'I love you for making the difference in my life': Stedman Graham pays heartfelt tribute to partner Oprah Winfrey - There were more cheers and tears today as the second and final part of the Oprah Winfrey Surprise Spectacular aired in the U.S.
Viewers were treated to performances from the likes of Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin and Usher while Oprah's long-term partner Stedman Graham paid a heartfelt tribute to her towards the end of the broadcast.
Taking to the stage at the United Center in Chicago, 60-year-old Stedman said: 'You are so special. I'm so proud of you.
From the heart: Stedman Graham says some kind words about his long-term partner Oprah Winfrey in the final part of the Surprise Spectacular which aired today
Moved to tears: The talkshow queen welled up as she was praised for all her hard work and the help she has given people over the years
'It really amazes me that I got to be around a woman who changes people's lives every day and who also takes her own lunch to work.'
Graham, who has been in a relationship with Oprah since 1986, went on: 'I can't believe that a coloured girl from the back woods of Mississippi has done all that you have done.
Special person: Stedman told Oprah he loved her for the difference she has made in his life. The couple have been together since 1986, but have never married
Celebration: Oprah hugs Usher next to actor Tom Cruise and Aretha Franklin as the show draws to a close
'But what is really amazing is that you have done this... through God's amazing grace.
'I love you for making the difference in my life.'
R.E.S.P.E.C.T: Aretha Franklin shows how much Oprah means to her with a song
The Surprise Spectacular was filmed last week and has been broadcast over two days.
It comes ahead of Wednesday's final Oprah Winfrey Show, which was taped today.
A song for you: Usher serenades Oprah during the star-studded recording, which was taped last week and aired in two parts on Monday and Tuesday
Here's looking at you: Will Smith and wife Jada spot another guest about to pay tribute to Oprah
For the final episode, the 57-year-old talk show queen appeared alone on her Chicago stage, talking to viewers about what they've meant to her during the show's 25-year run.
Fans leaving Tuesday's taping say Winfrey had tears in her eyes as the television icon described what she's learned from viewers and what she hopes they've learned from her.
Fan from across the Pond: X Factor boss Simon Cowell pays tribute to Oprah
Celebrity disco: Stars including Tom Cruise, Halle Berry, Michael Jordan and Jamie Foxx get up on stage to sing and dance along
Songbirds: Broadway and Glee star Kristen Chenoweth and Alicia Keys serenaded the Queen of Chat
Harpo Productions says the show taped Tuesday will be the show's finale. It will air on Wednesday.
The bare-bones show was a sharp contrast to the star-studded farewell that featured Hollywood's A-list and 13,000 fans.
Fans say celebrities including Tyler Perry, Maria Shriver and Cicely Tyson were in the audience for Tuesday's taping but didn't speak.
Brave face: Arnold Schwarzenegger's estranged wife Maria Shriver made an appearance too in the wake of revelations about Arnie's secret love child
Love you: Oprah's best friend Gayle King (L) and Shriver (R) show the love and embrace the star on stage
The final part of the Surprise Spectacular, broadcast on ABC, also saw appearances from X Factor judge Simon Cowell while Stevie Wonder opened the show with a performance.
On Monday's broadcast Madonna was an early guest, being introduced by Hanks as a 'hard-working mother of four.'
Big stars: The chat show queen shows her delight as NBA legend Michael Jordan takes to the stage
On song: Stevie Wonder and Jamie Foxx sang Isn't She Lovely in tribute to Oprah on the show
'She's a self-made woman who's been at the top of her game for over 25 years - and she's still kicking ass,' Madonna told the delighted audience at the United Center.
Madonna also praised Winfrey for her courage.
'It's no secret that millions of people are inspired by Oprah,' she said. 'I am one of those people ... She fights for things she believes in, even if it makes her unpopular ... I have learned so much from her.'
Funny guy: Jerry Seinfeld took over from Tom Hanks to be MC at the event during the filming
Going out with a bang: Winfrey is flanked by Beyonce, Madonna, Dakota Fanning and Halle Berry at the event in Chicago
What a send off: Winfrey's final show on will air on Wednesday. From left Oprah on stage with guests including Tom Hanks, Queen Latifah, Madonna, Dakota, Halle, Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise
During the taping a beaming Tom Cruise told Winfrey it was an honour to have been on her show 12 times since 1988.
Referring to his first appearance on the show 23 years ago, Winfrey quipped: 'You looked like you were 10.'
Monday's broadcast also saw R&B singer Beyonce prefaced a song and dance performance by declaring: 'Oprah Winfrey, because of you, women everywhere have graduated to a new level of understanding of what we are, who we are, and who we can be ... We can run the world!'
All-star guests: Hollywood power couple Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes jetted in from Miami especially for the Chicago taping
Momentous event: Halle Berry, left, in a Victoria Beckham dress, Katie and Queen Latifah wave to the crowd
Great heights: Tom and his wife Katie Holmes paid a joint tribute to the chat show queen
Other guests included Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry, who wore a Victoria Beckham dress, and singer-actress Queen Latifah.
Winfrey, regarded as the most influential woman on U.S. television, is ending the final season of her syndicated Chicago-based show to devote more energy to her fledgling OWN cable network, which launched in January.
Winfrey announced in November 2009 that she would end her talk show, which airs five days a week in the U.S.
Fans frenzy: Audience members hold up lights as Rascal Flatts perform
Hands in the air: Beyonce and her dancers get a big reception
On the run: Beyonce and her trouper performing their energetic dance routine
A wax figure of Oprah Winfrey was unveiled in the 'Spirit of America' Room the day before Oprah's last show at Madame Tussauds at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada
TRIBUTES TO OPRAH - WHAT THE STARS SAID...
Madonna: 'It's no secret that millions of people are inspired by Oprah,' she said. 'I am one of those people ... She fights for things she believes in, even if it makes her unpopular ... I have learned so much from her.
She's a self-made woman who's been at the top of her game for over 25 years - and she's still kicking ass, I vow to be more courageous and never give up…. Thank you for inspiring me.'
Tom Hanks: 'Your show has turned surprise into an art form. You are surrounded by nothing but love.'
Maria Shriver: '(Oprah) has given me love, support, wisdom and most of all the truth. (I'm ) not alone in receiving those gifts.'
Dakota Fanning: 'We’re Oprah show babies. She's taught us we are enough… our lives have value.'
Beyonce: 'Oprah Winfrey, because of you, women have graduated to a new level of understanding… of who we can be. We can run the world!'
Diane Sawyer (while talking about how a tree grows): 'That is like life, that is like you. That is The Oprah Winfrey Show.'
Halle Berry: '(Oprah has taught us) We’re more alike than different. All pain is the same.'
Will Smith: 'Oprah said if this didn’t work out for her, she would have become a 4th grade teacher. You did become a teacher, with the whole world as your classroom.'
Rosie O'Donnell: 'You saved us from depression when you gave us Dr. Phil.' ( dailymail.co.uk )
No comments:
Post a Comment