and for teaching her truth. Though no mention was made of Shriver's current personal crisis, her smile spoke volumes on how she's weathering the storm. Winfrey turned the night's praise back to the audience and thanked her fans for all the love and for making 25 years of the "Oprah Winfrey Show" possible. Winfrey's surprise spectacular will air in two parts on Monday, May 23 and Tuesday, May 24. The final "Oprah Winfrey Show" will broadcast May 25. Winfrey is reportedly producing the goodbye show herself and is keeping her plans secret for now – leaving her fans with one last surprise.
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Lady "O" is irreplaceable!
Everyone knows the "O" stands for d"O"ughnuts, right?
O's secret plan for her goodbye show is that she will announce that she will begin her new talk show, 'The Winfrey Show', next week.
One thing is for sure all the haters have watched over the years. Othrewise they could not comment on a person they know nothing about. Thank you Oprah, now go on to your next Billion and you will earn it of that I am sure.
Please! Please! Oprah PleasE! Getoff the air. You're so fat they need to use wide angle to get you on the screen.
You're obnoxious, arrogant & only get away with it because (at the moment) you control the livelihood of many individuals involved in your shows production.
Guess what fatso? You're fired! that's right FIRED that's
F as in Fatso
I as in Ignorant
T as in Tiring
S as in Stupid
O as in Ornery
Once you're gone you're gone! Bye Bye Fatso!
OPRAH, WELL DONE, YOU HAVE REALLY ADDED BEAUTY TO OUR WORLD, MAY GOD BLESS YOU MORE AND MORE TO THE END OF YOUR LIFE WITH PEACE IN JESUS NAME AMEN.
The Final Taping: Oprah Bids Farewell After 25 Years http://bit.ly/kzzpdV
I hold the nut (Oprah)responsible for unleashing on the world too much info that no one wants to hear except a bunch of wackos with nothing to do but sit around the tv and listen to her at whatever time she is on. How about get a clue and either read a book, read a newspaper, sleep, go to school, exercise, make a friend or do ANYTHING except watch tv and listen to Oprah telling one what to think or do. The only reason I am even commenting on this is that my Master's class is over this week so I have some extra time to catch up on CNN...... NOT the Oprah freak-show.
HARPO , i'm sad to see u go. u made me look forward to my afternoons with The Oprah Talk Show. There will never be another talk show host as good as u were* for the simple reason that they just don't make them like they used to.
Where do you people live with all the hate you put out. Get a life. Oprah has done and will do more in her lifetime then you can imagine in yours. There are people who do good things for others and those that don't do anything but complain. Looks like complainers are winning today. Hope you're gone tomorrow.
@peace is one of the nicest on the blog @redbaron youre right. Not many have positive/kind words on these ya know???
Hi Opra. Thank you fo many great years. i cried too at some shows. Love you and wish you the best.
Oafra, I like to watch your show, my name is Wendy the Retard, and I feel like blowin my mind up. I like to poo on the floor and make mud pies with happy faces. I take big dumps in my plastic pants and smoosh it on the floor so it goes up my snizz.
Answer: No, she is about as bloated and egotistical as they come. Fat, snarky, egomaniac porker. That qualifies her to smooch Barry's butt in DC. Loser.
she is an alien?
@Peace- wooo hoooo! That party was a "blast" (no pun intended). NY was great wasnt it??? Man if we could ship oprah outa here we would be goin pretty good. Hope youre good @peace! Be good!
She has really ballooned in girth. Reminds this old timer of Aunt Jemima and her pancakes.
I love a nice "Hot Carl", or perhaps a "Pittburgh Platter". And a "Cleveland Steamer" for a bedtime snack.
Finally! Maybe now she start paying a little more attention to us! Maybe a nice vacation?
Last time! The Big O isn't going anywhere!! She has her own cable network now and you can find her there!!! Good gosh, people, you would think she is never to be seen again! Her ego is too large for that to happen.
Go already Oprah!! Enough already!
Oprah is the classiest lady around, we will miss her...
http://www.thethrifters.net
Opa class? Naw...Opa, Style.
Oprah's a racist and a hypocrite. I hope she follows Mama Cass' lead and choke on tuna.
Chuck, wanna see my pu$$y?
Well should all get together (all the regulars) and have one big cook out party! I think that would be so cool and we would have so much fun!
Thanks for your statement bubbaho. Loser.
Full of love and understanding as always lloyd
who cares !
And there is all CAPS guy.
HOW COME ON EVERY BLOG THEY POST SOMEONE HAS TO TALK THEIR MESS...DAMN BE HAPPY STOP BEING SUCH HATERS!!...."U THINK YOUR BALLIN CUZ U GOTTA BLOG"..PAHAHAHA
Have a great day all! On to the next site...
Lol, then sharted.
