Rap-Up.com || Beyoncé, Usher, and Alicia Keys Salute Oprah During Farewell Spectacular

Oprah’s closest celebrity friends gathered under one roof at Chicago’s United Center for “Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular,” a star-studded send-off to the talk show queen. Everyone from Madonna to Halle Berry was in the building to honor Oprah’s 25th and final season, and the waterworks were in full effect.

Beyoncé kicked off the festivities in a tuxedo leotard with around 40 female dancers to perform her single “Run the World (Girls)” for the first time. According to the Chicago Tribune, the singer received the loudest applause not counting Oprah. The crowd held up blue lights in the arena as she ran through the number twice while the guest of honor danced along.

For the second act, Alicia Keys accompanied Dr. Maya Angelou on piano as she recited a poem about Oprah. Then Oprah’s longtime love Stedman Graham took the stage to introduce the legendary Aretha Franklin who brought O to tears with her stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Power couple Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith showered praise on the media mogul before introducing Jamie Foxx, who sang “Isn’t She Lovely” with Stevie Wonder on piano. Usher capped the evening on a high note with the gospel standard “Oh Happy Day,” bringing out a choir as the show’s other guests joined them for one final sing along.

Oprah’s teary-eyed farewell special airs May 23 and 24. Have your Kleenex handy.

: Beyoncé

: Beyoncé

: Beyoncé

: Beyoncé, Dakota Fanning, and Oprah

: Oprah, Jamie Foxx, and Stevie Wonder

: Will Smith, Oprah, and Jada Pinkett Smith

: Usher

: John Legend

: Oprah and friends

Photos via Chicago Tribune and “The Oprah Winfrey Show”

Posted in Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Photos, Usher | Permalink

