Hey there, let’s talk about what went down with Savannah Guthrie. Fans were left scratching their heads when Savannah wasn’t at the helm of the "Today" show on Friday, February 16. It was a noticeable absence, especially after a somewhat awkward interview with a guest just the day before. Let me fill you in on the details.

Here’s the scoop: Savannah Guthrie, who’s been a beloved face on the show for years, was nowhere to be seen at her usual spot on the news desk at the top of the hour. Instead, the talented Craig Melvin stepped in alongside Hoda Kotb to deliver the morning’s biggest headlines. Hoda, who’s no stranger to keeping things moving smoothly, casually mentioned, “Savannah is off this morning.” Simple as that. No big explanation, no dramatic flair—just a quick update to keep viewers in the loop.

What Happened Before Savannah’s Absence?

Now, rewind just 24 hours. Savannah found herself in the hot seat after some "Today" viewers felt she crossed a line during an interview with the incredible Kelly Rowland. Kelly, known for her remarkable career and her iconic partnership with Beyoncé in Destiny’s Child, appeared on the show to chat about her exciting new Netflix film, "Mea Culpa." But Savannah couldn’t seem to shift the focus away from Beyoncé and her recent music ventures.

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During the Thursday, February 15, broadcast, Savannah leaned into the Beyoncé conversation hard. “What do you think about your friend Beyoncé?” she asked Kelly. “She’s like your sister, you guys literally grew up together—she’s stepping into country.” It was clear Savannah was fascinated by this new chapter for Beyoncé, but Kelly kept her responses brief and polite.

“I’m so proud of her,” Kelly replied, not diving too deep into the details. But Savannah wasn’t ready to let it go just yet. “I know, but were you surprised and what do you think about it?” Savannah pressed on. Kelly’s response? “I’m so proud of her. So happy for her.” It was subtle, but it was clear she wanted to steer the conversation back to her own project.

Viewers Had Strong Opinions

Not everyone was thrilled with Savannah’s line of questioning. Social media lit up with reactions from fans who thought the line of questioning was disrespectful. One user chimed in on X, saying, “Very disrespectful to ask as accomplished an entertainer as @KELLYROWLAND about Beyoncé every freaking time she comes on your show. You didn’t ask J-Lo about Puffy or A-Rod or In Living Color.” It was a valid point that resonated with many.

Another fan noted, “Kelly Rowland was on the ‘Today’ show this morning and she was not having them wanting to ask her about Beyoncé doing country music lol.” They added, “Her reaction was hilarious to me. She’s there for her movie and her stuff. She handled it with grace when asked but I get why she’d be annoyed.” It’s clear that viewers felt Savannah’s focus on Beyoncé overshadowed Kelly’s own achievements.

Savannah’s Busy Schedule

So, where was Savannah? Well, she’s been hitting the road to promote her latest book, Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere. Her first stop was in Texas, where she was joined by none other than former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush—parents to her "Today" co-star Jenna Bush Hager. Talk about star power!

From there, Savannah headed to Oxford, Mississippi, continuing her book tour. This weekend, she’s making her way through Tennessee before landing in South Carolina on February 18. And if you think that’s all she’s got planned, think again. The bestselling author has already announced she’ll be taking a break in March to celebrate her 10th wedding anniversary with her husband, Mike Feldman. Talk about a well-deserved break!