Thx jujubeans : )
Oprah, if u should read this, know that if u were not awesome and news worthy, there would not be all these blogs and especially the negativity...therefore I say " you go Oprah!". You are worthy. Good luck in your new venture...your haters will still follow you : )
My doo doo is the creamiest.
Pam Anderson is the hottest.
and Madonna is still hot!
Some of these comments with my name on them are NOT from me. Probably easy to know which ones are and which ones are not!
Lol, Yeah I figured the ones about poo probly weren't u
The Mad R@p3r is a gaf.
What is a "gaf "?
I to goober smooch.
This is a bit off topic but I have natural male enhancement drugs available for half price (602)621-3688
It's not about something u don't like...censorship is about reducing the amount of filth that comes out of your mounth. You can make an opoosing statement in a more intelligent way that doesn't portray ignorance. That's when someone wants to actually hear (or read) your opinion! Stupidity does not negate relavance.when your comments are just plain stupid they have little to no relavance. I want to hear why you really opppse Oprah!
Rollin my stinnky pieces into doo doo balls for a game of marbles.
The "hate" on here is parody and thus protected speech.
"Stupidity does not negate relavance.when your comments are just plain stupid they have little to no relavance." Not sure what u meant by this as it cancels itself out.
For the record I don't oppose oprah, but find censorship highly offensive and filthy.
@Peace aww thank you. you gals are so cool on here. My wife is mean. Maybe I can trade her in for one of yous. Maybe you since you like little bald spots on men. You made me blush. At least I smell good. Have a good day
You people are stupid.
"You people"?!? What's that supposed to mean? Were the same people as you. Don't try and fit us into that cage called stereotype.
Oprah is the new Jesus Christ. Just ask her and her minions of gorillas, babydonkey mamas, jigs, lawn jockeys etc.
Jesus Christ has done more for this world than Oprah or anyone else. He died for you because he LOVES you. Accept him as your Savior TODAY and receive eternal life!- twilla.
@ Red Baron, the Donald doesn't have that problem b/c he has some woodland creature on his head! Don't worry about that little bald spot, some women love bald men! I'm sure Ron Mexico or Lloyd will have a rude come back for it, though!
We obviously need more censorship on this blog site....CNN? Where are ur censors for ignorant commentators and adult language? Some of these bloggers would be btter suited on Adult Swim TV!
Making a boom boom in my drawers.
Pftt this why the country is falling apart. See something you don't like and call in the censors.
It's so windy out there! My hair is a mess. I'm trying to do a comb over to cover my little bald spot but my fr!cking wife didn't buy any hairspray so the comb over is not holding. Donald doesn't have that problem.
And bloggers, please no negative responses. Signing off...
Ok...enough hating already! Oprah, like her or not, has done more good for society and helped more people than you or I could ever do. She is deserving of her praise and credit and has earned her dues. She could have spent her time and efforts sitting around blogging negative comments and racial inuendos, but instead she chose to be positive and productive! Take notes, get a life and stop hating! Like her or not, she is a legend, a hard worker and a woman of substance (who just happens to be black) and she worked hard to get to this point. Cudos, Oprah! You are to be commended. We love u!
Opa a no class bum. All stylin and profilin.
Im doo dooing on my automobile floor mats.
dear oprah please leaveus alone take your money that you ripped off the weak and down trooden go away and never return we are sick of seeing your face and your absolute phony contrived personality i just want to vomit when i think how shallow the people who followed you must be but you and i both know the truth you are and alwAYS will be a fake just a fake i am not a mean spirited person for me to say such words is for me to mean every word i say you are a total fraud
You were all very good during lunch today. Fot that you get an extra 15 minutes of recess. I am very proud of all of you.
OPRAH ROCKS ! CONGRATS ON FINAL SHOWS – JOB WELL DONE.
Oprah is a brilliant woman who's done alot of great things.
Too bad the same cant be said for all you ignorant freaks posting your lame negativity here – It sure sucks to be you!
@ ?, LOL ! I guess I haven't "grown any" yet! Thanks for the support! (Still laughing!)
You are symbol to all woman worldwide
No matter what u do in this life, whether you're rich or poor,successful or not we are all somebody. Love her or not after all she's been through and done and done for people or not,she's only human just like the rest of us. Thank u opera for showing women especially black women that u can overcome the evil that would rather see u barefoot in the kitchen with a babe in your belly and kids all around you. Be blessed in all you do.
That's the best you can do? Fight that stupid Mexican for his stupid remark. Ummm what is Llyod doing now? Where is that SOB?
Mmmmm butt hole.
Please no arguing during lunch. I dont want to have to send a note home for your parents to sign.
What is with all of the nasty stuff.
I just can't believe all of the anger, it
is coming from a very sad and ugly place.
Wow.
Sorry Ron, I don't play those games. Wasn't trying to offend you at all, just pointing out a fact. Actually, I agreed w/ you about it not being newsworthy. So again, good day!
Ha ha Peace. When do you morph into twisted or @N?