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67 Comments

k
May 18th, 2011 at 12:04 am
B looked like she KILLED IT! I can’t wait for it to air. :)
[Reply]
Twitter.com/CiaraMedlies
May 18th, 2011 at 12:09 am
Ciara already did that style when she performed “Like A Boy” on Danncing With The Stars….. try again bey
[Reply]
Craazzy beetch Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 12:43 am
@Twitter.com/CiaraMedlies, Ciara who? oh wait, is that the chick who flopped last year? LOL
[Reply]
Smit Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@Craazzy beetch, Ciara may be the sexy woman who flopped last year but Beyonce is the semi-sexy lady who is flopping NOW. Her single is #150 on iTunes… LOL.
[Reply]
All Hail Queen BEY Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 3:26 am
@Twitter.com/CiaraMedlies, Lmaooo Cierror Are Serious ? Bitch Go Have A Seat !
[Reply]
OhNoYouDidnt Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 3:55 am
@Twitter.com/CiaraMedlies, EXCUSE ME LOL I remember her performace on Dancing with the stars and she wore a shirt and a tie….she didn’t look anything like this and she wore a hat!!!!
[Reply]
eLOheL Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 5:48 am
@Twitter.com/CiaraMedlies, LOLOL where? at KFC’s grand opening in Wichita?
[Reply]
Jay Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
@eLOheL, Yeah Ciara is the girl who flopped last year and Beyonce is the girl who is flopping NOW. “Run The World” is #140 on iTunes, lets not forget.
Plus, Beyonce has been SUED millions for copying others. Beyonce is a COPIER. #dealwithit
[Reply]
Boom Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@Jay, YESSS! Them them beYAWNsay stans that “Run The World” is a FLOP just like Beyonce’s fake hair.
[Reply]
Negger Please Reply:
May 19th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
Mother Fckers You Know Beyonce Has Sold More Albums With B-Day Than Ciara has With Goodies Evolution Basic Instinct Put Together So Ermm Yeahh No No .. . .When Was The Last Time Ciara made It into The Top 10 ?? Thought So…No Comparison EVER!!
[Reply]
Mr_Entertain3r
May 18th, 2011 at 12:11 am
That’s it! I’m done! Beyonce slayed the stage once again!!!!!! Has Britney, Ciara, J. Lo or Keri EVER been invited to an Oprah show??? Don’t think so. When will these delusional stans figure out that Beyonce is the Queen??? I mean damn!!!!!!
[Reply]
LJ Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 12:48 am
@Mr_Entertain3r, Actually Britney and J.Lo have both been invited to the Oprah show. The latter more than once… 4 times to be exact.
[Reply]
DUMMIES Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 6:56 am
@Mr_Entertain3r, Don’t do sweet heart. Just because Britney hasn’t been on there means nothing. Lookk at her SELLS.
And uhhhh Keri spoke at Oprah’s School in Africa….Has Beyonce’?…Oh ok….
J.Lo really could care less she is still getting bread.
And I don’t like Ciara but Ciara’s Dancing>>>>>>>>>>>Beyonce’….
Now. When will Beyonce’ sell 100 Million Albums??…Oh ok.
Britney sold over a milli with HIAM 1st week it sold 738K.
What did Beyonce’ sell with WRTW?? 77K oh Ok
Thought so.
[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 8:10 am
@DUMMIES, Sit yo ass down . Beyonce’ is Queen . Call me when Shitney doesnt use thee autotune .
[Reply]
Aaliyah Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@Real Issh, bitch please you don’t know shit. Call me when RTW is #1, I definitely won’t get a call. lol
[Reply]
Badgirl
May 18th, 2011 at 12:23 am
who is ciara? lol
[Reply]
Smit Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@Badgirl, The woman who sold over 4 million albums in the USA alone with 8 Top 10 Hot 100 singles and 12 Top 10 R&B singles. A #1 Hot 100 smash, a song that was Top 5 on the 2005 Hot 100 year end charts, 3 #1 R&B singles, a #1 album, a grammy award winner, multi-platinum selling artist, singer, songwriter, model, actress and INCREDIBLE dancer/performer.
[Reply]
Twitter.com/CiaraMedlies
May 18th, 2011 at 12:25 am
I can’t believe “Run The World (Gorls)” is setting all these records on ITunes. congrats BEY-ON-CE :)
[Reply]
xxxDIAMONTE Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 3:04 am
@Twitter.com/CiaraMedlies,
