Katie Couric is readying herself for her new daytime talk show, dubbed "Katie." Her show, which will be her first foray into the world of filming for a live audience, will delve into a number of topics including social issues, celebrities and other more serious topics.
Reports say that "Katie" will feature single topic shows, shows with multiple segments and recurring feature pieces including one called "You Only Live Once," which will be a "bucket list" of sorts and another called "Women Who Should Be Famous," according to USA Today.
When asked in an interview with USA Today who her role model is, Couric responded "Obviously the closest person is Oprah. I don't want to be the next Oprah; I could never be the next Oprah. But the mix of subjects and the guests and the topics that appeal to her are most clearly the things that appeal to me. If I had to say who I relate to most in this landscape, it's her."
Couric says that the new show will focus a lot on what's "trending" with the national audience. Of course, what trend could be bigger than Hollywood celebrities? Slated to spear in the premiere of "Katie" are Jessica Simpson and Sheryl Crow. Among the other stars to be featured in future shows are Barbra Streisand, Jennifer Lopez and Sofia Vergara.
After her most recent taping, Couric fielded questions from members of the audience. One woman asked who would be her "dream guest." Couric's immediate answer was "Kate Middleton."
"I think it would be interesting to interview Kate Middleton because she has comported herself so well since she has been thrust in the limelight," Couric said, then noted "I think she needs to eat more because she's so thin."
Reports from the press regarding Couric's comment on Kate M. are tinged with disbelief and outrage.
"It is not clear why Couric - who was granted exclusive access to the Royals for her ABC News Special - would have made the extraordinary comment," the Hollywood Gossip wrote. "She surely meant no harm, but the weight loss topic is a sensitive one to say the least at the palace, especially given Princess Diana's battle with bulimia."
In response to her comment on Middleton, the New York Post wrote, "considering that Couric has been given exclusive interviews with the Royals...we can't imagine that they would be too pleased to grant access again."