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Showbiz Tonight
The Boyle Backlash; Brand-New Rihanna Revelations; Michelle Obama`s Brand-New White House Secrets; Blago Goes to Hollywood
Aired April 24, 2009 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BROOKE ANDERSON, HOST: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, obsessed with Susan. Her amazing singing. Her emotional story. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT investigates why are we so obsessed with Susan Boyle?
(MUSIC)
Plus, the Boyle backlash. Why there`s growing outrage over her makeover.
Brand-new Rihanna revelations. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the latest on how Rihanna is doing. Is she really recording a new album? Plus, reports that Rihanna may be going on tour. So tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT asks, is the time right for her to return to the stage?
And Michelle Obama`s brand-new White House secrets. How she sneaks out for burgers. And why first dog Bo chews on people`s feet. Ouch.
TV`s most-provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC)
Hi there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you tonight from Hollywood.
Tonight, obsessed with Susan. The Susan Boyle craze is spinning out of control. She may have shocked the world with her voice, but tonight everybody is buzzing about her new look.
But that`s not all. Her kiss-and-tell controversy and a brand-new outrageous TV parody is sending Susan`s star into the next galaxy. So why are some people so fired-up about her? The scorching hot Susan Boyle fever is making big news right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
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(voice-over): She`s the queen of YouTube. Tens of millions of hits and counting. Her every little change in appearance is discussed endlessly on TV talk shows.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: If she wants to be made over, then let her be made over.
ANDERSON: And now Susan Boyle has reached the pinnacle of modern fame -
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Everyone at school is a (EXPLETIVE DELETED) idiot -
ANDERSON: By getting dissed in this week`s episode of "South Park."
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: One more person talk to me about that Susan Boyle performance of Les Miserables, I was going to puke my (EXPLETIVE DELETED) through my mouth.
(MUSIC)
ANDERSON: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you the world is feasting on the 47- year-old contestant on "Britain`s Got Talent." But now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you the Susan Boyle obsession has reached a fever pitch now that she`s done the unthinkable, gotten a dramatic makeover.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT brings you this photo of a stylish new Susan out and about in her home in Scotland. Notice anything different?
MARC MALKIN, "E! NEWS ONLINE": She`s had her hair colored. She`s obviously done something with her eyebrows. She`s wearing much more fashionable, trendy clothing.
ANDERSON: Susan started her makeover earlier in the week when we saw her sporting stylish heels and a brightly colored dress. Just last week, she told us there`d be no makeover.
SUSAN BOYLE, "BRITAIN`S GOT TALENT" CONTESTANT: Why should I change?
ANDERSON: Now, say good-bye to the wild gray hair and shapeless frumpy dresses. This Susan is styling.
MALKIN: Now, it`s going to be fascinating to watch the transformation. It`s a Cinderella story.
ANDERSON: Boyle`s spinster image is also getting a makeover. When we first met her, she told the world she wasn`t exactly experienced in the ways of love.
BOYLE: I`ve never been married. I`ve never been kissed. Oh, shame.
ANDERSON: But this week, she told an interviewer on British television that whole never-been-kissed thing wasn`t exactly true.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE REPORTER: There`s been a lot made about you saying you`ve not had a - you`ve not been kissed.
BOYLE: That was making a joke.
(LAUGHTER)
Never been kissed? I`ve never stopped!
ANDERSON: And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you the fact that Susan Boyle isn`t and perhaps never was the poorly dressed spinster everyone thought she was, isn`t exactly coming as good news to some people.
This headline on "Entertainment Weekly`s" Web site calls her a "big, lying boy-kisser" and invites readers to share their feelings of betrayal. This headline speaks of a Susan Boyle backlash.
COOPER LAWRENCE, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST AND PSYCHOLOGIST: We`ve been lied to.
ANDERSON: Radio talk show host and psychologist Cooper Lawrence, author of "The Cult of Celebrity" tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT why some people may not like the new Susan.
LAWRENCE: We want her to stay that underdog. The fact we`re finding out that she`s been kissed and the fact that we`re seeing her getting a makeover, it`s like, "Oh, you`re not special anymore. What was special about you is that you were so unique. Now you look like everybody else."
