Television anchorwoman, Hoda Kotb is no stranger to New Orleans. She got some of her early television training working as a WWL-TV anchor, before leaving the Big Easy for the Big Apple in 1998. She then gained international renown with her work on NBC’s “Dateline”. For the past few years, Hoda has been co-hosting the morning talkshow “Today” with Kathie Lee Gifford which continues to add fame to her resume.

Hoda’s next big appearance, though, won't be on television. Her next cameo will actually be taking her back to her roots right here in New Orleans! The 2012 FestiGals has just announced that Kotb will be Keynote Speaker at the Bodacious Bras for a Cause Luncheon. The all-female festival “FestiGals” will be June 22-24 of this year and features a “Stiletto Stroll” second line, City Tours, fine dining, and discussions. NOLA.com reports that “FestiGals will include appearances by Huffington Post columnist Colleen Mullaney, Commander’s Palace co-owner Ti Martin and Historic New Orleans Collection historian Pamela Arceneaux” to name a few. Hoda has made several trips back to NOLA since her big more to NYC, including one trip immediately after Hurricane Katrina. The television personality has been very loyal to the city of New Orleans and continues to inspire hope for progress within the city. Everyone here in Hollywood South is excited to have Hoda back for a few days, but perhaps no one is more excited that Hoda herself!

For more information about the festival, please visit their official website.

On Wednesday, Saint’s Quarterback Drew Brees made one the most important guest appearances that a celebrity can hope to make: Sesame Street. The athlete appeared with Elmo to introduce kids to the word “measure”. You can watch the clip of Drew Brees helping kids (and muppets) better understand how to use tools to find out how long or tall something is. With little ones of his own, this appearance had to be a special treat for Drew- and everyone, even Elmo, seemed happy to have him be a part of this classic television show!  

But "Mr. Drew" isn’t the only celebrity who has had the pleasure of co-hosting with Elmo, here are some of the Southern Celebrity Gossiper’s favorites.

Amy Adams (who starred in the locally-shot “On the Road” with JRP New Orleans’ student, Madison Wolfe) : made her debut a while back.

… and this Metairie-native, Ellen DeGeneres celebrated her similarities with the famous host in 2008. Watch the video here! 

An appearance on Sesame Street is a make-it or break-it opportunity, and we’re happy to report that Drew Brees passed the test!