from nbc news, this is "today", with kathie lee gifford and hoda kotb. from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. hallelujah >> good to be alive by andy grammer. he's in the kitchen and all wound up like he always is.

-- chorus. it's good to be alive right about now >> welcome to wines day wednesday. >> you performed that earlier this morning on the earlier hour. you guys turned it up. it was like being in a church choir. >> appreciate it. i love this song. >> it's called "good to be alive." >> it's wines day wednesday. we are delighted you are here. he's multi-platinum. >> wow. >> not long ago he was a hustling street performer right there near the promenade in santa monica. >> i did that for a while, like four years. >> that's a bustling place. >> now he is one of the biggest pop stars in country music. >> not really country, but whatever you want to say. >> whatever it is. >> you have popular appeal. vibe. >> a little twang in there.

and he's also a philanthropist. we're going to talk to him. >> and there are a lot of big movies opening this weekend, "star wars," and "alvin and the chipmunks". you should know her. that's bella thorne. >> we're talking about who knew, all about that bass. >> would you like some words of wisdom? >> i would. >> we didn't realize we making we just knew we were having fun. that's all i get? a shoulder shrug in. >> that's a non? >> well, let's go make a memory. >> like last night, i was thinking about that. we had a nice dinner, and i thought sometimes having fun, and you're making a nice memory. >> i'm not going to post it or anything. it was nice. >> we had dinner together as a group. >> we had a lovely dinner.

we see each other every day, but rare lay ly ever have a meal together. we want to thank matt. he's a great host. >> he's such a great host. we enjoyed it, had a little drink, too. >> you all left and went off to the movie. >> the movie, the movie is "star wars"! it was thursday night. it was, i mean, it opens tomorrow night. but last night we got to go, and it was one of those things that savannah was practically crying, waiting for it to start. we are all sitting there and sworn to secrecy. first of all, when you get to the theater, they take your phone away so no one can take a picture or video. >> when you're in the news business, it's very, very upsetting. >> there was nothing but hundreds and hundreds of ziploc bags with phone ands

>> i was having a little too much fun. it said do not discuss the plot. >> number one, every time that an older character, whether it was carrie fisher, r2-d2, harrison ford, everyone just started applauding in the theater, which was so much fun, you could hear people, a lot of people went during their child to hood. to, their childhood. and at that was fun. it keeps you on the edge of your seat. >> not natalie, she fell asleep. >> natalie had a few too many, too. >> the difference is nat lay alie can just have one. >> it's not so techie that you feel like it's 2015 cgi. it feels kitschy a little bit like the old "star wars." >> were you a big star wars fan growing up? >> we're trying to figure out where to go see it. >> it's here.

>> you can't get seats. it's already sold out. >> it's sold out everywhere. >> he's andy grammer! >> so jimmy fallon had some fun with "star wars" last night. they created a sing along of the movie sound track with the cast. take a look what they did. ba, ba, ba, ba, ba ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba ba, ba, ba, ba >> that is incredible. >> how cute! >> that is really intricate, inner harmony stuff. that was a lot of work with the iconic john williams sound track. oh, my gosh. >> that was awesome. i liked that, and i don't like

that was awesome. this is the hottest thing going. >> it's a new gadget that might be fun for a holiday party, if you want to have a little smooch under the mistletoe and the person's far away, you just extend it. >> it's 30 inches. that's how far they are. >> it's a little weird. i thought we going to be able to extend to to andy grammer and it was going to be fun, but now it's not. >> at parties, i suppose. >> ah-oh, ah-oh, somebody might be coming! somebody coming. >> what, am i not going to come kiss you right now? are you kidding right now. >> oh. >> oh. >> i take it back. it's fun. >> i like it! >> $10.99 on amazon.com. >> thank you, ang. >> last night was the finale of

tons of performances, we see people like justin bieber and coldplay. >> everyone predicted it would be emily ann versus jordan from team adam. the winner is -- >> hello! >> jordan! [cheers and applause] >> what a night, what a season. >> you guys know, he's 21 years old from kentucky. everybody loved him from the beginning. the guy has pipes like you can't believe. his version of "somebody to love", and adele's "hello." >> and the other young lady, i think, is going to have a tremendous career. she's very marketable, has the look. >> so it's adam's third time

have you picked out one you liked best? >> i haven't seen a lot of "the voice" this year. >> blake has the most winners on "the voice." he has four. >> this is big. have you guys, do you remember the first wives club? >> oh, yeah. >> bette midler, goldie hawn and diane keaten. >> and kathie lee gifford. >> i was bear lay arely in it. but i'm standing there with those three ladies. >> look at kathie lee! turn it up! >> please! >> the idea of this whole thing was because each of you had a younger woman? >> yeah. >> they really are amazing women. congratulations to you for all

