Ellen and Portia talk to Tracy Grimshaw of A Current Affair at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Melbourne. Vision courtesy of Nine.
- Star says she could imagine herself living in Australia
- The welcome from fans has been overwhelming
- VIPs attend the black-tie cocktail in Melbourne
TV STAR Ellen DeGeneres said she could imagine living in Australia one day as she and wife Portia de Rossi attended an exclusive cocktail party in Melbourne.
"I shouldn't put it out there, but I can see us living here one day,"she told the crowd at the Grand Hyatt Hotel where 300 VIPs graced the red carpet for the black-tie event hosted by Premier Denis Napthine.
"Not for a while as I've got shows to do, but I can see it happening," she said.
"This is the most incredible trip, I will never forget it."
The event featured prominent business, entertainment and sporting figures including Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, Sonia Kruger, John Bertrand, Shane Jacobson, Magda Szubanski, Lisa Wilkinson, Hawthorn footballer Josh Gibson and many more.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi pictured on the red carpet at the Grand Hyatt. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis
DeGeneres was asked her thoughts on Mr Napthine who told 3AW radio he didn't support gay marriage.
"There are people who don't support it and people who do, politicians or not it doesn't make me judge them, as a human being," she said.
"That's his opinion, I obviously think he is wrong, but he will come around," she added.
The Premier welcomed DeGeneres at the cocktail party, telling the audience he admired her style.
Brynne Edelsten was among the VIP crowd at the cocktail party. Picture:Julie Kiriacoudis
"I am a great fan. I remember watching your show Ellen and thought it was one of the best shows of its time," Mr Napthine said.
He also made reference to Portia and said the people of Geelong wanted to say a special hello.
"I was in Geelong yesterday and the people of Grovedale wanted to say hello," he said.
De Rossi said next time she arrives she definitely would take Ellen to her home town of Geelong.
Magda Szubanski also made an appearance at the black-tie event. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis
DeGeneres also said she has been humbled by the support her Australians fans have shown, despite her recent illness which initially forced her to postpone her trip.
"I was supposed to be here early so thank you , I got a bit sick," she said.
"I'm back and I'm healthy.
"I've wanted to come to Australia for a long long time, before meeting Portia."
Swisse boss Radek Sali praised DeGeneres after her performance in front of thousands of fans at Birrarung Marr.
"I don't know how you have the energy, I'm fried from sitting in the front row," he said.
DeGeneres said the support has been incredible in Australia, and she promised to return.
"We will be back," she said.
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