1. When Michael Jackson invited her to Neverland Ranch.

He revealed that he had vitiligo, but not everyone bought that as the reason for his lighter complexion.

2. When she interviewed Whitney Houston in 2009.

Houston talked about her infamous drug use and basically threw Bobby Brown under the bus.

3. When she visited Usher's home for a post-custody-battle interview.

The singer admitted that he'd had sexual relations with his ex-wife's bridesmaid. Skanky, much?

4. When she landed an interview with Bobbi Kristina and the Houston family.

How she snagged this one month after Whitney Houston's death, we'll never know. Well, of course we know -- she's Oprah. Bobbi Kristina seemed steady, and it was a sobering moment for a country whose collective heart ached for the only child of America's sweetheart.

5. When Rihanna told the world that she still loved Chris Brown.

It was really hard to watch.

6. When Tyler Perry shared stories of his sexual abuse.

And some thought he came out of the closet, too (it turns out he didn't).

7. When Mackenzie Phillips revealed her incestuous relationship with her father.

... Who happened to be John Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas. She maintains that the relationship was consensual.

8. When Tiger Woods sat on Oprah's couch.

He coined the term "cablinasian," and everyone was trying to figure out how he snuck the "ca-" part in there.

9. When Mo'Nique's abuser apologized to her on air.

Her estranged brother appeared on the show and admitted, "I'm here today to first acknowledge what I've been in denial for for 37 years, and that is, I did assault and inappropriately touch my sister in manners that were uncomfortable for her."

10. When 50 Cent basically admitted that he didn't have many friends.

It's kind of sad, because he's actually a smart, kind and cuddly fellow.

11. When Toni Braxton spoke out about being broke.

Oprah didn't make her feel very good about her situation.

12. When Jay-Z told her that he and Beyoncé have pizza on Sundays.

OK, so this isn't juicy or scandalous. But considering that we didn't really know they were together until year 6, this counts as grade-A juice.

13. When author Terry McMillan confronted her gay ex-husband.

A staff favorite. Oprah facilitated the face-off, which is now pop-culture gold.

14. When Jennifer Hudson forgave her family's killer.

She also revealed that she was never mad at her sister, the murderer's ex-wife.

15. When Oprah interviewed former track star Marion Jones.

In Jones' first interview after her release from federal prison, Oprah questioned her about her use of illegal performance-enhancing drugs.

16. When Tom Cruise expressed his love for Katie Holmes.

... And did this. This also counts as the moment when Oprah's couch was catapulted into a superstardom of otherworldly proportions.

Akoto Ofori-Atta is the assistant editor and social media manager for The Root. Follow her on Twitter.

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