i stole the picture just like frank stole jerry mcguire. i think that is a great idea. they are going to do another movie. >> are you going to do it? >> haven't been asked. those three ladies, you know what it tells you about people when the camera's not rolling. it was a freezing february morning. we downtown. i just had flown in from florida that morning because reg and i were shooting in florida. and you don't know what you're going to get. you're standing there with these three superstars. every single one of those women were not only so great to me but to all the extras who were the children. they were going over and rubbing their little hands, so i have wonderful memories of that. >> they're going to get together and be like a singing group. >> i am available!

infomercials on tv about wen shampoo? there's now this lawsuit, a small but growing number of women who say it's dangerous and caused their hair to fall out. it started off with this one woman named amy freedman who said shy used wen for two weeks and it caused her hair to fall out. they say it damages follicles and prevents it from growing back. nbc can't verify amy's claim, but she did file a suit. but now 200 women in 40 states have joined the class action. they claim it caused rashes, hair breakage and even baldness. >> all things you don't want conditioner. the lawsuit claims that one or more wen products contain some combination of ingredients that cause damage. >> so this is what, let's see what the wen people have to say about it?

out that you might recognize this because you see angie harmon and brook shields. this is what the company had to say about it. they said there's no scientific evidence whatsoever to support any claim that our hair care products caused anyone to lose their hair. there are reasons why individuals may lose their hair unrelated to wen products. >> that would be scary if your hair fell out. >> for a while we weren't going to discuss this today because we thought it was an ongoing, but every single woman said you've got to talk about that. men care about their hair every bit as much as women do. >> no, we care more. don't you think? i do. i do. >> i defendant know. >> what do you think, andy? >> i think you guys care more. >> look at your hair. it practically sticks up on its own. >> they're working on a settlement.

it's the holidays. >> here's a googled things. in connecticut, the number one googled person is frank gifford. >> for good reason. >> absolutely. >> in alaska, the number one googled topic is "game of thrones." california, donald trump's hair. >> georgia, it was the stangsy leg. i wish i lived there. amy shum ir chumer schumer, maine. >> ohio is adele. >> and in west virginia, "magic mike xxl." >> uh-huh. west virginia. you need a little boost to get over the wednesday hump >> oh, no, honey, i'm good. and you will be too when andy

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>> it has been a fun morning. we are talking about good friend and singer, andy grammer. >> do you sleep somewhere here at rockefeller center? >> i just hang out. >> we love what kath was talking about earlier, how you were the guy playing in santa monica at the promenade. how does a guy go from that to this? >> does someone come by and say i'm going to offer you -- >> my manager came and found me. i did it for about four years. i think the way you go from the street to sitting next to you lovely ladies is great songs. >> there had to be a time during the four years where you're thinking, this is never going to happen for me, right? >> no, because -- >> wrong? >> because as an artist, you just want to sing and to affect people, right? so you're on the street. >> you were happy to be doing

>>, you're on the street, and a girls volleyball team from tokyo comes by and you're a rock star. you're like, this is cool. >> i had a jar that said make change, i trust you. >> make change i trust you. >> and nobody stole from you all those years? >> no, i don't think so. i don't know. it was actually a sweet way to get started. people like, it lets you know whether you're good or not. you play at a barbecue and people say you're so good. >> you're amazing. >> how long did it take to you go from those days to where you are now? >> about five years ago. >> it was quick, though, don't you think? >> for four years, many people stop and go, i'll make you a star, you know? that never happened. and then this guy, bensinger

me and ben started working together, he came and saw me on the street, said keep your head up, and it went from there. >> and you met your wife in california. she's beautiful. >> she's fantastic. >> she was at the back stage thing. and i said i love andy grammer. and she said she was married to you. >> you're newly married in. >> about three years. >> and you're letting her go on the road with selena? >> she's doing her thing. she's an incredible backup singer. she's a great singer. she got asked to go out. she loved it. she had a great time. >> we're going to play a little andy grammer. >> we're going to take win of your songs and play a mad libs thing. >> we don't know which song. >> i'm, i need a noun. >> a noun.

