Original Air Date:
Monday, May 18, 2009
Search for Talented Kids Finale:
After a season long search for the world's most talented kids, the finale had finally arrived with the latest finds and a premiere from Charice. For the first time, Oprah welcomed a co-host, 10 year-old Jordan. Jordan first appeared with her mother and Dr. Laura Berman for her first real sex-ed talk, and captivated audiences with her articulation and maturity.
Dancer George Sampson:
Oprah and Jordan introduced the first talented kid, dancer George Sampson. Now 15, George took his first dance class at the age of 6. When his single mother could no longer afford to send him, George hit the streets and began raising his own money to pay his way. George first appeared on Britain's Got Talent when he was 13 and was turned away. One year later he returned stronger and wowed the judges. After winning the show in 2008, George became a sensation in Britain. After performing to "Singing in the Rain," George shared how he hasn't touched a penny of his winnings.
Nora from Norway:
At 13, Nora Al-Jabri from Norway created a large audience after posting a video of her singing online and placing 3rd on Norway's Got Talent. With a dream of performing on Broadway, Nora sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" for Oprah viewers. After she finished her performance, Nora shared with Oprah and Jordan that her singing idols are Celine Dion and Beyonce.
Lang Lang and Piano Child Prodigies:
26 year-old piano prodigy Lang Lang revealed his skill at just 3 years-old, and played his first recital at 5. Performing with the Chicago Symphony at 17 and at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics in China, Lang Lang wanted to share his spotlight with up-and-coming artists, so he started the Lang Lang Foundation. With 3 child prodigies to play with him, Lang Lang along with Charlie, Anna and Derek performed "Waltz 6 Hands" by Rachmaninoff. Lang Lang had also debuted the young artists at Carnegie Hall.
From Piano to Acting Noah Grey-Cabey:
Noah Grey-Cabey first appeared on Oprah in 2002 at the age of 7 to showcase his piano playing skills. Appearing via Skype from LA, Noah explained that his spot on the show got him a role on My Wife and Kids and he has since moved over to an acting career. Still playing piano, Noah shared that he is rusty, but has to balance school and filming, which leaves less time for practice. Graduating high school at 15, Noah plans to move on to college and continue acting.
Charice World Premiere:
In May of 2008 Oprah first introduced the world to Charice from the Philippines. Since that first performance Charice has performed with Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli and even appeared in the feature film Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. With a record deal with Warner Records and an album to be released this year, Charice prepared to premiere her first single, "Note to God" written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster, on the show.
After her amazing performance, Diane Warren shared that she felt it was the perfect song for Charice, while David Foster expressed that she reminds him of Celine Dion at 18. With tears in her eyes, Charice stated how nervous she was with the premiere of her first single being a big step for her. After Oprah stated how happy she was that Charice was able to have her dream for herself come true, Charice stated that she would like to meet Justin Timberlake and try her hand at faster dance songs. Jordan asked if Charice was dating, and while she's not, she does have a crush on Josh Groban.
Co-Host Jordan's Surprise:
Sitting down with Jordan to congratulate her on a good job co-hosting, Oprah spoke with her about her goal to learn to play the guitar. With hopes to become as skilled as her favorite stars the Jonas Brothers and Taylor Swift, Oprah surprised Jordan with a gift. Not only did Taylor Swift send a guitar from her personal collection, she also hand delivered it! Sitting down with Jordan and Oprah, Taylor, who sold more albums than any other artist in 2008, shared her thoughts on her lack of feeling entitled to her successes. For her first headlining tour, Taylor sold out Madison Square Garden in just 1 minute.
As an added bonus to meeting Taylor and getting a guitar, Oprah also added another assignment for Jordan. Jordan will be attending a Taylor Swift concert this summer and interviewing the singer to be played on the show this fall. Taylor will be returning to the show to perform and clips from the tour will be shown.
