'The Oprah Winfrey Show' to Tape Star-Studded Farewell Edition Today

As 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' prepares to bow out, thousands of fans are expected to pack out Chicago's United Center today for the taping of a double episode, 'Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular'. Although details of the guest lineup have been kept strictly under wraps, it's expected to be a star-studded affair. Executive producer Sheri Salata told the Associated Press that the celebrity response "has been a resounding 'yes'." "Celebrities from film, television and music feel a deep appreciation for the support they have received from Oprah and the show over the years," Salata said. "Oprah will be very touched by that gratitude." Salata added that "Oprah is in great spirits, energized and taking in every last bit of these final days. ... The producers are a little teary-eyed -- it's hard to say goodbye." Free tickets for today's taping were distributed via lottery after more than 154,000 fans applied. It will air on May 23 and 24, before the last-ever show airs on May 25. The 20,000-capacity Chicago Center is the home of The Chicago Bulls and, as a sign of Oprah's star power, an NBA game was been rescheduled to make way for today's taping. In 2009 she closed down Chicago's Michigan Avenue for the Season 24 premiere, which attracted a crowd of around 21,000.