Yesterday evening, two back-to-back shows were filmed in part of the series of final episodes of the Oprah Winfrey show. Filmed at the United Center in Chicago, more than 20,000 attended the four hour taping.
The theme of the two shows that were filmed yesterday was “Surprise Oprah” and basically involved everyone who’s everyone in Hollywood joining together to honor the living legend that is Oprah.
The first hour long show was hosted by Tom Hanks. It involved appearances by Tom Cruise, Beyonce, Halle Berry, Madonna, Josh Groban, Dakota Fanning and many more.
The second show was hosted by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. It included appearances by Michael Jordan, Stevie Wonder, Jerry Seinfeld, Simon Cowell, Maria Shriver and Maya Angelou among many others.
So if you are a celebrity, you were in Chicago last night.
The Hollywood Reporter has a very detailed play-by-play of the taping. The two “Surprise Oprah” shows will air on May 23rd and 24th
Here’s how the people involved in the shows have discussed the experience on Twitter:
@Oprah
Oprah WinfreyRestin up 4 tonite’s big Fun. sheri told me think FUN and DELIGHT. I ‘m prepared for both.
21 hours ago via Twitter for iPad · powered by @socialditto
@TylerFlorence
Tyler Florencehttp://twitvid.com/EPZ1L – Crowd at United Center @Oprah Farewell 15 hours ago via TwitVid.com · powered by @socialditto
@EmmittSmith22
Emmitt SmithSup twitter? your boy is in chicago…brought my wife @PatSmith_TY here for the taping of @Oprah’s last show…was a mother’s day gift 15 hours ago via ÜberSocial · powered by @socialditto
@Tyrese
Tyrese GibsonI have never witnessed anyone be honored on this level EVER!! @Oprah you are beyond amazing!! Great job team @Harpo Wow!! Wow!! Wow!! 9 hours ago via Mobile Web · powered by @socialditto
@iamwill
will.i.am@Oprah I’m going to miss the oprah winfrey show… Thank you so much for making feel apart of the harpo family…I love you oprah 22 hours ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® · powered by @socialditto
@DrOz
Dr. Mehmet OzJosh Groban just sang something from The Wizard of Oz to Oprah. We celebrated right afterward. http://twitpic.com/4z29bc 13 hours ago via Twitpic · powered by @socialditto
@PerezHilton
Perez HiltonMadonna and Oprah together makes me so happy! Two of my biggest icons and inspirations in life! 11 hours ago via web · powered by @socialditto
@KChenoweth
Kristin ChenowethBest night of my life. Sang for Oprah!!! 10 hours ago via txt · powered by @socialditto
@DrPhil
Dr. PhilWhat a night surprising Oprah in Chi! Great night,great line up! Jeez they even had me in a musical #.Ugh! But big fun.Off to after party. 7 hours ago via web · powered by @socialditto
@MadonnaNation
Madonna Nationhttp://twitpic.com/4z27ve – #Madonna in Chicago hugs @Oprah at the taping of her final show today 13 hours ago via web · powered by @socialditto
@TheOprahShow
The Oprah Show BREAKING: @johnlegend and @target committed to building 25 libraries around America in honor of @oprah #SurpriseOprah 12 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone · powered by @socialditto
@joshgroban
josh grobanTook a covert trip to Chicago to surprise @Oprah on her big finale concert. Such an honor! Just landed in San Antonio for concert tomorrow! 9 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone · powered by @socialditto
Image Courtesy The Hollywood Reporter
