Oprah Winfrey appeared in front of a crowd of 10,000 people in a free, two-hour event held in Melbourne, Australia on Friday. The event was supported by Tourism Victoria and the local government.
Oprah, currently in the midst of the final season of The Oprah Winfrey Show, journeyed to Australia because it was the place that had always supported her most, she said. The people of Melbourne didn't disappoint, showing up in droves to see Winfrey's show, which included appearances from Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu and musical performances by Australian artists Jessica Mauboy and Human Nature. Some of Winfrey's fans were able to dance on stage with Human Nature, and Oprah led the crowd in a singalong of Beatles' hit "Hey Jude".
Aside from hosting the massive gathering, Winfrey also took some time to connect with Australian citizens on a more personal level. She traveled to meet with a pregnant woman who could not attend the show because of her due date next week. Oprah provided a baby shower for the woman before visiting a family of Oprah fans and their friends at their home. Winfrey invited the family and their guests to attend her Tuesday shows at the Sydney Opera House.