Craig Ferguson in lipstick, with Rosie O'Donnell, talking Leno, Howard Stern, and J.D. Salinger

Rosie O’Donnell is a divisive figure — some of you love her; some of you hate her — but you have to admit she was pretty great during the opening of last night’s The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. (Please note the lip-sticked Ferguson on the right.)

Ferguson proved once again why he’s unique among late-night hosts. He devoted almost all of his monologue to J.D. Salinger, whose death was announced yesterday. His musings were funny, of course, but also offered nuggets of literary insight. And try to imagine any other host devoting five solid minutes about a great author:

Rosie was a terrific interview, there to plug her Jan. 31 HBO special A Family Is A Family Is A Family, talking about Howard Stern. (Both Rosie and Craig agree Stern is “a genius.”) But they also got into… whattya know: Jay Leno’s interview with Oprah Winfrey! (Note: Leno chatter occurs about 7:40 in.)

Ferguson said flatly, “I honestly think The Tonight Show stopped when Johnny Carson retired.” The audience applauded in agreement.

What do you think?

Follow me on Twitter @kentucker