Rascal Flatts Sing ‘I Won’t Let Go’ for Oprah Winfrey Show Finale

Rascal Flatts were chosen to make a unannounced appearance at the Oprah Winfrey Show's finale. 'Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular, Part 1' was taped Tuesday May 17 before an estimated 13,000 fans at Chicago's United Center. Oprah's producers tapped the band to perform 'I Won't Let Go,' from their latest album, 'Nothing Like This.' The song is especially meaningful because its lyrics express the bandmates' feelings toward Oprah.

"We got to perform live at the arena in downtown Chicago, and just a crazy, crazy huge crowd of people, a huge amount of Oprah fans," Joe Don Rooney says with a laugh. "Who doesn't love Oprah? ... We're all going to remember Oprah's shows for the past 25 years for the rest of our lives. I mean, she's had a way with touching our lives in a unique way, and every episode she's had is always unique from the last one. And she's done so much for entertainment for our households for so many years. It's going to be sad seeing Oprah's show not be on TV any more, but we were very proud and honored to be a part of that, no doubt."

Although Tom Cruise, Madonna, Beyoncé, Tom Hanks, and many other A-list entertainers turned out to pay tribute to Oprah, Rascal Flatts' performance was arguably a stand out. When the band performed, all the other stars returned to the stage and Oprah said, "I feel the love! And I thank you for it. Thank you for being a part of this great night, this celebration for what you have done for the Oprah Winfrey Show. Your being here tonight ... honors me in the deepest way possible."

Rascal Flatts have appeared on Oprah's show several times in the past few years. The band performed their hit song, 'Life Is a Highway,' in celebration of Oprah's 24th season last year.

"Very few people in this world has accomplished the things that Oprah Winfrey has done, and we were proud to be a part of closing out such a wonderful chapter in her history," Jay DeMarcus adds. "It was an amazing event, and hope everybody enjoys watching it."

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