Live from Chicago: It's Oprah's big surprise
The United Center in Chicago is the place to be tonight for the taping of two of Oprah's final shows - slated to air Monday and Tuesday.
The place is packed to the rafters with fans (13,000 of 'em), including people like Nicole Kelley, 30. Why is she here? "Its on my bucket list to see Oprah." And Chris Davidson, 44, who told us, "Oprah is one of my favorite things."
Sharon Hamilton, 46, and her sister Melanie, 41, flew in from Milford, Conn. They wore sparkly dresses and high heels. "This is a celebration!" Indeed.
7:14 p.m. "We're just waiting for the star-studded people to be ready," says Sally Lou.
7:09 p.m. Lights are dimming. So far, just a lot of audience dancing.
7:02 p.m. Thumping music begins. T-shirts are being shot into the crowd. Everyone's being encouraged to clap.
6:59 p.m. "Are you going to keep it together? It's going to be emotional. It's historic television and you are part of it," Sally Lou says. She just introduced Gayle King. "You have never been to an event like you are about to see tonight," promises Sally Lou.
6:54 p.m. "Put your purses under your chairs and don't think about going to the bathroom," Sally Lou is telling the crowd.
6:46 p.m. Sally Lou Loveman, the Oprah show audience warm-up expert, is getting the crowd ready.
See photos of: Oprah Winfrey
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