>> peanut butter. okay. i need another noun. >> hoda. >> okay. i need a verb. be careful. >> slap. >> you know that's going to be good. >> that's kinky. >> i need an add verb adverb. >> like mr.? >> something with l-y. >> swimmingly. i'll take it british. >> i need an adjective, describe. >> lovely. >> i need another noun. kathie lee. >> oh, dear. >> here we go. weeed the guitar, please, is there a pick there? so this song is, "honey, i'm good." >> and your new words are on the prompter.

it's been a long [ laughter ] >> okay. some extra syllables here. i need the vibe. been a long peanut butter year and a long night there and long hodas everywhere hoda, you slap good i will not lie but if you ask, well, got to be like ah, baby, nah, baby you got me all wrong you swimmingly got all my love >> lovely. nah, nah, honey, i got some money kathie lee, if i say, i might not leave at all >> that didn't work at all. >> your version is really good, really, really good. >> have a great holiday with your beautiful wife. >> and we're playing a game of

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got a lot mover re ahead. did you see santa? >> we carved out some space for a who knew edition. >> which historical figure was the inspiration for the alien's face in e.t.? >> you have a few minutes to

oh, my gosh, it's wines day wednesday, and it means we're ready to play who knew. in honor of the much anticipated "star wars" release, we want to see how much you know about space and pop culture. kathie lee's across the street ready to hand out $100 to anybody who gets the questions right. and those who don't get her cd. here with me is the star of the new sci-fi series, actor steven strait.

tell us about your character. >> i play a guy named jim holden. when you first meet jim, he's cynical, self-involved dude, running from answering to now authority, and i comes across this distress call and gets sucked into this sociopolitical maelstrom. >> before the break we asked this question. for the film e.t., which historical figure was the inspiration for the alien's face? >> albert einstein. >> really? >> and steven spielberg was also influenced by -- that's hilarious. ernest hemingway and carl sandburg as well. >> lovely lady from arkansas. what will the prep incess leia be known as? >> c for cd.

answer, and she not what she wanted. leia. movie. it already broke advanced ticket sales for fan damageo. >> from memphis, tennessee. this was never said during a regular episode, beam me up, scott eye, to go where no man has gone before. >> a. >> beam me up scotty was not in stair star trek? >> no. the actual quote was beam me up, mr. scott. >> lovely lady from -- >> st. louis, missouri. >> finish the lyric of elton

i feel it's going to be a long, long time >> blah, blah, blah. [ buzz ] >> i got the cd! [cheers and applause] >> i've never seen so many people overjoyed to get that cd. >> the correct answer is this. no, no, no, i'm a rocket man >> i'm not the man they think i am at home. i'm the rocket man. what's that mean? >> it's a man lost in space from the billboard charts in the '70s. one of the 500 best songs. according to rolling stone. >> from cleveland, ohio, according to the guinness world records, what is the most expensive man-made object ever eagle? >> b.

>> the international space station. now pricey is that? >> over $100 billion. >> $100 billion with a b? >> with a b. over $100 billion. that's right. >> from cal mizzou, michigan. which spacecraft was carrying which recent movie? >> c? >> yes! >> "the martian "? >> yes. >> you can catch steven on the expanse tuesdays at 10:00 on sci-fi. great gifts for a good cause. and they start at $5. plus, the disney star who's in

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actress bella thorne was just 14 when she became a star. from there she headed to the big screen in the "terrible, horrible, no good day" and then later in the drew barrymore film "blended." >> take a look. >> oh, my god, you guys were awesome. hey, miles, right? wow, you played great. >> thanks.

loved when music with your mouth. >> oh, brother. >> oh, brother. >> nice to see you again. >> thanks, nice to be here again. >> these movies are such hits. and they've been around forever, the chipmunks. did you like them growing up? >> i always loved them. but it wasn't the only reason i wanted to do the film. i wanted to work in animation. it's very different when you have live action with animation. >> so if you're supposed to reference, let's pretend that they're down here on the ground, what direction do they give you? >> your marks are super critical. and they do like ten takes just for the chim munches, like they there. these balls that they bring in that light reflect, a camera that takes photos of 360 while you're doing the scene. at that point you're so focussed

>> yeah, i think that would be exhausting. >> it takes forever just for the actors. >> and it's like 17 hour days. and you've got to make it look easy. >> yes. >> you're a pop star but not the diva kind of. >> my character is super down to earth pop star. and sweet. >> we saw in an instagram picture, it had your bedroom. >> who are you! >> i love christmas, me and my mom are total crazy. >> oh. >> hold on. >> wait. >> that your dog? >> i like your bed, how cute. >> those are not my actual sheets for regularly. i have purple sheets. my mom are like, oh, the sheets i got you. they got me in the holiday spirit. >> what's your dog's name? kingston.

