Sean Borg Goes LA! » Larry King Live

Oprah Brings Out Piers Morgan’s Soft Side!

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 23:17:03 +0000

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!

Piers Sneers at Madonna…

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:50:08 +0000

Oh dear… I do love Piers Morgan but sometimes his big head gets in the way just a bit…

During a recent interview with a British magazine Piers stated that he has no intention of EVER inviting Madonna on his new show for CNN, when it replaces Larry King Live early next year. In it Morgan declares the Queen of pop is too “boring” for TV. How contemptuous!

But Madge’s quick-witted team being the cool bunch they are fired back with a very sarcastic, “Madonna doesn’t know who Piers Morgan is but she’s a big fan of Lady Gaga.” Ouch, and well put!

I’m sure Piers’ show will be a major success in the US, but in my opinion he should wait till he has ratings winner on his hands before making such silly remarks so publicly… And as if Madonna needs to be on his show anyway!

Tone down that ego Mr. Morgan; your public won’t like it!

Piers Morgan Officially Replacing Larry King on CNN!

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:06:42 +0000

The new King of CNN has been crowned!

After months of speculation, Cable News Network (CNN) has finally officially confirmed that Brit telly presenter Piers Morgan will host a new programme to replace flagship interview show Larry King Live, after Larry King himself retires in late December, 2010. Morgan recently described Mr. King’s job, which Morgan will take over, as “the greatest interview job in the world.”

The title of Morgan’s new series has not been confirmed, but the programme will commence in January and air Mondays through Fridays at 9 PM. The show will also reportedly air worldwide on CNN-International in over 200 countries.

Morgan will continue to judge talent competition America’s Got Talent on NBC and to host the ITV programme Piers Morgan’s Life Stories; however, his future as judge of Britain’s Got Talent is unclear.

To American audiences, Piers is primarily known as a talent show judge and reality TV star (from when he won Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice), so it will be interesting to see how Americans respond to him as a serious interview journalist. Congratulations and good luck Piers!

Holden The Front Page! Amanda Hits The States…

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:47:01 +0000

Another hot celebrity doing her bit for Brits abroad is Amanda Holden, who turned up the heat in a curvalicious Herve Ledger bandage dress in New York yesterday when she flew in to appear on The Early Show and CNN’s Larry King Live.

The sexy Britain’s Got Talent judge was in the states to defend accusations made against the show that it ‘exploited’ contestant Susan Boyle…

But Mandy still managed to take in some sights in the Big Apple as she strutted the streets looking more like a youthful version of Sex and the City’s Samantha while shopping with hubby Chris Hughs.

And I just happen to know that certain talent scouts in the US are keen to make Amanda’s move to the States more permanent.

A few years ago the well-known actress came over to Los Angeles to do the rounds, as you do… discussing work opportunities with well-known Hollywood bigwigs but not much came of it, but this time around I hear she’s ready to commit to it properly and is set on trying to crack it in the states.

A wise move, as I also reckon it’s high time that America finally got see that Amanda’s got talent too!