single digits as clouds increase . >> narrator: from nbc news, this is "today" with kathie lee gifford and hoda kotb live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. you know what i miss in life, class. so we're bringing it back today. it's february 9. happy mardi gras. >> happy carnival. we should play carnival music.

having been in mornsnew orleansnso many year -- >> such a fun time of year. in new orleans take, the banks and schools are closed, everybody is out on the streets. everybody grabbing beads. we have crawfish and isaac toops is here. how did you get out of town? >> i snuck out. i said keep the beads, i'm going to see my favorite tv ladies. >> you've made some enemies doing that. >> and with only five days until valentine's day, we'll get you in the moodd for a little romance. before you agreeuyou go out on a hot date, you'll want to know what our@ guys panel says about keeping men interested. >> and we have a surprise guest today. >> we werelike who like who is it and

so i'd like to know who it is. do you know? >> no, i have absolutely no idea. all right. >> what are you wearing? >> i don't know. >> it's a prop. it's not to be worn outside your dress. that's not part of the dress. >> it's carnival, baby. anything goes. this is the day before ash wednesday when everybody -- i guess they go ask for forgiveness tomorrow. >> and so we're celebrating with hurricanes. >> these are a little strong even for me. >> if you go pat o'brien's in new orleans, you get this drink. and this is the hurricane. >> hat is so strong. >> exactly. they play the piano and everybody sings. and so this brings back memories.

>> and this is mardi gras mombo. let's try that again. >> please, no. all right. it's a tradition on this program. here is the king cake. the way it works in new orleans, whoever finds the baby in the king cake has to buy the next one. so our tradition is called mauling the king cake because we're searching for the baby jesus. >> that's who is in it. >> by the way, so delicious. it has cinnamon and, oh, lord, i hate to destroy a king cake. >> are you kidding me? >> not with our your fingers on it. are you sure it's even in here? i don't think it's in here. >> there is always a baby.

>> i'm finding this year. fyi. >> you find it. >> you find it. >> that's what she said. >> oh, no. it's not even -- >> a little plastic baby jesus. >> okay. i don't -- >> we got stiffed one year where there was no baby jesus p. >> it's in here, you just have to find it. bet it's he in one of your sections. oh, my gosh, where is it? oh, no. >> are you positive there is one in here? this is a cruel joke. >> it's in here, i know. >> anything else we can talk about while we're looking? who do you think the mystery guest is? >> i don't know. >> speaking of baby jesus, have an actor who will be lay playing grown up jesus.

>> our producer has been sending us pictures from mardi gras. there is amanda doing what amanda does. that's such a bummer. >> can i have a fine tooth comb, please? >> she sent us over videos and stuff. amanda knows how to have fun. so i think it's time to talk about the bachelor. amanda is not here. so -- >> > hy don't you do it? you're already in the shot. thanks. jerry, please, d't leave your ugly things. check your head piece for the baby. it is a cruel -- >> did someone take the baby -- >> there he is. >> what? >> there he is. >> there is one in there, too. we have to find it. >> this is like elf on the shelf.

>> oh, we're on tv. all right. we'll talk about the bachelor. >> really, amanda is in new orleans. so we were wondering -- >> you said take twice. >> -- whether or not olivia, you know, everybody doesn't like olivia, all right? so bepn did a cruel thing. she's just one of those girls that girls don't like. so then he was trying to figure out who he was going to give arose to, so he took olivia and another girl, what was her another girl, what was her name -- >> emily. >> emily. emily, they both -- and emily was the twin who stayed on the show. remember the other twin got bounced. anyway, so he took both of these two. we're going on a date. and brought arose. and everyone wondered who was going to get the rose. well, he did a little head fake. he pretended like he was going to give it to emily -- i mean olivia. and instead he gave to emily.

have the sound? let's watch. >> today you really did take the time to speak your heart and tell me exactly what you're feeling. >> yeah. >> i don't think i can reciprocate those feelings. it's just not a place that i can get to. and i think that you've been honest with me about your feelings. i haveto be honest with you about mine. and tell you that i can't give you this rose. i'm going to have to say good-bye. >> okay. >> i'm sorry. >> he's not sorry.

what was going on? as to owe so olivia is out. >> i don't know any of them. >> leah was also september packing because she's a drama creator. you know one those people who stir the pot? ben was exhausted. he canceled a cocktail party but showed up at the rose ceremony. and then, wait, it was lauren h. -- >> stop it. >> lauren h. he sent packing. are we watching something? so whoho is left? >> you and i are right here. still looking for baby jesus. >> all right. so they they want to us play guess the guest. this person performs in front of >> what?

