As the clamshell turns...
Yesterday was my first Halloween at the Today show. If I ever needed a reminder that things can go wrong on live television, yesterday was that day…
I was supposed to be Bette Midler from her 70’s "Clams on the Halfshell” show (when she emerged from a clamshell dressed as a mermaid). Ann Curry went as Cher, and Natalie Morales as Madonna. The three of us worked so hard on our little routine, which was to end with “The Three Divas” singing “Friends."
The clam shell got stuck. It wouldn’t turn, and by the time the stagehands were able to turn and drag it through the mylar curtain, my lip-synching moment was half over. When I finally did emerge, the audience was looking at me with that “What IS she?” stare. (Apparently a lot of people thought I was Ariel, from "The Little Mermaid.") I finally emerged from the mucked up mylar and joined Ann and Natalie (who were screaming out the lyrics because the music wasn’t turned up enough) and we sang a half hearted “Ya Gotta Have Friends.”
I was disappointed, but my "cooler" head said, "It’s live TV, it’s fine, what can you do."
Later in the show, during a costume segment with kids, I did have a moment of redemption. A little boy who was dressed as a pirate and who had been crying became fixated on me. Once he saw me in my costume he stopped crying, and I thought, "He loves me, all is not lost."
Then the show ends and have to go back live for an update for the West Coast (North Korea decided to go back to the six party talks and we had to update the news). So I ditch the mermaid costume, clean up as fast as I can, and wash my hair, all the while thinking, "Well, it may not have worked out, but at least this little boy has bonded with me. I Am The Mermaid. He loves The Mermaid. All is well.”
I emerge from my dressing room without costume or makeup and who comes around the corner looking for me but the little pirate--he takes one look at the "real" me, and he is…devastated. His face drops completely--as if I had completely ruined his Halloween.
I felt like I’d been killed twice in one day. It was bad enough to endure the non-turning clam shell, but to be rejected by a 5-year-old pirate? I thought, "Halloween’s over and it hasn’t even started..."
I am convinced that the day went haywire for one reason: I took off the gold charm bracelet that my husband and kids gave me when I started the Today show in September. It’s a simple gold chain with one charm and it says, “We are with you. Love Richard, Ben, Gabe, and Lily.” I took off the bracelet yesterday because we thought it would snag my costume. Never again. It’s never coming off.
So Happy Halloween. Trick, no treat.
P.S. The first thing I said to Madonna yesterday was that Natalie and about half of New York City was dressed as her. She replied, "which ME are they?" You can watch my interview with Madonna tonight on Dateline.
Hi Meredith,
How lucky are you to have met and interviewed Madonna! It was great to see my two favorite women sitting down with one another for a chat. Meredith, if you ever decide to run for political office, I think you would win! You are SO good with people on both Millionaire and Today. You're very genuine and real. Keep up the good work!
Michael Smith
Hyannis, MA
michaelsmith180@comcast.net
My dear,
I suggest you always keep the beloved charm with you. Even if it doesn´t do any good, it won't harm neither.After all, it was given to you by your special ones, it's a nice love charm.
And nevermind the little pirate, I'm sure you were a very nice mermaid. :)))
Kisses from Lisbon, Portugal.
THIS JUST IN.........
BREAKING NEWS.........
Meredith Vieira will be the new host of "The Price Is Right" after Bob Barker retires next year!!!..........
PSYCH!!!!!!!!!! :) LOL!
Hi Meredith,
All joking aside, you looked cute as "The Little Mermaid" on Today's Halloween Show.
Take care,
Joe :)
So, the clamshell thing didn't work, the whole Diva thing cracked me up. Is there a chance for a reprise?
Aw, Meredith, I'm sorry you had such a bad day. Even though it didn't go as planned, your whole Bette Midler appearance was still very entertaining. You, Matt, Al, Ann, and Natalie all looked fantastic. You said something the other day on air that really stuck with me: "I'm making a total fool out of myself...but I don't care!" I love that about you! It's really hard for me to just let loose sometimes and be crazy. So I greatly admire people who can do that. And just to let you know, you DIDN'T make a total fool out of yourself...you were just being the wonderful person you are. Well, I hope you had a better day today...and never take off that charm bracelet! Thanks again for being you. We love you just the way you are...mermaid or not.
Meredith, I was watching the segment you did this morning (11/2) about "must have" fashions, and I think you might agree and pass this on to the powers that be..Most women watching the Today Show are a little too "mature" for the fashions they continue to show on their segments. How about something for the over 40 crowd, or maybe a 3 different women modeling for 3 different age groups! I agree, I would not be wearing that bikini!!
I think you are great
*After the "chaos" of Halloween, this posting will make you feel good!
Meredith,
LOVE the blog! You do a great job in your daily postings---it's a wonderful way for people to connect with the "behind the scenes" of the show.
Your personality & warmth shine through in a huge way. Your wit & charm are so connected with your story-telling skills.
By the way, I've been doing morning TV on the local level for 14 years! Currently, I'm the meteorologist at WOOD-TV, the NBC affiliate in Grand Rapids, MI. I can totally relate on the "working mom" front, too. I have 3 kids (ages 16, 13 & 8)
Life is always an adventure. You're doing great!
Terri DeBoer
terri.deboer@woodtv.com
Just to let you know I did get the costume immediately. It could have been my age as I am old enough to remember Bette at that time period! In your mind it may have not worked as planned, but it still worked. Keep it up, it's the joy of live tv to see the oops moments. Keep real! We love you in Boston!
Hi Meredith,
I hope you are excited to see the Haydenettes on your show tommorow, I know I am. As a former member of the team I am proud to tell you that they are a great group of talented young ladies. You sure are in for a great treat!
Meredith -
I really enjoyed your interview with Madonna. I loved when you called her on the carpet on a couple of issues.
And as far as your "wardrobe malfunction" - it could have been a lot worse! Janet and Tara still are ahead of you in that department!
Not that I am anyone who counts in the world of morning shows - but I think you're doing great!
hi there Meredith I am so glad to hear all the good news, and how well and ur family are doing! I think ur very charming and witty and as we say in Tennessee" down to earth". I just signed up today and look forward to everything here.!!So glad to find u here! I love blogs because we get to know the person, and relate to the person more thru a blog. have fun! happy holiday season!
Meredith, I thought you handled the Halloween debacle pretty well. Did you see Best Week Ever on VH1 this weekend? They did poke fun at the whole thing, yes, but I think you would have gotten a giggle out of the slew of "Meredith Vieira's clam" jokes.
Meredith...I think you are absolutely PERFECT. Even when you write about a not-so-good-day or a Halloween costume that "didn't" ... you just have a way of making us all feel good!
All the best. We love you.
And WHY again did you disappear for the remainder of the show??? It certainly seemed to viewers that you thought the whole idea of the Halloween show was a joke--it came across to me as if you were too good to come back out after the spectacle. You should have held your head up high and made an appearance after the segment was over. You DID agree to do this, remember? So you need to do it! Don't run away and disappear to leave the rest of your colleagues to pull your weight.
I love the charm bracelet you always wear. Where did your husband and childlren find it?