Savannah Guthrie Weighs In on the Backstage Drama
In a candid moment, Savannah Guthrie recently shed light on the backstage drama surrounding the Today show. The seasoned broadcaster took the opportunity to discuss the dressing room situation following Kelly Rowland's abrupt departure from the set. With her signature charm and wit, Savannah shared her thoughts with Entertainment Tonight, revealing a mix of humor and honesty.
Why the Dressing Rooms Need an Upgrade
“We’re definitely in need of a remodel,” Savannah, 52, expressed with a laugh. “Maybe we should call in the experts for an Extreme Makeover: Today Show Dressing Room Edition. Seriously, though, we’re in Studio 1A—a place steeped in history. It’s where legends have walked, and it’s an incredible space. But like anything historic, it comes with its quirks. You get the good with the bad. If you want the charm of history, you might also get a few chips of paint falling off the walls.”
Putting Guests First
“At the end of the day, we’re all about making our guests feel welcome,” Savannah added earnestly. “We try our best to provide a warm, inviting atmosphere, even if the dressing rooms aren’t exactly up to today’s standards. Hopefully, when our guests come on the show, they feel the love and appreciation we have for them. That’s what really matters—making them feel like part of the family.”
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Kelly Rowland’s Unexpected Exit
Kelly Rowland, 43, made a memorable appearance on Today on February 15 to promote her new Netflix film, Mea Culpa. However, her visit took an unexpected turn when Savannah asked her a series of questions about her close friend and former Destiny’s Child bandmate, Beyoncé.
“What do you think about your friend Beyoncé?” Savannah inquired during the interview. “She’s like your sister, you guys literally grew up together—and now she’s stepping into the country music scene.”
“I’m so proud of her,” Kelly replied warmly. But Savannah wasn’t done yet. She pressed further, asking about Beyoncé’s new album. “I know, but were you surprised? What do you think about it?”
“I’m so proud of her,” Kelly responded once again, her tone filled with admiration. “So happy for her.”
Behind the Scenes Drama
It was initially reported by Page Six that Kelly walked off the set due to dissatisfaction with the backstage dressing rooms. The situation created quite a stir, leading to Rita Ora stepping in at the last minute to cohost alongside Hoda Kotb that day.
“After 28 years of knowing her, Kelly Rowland remains one of the kindest, most amiable humans I have ever met and have had the blessing to represent,” Kelly’s rep, Yvette Noel-Schure, said in a statement to Entertainment Tonight on Tuesday, February 20, following the incident.
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Hoda Kotb Extends an Olive Branch
Despite the drama, Hoda Kotb, 59, expressed her desire to welcome Kelly back on the show. “I was really bummed. I love Kelly. We all love Kelly,” the author of Hope Is a Rainbow shared with Entertainment Tonight on Wednesday, February 21. “She’s truly one of our all-time favorites, and there’s no one more gracious or graceful than Kelly. We’ve been texting back and forth, and I even gave her a call. I told her, ‘Come on, girl. We’re waiting with open arms. Let’s do a redo.’ So, hopefully, we’ll get the chance to do it right this time.”