>> usually half the audience likes this person. where is the person? wait. go back again. he performs in front of millions of people. executes precision-like moves. usually half the audience likes -- >> oh, he's a sports guy. >> or a magician and the other half of the person doesn't like it. [ buzzer ] >> this bra is cutting off half high breathe my breathing. >> okay. we'l'l come back and tt to guess who it is. and then image is everything. we'll give it away to typhoon luck five lucky viewers. and a big party from mardi gras. >> are you sure? >> he's not here.

listerine total care helps prevent cavities, strengthens teeth and restores tooth enamel. it's an easy way to give listerine total care to the total family. listerine total care. one bottle, six benefits. power to your mouth . and for kids starting at age six, listerine smart rinse delivers extra cavity protection after brushing. meet the matte with vivid impact. new vivid matte liquid lip color from maybelline neneyork. now lips go vivid with.... super saturated color new sensuous feel drench your lips in vivid matte. maybelline's vivid matte liquid make it happen maybelline new york

charmin ultra soft gets you clean without the wasteful wadding. it has comfort cushions you can see that are softer... ...and more absorbent, and you can use up to 4 times less. enjoy the go with charmin. eat up, buddy.y.ou'll get it this t te. yeah don't let go until i say so. i got you... start strong with the lasting energy of 100% whole grain quaker oats. and off you go. chobani simply 100 . it's the only light greek yogurt with zero preservatives. to love this life is to live it...naturally. i am never getting married. we're never having kids. mmm-mmm. we are never moving to the suburbs. we are never having another kid. i'm pregnant. i am never letting go.

everything you need to know about life, you can learn from granola. keep it simple. always be real. don't be artififial, but always b bsweet. nature valley granola bars. no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. just good. happening now? the perfect brow new brow drama pomade crayon from maybelline new york. our 1st creamy, pigmented wax crayon sculpts and tames as it colors, in one easy swipe. maybelline's new brow drama pomade make it happen

today is fat tuesday which marks the end of the carnival season and there is no american city more famous for its mardi gras celebrations than -- >> no one can find the baby. >> what? >> look underneath, he says. >> so our today food team called up louisiana native isaac toups. he's the executive chef and

owner of toups meatry. >> this is not part of my dress really, right? >> oh, come on. >> you might not understand that it's a bra. >> show the back. see, it's a bra. >> i like it better with the beads. >> what are we making? >> some crawfish. it's a classic dish. good for a cold weather day andnd to suck up allhe alclcol. >> what kind of ingredients do we need? >> we have the classic trinity, green onion, celery, bell pepper, crawfish, white wine. >> let's get cooking. >> first we'll have a pan nice and hot. we'll add the trinity. put a pinch of salt in for me. >> look at me cooking. >> throw it in there. a little white pepper. p. >> and a little butter.

>> oh, that's garlic. >> not yet. hold on. i'm the chef here. >> what now? >> a little a spatula i'll use. >> don't let her. we add the garlic. >> oh, yeah, that was a big difference. >> you donon want to burn your garlic. after we caramelize our vegetables, this is what they look like. make our roux. >> a little flower. >> a little flower. we'll page sure it all gets emulsified emulsified. this is our thickening.

product. this is what my grandmother calls the brick roux. bricks. that's what will give it the signature flavor. >> i'll it you were thisurnv turn this off. it will thicken up. add the white wine. >> now you're spieaking our language. >> always have to taste your food. delicious. and then the crawfish tock. >> where do you get that? >> i make it myself. >> were you born and raised this new orleans is this? >> i was born and raised in la fayette, new orleans.

out of t t womb and start making thth roux. >> now what? >> now we have the near finalized product. so we have the vegetables, roux, tomato, white wine, crawfish stock. then we add the louisiana crawfish tails. >> this is so delicious. and you pour it over rice? >> leasesplease don't put scallions on mine.. >> all rrht. we have our ladle. here we go. >> and you scoop it right out. >> get a good bit of gravy. >> if you can't boil the crawfish yourself to get the stock, is there anywhere to get it? >> you can use shrimp stock or you can buy homemade stock. i won't make fun of you if you do. >> i have one for you.

