Sunday, December 12, 2010

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER


Soaking it all in: Oprah Winfrey marvels at one of Sydney's spectacular views at the Sydney Opera House


Australians sure know how to make their guests feel welcome.

American talk show host Oprah Winfrey was treated to a harbour-side party complete with fireworks in Sydney this weekend.

The fun began after she touched down in the Australian city to be reunited with her 302 audience members, who have all travelled Down Under for Oprah's much anticipated Aussie roadshow.

Oprah will film two episodes of her show from the iconic Sydney Opera House next week.

The soiree and dazzling display in her honour was held at the city’s Botanical Gardens and hosted by New South Wales’s premier Kristina Kenneally.

Oprah partied the night away with her guests who all enjoyed live music from Australian singer, Guy Sebastian.

Then pyrotechnics lit up the night sky, and concluded the show with the lighting of a giant red O over the harbour bridge.

Oprah, who is eager to fit into the laid back Australian lifestyle, told reporters she vowed to down tequila shots.

She also revealed that she got geared up to party by downing a bottle of VB (an Australian brand of beer) in her hotel room earlier.


Dazzling: Oprah's Sydney arrival goes off with a bang with a stunning firework display at a private bash for the American talk show host


Oprah's home: Oprah will film two episodes of The Oprah Winfrey show at the iconic Sydney Oprah House


The Big 'O': Fireworks for the talk show host's party concluded with a red 'O' being lit up on the Sydney Harbour Bridge


Dressed in a stunning kaftan by Australian designer, Camilla Franks, Oprah's outfit was meant to resemble one of the city's iconic birds, the Rosella.

Throughout the night Oprah bonded with her guests.

Oprah has already travelled to three Australian cities, including Hamilton Island, Uluru and most recently Melbourne, where she met the Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.

She said she felt instantly welcomed by Sydney.

‘The lifestyle, the scenery, it's all really fantastic and I get a great view of it from my bedroom from the hotel,' she told reporters from the party.


Excited: Oprah bonded with her 302-stronghold American audience ahead of her Australian extravaganza


'I just love it and my highlight is the people really... I just feel absolutely embraced by the people, so much so that I said to the prime minister, Do you all have friendly school to go to?', and I really do mean that, it seems to be genuine friendly.

'It's like everyone went to Disney class.'

Oprah smiled and posed for photographs against the backdrop of Sydney Opera House, where two episodes of The Oprah Winfrey Show will be recorded on Tuesday.

The event was the first time Oprah has been seen her travelling audience members.
The last time was when she announced that she was inviting them to Australia during one of her shows.

Oprah announced in November that she will retire from television at the end of the current series.


Kicking up her heels: Oprah posed with fans in Melbourne, before travelling to Sydney to settle into her hotel and check out the view ahead of the party in her honour







source: dailymail

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