Watching Rachael Ray

How do you know a song is huge? There’s thousands of copycat videos online that people are checking out by the hundreds of thousands. Beyonce’s Single Ladies is one such song - and I should know, I’ve watched many of the copycats and recognize many of the clips in the montage they shown! So, what’s left to do? A Single Ladies Dance-Off right in the studio!

We have three of the best - and they’re not all ladies! There’s 5 elementary school teachers, 3 best friends, and one handsome gentleman. Jonner was inspired by Justin Timberlake’s SNL sketch, and he knew he could shake it! Each group will get 40 seconds, and who’s judging? Beyonce’s MOM! Tina Knowels joins them all on the stage, and says she wants to find enthusiasm and confidence - even as she admits that her girls didn’t get their talent from them. She’s tried to learn some of the Single Ladies moves herself, but… well. She just wants to see the groups bust a move!

While the groups go backstage to get ready, Tina joins Rachael at the table for a little chat where they talk about Beyonce singing at the Inauguration. Mom is most impressed that her baby girl is grounded and keeps her head. Mama designed the costumes for the video, and is thrilled that it’s started a “leotard movement.” Beyonce was shy as a child, and they put her in dance class to help her get over her shyness, and it helped her build her confidence. Tina is designer, and the lines are House of Dereon - affordable cocktail dresses, Dereon which is the younger set, and Miss Tina, that covers all ages and sizes 2-22.

Then it’s time for the dance off!

The teachers win $500 gift cart to Tracy Mathews Designs, and the trio of teens grab second and $1000 gift card - which means Joner dances away with the trophy and a $3000 gift card.

Don’t forget to check out the Tina Knowles Sound-off for more backstage.

After a quick stop in the prep kitchen for the Antipasta Tostada, its time to start your engines as Jeff Gordon, 4 time NASCAR charm joins Rach at the couch! Rachael has gotten into NASCAR lately, and is thrilled with how all the drivers are gentleman, and Jeff jokes “are you sure you met ALL the drivers?” He agrees that they’re amazed with how polular their sport has grown, and they love what they do and they have the best fans.

Jeff started racing when he was 5 1/2, racing go-carts and quarter midgets, and he would practice with his mom, who was a heck of a driver and helped him practice maneuvers. He says one of the biggest adrinilin rushes ever wasn’t even on the track, but doing Saturday Night Live. He says he’s comfortable, but it’s not something he’d want to do on a daily basis.

Mom is in the audience, and Carol says that she never felt worried really, just a bit in the beginning, but she’s ok with it. She’s on hand to help share her cookbook “Pit Stop in a Southern Kitchen”, co-written with another famous driver’s mother, Martha Earnhardt. Mom says that Jeff was a good eater, but never id the dishes. Jeff says his mom is a great cook, and the food in the cookbook is good and simple, and just good. They move into the kitchen with Carol and Jeff to learn a couple family favorites ( Tater Tot Casserole and Bickford’s Chicken Casserole) , and Carol admits that she has something in common with Rach - she doesn’t measure anything, either! More with Jeff Gordon backstage!

Then, as if that weren’t enough food - we also get a visit from Daisy Martinez from the Food Network’s Daisy Cooks! She stops by to cook up a spicy Choripan and reveals that Rachael has hidden talent of her show (Daisy Cooks!)’s executive producer. “This girl can text faster than Speed Racer!” Rachael laughs and admits she’s a spaz even in texting. Backstage, Daisy reveals her celebrity crush too!

After Daisy’s done - Rachael steps in to make a sloppy version of the Choripan, Sloppy Sausage and Pepper Heroes with Pickled Onions. Whew!