>> please enjoy. pretty. >> oh, my gosh. >> here we go. >> a kick, baby. by the way, it we by the way, did we find the baby? >> no. >> no baby in there. i'm going to sue. >> how is that possible? >> let's have a bite. >> you know where to look. >> oh, that's good. but let's see if we can find it. see, i know the trick.k. >> at's the trick? >> it's on the bottom. >> you found it? we got a baby right here. >> it's got to be on the bottom, you guys. >> thank you so much.

you can catch isaac on top chef this thursday on bravo. >> is it okay to flirt with other people when you're innext, on the fingerhut network. d news. you have need a new one-itis. what is it? how's your tv? need a new one. and your coffee maker? need a new one. oh my gosh, i do have need a new one-itis. what can i do? go to fingerhut.com and get a new samsung tv or keurig coffee maker. at fingerhut you get low monthly payments on over half a million items. oh, thank you, doctor. oh, don't thank me. thank fingerhut. fingerhut.com. get the credit you deserve and start shopping today. hi hey you look good. thank you, i feel good. it all starts with eating right. thatat why i eat amaz!n prunes now. they're delicious and help keep my body in balance. i love these. sunsweet amaz!n prunes, the feel good fruit. the flu virus hits big. with aches, chills, and fever,

and it needs a big solution: an antiviral. so when the flu hits, call your doctor right away and up the ante with antiviral tamiflu. prescription tamiflu is an antiviral that attacks the flu virus at its source and helps stop it from spreading in the body. tamiflu is fda approved to treat the flu in people two weeks of age and older whose flu symptoms started within the last two days. before taking tamiflu, tell your doctor if you're pregnant, nursing, have serious health conditions, or take other medicines. if you develop an allergic reaction, a severe rash, or signs of unusual behavior, stop taking tamiflu and call your doctor immediately. children and adolescents in particular may be at an increased risk of seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior. the most common side effects are mild to moderate nausea and vomiting. anti-flu? go antiviral with tamiflu. now lashes go luscious! new lash sensational luscious mascara from maybelline new york. oil-infused formula...

the full fan effect goes luscious. new lash sensational luscious. make it happen. maybelline new york. i'm like a boxer in a ring. a small boxer. you don't expect much... and then, wham! i hit 'em with huge creamy goodness! alright round two! bring it, girlfriend! rich, creamy, 100% natural cheese. mini babybel. snack a little bigger. it's always worth remembering... that icing the cinnamon rolls is a privilege not a right. unleash the poweof dough.

with valentine's day this sunday, you want to know what your sman reallyman is really thinking. so time for guys tell all. first time is jean carlos. >> say it however you want. actually. >> i just like to watch your lips move. >> he's just been cast as jesus in the passion on fox which will air "life" inlive in march. >> and next upups rick ounger,

and he canbe seen in the rick younger show. he has his own shown. >> and also with us host of the idiot test, ben glebe. >> my name means cinnamon, also. >> and last but certainly not least, the recently engaged be bob -- i know. do you know how many hearts you're breaking? >> oh, please. >> let's begin with our rst question. question one. rachel asks this. why is it that when a -- oh, hey, girl. we didn't even see you. all right. go ahead, honey. >> hi, i'm from new orleans and my question is how can i drop hints about what we should do coming off strong. >> if you want do something special, just line it up and do it.

>> do yououknow w wat would be fun -- when a woman does that t's not creepy. i did it real slow. >> that's creepy. >> but if you just say you know what would be fun. more than likely we want to do what you want to. >> but sometimes you want someone to -- you're like saying let's go to this place for dipper. >> she likes charles in charge. >> valentine's day tends to be not that emergency cal thing for guys as it is for women. so you have to tell us a little bit. >> and you'll be disappointed, too. >> i like to overdo it a little bit. it's part of the tradition. so i'm down with that. >> even if i'm not dating anybody, i have a romantic valentine's day. home alone with flowers and a

this. with ingredients like roasted hazelnuts and cocoa, the delicious taste of nutella takes pancakes to a whole new level. make any day a pancake day with nutella - spread the happy! (politely) wait, wait, wait! you can't put it in like that... ...you have to rinse it first. that's baked-on alfredo. baked-on? it's never gonna work. dish issues? trust your dishwasher with cascade platinum. it powers... through... your toughest stuck-on food. better than finish. cascade. mmmm mmmmm mmmm, mmm, mmm mmmm, mmm mmm, mmm! mmmm, mmmm

aging is not just about wrinkles. your skin could be losing volume. revitalift volume filler from l'oreal with hyaluronic acid. cheeks are fuller. wrinkles, smoother. i can see the difference here and here. revitalift volume filler from l'oreal. clorox knows to make a big meal, you have to make a big mess. clorox scrub singles are pre-loaded with cleaners to scrub away stuck-on messes and even get into tough corners. it cleaned all this. good job, mom. great job, mom. real scrubbing. for your real life. ight chance of flurries thursday night as highs continue to cling to the 20- degree mark moving into the weekend before getting their next big bump up to the 30s on sunday. that's also when we'll stand yet another slight chance of a snow shower. those wanting warmer temperatures might have better luck next week as indicated by preliminary model runs. see graphics. >> sioux city officials have started towing snowbound cars. owners were given warnings last week, then police started issuing tickets on

brought in to get them off the streets and out of the way of snow plows. if your car is towed, it'll cost you almost two- hundred dollars to get it out of impound. at least 20 cars that had not been moved were towed on monday. the weight of snow on the roof caused part of a vacant commercial building in sioux city to collapse. there was nobody in the building at 14-11 jackson street. a cashier at the gas station next door contacted authorities after hearing a loud thump early sunday morning. owners say they've hired private contractors to see what can be salvaged and to put up a fence for safety. ben's here now with the forecast.

