Leno’s first guest ever, Billy Crystal, surprised him and, in addition to chatting about Twitter and the Yankees, he brought the house down with a show-stopping number to commemorate the end of Leno’s 17-year run on the show (as well as his move to primetime in September).

Leno is moving to NBC’s 10pm slot where he is expected to have a wider audience for his new show which is described as being similar to The Tonight Show.  Of the move, Leno said: “I’m going to be going to a secluded spot where no one can find me — NBC prime time.  It’s a gamble. I’m betting NBC will still be around in three months, but that’s not a given.”

Crystal had even more to say about the new venture as he sang some lyrics to the tune of “Moving On Up” (the theme song from The Jeffersons) as a 12-person chorus danced.  He sang: “You’re movin’ on down, down to primetime, you’re giving a new time slot a try… You’ll be done at 11, Mr. Leno you’re changing my life! Now there’ll be time to watch your show and still have sex with my wife!”

As was expected, Leno hosted his successor, Conan O’Brien, in what I’m sure must have been a weird and bittersweet moment for both of them.  I think Conan could be really good but he’s a little sillier than Leno so it’s hard to know how audiences will respond.

Will you watch Conan on The Tonight Show?  Will you miss Jay Leno?

NBC Photos: Paul Drinkwater

Post from: EveryJoe

Jay Leno Says Goodbye to “Tonight Show”

NBC Photo: Mitchell Haaseth

“Ryan Seacrest and I are lovers, so that just makes sense. That is around. The Post, I think, Page 6 already had it,” Conan said.  Good to know that moving out to Los Angeles from New York hasn’t changed him a bit!

He got serious for a second, though, when he talked about the importance of taking on a show that has been hosted by favorites like Johnny Carson and Jay Leno.  “Johnny Carson, when I met him years ago, told me, ‘Just be yourself,’” Conan said. “That was back in 1993. That is basically all anyone who knows anything about these shows can tell you: You’ve got to do it your way.”

I think that’s great advice because Conan is still on the air because his audience loved him exactly as he is (even if he is a little crazy).  I was also pleased to read that he plans to gradually incorporate familiar segments from his old show (including “Year 2000,” “Noches de Passion con Conan O’Brien,” and Jim Gaffigan’s “Pale Force”) so that his loyal fans won’t miss out.  “I want to keep the best of the ‘Late Night’ show … a couple of pieces here and there that really worked for us,” he adds. “I see no reason why Triumph, the insult dog, can’t file reports for us.”

What about the set and the theme song?  Apparently, he’s going with a new LA-style art deco look that he calls “elegant” but he will keep his theme song but promises that it will be “turbo charged.”

He also revealed his guest lineup for the first week which include Pearl Jam, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tom Hanks and Ryan Seacrest.

Post from: EveryJoe

Conan O’Brien Talks About “Tonight Show”

Here is the lineup:

• Monday, May 25: Mel Gibson (21st appearance)
• Tuesday, May 26: Arnold Schwarzenegger (he announced he was running for governor on the show back in 2003)
• Wednesday, May 27: Comedian Wanda Sykes (25th appearance)
• Thursday, May 28: Billy Crystal (Leno’s first guest ever)
• Friday, May 29: Conan O’Brien

Musical guests include Lyle Lovett, Dwight Yoakam, Sarah McLachlan, Prince and James Taylor.

There will also be video packages honoring 17 years of moments, gaffes and laughs on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” that will be shown throughout the week (don’t miss it!).  The show made history in March 2009 when President Barack Obama became the only late-night appearance by a sitting President.

I will admit that I watched Conan’s show a lot more than Leno but it’s still sad to see this show passed from one host to the next once again (I remember crying when Johnny Carson retired).   Good luck, Jay, and thanks for the laughs!

NBC photo: Paul Drinkwater

Post from: EveryJoe

Leno Announces Final Guest Lineup

Maybe it’s because we’re posting at a late hour and we’re, you know, kinda giddy.

Maybe it’s because we’re in a good mood altogether knowing that the Red Sox took two of three from the Yankees as a parting gift at Yankee Stadium.

Whatever the reason, we found this old clip of gymnastic coach Paul Hunt’s hilarious comedic routine (1m, 39s) on the uneven bars to be . . . well, hilarious. And comedic.

Enjoy!

Post from: EveryJoe

VIDEO: Gymnastics That Tickle Us “Pink”