In an exclusive preview, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos of “Live With Kelly and Mark” have unveiled a promotional video for their upcoming post-Oscars special. The couple playfully reimagines scenes from the film “Song Sung Blue,” originally starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman. This parody is part of an annual tradition for the show, which last year saw Ripa in a “Wicked”-themed spoof. This year's iteration promises a glitzy and glamorous take on the Neil Diamond tribute, featuring elaborate costumes and a humorous nod to the original movie's trailer. The hosts expressed their enthusiasm for the creative endeavor, despite the demanding production, highlighting the universal appeal of the source material.
For their 2026 post-Oscars special, “Live With Kelly and Mark” decided on a creative tribute to the 2008 documentary “Song Sung Blue.” The film chronicles the lives of Mike and Claire Sardina, a Milwaukee couple renowned for their Neil Diamond tribute act, “Lightning & Thunder.” Ripa and Consuelos stepped into these roles, renaming their act “Glitz & Glamour” for the parody. The production involved a significant number of costume changes, with Ripa initially facing a staggering 32 outfits. She humorously recounted having to streamline the wardrobe to fit the short promotional clip, underscoring the dedication to detail in their annual Oscar spoofs.
Mark Consuelos praised the production team for their exceptional work, stating, “Man, did they really nail it this year.” Both hosts found it easy to emulate the characters from “Song Sung Blue” due to the widespread familiarity of Neil Diamond’s music. Ripa described the original film as a “feel-mostly-good story” that blends drama, comedy, and music, aspects they aimed to capture in their parody. The special is set to air live on Monday, March 16, directly following the Academy Awards, originating from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
The “After the Oscars” show will feature a host of celebrity guests, including musical performances by Wyclef Jean and Andra Day. Comedian Matt Friend will provide red-carpet coverage, while Leanne Morgan will offer commentary on the awards night’s memorable moments. Fashion expert Carson Kressley will review the evening’s best and worst looks, and DJ Cassidy is also slated to appear. A highly anticipated segment will be Ripa and Consuelos’ interview with host Conan O’Brien, scheduled immediately after the awards ceremony concludes. Additionally, the duo will be positioned backstage to speak with winners as they receive their trophies, a role Ripa approaches with anticipation, noting that “Anything can happen!” at the Oscars.
Leading up to the main event, “Live With Kelly and Mark” will present a pre-Oscars show this Friday, featuring an appearance by past Oscar winner Adrien Brody. Chef Wolfgang Puck, known for his culinary contributions to the Oscars Governors Ball, will also conduct a special cooking demonstration, preparing his famous chicken pot pie. “Live With Kelly and Mark” continues to be a top-rated entertainment talk show in national syndication, produced by WABC-TV and executive produced by Michael Gelman and Kelly Ripa, solidifying its place in post-Oscars viewing traditions.