–beyonce is doin HORRIBLE on itunes … thass exactly y the video has been pushed bak … shes prob still in her 70s on the itunes chart
[Reply]
jamie Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 3:51 am
@xxxDIAMONTE, she was being sarcastic.
[Reply]
RYCH Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 5:30 am
@Twitter.com/CiaraMedlies, and bitch stfu! WHERE IS CIARA??? OH OK ! MY POINT EXACTLY..WAIT DIDNT KERI HILSON AND SUSAN BOILE SELL MORE THAN THAT DUDE? I HAVENT EVEN SEEN THAT ALBUM ON SHELVES ANYWHERE, THAT SHIT GOT RECALLED! BWAHAHHAHA ITS OK BEYONCE GAVE YHU BITCHES A CHANCE AND YALL AIN TAKE IT!! SMFH TRY AGAIN
[Reply]
Truth Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
@RYCH, Ciara’s last single “Ride” was NEVER as low as Beyonce’s “Run The World” on iTunes and it did WAY better on radio. Keri Hilson has never had an album go platinum and she has never achieved the success that Ciara did. Susan Boyle never had a billboard #1 single and Ciara has. #getyourfactsstraight.
[Reply]
RYCH Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
@Truth, SWEETIE I WILL NT GET MY FACTS STRAIGHT!!! BEYONCE IS DA QUEEN!!! EVERYONE ELSE IS RIDICULOUS!!! IRRELEVANT!!!!#SITYOASSDOWN!!
NOTE I KNOW WHERE U LIVE…COMMENT AGAIN U WILL BE SEEING ME TONIGHT BITCH!!!
[Reply]
CJS Reply:
May 19th, 2011 at 9:07 am
@RYCH, LOL. are you for real? #SHUTYOASSUP no body cares for your for your opinion.
[Reply]
Kamelia Ratnasari
May 18th, 2011 at 12:26 am
I WISH I WERE THERE … OPRAH YOU REALLY INSPIRED ME…
[Reply]
Sharp Tongue
May 18th, 2011 at 12:45 am
Aahhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Screams at the top of my lungs it’s Beyonce bitches I can’t wait to see this.
[Reply]
rockwitu
May 18th, 2011 at 12:48 am
Yawn, yawn, yawn…the bleached blonde booty shaker strikes again. SWITCH YOUR STYLE UP!!!!!!!
CTFU at her constantly performing the same routine and the stans/fans saying she kilt it. Get a new routine.
[Reply]
Name Here Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 4:04 am
@rockwitu, why did u comment just to critize her becuz ur just goona make a stan war
[Reply]
Jivesh Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 7:13 am
@rockwitu, You do not miss an opportunity to criticize Beyonce. You are a real irritating bitch.
[Reply]
Queen Beyonce
May 18th, 2011 at 12:58 am
BEYYYYYYYYYY OMG THESE IMAGES GIVE ME SO MUCH LIFE!!! IVE BEEN WAITING SSSOOO LOOONNGG!
[Reply]
Carl
May 18th, 2011 at 2:46 am
GO BEY! #dead at the people hating probably stan for a lessor.
[Reply]
Karen
May 18th, 2011 at 3:52 am
I was wondering if these women would have anything to do with Oprah’s farewell. I’m sure it was a big surprise and a great tribute to Oprah. Can’t wait to see it.
[Reply]
Jay
May 18th, 2011 at 4:19 am
I gotta see that! I really can’t wait to see the video premiere today!
[Reply]
music guru
May 18th, 2011 at 5:07 am
Omg beyonce!!!
[Reply]
RYCH
May 18th, 2011 at 5:27 am
HHAHAHAHHAA THESE HATERS ARE EVERYWHERE!! KEEP HATIN CUZ DATS MAKE THE QUEEN GO HARDER! UGH IT PAINS ME TO SEE BEYONCE AND BREVOLUTION TO BE HATED ON BY ALL THESE STAN BASES BECAUSE THEY’RE JEALOUS…WHY DID YHU EVEN COME TO THE POST?? OH DATS RIGHT YHU WANTED TO SEE WHAT THE QUEEN AND HER ARMY OF BEE’S HAVE IN STORE!! #HATERS= UNDERCOVER STANS
[Reply]
Copyonce Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
@RYCH, jealous of flop the world?… HAHAHAHAH!
[Reply]
RYCH Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
@Copyonce, OH STFO!!! DONT COMMENT ON MY COMMENT BITCH!! Copyonce MY ASS!!! HATER!!!!
[Reply]
ToriLuvsBey
May 18th, 2011 at 5:42 am
Wow..looks epic ……I LOVE Bey I just wish she would change her hair :\
[Reply]
Diego
May 18th, 2011 at 5:47 am
so sad that she uses every opportunity to make it about her. Beyonce is played out now the same dance same leotard same hair. Its funny to me that the stans wont admit this song tanked lmao.
[Reply]
Jivesh Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 6:36 am
@Diego, Get a life my dear. You are on every Beyonce-related posts to criticize her. Don’t you have a favorite artist? If yes, go to her page and praise her. Please go away. I am tires of your dirty words.
[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 8:13 am
