Oprah Brings Out Piers Morgan’s Soft Side!

America caught its first glimpse of Piers Morgan as a serious journalist with the premiere of his new interview program Piers Morgan Tonight on CNN. Morgan has replaced the legendary Larry King, who hosted his flagship interview show Larry King Live for twenty-five years in what is now Morgan’s time slot.

American audiences mostly know the British personality from television competitions such as America’s Got Talent, on which Morgan is a talent judge, and Donald Trump’s The Celebrity Apprentice, which Morgan won in 2008. On the other side of the pond, however, Morgan is better known for his work in journalism after having worked his way up in the British press to host various news programs including his most recent television show Piers Morgan’s Life Stories on ITV.

It seems fitting that Morgan chose Oprah Winfrey to be his first interview guest to launch his new American show as Winfrey, probably the most famous interviewer in the world, ends her twenty-five year old sydicated talk show and launches her OWN cable television channel.  Winfrey has also proven herself to be a big ratings draw as is indicated by the high ratings of Morgan’s first CNN outing with the queen of talk by his side.

Before Piers Morgan Tonight premiered on CNN, Morgan promoted himself as a merciless interviewer who cuts straight to the truth of his subjects, referencing his ability to even make Simon Cowell cry during an interview. However, Morgan did not exactly live up to his self-proclaimed hard-hitting image during his interview with Winfrey. Instead, he exhibited more humility and graciousness during the interview than is prescribed by his reputation. Between the moments of curiosity, determination, and fluffy humor, Morgan appeared to be slightly nervous, insecure, and humbled by the event. Morgan’s apprehensively lighthearted demeanor would be expected from most people conducting such an interview; however, it was a little surprising coming from the snappy Brit who has interviewed hundreds of celebrities over the years.

To his credit, Morgan’s interview with the most successful talk show host in history was ultimately sufficiently insightful. He questioned her about the death of her baby when she was 14 that sparked her thoughts of teen-suicide, her refusal to marry her long-term partner Stedman Graham, and he even had the cheek to ask her how much money she is worth. And yes, he did eventually manage to get Winfrey to become a little teary-eyed during their discussion of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Winfrey’s efforts in making King’s dreams for America come true.

In the end, Morgan simultaneously revealed his respect for Winfrey and his uncertainty about his own interviewing skills with his final question, which was “How have I done?” Winfrey answered with the less than confidence-building response, “surprising.”

Morgan’s upcoming guests include infamous radio talk show host Howard Stern, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and controversial British comedian Ricky Gervais. Good luck Piers!

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Russell ‘Wave-Brand’

They are certainly not jumping to get Russell Brand back on radio in the UK, but it would seem here in the US he just might be in with chance. After his disastrous exit at Radio 2, we hear Sirius Satellite Radio is considering signing up the scruffy star to host his own show.

A source revealed: “Russell has been itching to get back on radio for a while now. He has been off doing other things but radio still really tickles him.

Russell’s sidekick Matt Morgan is also keen to get writing and broadcasting again. The Sirius deal is in its infancy but Russell is well up for it. He has been given the hard sell about how they could make him the new Howard Stern.”

I’m told if it goes through, the deal with Sirius could be worth millions for Brand. Now, that’s what I call making waves … Um, you know … Airwaves!

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LOVE Affair for Gavin Rossdale?

Courtney Love has never been one for being discreet so if her new revelations are true I can’t believe she’s kept it quiet for so long!

The controversial rocker claimed on Howard Stern‘s radio show that she had an 8-month affair with Gavin Rossdale – AFTER he got together with Gwen Stefani.

And she also reckons that Gav wasn’t much cop in bed, until Gwen gave him a few lessons in the ahem, love department.

“He got good in bed… something happened,” said Courtney, “Maybe Gwen taught him.”

Stern then asked if they were sleeping together while he was with Stefani and she replied: “Yes. She does know.”

Then as if to clarify he asked again (anyone get the impression Howard wouldn’t mess around if he had Gwen waiting at home?): “He was having sex with you while he was with her?”

Love responded: “Everyone… yeah… and a few other people. We didn’t have a lot of pressure on each other, but we did like each other quite a bit.”

Hold on – AND a few other people? Don’t say there’s another Tiger Woods type parade on the way! Hold onto to your wedding ring Gav, it could be a bumpy ride!

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