Countdown to the Finale: Oprah's Farewell Spectacular - Part 1
by Allie Basilica
Talk about a party! Oprah Winfrey will end her 25-year talks how stint in grand style.
Today marks the 3rd-to-final episode of the hit show, tissues not included. The premise of the final episodes are to surprise the host with a barrage of old friends and memories.
Oprah is certainly looking slim and trim in her purple gown.
We open with Tom Hanks and an emotional video montage of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" over decades. The lineup only got better as the show went on.
Tom Cruise took the mic to say a few kind words and to intro opera-protege Jackie Evancho. Next up, Josh Groban serenaded Oprah with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
Madonna stopped by to say that Oprah "kicks ass" and "has balls" because she goes out and achieves whatever she sets her mind to.
Dakota Fanning led a group of girls in telling O how she has changed their lives, calling themselves Oprah show babies. Enter Beyonce and her long legs performing her appropriately titled hit, "Run the World (Girls)."
Overall the star-studded spectacle was very well executed and included a blend of special "Oprah" moments, touching stories and A-list musical performances.
John Legend, Diane Sawyer, Halle Berry, Katie Holmes, Patti LaBelle and Queen Latifah also took part in the program.
Tomorrow the second half of the Oprah Farewell Spectacular will air, with the series finale on Wednesday!