Water Cooler

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Thousands of Oprah Winfrey's fans gathered on Michigan Avenue to help the talk show celebrate the 24th season of her show with a public taping on Tuesday that was to include the Black Eyed Peas and Rascal Flatts.

CBS station WBBM-TV in Chicago reports that 50,000 people were expected to attend the free public taping.

Hours before they took the stage, performers were warming up and so were the crowds.

Folks didn't seem to mind that they were still hours away from the queen of talk taking the stage. For them, just knowing she would was enough.

"This is awesome, I'm so excited!" said Oprah fan Brittany Nealy.

"It's very, very exciting. The people, and I'm excited to see Oprah, we watch her all the time. And we tried to get tickets forever and this is the first time," said Oprah fan Prudence Washington.

And for those who are going to share the stage with Oprah, the excitement was off the charts.

"Over and beyond cool, there's not even a word. Knowing I'm born and raised here, and able to be in the middle of Michigan Avenue, shut down by Ms. Oprah Winfrey herself," said performer Carlton Bradley.

The iconic stretch of Michigan Avenue has been closed from Ohio Street to just south of the bridge since early Monday morning in preparation for the event.

Guests include the Black-Eyed Peas and Jennifer Hudson. There are also some surprise guests; the Rascal Flatts and James Taylor are rumored to be attending.

By mid-morning Tuesday, the sidewalks were flooded with cheering crowds.

"Oprah, Michigan Avenue rented out – what more do you want?" said Tim Flowers of Memphis.

As a free event, it's the chance for so many who could never get tickets to see the Oprah Winfrey Show.

"Oprah tickets have been on my list for 12 years. I have not been able to get a ticket," said Cathie Garoufalis, "And today's my birthday, so my daughter decided they were going to take mom to see Oprah."

Of course, there's a lot more to see besides Oprah.

"I'm really here to see the Black Eyed Peas, and Jennifer Hudson," said Nadeen Campbell.

"First of all Oprah, and then Jennifer Hudson, and I can boogie if I have to with the Black Eyed Peas. I love dancing," said Judy Speaks.

The people crowded onto the sidewalks waved signs representing the whole country and world. Signs reading "Hawaii Loves Oprah" and "South Africa Loves Oprah" were spotted.

The fans are hopeful that getting to the Mag Mile before dawn means a good place to stand until 7 p.m.

"Hopefully pretty good, and I've got my binoculars too," said Ruth Lowe.

Admission is free, and people will be allowed in, starting at noon. The main public entrance is at Ohio Street, and the stage for the taping is set up outside the Wrigley Building.

Oprah is known for her big surprises, and one that has everyone talking right now is a little box and what might be inside.

"Money. There's probably about maybe a thousand dollars in there," said Oprah fan James Stuckey.

"When I look at the box, I'm thinking there's 8,000 car keys," said Oprah fan Susan Moody. "And I wish I was one of the 8,000 that's gonna win 'em."

"I think it's something good and juicy. People are talking about the Olympic announcement, I'm like no, it's too soon," said Oprah fan Deidre McGraw. What is it? I'm going to try and find out!"

While the event is exciting for Oprah fans, many people who live and work in the area see it as an inconvenience. People who work nearby could also be subject to security checks, and the city says it may shut down the sidewalks if things get too crowded.

Meanwhile, some Chicagoans are protesting the taping on Tuesday. They say Winfrey should focus her show on keeping children safe from violence in Chicago.

The group, United for a Cause, planned to gather at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive Tuesday. They had originally planned to demonstrate Monday, but changed the day for more impact.

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