ANDERSON: "E! News Online`s" Marc Malkin tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT the producers of "Britain`s Got Talent" say they aren`t responsible for Susan`s new look and that culprit is closer to home.
MALKIN: It`s her sisters. Her sisters take her in for like a monthly hairstyling and a little grooming.
ANDERSON: But despite the rumblings, no one thinks the new Susan will be any less-loved.
LAWRENCE: It does not take away from fact that she`s an amazing singer.
MALKIN: As long as she doesn`t do anything drastic, as long as she doesn`t all of a sudden look like a Pussy Cat Doll or a Britney Spears, I think people are going it be OK with it.
ANDERSON: So we`ll all continue to obsess over Susan Boyle and her every makeover, just as long as she doesn`t take it too far.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
In addition to the makeover, we`re getting another new look at Susan Boyle. Coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, a brand-new video of a much younger Susan before she became a star. How did she sound back then? You don`t want to miss this incredible look at a future star a little later on in the show.
Tonight, Rihanna`s return? We`ve got brand-new information that Rihanna is back in the recording studio and ready to make some music. There is also talk of a tour.
Now, it`s only been a few months since Rihanna was allegedly badly beaten by Chris Brown. Considering that the case is back in court next week and Rihanna still hasn`t said a word about what happened, is this the right time for Rihanna to return to the stage?
Joining me tonight in Hollywood, Arthel Neville who is a TV journalist. And in New York, Lisa Bloom who is a legal host for the legal network, "In Session."
Arthel, Lisa, Rihanna reportedly cooking up a brand-new tour, now, back in the studio, writing songs. One producer who is working with Rihanna calls her phenomenal, confident and strong.
Chris Brown, we know, scheduled to go back to court next week to face felony charges in the case and people still want to know more about the alleged attack. Lisa, is this really the right time for Rihanna to launch her comeback?
LISA BLOOM, HOST, "IN SESSION": I think it is. In fact, I think she never should have been missing from the public stage. She didn`t do anything wrong. She`s not accused of any bad behavior. I`m concerned she`s been missing for so long.
Is it because she had bruises that had to heal? I mean, was it that bad? Or is it because she felt that there was some shame associated with being a victim? I think her absence sent a terrible message. And I`m glad to see her back.
ANDERSON: Arthel, to you think the time is right?
ARTHEL NEVILLE, TV JOURNALIST: You know, absolutely. I understand she needed to take some time for whatever she was going through. I don`t think she should feel embarrassed - I agree about that.
I think this is great. Yes, if I had my way, she would have come right out and started talking to young girls, going, "Listen, this is not the way that - you should not take anybody hitting you." Because, I`m sorry, if it happens once, it`s going to happen again.
OK. But that aside, I want Rihanna to regain her confidence, and going back on the stage is going to do exactly that. She`s gorgeous. She`s going to get that instant reaction from her fans. They`re going to see that she`s still powerful. She`s still wonderful. And that is going to propel her back to where she needs to be. And I`d like her, quite frankly, to break up with Chris Brown if, in fact, they are together.
ANDERSON: You and me both. Talk about a terrible message that that is sending. My goodness. Well, one of Rihanna`s producers tells "People.com" that Rihanna is, quote, "writing songs about different situations in her life, things that just inspire her."
So, Lisa if Rihanna is writing songs about different situations in her life, does that mean that we should expect a song about the Brown incident?
BLOOM: Yes, that`s crystal clear, isn`t it? Different things in her life. Oh, wow. Now, we completely understand what we`re talking about. Look, I think she`s a young person. We have to all give her a little time and let her grow up and be patient with her.
Remember, she is a victim. I agree, I`d like to see her be a role model. I`d like her to say, "I`m never going to see that guy again. He had a lot of nerve. He had no right to do what he did and I`m going to speak out for victims."
I have hope she`s going to get there. She`s not going to get there yet. And I agree with Arthel. Perhaps through her music, that`s going to be the vehicle to get her there because she`s just so darn talented. I want to see her out there performing.
ANDERSON: Yes. Maybe it could be therapeutic for her. Well, even if she doesn`t directly address it in her music, is it safe to say her fans will try to read between the lines of her songs anyway?