we'll have another slight chance of flurries thursday night as highs continue to cling to the

weekend before it's fat and spanky tuesday. and we're waiting for our handsome guys to tell all. >> and we have the single and adorable jean carlos. and single dad ben -- >> no, he's not. >> are you telling me something i don't know? >> somebody tell him. >> and bob is engaged. >> a question from an e-mail. you will like that one. rachel asks why is it that when a guy finds out that a woman is

herself, money, car, et cetera, he loses interest or is not interested at all. >> i couldn't agree less. i love that. i start working less immediately. i feel like sugar mama, let's do this. >> there was a period in my life where i really needed that woman. >> i think it's a powerful, ndependent successful woman. >> it you let her pay? >> here's the thing. i want her to know it's not necessary for her to pay. if she wants to, my all means, but i work so i can please -- >> there needs to be an understanding of the value of what each person brings to a relationship. at times when i was broke and poor, i was like, hey, come on to my house, i'll could go dinner for you.

>> you buy all the ingredients. >> i could afford freepingredients. i couldn't afford stipulatetippinged a all the and all the other things. so they go across the street. >> hi, i'm vicky and my question is what age do men think they have matured. >> i thinknkyou're not actually an adult until 27. i think 21 through 27 is provisional adulthood. at 27, you start to become an adult. >> i think you never stop learning if you're living the right way. i think you should be like -- i think you should be a kid and know when to be an adult. because as you become aped a did you tell, you forget the simple things in your life. >> i don't know what he said, but i'm hungry.

>> your brain isn't even formed until you're 25. >> i've had a formed brain then for the last two years. >> nicole asked is it wrong for a person to give flirty looks or flirt with a person if they're in a relationship. >> no. that's the only thing you got. >> i'm married, not buried. >> if you act on it, it's a bit different. but i think there should be enough respect and communication in a relationship where that is okay. >> a flirty look, it could be something very simple, like a stare at a lady. >> what if it's a little longer than that. >> danger zone. >> if somebody looks at you and you don't reciprocate -- >> how long is long. >> more than eight seconds. >> there is a fine line between

>> yes. >> a lot of us are talking. >> if you have question, connect with us. >> can anybody guess the guest? here are the clues. they perform this front of millions of people. executes precision-like moves. usually half the audience likes him. is it bruno mars? we have the hot ref! >> oh, my gshosh, we got him? it will be a good day. come to mama. with me, what you see is what you get. and i expect the same from my mascara. now, revlon introduces a new collection of mascaras that makes getting the lash look you want easy. so whether you choose ultra volume, super length, volume and length magnified, dramatic definition, or the ultimate all-in-one... the choice is yours. chchse love

vlon. love is on. at nature made vitamins, we know there are lots of things you're supposed to do to be healthy. but nature made adult gummies are one part of your health routine you'll actually look forward to. mmmm, mango. nature made adult gummy vitamins and supplements. you're driving through&the woods when a majestic beast runs into view. then you run into a tree. but your totaled new car isn't totally replaced. with new car replacement, we'll replace the full value of your car plus depreciation. liberty mutual insurance. every wonder what we're made of?

nature valley granola bars. there's only one egg that just tastes better. with 10 times more vitamin e. and twice the omega 3s. because why have ordinary when you can have the best. only eggland's best. better taste. better nutrition. better eggs. indulgence... no longer comes at a price. well, actually it does... but it's just $9.99 new hot shot whisky chicken applebee's grill & bar favorites made a little better for you. featuring new dishes loaded with flavor,, and all under 650 calories. don't let a cracked windshield ruin your plans. trust safelite. with safelite's exclusive "on my way text" you'll know exactly when we'll be there. giving you more time for what matters most. (team sing) safelite repair, safelite replace. eat up, buddy. you'll get it this time. yeah ok not too quick don't let go until i say so. i got you...

you're doing it!

now for the moment we've been waiting for. the big reveal of our mystery guest. here are the clues one last time. he performs in front of millions of people. executes precision-like moves. usually half the audience likes him. >> and he looks good in stripes.