demon dog. >> how's your personal life going? do you have anytime for this boyfriend of yours? >> we see each other basically every day. >> there's so many great things about you. we were reading about how when you were younger you had dyslexia. that's one of those things actors have to overcome, and you went on to write a book. that shows just how, how did that harm you or hurt you at all? >> the dyslexia? it harmed me in many ways, because my first language is spanish. then i had to drop spanish to learn english and to read, that took me longer than the average joe. that was hard, and i was bullied in school for it. and i always wanted to be an actress, but everybody's like you can't, you're just a dumb pretty girl. you're not going to be that because you can't read. so i went on to study a bunch, and when i got into acting i

got me, you know, now i, well, like, yeah. >> that's awesome. >> you ring it if it's true. >> it's called ring the bella. >> you have a fear of heights. >> you do? >> mm-hm. >> how high? >> shorter heights. i love rollercoasters, but if it's 7 feet i freak out. >> you love rollercoasters. you were the queen of the card game spits. >> no, crazy eights. >> you have an obsession with cats. [ ring ] >> you have dogs. >> i have cats too. >> you are an only child? >> i have brothers ancestors. >> your full name is bella

>> no, it's bella donna avery thorne. >> you knew every answer. >> thank you. >> "alvin and the chipmunks --

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. [ laughter ] >> hi, joaquin. >> the average american will spend $700 on holiday gifts and goodies this year. that's more than $465 billion. >> so why not do some good with your hard-earned cash and spend it on gifts that give back to education, veterans and those less fortunate. >> and here with us the executive director of "latina" magazine, robin moreno. >> all of the gifts that we have

but they have a huge give-back quality. they can make a difference. >> and they can get all of this before christmas? >> all of this is guaranteed to be delivered before chas ristmas. this is a great jewelry line that transitions out of homelessness. so words like strength, hope, believe, the idea that once you're done with your key, you give it to someone else who needs it more than you. it's a gift that keeps on giving. >> this one says dream. >> this is made by rwandan women. everything's made from recycled materials like bamboo and banana leaves.

it's a . jenna bush. >> when kids receive a school meal, their attendance doubles. so every bag that you buy sponsors a certain amount of meals. this sponsored two kids in kenya for an entire year. these wine bags that you might like, just sayin'. >> this is the $5 table. >> this is a great bargain. this is a small price, big impact, a blake shelton cd. >> for $5? >> for $5. and it helps children all across the country. >> these are going to help veterans. >> veterans have a big problem when they get back from duty.

so the founder had a friend inspired by him. he makes these ties and it helps our heroes get jobs. and on the other side they have a little camouflage pattern, so it. >> can we show the kids? i can't handle what's happening here. the cuteness factor is a 10. >> over here, we have pbs kids partnered with whole foods. 100% goes to pbs, and they're wearing rockin' baby, which is a line. every piece of clothing actually donated to a child in need. because we're standing in front of the ugly sweaters, i will show them to you. it's national ugly sweater day tomorrow. proceeds go to help kids all across the country with hoodies and free shipping today and tomorrow. >> the kids look so adorable. i can't handle what's happening.

>> oh, my gosh. >> thank you so much, robin. >> wait until you see these generous gifts for families in need. >> but first, this is "today", on nbc. where are you going? that was awesome. that was so great! >> you are beautiful. iful. red 97! set! red 97! did you say 97? yes. you know, that reminds me of geico's 97% customer satisfaction rating. 97%? helped by geico's fast and friendly claims service. huh... oh yeah, baby. geico's as fast and friendly as it gets. woo! geico. expect great savings and a whole lot more. i take pictures of sunrises, but with my back pain i couldn't sleep and get up in time. then i found aleve pm. aleve pm is the only one to combine a safe sleep aid plus the 12 hour pain relieving strength of aleve. i'm back.

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more than $30 million worth of gifts are heading out to children and families in need across the country, and we want to thank everybody who's given so generously so far. >> look who's out for a walk in central park. bob and laura moynahan who are here with a wonderful donation

look at you and your gorgeous family. how are you? >> what are you donating this year? >> year' we're donating $150,000 worth of baby strollers. >> that's excellent. >> would you like that hold it? >> why do you feel it's important to do this? >> at uppababy, we're all about safe transport. >> thank you for walking through central park. >> they must feel so silly. >> if you want to donate, stop by or donate online. details at klg and hoda.com. >> a shout out to someone of our fans who spotted regis. >> boston's wearing very cool holiday reeg. >> and tomorrow, last night's