@Diego, U delusional bitch . U Haters make it about her . Oprah wanted her on thee show , so Beyonce’ went . It’s about Oprah .. Well , not for me . I’m watching for Beyonce’ just like u .
[Reply]
Deme89 Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 5:57 pm
@Real Issh, ‘ Delusional Bitch ‘ Lmao …
[Reply]
Yuupi
May 18th, 2011 at 6:30 am
QUEEN BEYONCÉ!
[Reply]
DeeJay
May 18th, 2011 at 6:45 am
I can’t wait to Monday and Tuesday for the airing of this. Oprah is leaving her talk show, I going to miss the guest, and subjects of the show.
P.S. Why all the hate for people how never been on the show, leave people alone.
[Reply]
Real Issh
May 18th, 2011 at 8:15 am
Who’s watching for Oprah ? ROFL . Queen make them ratings go up . Haha .
[Reply]
Copyonce Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@Real Issh, uhm no
[Reply]
Devingod
May 18th, 2011 at 8:22 am
I love Beyonce but that song not so much. Kinda sad Oprah is going off the air but she will remain a mega star.
[Reply]
Da Ma'
May 18th, 2011 at 8:49 am
No Alicia Keys in the pics ..
But I think Beyonce stole all the glam once again !!
And I think That it will be amazing to watch .. beside Beyonce
[Reply]
hmm
May 18th, 2011 at 8:52 am
beyonce is getting busted..that hair color is getting old
[Reply]
Mya
May 18th, 2011 at 9:14 am
“the singer received the loudest applause” GO BEYONCE THE BEST PERFORMER ALIVE!
[Reply]
DeeJay
May 18th, 2011 at 10:08 am
Now I not a Beyonce fan per say. But how is she over shadowing Oprah. B is not Oprah, and not even trying to become her. What’s the point of saying that?
[Reply]
DeeJay Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 10:12 am
@DeeJay, Is her song #1 yet? Even if not, the album still going to sell, b/c people want to judge her, compair to the last album. Which I don’t know why people do, becasue that the point to create another body of work, that completly different from the pervious. And not to be compair to, but people will do what they want.
[Reply]
jb
May 18th, 2011 at 10:30 am
Cant wait bey will be ok glad all stars show up…
[Reply]
juantara babineaux
May 18th, 2011 at 10:40 am
love you girl
[Reply]
mark
May 18th, 2011 at 11:08 am
mi baby is back!
[Reply]
haha bytch
May 18th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
I love Bey but the more and more i hear that song the more she is convincing me that she is a part of the Illuminati lol
[Reply]
Real Issh Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@haha bytch, Ur really ignorant . What the hell does a Girls Run The World have to deal with thee Illuminati ? & Ur retarded to even think an illumaniti exists . Thee white man always get to fuqk u slow black people .
[Reply]
xbeefan
May 18th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
BEYONCE IS SO PLAYED OUT AND OVERRATED ! KERI HILSON IS THE QUEEN NOW
[Reply]
Listen Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
@xbeefan, Keri Hilson is the queen? Where is her platinum album? Where is her #1 Hot 100 single? Where is her Grammy? Where is her #1 album? Where the FUCK is her success? Not even Chris Brown can give her a hit because their song just FLOPPED.
[Reply]
haha Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@xbeefan, Keri Hilson is the queen? Where is her platinum album? Where is her #1 Hot 100 single? Where is her Grammy? Where is her #1 album? Where is her success?
[Reply]
alicia
May 18th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
at xbeefan ..u are a dumb bitch when sheriwilson can go platinum holla at me then asshole beyonce all day bitches
[Reply]
king
May 18th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
fuk keri Rihanna and Beyonce is the real queen
[Reply]
Listen Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@king, Why would you even put Keri’s name in next to Beyonce and Rihanna? You should have put Ciara there. Keri has never had a platinum album and she has only had one Top 10 Hot 100 single. She is not worthy.
[Reply]
Oh Please
May 19th, 2011 at 12:53 am
Oprah probably cringed when Bee said “Eff you pay me!”..lmaoo you know Oprah don’t play that. haha
[Reply]
Charla
July 7th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Theres nothnig like the relief of finding what youre looking for.
[Reply]
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