Ellie Kemper from “The Office” hosts as Ellen DeGeneres had the flu.
NEIL PATRICK HARRIS is here! The Emmy-winning star of “How I Met Your Mother” stops by Ellen just in time to share news on the final season of his show, and to talk about being a veteran awards show host. In addition to his illustrious career in Hollywood, Neil has served four times as emcee for the Tonys and twice for the Emmys. The actor formerly known as Doogie Howser went from teen icon to seasoned entertainer with roles in films like “The Muppets” and “The Next Best Thing,” and with many notable appearances on Broadway. A director, comedian, musician and fan of magic (he’s on the Board of Directors at Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle), Neil always arrives with something up his sleeve!
Then, HUNTER HAYES performs! The young country star will sing his Grammy-nominated Billboard hit “I Want Crazy,” and a surprise song as well! Hunter burst on the scene as a songwriter for Rascal Flatts, and soon after found himself opening for Taylor Swift — not a shabby start! He won the world over with his self-titled debut, and his first single, “Wanted,” made him the youngest solo male act to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs. Hunter’s three Grammy nominations this year make him the youngest male country artist ever nominated in each category, one of which is the highly coveted Best New Artist. When he returns to Ellen’s stage, Hunter shows why he’s the best!
Tuesday January 28
TIMOTHY OLYPHANT stops by to celebrate the season premiere of his drama series, “Justified”! The actor’s Broadway debut led him to an incredible lineup of film and television roles, including, “Deadwood,” “Damages” and “Rango.” His handsome grin and on-screen magnetism make him a superb leading man and brooding Deputy US Marshal on his current series, now entering its fifth season. Justice hath no limits, nor doth Timothy’s talent. When he’s with Ellen, he’s all about family and pets! A new year, a new batch of tales, a new round in the bright red chair!
Then, country star JENNIFER NETTLES performs, and joins the show as Guest DJ! This year, the “Sugarland” singer released her first solo album, “That Girl,” after hitting the highest ranks in music with her popular country duo. As one half of Sugarland, Jennifer released hits like “Stuck Like Glue,” “It Happens” and “All I Want to Do.” For her new work, she has boldly tapped into her own life to create some of her most personal work yet. While Jennifer has been on Ellen’s stage before with her powerhouse vocals and bubbly personality, this will be her first time taking over the turntables. It will undoubtedly get wild!
Wednesday January 29
After an exciting time at the Grammy Awards, MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS return! The duo is predicted to be the big story of the night with their seven nominations and highly anticipated performance. They return to Ellen’s stage where they made their television debut a little over a year ago, and will give her all the details about their experience on music’s biggest night. The past year has been huge for the hip-hop sensation, who gave us the chart-topping anthem “Thrift Shop,” and continued their rise to greatness with the follow-up single “Can’t Hold Us.” The videos for the two songs have amassed nearly 700 million views on YouTube. Not only will this be their first time sitting down on Ellen’s red couch, it’s also their first interview on daytime television! They have lots to celebrate when they chat it up with our host!
Then, JANE LYNCH is here! The veteran entertainer and host of “Hollywood Game Night” stops by to share her thoughts on the hilarious match-ups and contests of her popular competition series. With a Golden Globe, Emmy, and multiple other awards, Jane is undoubtedly a winner in the game of show business. She’s cheered on young rock stars in her hit TV series “Glee,” rolled with the funny men in the film “The Three Stooges,” voiced a slew of memorable characters in animated shows like “American Dad!” and “The Cleveland Show,” and stolen the spotlight as Miss Hannigan in the Broadway production of “Annie.” Jane’s got all the latest when she chats with Ellen, and hopefully this time, she won’t get scared by a giant tree!
Following the release of his standout sophomore album “Shangri La,” JAKE BUGG performs! The English folk rock singer-songwriter went from writing songs in his bedroom to touring the world. He’s appeared on the BBC and performed at major international concerts such as the Glastonbury Festival in England, and the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Norway. His hit songs “Lightning Bolt” and “Two Fingers” brought him onto US and UK music charts, garnering the attention of tastemakers everywhere, including Ellen! This year, Jake returns to her stage to perform “A Song About Love,” a new track from his latest work, produced by the legendary Rick Rubin!
Thursday January 30th
Before he takes his final bow on “The Tonight Show,” JAY LENO stops by to bid Ellen adieu! For 22 years as host of “Tonight,” Jay has entertained the world with his saucy wit, engaging interviews and funny headline gaffes. An Emmy-winning comedian and host, he masterfully transformed his talent in standup into a platform for unique celebrity mingling, musical performances, and of course, “Jaywalking.” His rapport with Ellen goes back even further. Ellen has appeared on “The Tonight Show” 32 times, and credits Jay with helping her get booked for her very first stint with Johnny Carson!
Over the years, Jay and Ellen have shared many laughs, secrets, and he’s always game for a good time when Ellen’s around. Quite fittingly, the car aficionado will go out in style by visiting Ellen on one of the last stops on his incredible ride through Hollywood! She’s already given him a denim snuggie as a going away present… imagine what she has planned today!
Then, everyone is loving TERRY CREWS in his hit television comedy “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” The actor and former NFL linebacker went from the hilarious, chiseled hunk in the Old Spice commercials to the very funny star of the Golden Globe-winning Best Comedy Series. Terry’s list of hits includes roles in films like “White Chicks,” “Bridesmaids” and “The Longest Yard,” as well as the TBS sitcom, “Are We There Yet?” It’s his latest project that has pushed him into primetime glory. He’ll bring all that energy and the inside scoop on set life with co-star Andy Samberg when he sits down with Ellen!
Friday January 31st
It’s Ellen’s birthday show (actually Australia Day), and everyone’s invited to the party!
It begins with that awesome moment when ZAC EFRON is here! The handsome young actor and star of “That Awkward Moment” will tell her all of the idiosyncrasies of life and dating that are revealed in his new film. From a teen idol in “High School Musical” to becoming a big-screen heartthrob, Zac has entertained the world in movies such as “The Paper Boy,” “New Year’s Eve” and “Hairspray.” An actor who sings, dances, looks good doing everything, he was named one of People’s “Most Beautiful.” It’s such a big day, Zac will bring something special to the celebration!
No party is official without dancing, and no one knows that better than Ellen! Lucky for her, FITZ and THE TANTRUMS are here to perform! The pop and retro-soul band’s song “The Walker” provided the perfect soundtrack for Ellen’s Oscar trailer, and they’ll be entertaining her with a live version during her birthday festivities. Music enthusiasts have called Fitz and the Tantrums a definite party-starter, and with their high energy sound, the Motown-influenced sextet will be revving up Ellen’s party!