There were no tears – or catfights – when Kathie Lee Gifford appeared on yesterday's taped braodcast of “Live With Regis and Kelly” to celebrate the syndicated daytime talk show's 20th anniversary.
Gifford, who left as co-host in 2000, returned to her former workplace as Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa looked back on the program's most memorable moments. Before Tuesday's taping in New York, Philbin, 76, said he wondered whether Gifford would get along with Ripa, who joined the show as co-host in 2001.
“I'm looking forward to seeing (Gifford) again,” Philbin said. “Bringing her back on the show and seeing what happens – what sparks fly! – between the only two co-hosts I've had on the last 20 years.”
No sparks flew; Gifford and Ripa are friends.
“I'm a huge fan of hers,” Ripa said. “I was a huge fan of the show before I was ever on the show, so I love the chemistry and the rapport that Regis and Kathie Lee have with each other.”
REBA WON BUT BRITNEY, PARIS AND LINDSAY TIED FOR SECOND
Billboard magazine has picked Reba McEntire for its first “Woman of the Year” award.
The magazine says the award coincides with its second annual Women in Music issue, which will be published in early October.
McEntire was chosen for the honor because of her wide success in music, television, movies and publishing.
“Reba is an inspiration to women everywhere and we are delighted to be presenting her with this award,” the magazine's editor said.
McEntire, 53, has a new album of duets coming out next week that pairs her with artists such as Justin Timberlake, Don Henley, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney, Carole King and Faith Hill.
McEntire grew up on a cattle ranch in Oklahoma, where her father, Clark McEntire, was a champion calf roper.
After being discovered by cowboy singer Red Steagall in 1974, she struggled through the late '70s to build a singing career in Nashville.
She scored her first major hit in 1980 with “(You Lift Me Up) to Heaven.” Her other No. 1 hits include “Little Rock” and “What Am I Gonna Do About You.”
IN POLITICS HE CAN'T WIN, ON AWARDS SHOWS HE CAN'T LOSE
First, It was the Grammys as a presenter, then six months after achieving Oscar glory for his climate change documentary “An Inconvenient Truth,” former Vice President Al Gore is headed back to the red carpet for the Emmys, U.S. television's highest honors.
Gore is expected to receive an “interactive television services” Emmy, a noncompetitive award, tomorrow for his fledgling cable network and online video venture Current TV, which he launched in August 2005.
