After interview, Oprah Winfrey’s warming up to the Kardashians

Oprah Winfrey tapes an episode of the OWN show "Oprah's Next Chapter" with the Kardashian family on June 12, 2012. 

Even people who despise Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian — and their mom, Kris Jenner — have to admit the reality TV stars are brilliant when it comes to turning themselves into a mega-successful marketing brand that brings them an estimated $60 million-plus annually.

That’s one of the reasons Oprah Winfrey bonded with the Kardashians when high-profile clan taped a two-part interview with the TV queen for her OWN network. Now Winfrey’s spokeswoman confirms the host will return the favor by appearing on an upcoming episode of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians on E!

A close Winfrey source told me the television powerhouse was surprised by how quickly she connected with the Kardashians and enjoyed being in their company. While she found Khloe to be extremely funny, the source added, “Oprah — of all people — deeply respects people who, like herself, have built a major business in the entertainment industry. In particular she was intrigued by Kim and how she has expanded that Kardashian brand — both for herself and for the entire family.

“Of course, Kris Jenner’s brilliance in originally creating and marketing the Kardashian brand also impressed Oprah.”