@ Ron Mexico, not really newsworthy, but then again, this is an entertainment sight, not news. Good day to ya !
Ewwww
Elementary is dum
We will now all form a single file line and go to the lunchroom. Todays lunch will consist of fish sticks, tater tots, and fruit coktail. No pushing and shoving in the line, please.
Thats it im calling child services
Opa gonna give each studio audience member their very own personal bag of Opa doo doo.
Come on CNN, is this really newsworthy?
A comment, even though innapropriate, is still considered classroom participation. You all get check marks for the day. Very good, children.
I'm getting tired of Lloyd's nonsence
D@mn it girl!! You see you got me making typos now in my comment. It's all your fault.
Yes. Proper grammer and correct spelling is engouraged. You do get a check mark for class participation though. Very good.
Teacher. My daddy likes to leave a manChowder check mark on my face. Is that wrong?
I have been a legal secretary and typewriter teacher–typing about 104 wpm with two errors in my prime. Afer 25 years of retirement, I find my errors increased (lots)-and I am not so judgmental. Have more strength and not so judgment about errors-but I am not making money now..... FREEDOM....
@Groupon. Wow! Really inappropriate remarks
Ive seen worse on here, mrs o would probly laugh if she saw it.
Oprah has done good with her money, no doubt, its just that she has to let everyone know about it so they can fall to their knees and worship her.
Take in some air girl, it's just a blog. No need to be saying put a name behind the comment. He could but put the Peter and it still won't mean anything sweetheart. You do know that was a stupid fight huh?
Hey charlie crack! Where ya been? Last time I "talked" to you I was headed to NY for the "celebration". You are so right about all the "Oprah farewells"! Enough already, just go, Op!
You should be sorry. You know they hang people for typos on here. Gosh forbid girl we can't making those mistake because they so call you out on them.
Steadman your comment was crass and totally inappropriate. if you have the audacity to post something like that then post your full name and stand behind it instead of hiding behind the anonimity of the web. Bet you don't have the courage to do so.
My names mike michaelson, im not steadman though, fatty
On her final show she is going to remind those of her community that sometimes it is good to take baths with soap and use deodorant.
Chitown won't mis her to be honest. The loss in jobs yes, but her, no. Sort of sick of seeing this all over our local news and now national news. Its a darn talk show for pete's sake. No for the real action at the United Center, Heat vs Bulls in game 2 tonight!
Go Bulls!!
My apologies for the typos- I know that is a sore spot for the trolls out here.
Thank You I agree.....DA BULLS!!!!
I don't get it. She's starting her own network. It's not like she's going to that Big Talk Show in the sky for god's sake. What a goofy world.
She will return with a new show as Jesus Christ.
i never liked her. she is just odd. and mean.
Who cares? Is this news? Has she not had a "farewell" everything for a year now? Final makeover, fav things....etc. Please Oprah, just go away and do something good with your $$$.
Opa and all the female audience members will strip then do a konga line. It will be a P!$$Y stampede.
You're obviously not much of a watcher, or you'd know that Oprah has been something good with her money for years in this country and others.
so much hate use the energy on something positive
Theres something to be said for following ur dreams even when idiots such as those posting would have never belived in u ...job well done Ms Winfrey..
Lemming!
Yeah, keep believing your cat lady dreams that she did it for anything but the money.
What dreams? Running a springeresque show on the front end then realizing you could fake the high road and print even more loot.
Lets see, you're either a person who gets offended whenever someone says anything derogatory against any black person or an over weight emotional wreck who needs O to help make sense of the world.
Mad....nice moniker, btw...are you really blasting O for being a good businesswoman? So what? I'm not a big fan of hers, but kudos to anyone who can create such huge name recognition and still seem more or less like a real person. Whether it's fake or not is irrelevant – she's a good businesswoman...I daresay better than you.
She is giving away Eternal Life on her last episode.
During the final show I will doo doo on my carpet then scoot around like a dog to wipe my butt.
Ocra and her cronies need to go over to her network and stay there. That way, all her pathetic followers can revel in her supposed greatness and leave the rest of us alone.
Ms Winfrey's name will be noted for generations while you haters will melt away into nothingness and be forgotten. Get a life!
So she has a TV show; she educates people; she gives away a lot of money. Yeah, that sounds just awful. Luckily, you don't have to participate. (But you just can't stand not trashing her, huh?) Now THAT is sad.
Sign off finally!
For her next trick Ms Winfrey will be wrestling Jesus for control of Planet Earth.
Nothing but a fake crying fest.
Us working stiffs can't just eliminate stress. Not with bills to pay and kids to feed and raise. If I had the billions she has, I'm sure my life would be pretty stress free too!
That link looks totally legit and not like a malware site at all
They say racism is dead! Thanks JAE for showing us that its alive and well!
I don't like smelly black ni@@as either. I love Howard Stern and Robin.