Is Larry King surpassing Oprah as the go-to host for celebs wishing to spill their guts? King scored a huge media coup Wednesday night when he interviewed Paris Hilton in her first televised talk since leaving jail.
In the early moments of the interview, we learned Hilton’s jail mantra was: “Don’t serve time, let the time serve you.” It was the first of many cliches. But a subdued Hilton also told King that jail gave her time to “get to know herself,” and now that she’s out, she’s “just going to follow all the laws.”
We also learned the medical problem she suffered in jail was claustrophobia, which was why she was released early, only to be sent back later. She also has Attention Deficit Disorder, she said.
Paris did manage to successfully navigate some tough questions about Nicole, Britney and LiLo. But she did say she has never done drugs, doesn’t have a drinking problem and doesn’t have any friends in rehab. She also said she’s sick of partying.
So what of it? Did this interview dethrone the queen of talk? Is Larry King the new celeb favorite? Let’s face off!
THE SEATING ARRANGEMENT
Oprah Winfrey: A plush couch and smiling studio audience await her guests. She makes people feel so comfortable that they dish to her like a best friend. Who else could get a major movie star to make a total fool of himself by jumping up and down on the couch? (Checkmark)
Larry King: A desk separates him from his guests. Stark lighting and a dark background could be nerve-racking. Wouldn’t you be scared if it was you, crusty King and a large-lens camera?
RECENT GETS
Oprah Winfrey: Reporter Bob Woodruff, decorator Nate Berkus, Faith Hill and “CSI: NY” star Hill Harper, according to oprah.com.
Larry King: Yoko Ono, the remaining Beatles, Isaiah Washington, Michael Moore and Colin Powell, according to cnn.com. (Checkmark)
THE JAMES FREY FACTOR
Oprah Winfrey: Frey, author of the semi-faked memoir, “A Million Little Pieces,” was endorsed by O first. Then she smoked him on her show after finding out some of his memoir was fiction.
Larry King: Earlier, Frey went on King’s show to quiet critics claiming his book wasn’t the real deal. Oprah even called into King’s show to support the author. (Checkmark)
BEYOND THE SHOW
Oprah Winfrey: O, The Oprah Magazine; movies, Broadway and books — the doyenne of daytime talk does it all. (Checkmark)
Larry King: Um …
LONGEVITY
Oprah Winfrey: O’s been at her show since 1986, and she’s still sharp and relevant. (Checkmark)
Larry King: He’s already celebrated 50 years in broadcasting (you can even buy the DVD to prove it). But on Tuesday night, he called Ringo Starr “George,” as in the deceased Beatle George Harrison. He could be losing it.
THE WINNER: Oprah takes it — but it was close! We thinkLarry King is experiencing a temporary surge in popularity.Don’t worry, Chicago — Oprah still reigns supreme.
