On a recent episode of The Ellen Degeneres Show, viewers were treated to a star-studded lineup that included legendary singer Billy Joel and acclaimed actress Queen Latifah. The episode was a hit, filled with lively banter, exciting surprises, and of course, amazing performances.

The show kicked off with Ellen’s usual high-energy introduction, complete with a catchy theme song. As always, Ellen’s infectious personality and charm had the audience cheering and applauding. She expressed her gratitude to everyone for their warm hospitality during her time in New York City, where the show was being filmed.

Ellen couldn’t help but share some funny anecdotes about her travels, particularly about the challenges of packing for a trip. She humorously described the various techniques of packing, including rolling, folding, and sautéing (well, maybe not sautéing). She joked about the struggle of not bringing too much and ended up wearing the same outfit every day.

The talk show host also expressed her excitement about the upcoming holiday season and announced a special initiative for Toys for Tots, encouraging viewers to bring unwrapped gifts to the show. This heartwarming effort aimed to bring joy to kids affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Meanwhile, Queen Latifah made a grand entrance, receiving a crown from Ellen to honor her title as the “queen of New Jersey.” The multi-talented artist discussed her new movie, Last Holiday, in which she plays a character who embarks on a life-changing European adventure after receiving devastating news. The film, set to release in January, promises to be a heartwarming and inspiring story.

The episode also featured a surprise donation from John Eyler, the president of Toys “R” Us, who presented Ellen with a check for $200,000 to support the Toys for Tots campaign. This heartfelt gesture touched the talk show host and further emphasized the importance of giving back during the holiday season.

Of course, no episode of The Ellen Degeneres Show would be complete without some fun and games. Ellen invited audience member Tracy Frilo to join her for a segment called “Spend or Save.” Tracy was given a $100 American Express gift card and had to spend as little as possible on items such as shampoo, gloves, lip balm, a scarf, and shoes. The challenge was not only entertaining but also highlighted the importance of budgeting and saving.

To top it all off, the episode ended with a musical performance by the one and only Billy Joel. The legendary musician, known for his iconic songs and undeniable talent, wowed the audience with a medley of classic hits from his new CD box set, “My Lives.”

Overall, this episode of The Ellen Degeneres Show was filled with laughter, excitement, and meaningful moments. From unforgettable performances to heartfelt gestures, the show exemplified the spirit of entertainment and generosity that Ellen and her guests bring to viewers every day.

Originally aired on November 25, 2005