Following some quick instructions about how “lively” the crowd was expected to be (very lively) Kelly and Michael came out to greet everyone, and pose for an obligatory “selfie” with the Dolby audience.
(c) Live
This seemed like a good time to take a selfie for, er, myself. Without a staffer to do the honors, the effect was not quite the same.
At precisely 6:00 am (9:00 am in the east) the program’s taped opening began, followed by Cirque du Soleil live on stage. For whatever reason, the After Oscar broadcast began with a performance of a number from Amaluna, the new show that was about to open in New York City.
Per Gellman’s instruction, the Cirque performers were greeted with rapturous applause, followed by Kelly and Michael’s entrance. After the madness that had preceded the program open, the pair warmly greeted the crowd and set up a lengthy taped segment featuring Michael on the red carpet.
Here’s how the same scene looked to the home viewer:
It was interesting to note that during the entire hour-long broadcast, Kelly and Michael stayed on stage, often bantering with the audience during commercial breaks and even watching the taped segment from the side of the stage.
The first commercial break saw a flurry of activity as the interview chairs were put into place for first guest Lupita Nyong’o, the winner of the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
