Thousands of Oprah Winfrey's fans gathered on Michigan Avenue to help the talk show host celebrate the 24th season of her show with a public taping Tuesday that included performances from the Black Eyed Peas and Jennifer Hudson. “Hello Chicago,” Winfrey said as she came on stage to a cheering crowd for a taping that will shut down the famous downtown street to traffic from early Monday through Wednesday morning. “Isn't this the most fabulous city in the world? I see you all the way down the Magnificent Mile.” The Black Eyed Peas sang their hit single “I got a feeling” as the crowd performed a choreographed dance. Hudson, who is from Chicago, performed her song “Spotlight” as Winfrey stood on the side singing along and dancing. “It feels good to be home,” Hudson told the crowd. Winfrey's production company, Harpo Productions, said it would cover all costs for police, paramedics and sanitation at the outdoor taping, which was also to feature Rascal Flatts, James Taylor and magician Criss Angel. “The Oprah Winfrey Show” normally is taped at the Harpo studios on Chicago's near west side.
