Original Air Date:
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Guests:
Oprah's 24th season kickoff party included performances from the following guests:
- The Black Eyed Peas
- Criss Angel
- Jennifer Hudson
- James Taylor
- Rascal Flatts
Show Summary:
Oprah definitely knows how to open a season of The Oprah Winfrey Show like never before. For the 24th season of the talk show, Oprah closed down a portion of Michigan Avenue in Chicago, or the Magnificent Mile, and welcomed anyone to come and celebrate with an Oprah party like no other. Over 20,000 people responded to the free event and they were not disappointed with performances from The Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Hudson, James Taylor and Rascal Flatts. Oprah and viewers at home were surprised when the audience pulled off the largest single-city flash mob dance to the Black Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feeling." In addition to the musical guests, Oprah also welcomed illusionist and magician Criss Angel to the party to pull off an amazing feat.
Special Highlights:
This was an Oprah party like no other we've ever witnessed on the show. The spectacle on the Mile included these moments not soon forgotten:
- The Black Eyed Peas performed their Oprah version of "I Gotta Feeling" and the crowd slowly broke out in a flash mob dance as a surprise to Oprah and viewers at home. Only 20 professional dancers helped get the entire audience ready.
- Criss Angel revealed his predictions for 3 words Oprah and 2 audience members would randomly choose. He was correct with "delicious," "John" and "Kevin."
- Jennifer Hudson performed Whitney Houston's "I'm Every Woman."
- James Taylor led a crowd sing-along with "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)."
- Rascal Flatts closed the show with their song "Summer Nights."
What to Take Away from the Show:
As the kick-off party to the 24th season of The Oprah Winfrey Show is any indication as to what we can expect in the year of episodes to come, expect this season to be bigger and better than any that have come before it. To keep your party going at home, pick up an album from one of Oprah's guests or go back and watch the flash mob dance unfold again - it was amazing!
Products Featured in This Episode:
The Black Eyed Peas - 'The E.N.D."
Interscope
The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies) is the 2009 release from The Black Eyed Peas. This album features the song "I Gotta Feeling" that was the soundtrack to the largest flash mob dance on this episode and which was also remixed especially for Oprah's 24th season.
Jennifer Hudson - 'Jennifer Hudson'
Arista
Jennifer Hudson performed at Oprah's kickoff party just weeks after giving birth to her first baby boy. Performing "Best Of My Love" and Whitney Houston's "I'm Every Woman," Jennifer showed that she is ready to get back to performing after becoming a mother. Jennifer Hudson's self titled first album was released in 2008.
James Taylor - 'Covers'
Hear Music
James Taylor directed a sing-along of over 20,000 people to his classic cover of, "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" at the kickoff party. James' latest album features 12 additional covers including Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away," The Drifters' "On Broadway," Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman" and Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne."
Rascal Flatts - 'Unstoppable'
Lyric Street
Rascal Flatts joined the kickoff party line-up less than 24 hours before the start; picking up and flying in from Nashville. The trio performed their song "Summer Nights" off of their latest 2009 release Unstoppable.
