There’s another twist in Kelly Rowland’s “Today” show drama.
According to an insider, Rowland stormed off the set of the “Today” show because she was asked about Beyonce’s upcoming album, Act II.
Last week, Page Six reported that the Destiny’s Child background singer walked off the set due to a dispute over the size of her dressing room.
Rowland’s abrupt departure left “Today” show host Hoda Kotb scrambling to find a replacement to host the 10 a.m. hour with her.
Kelly arrived at the NBC studios at 5 a.m. for her 8 a.m. interview with Savannah Guthrie on Feb. 15.
An insider with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap that “Kelly was offended that Savannah repeatedly and aggressively asked her about Beyonce.”
According to the source, Rowland’s people told “Today” producers in advance not to ask her about Beyonce.
During a commercial break, it was announced that Guthrie would ask Rowland about Beyonce’s new album.
Rowland, who was waiting to walk on the set, initially smiled. But her smile turned to a frown when she heard the announcement.
“The story was spun that Kelly didn’t like her dressing room, but she has been on the ‘Today’ show numerous times, she and her team know the dressing room set up. That would not come as a surprise at all,” the source told TheWrap.
“Kelly was upset about Savannah’s aggressive questioning about Beyonce. She and her team were not happy and felt disrespected.”
However, video of the interview shows Guthrie was not “aggressive” at all.
Guthrie asked Rowland, “What do you think about your friend Beyonce?”
Rowland replied, “I’m so proud of her.”
Guthrie said, “I know, but were you surprised and what do you think about [Act II]?”
Rowland repeated: “I’m so proud of her. So happy for her.”
TheWrap noted that “Today” show hosts typically don’t agree to interview topics being off-limits ahead of time.
On Tuesday’s episode of “Today with Hoda & Jenna,” Kotb confirmed that Rowland’s dramatic exit was due to the dressing room dispute – not Guthrie’s questions.
“I adore her, and I want her to come back on our show, and I want her to host again,” Kotb said, adding, “She can share my dressing room, we’ll be in it together.”
