Today’s Oprah Behind the Scenes starts with Oprah telling us about her life changing moment with Diana Ross. It was when she was 10 years old…seeing the Supremes on the Ed Sullivan Show when she realized that OMG there is a beautiful black woman on TV. Now that was change your life TV in those days. Oprah tells us that when Diana Ross was first on her show, it was an out of body experience. “It’s like if you’d believed in Cinderella your whole life, and there steps Cinderella.” The most full circle moment for Oprah – “a reminder of what can be possible.” Producers, Heather Aldridge and Andrea Wishom are producing the show and they understand the importance of this show and what this means to Oprah and to Season 25.
Meanwhile, Producers Amy Coleman and Candi Carter are capturing the BTS moments for the Iylana Vanzant on the show. Back in the 90’s, Iylana was the preacher of self-worth and strength but we are let in on what happened. Looks like IV started being woo’d by Barbara Walter’s to get a talk show and when IV played her hand…well, Harpo and Oprah just went on. That was eleven years ago…now, Iylana is broke and has” lost everything – her husband, her talk show, and her million dollar home.” How odd that she’s coming back to Oprah now…but she has a new book…and O is going to bring this full circle for us…and there will be lessons wrapped up for all of us to take away…this, I know for sure. “I didn’t fall out with her, she fell out with me….that’s why we didn’t speak. She choose. Period.” Oprah says of their perceived falling out. Oprah tells us that she was grooming Iyanla just like she was Dr. Phil…Iyanla just decided that she liked Barbara’s offer more. Oprah says that’s what she was waiting to see…”How are you going to handle this level of success and attention? Too much success too quickly just blows people’s heads off…”
As Diana Ross and her family arrive at the studio, people are ready…there is a buzz. All five of her children and her new grandson arrive with her…it’s a family affair. Sheri Salata reminds us that “Diana Ross inspired millions of women and girls…one of them, Oprah Gayle Winfrey.” So we couldn’t have the full circle without a surprise, so “Tim Bennett” code name for Billy Dee Williams will be a little surprise for Mrs. Ross…with love.
“Peace from Broken Peaces” is Iyanla’s new book. “One of the most heartbreaking memoirs you’ll ever read,” Candi Carter tells us. Co-Producer Stacy Strazis was channelling millions of us when she said, “She dispensed all of this advise. Was she not walking the walk? Makes you wonder.” Amy Coleman produced most of the Iyanla shows back in the day and tells us she came in just a regular girl but over the one year of shows…”it was really hard to help her…her ego started to blossom.” How nice she puts it…ego blossoming…I’ll have to remember that.
Diana Ross, Lancome water proof mascara and 10 carat diamond earrings… the dream… Oprah welcomes Diana Ross with a hug and a reminder of what an important mentor that she has been for her. Oprah tells us “how much this woman, this legend, means to me in my life and for every little girl who dared to dream…” When Oprah is really Oprah…Andrea Wishom reminds us that this is when she is at her best. When Diana’s kids joined her on the stage, it just magnified the experience into truly a beautiful moment. So, as we end the segment, we feel the nerves from Oprah and Sheri’s big surprise…and her he comes….and it’s the perfect bow to wrap up this wonderful moment…and journey of this little girl who dared to dream named Oprah.
Finally, her comes Iyanla. When she arrives and is walked into the offices, she asks, “Am I on the wall? I should be on the wall…”. “Today for me is about clearing the air. Oprah’s experience and my experience were very different,” Iyanla says. Producer Amy Coleman tells us that she doesn’t know if Iyanla is ready for this but “I am hopeful that it can be a raw emotional honest conversation” and this is what we are going to get. After 11 years… Iyanla and Oprah sit back down and let the conversation begin. “I wanted to be very clear about what my role was or wasn’t…” Oprah says. “My policy in life is that if somebody doesn’t want what I’m trying to offer, that I immediately surrender that and let that go.” As the show is happening and Oprah and Iyanla begin their exchange of experiences, Sheri tells us “I got lost in the coversation and all of my normal duties just left my mind….it would be a mistake to go to break.” “Not only did I like you, I would leave the stage I liked you so much,” Oprah says. And Iyanla’s response…”I couldn’t even recognize it…I didn’t even know what it was…” Beautiful….a teachable lesson for all of us…thank you Behind the Scenes. It makes the whole 2 day Iyanla series on The Oprah Winfrey Show now a completely different experience…”Ah-ha”….Now…I have to go back and watch the 2 days again…thank goodness for Tivo! Oprah will NEVER be gone… 🙂