they said stripes, we knew there was only one nswer to the question. and hereet is. >> our mystery guest is the hot ref -- come on down. >> good to see you. >> hey! >> adorable. >> well kocome. >> oh, my god. clete blakeman. the whole social rld went crazy not over the game, because of you. were you is surprised, embarrassed? >> actually it all. i thought it was just a couple tweets but then it started blowing up. >> you're like here is the

flex and thehe a -- >> yeah. that's part of the 13rb8super bowl. >> you have a beautiful wife and i just saw you in the stairwell and i was like i know her from somewhere and i remember i saw you on tv yesterday. what is your name some. >> katie. >> and intotwo gorgeous kids. katie, you've known he's been hot for a long time. how are you dealing with this 124. >> some. >> i love it. >> and how about your kids? >> well, they're five and three. >> we're bringing out some competition for you because we have our own hot ref. >> so what we are going to do, throw the flag some? >> absolutely.

have for tell me if it's a real call or ffke call. >> when do we thrhr the yellow?? >> when you have an answer. >> hey, this is you're show. you. >> okay. real. >> offsides. it is right. >> ineligible down field. >> that's good. >> i did live in a football house. >> yes, you did. >> xt one. >> first down. >> how about this one. >> offsides. >> holding. >> she got to it first.

i had to practice this one. >> not real. >> the nene. >> come on out. >> how about this one. >> fake. >> you guys are so cute. thank you for coming. you're a beautiful couple.

from the hot ref to el divo. meet the matte with vivid impact. new vivid matte liquid lip color from maybeine new york. now lips go vivid with... super saturated colornew sensuous feel drench your lips in vivid matte. maybelline's vivid matte liquid make it happen maybelline new york there's something to be said for exploring the world around you. why should snacking be any different? discover all nine flavors of our creamy cheese and tap into your curiosity. the laughing cow. reinvent snacking. (b(bky) i started smokininwhen i was 16. now i have end stage copd. my tip is; if you keep smoking, your "freedom" may only go as far as your oxygen tube. (announcer)you can quit. for free help, call 1-800-quit-now. curing a yeast infection can take days. relieving the itch... can happen instantly. vagisil max strength anti-itch wipes

as they cleanse. so why wait to feel comfortable? trust vagisil. the number one wipe for itch. i'm home. everything's fine. a lot happens on your wooden surfaces. luckily, no one cleans and kills germs better than clorox disinfecting wipes. chobani i mply 100 . it's the only light greek yogurt with zero preservatives. to love this life is to live it...naturally. some people think that at a certain age you should stop coloring. what's next? stop wearing makeup? new excellence age perfect from l'or\al. with layered tone technology, for color

so flattering to my skin. new excellence age perfect brunettes

>> narrator: the ci it tti concert serryes is "today." if you're in the moods for romance, we have something

>> performance by the international singing sensation he willel divo. they have sold more than 26 million albums. >> amazing. and they are here with usp and thrilled. >> this is beautiful. >> and you're going on tour. >> yes. >> where are you going? >> we're starting out in mexico city. we will go all around south america, southeast asia, uk, europe and then later this year, we will wrap up the tour coming back to america. >> we can't wait tohear you sing. >> especially this one.

to all the girls i've loved before, who traveled in and out my door i'm glad they came along, i dedicate this song to all the girls i've loved before to all the girls i once caressed, and may i say i've held the best to helping me to grow, owe a lot i inow, to all the girr i've loved before winds of change are always

to stay, the winds of change continued blowing, and they just carried me away to all the girls who shared my life, who now are someone else's wife i'm glad they came along, i dedicate this song to all the

it all the girls we've loved before, who traveled in and out my door [ applause ] >> thank you. the strings were beautiful and the harp and cello.

tour. want to bring in our friend, amy.

dresses. >> they're darling. >> and before we say good bay-bye on this spanky tuesday, we'll give five lucky fans -- >> it's time to give it away. it's an epson presenter erpripts printer worth $499. it is cartridge-free printing so you never have to worry about running out. the equivalent of about 50 ink cartridges. >> you're doing great. >> amy, thank you, honey. >> never mind. >> who is first? >> the first winner -- i ght twoot two. first is debra harden from carolina.

there kentucky. >> and i have got alla quilam. >> and andrew urban won. >> and the last one is jacqueline rose from las vegas. >> congrats to all of our winners. enter next week again. >> you have some explaining to to. jackie was in charge of the king cake. >> there was a babyyin here before you uys touchedt. >> who took it out? where is it? >> you'll have to get in the spank line. >> let's crank it up, baby. >> you start it. >> bend over.