'Star Search' Upstaged By War

"Star Search" host Arsenio Hall faced an unusual challenge two weeks ago. His "live" broadcast was forced off the air, when the first bombs began falling on Baghdad. "Star Search" returns to prime time Wednesday night.

But as CBS News Correspondent Sandra Hughes reports, the realities of war changed the program and Arsenio himself.

It was one of those moments when Arsenio Hall couldn't fall back on his comedy training. So he relied on his heart when war broke out in the middle of the live "Star Search" finale

"I went out and tried to talk to the audience," says Hall. "It was important to talk to them because I was thinking from this vantage point: They don't know what's happening. They're in this studio. And this live show is stopped. And they hear the three-letter word WAR, and I wanted to let them know everything was all right."

Comedy finalist Robert Rothstein had just been judged by the celebrity panel.

"In my mind, the worst thing that could happen would be for me to come out there, do my set, and for the people at home not to get to vote," Rothstein said. "And that's exactly what happened."

A "Star Search" regular Naomi Judd led an impromptu prayer, "Father God, maker of heaven and earth...in charge of all things...."

Hall was worried, then surprised by the audience reaction.

"I was shocked at how everyone, no matter what their religion was, no matter what their age was, no matter what their race was, everybody held hands, everybody was quiet. No one left. And that was kind of encouraging in a strange way to see people come together like that," he said.

"And then Naomi reached under her chin, and she pulled the mask off and it was Jesse Jackson," Hall jokes with a laugh. It seems Hall can't contain his sense of humor and doesn't think he should, even in times of war:

"Bush will handle his business, and I'll do what I do best," Hall said. "This is hard. This is hard, because, I'm supporting my president. I'm an American. I don't even eat French toast these days."

Freedom toast, perhaps.

Wednesday in Hollywood, the "Star Search" continues. Because of the war, Hall has double duty, wrapping up season two while launching season three.

Comic Rothstein will have to re-do his comic routine.

"I'd definitely say it's a disadvantage, doing it again," says Rothstein. "Because comedy, the second time around, isn't always as funny. It's definitely not an advantage. Hopefully, it won't be too big a disadvantage."

After the comedian and adult singer get their $100, 000 grand prize, it will be lights, camera, action on season three.

"More talent, more shows, more episodes. More excitement," says Hall. Despite these big plans, the live show could be interrupted again - at any time - by world events.

That doesn't bother the show's star. He's just happy to be back on stage, doing what he does best and making everyone laugh.