NEVILLE: Yes, first of al think she`s going to address it. Now, it may not be, you know, "This happened one night when we were on our way to Grammies," allegedly. But I think her lyrics are going to be - you know, of course it`s all creative writing, right?
And it`s going to be clear she`s sending a message, not necessarily this is what happened but, "This is who I am still. This is where I am, and this is where I`m going." So there`s going to be some power in those words. You can count on that.
ANDERSON: Yes, hopefully she will show some strength through her lyrics. And some of Rihanna`s biggest supporters since the very beginning have been Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z who helped launch Rihanna`s career, actually. And Beyonce tells CNN`s "LARRY KING LIVE" that Rihanna is growing up and moving on. Listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BEYONCE KNOWLES, SINGER AND ACTRESS: It`s a difficult thing, you know? People grow up and see certain things. And you know, it`s not OK and you can`t accept things and you have to have - you know, be a strong woman and know when it`s time to move on.
And you know, it`s, like I said, a very difficult thing. But everyone doesn`t have the same support system. And I`m happy that now, people are more aware of it. And I feel like - especially young people need to know that they can move on and they will be just fine. They`ll be even better. We learn from our life experiences.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: That`s very true. Lisa Bloom, does she have a great point there? Can`t Rihanna show young women who may have also been abused in a relationship, that it is OK and it`s possible to move on, be a symbol?
BLOOM: Sure, of course she can. And you know, Beyonce, to me, is just the opposite of Rihanna. This is a young woman who is very mature, clear about who she is, a wonderful role model for young women. And I think she`s extending a hand to Rihanna and saying, "Come along with me. You can grow up. You can be mature as well."
But as the time keeps ticking and Rihanna keeps staying with Chris Brown, unfortunately, she remains right now a negative role model for young women.
ANDERSON: Exactly. Don`t be weak. Be strong. Show that you can do it. We wish her the best. Arthel Neville, Lisa Bloom, thank you, both.
And now, we want to hear from you. It`s our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Reported Rihanna Tour: Is the time right for her to return to the stage?" Vote, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. E-mail us, showbiztonight@cnn.com.
Hey, you know who I think should definitely not go on tour anytime soon? Impeached Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. But hey, what do I know?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROD BLAGOJEVICH, FORMER ILLINOIS GOVERNOR: What`s really appealing about this opportunity is that it`s a chance to do something that`s really fun and entertaining compared to some of the other things I have to deal with - frankly sucks and scary.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Tonight, Blago goes to Hollywood. This guy`s got some chutzpa. Is this a good move? Will Hollywood run Blago and his Donald Trump- inspired hairdo out of town? Coming up.
And tonight, Michelle Obama`s brand-new White House secrets. Why she`s sneaking out of the house for burgers? For real? Also it sounds like Bo`s hungry too, for people`s feet. Michelle reveals why the first dog likes to chomp on toes.
Plus, one sure-fire way to get past all those awful high school yearbook photos, show up to your reunion as a stripper. Talk about a high school musical. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Absent Patrick Swayze saluted by castmates at premiere of his new film, "Jump." Charlie Sheen says his newborn twin boys are healthy despite contrary reports.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Britney Spears` hairy problem. Did you see this? Look closely and you`ll see one of Britney`s super-blonde hair extensions gets ripped out right in the middle of one of her "Circus" concerts. One of her performers was lifting her up and accidentally lifted her locks instead. Ouch! They pressed on, though. Didn`t let that affect the show.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.
OK, so Britney just lost some hair. Tonight, the story a woman who lost all her clothes at a high school reunion. So maybe you didn`t quite fit in during high school. Maybe you weren`t part of the cool crowd. Here`s one way to show them. Send a hot stripper in your place to your reunion. Oh, and film what happens of course.
Here`s CNN`s Jeanne Moos with a stripper surprise for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Want to yank the chain of old classmates at your high school reunion? Send a stand-in -
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You look very different from high school.
CRICKET, STAND-IN FOR ANDREA WACHNER: I know.
MOOS: An imposter who`s a go-go burlesque dancer playing a stripper.
ANDREA WACHNER, COMEDY WRITER/FILMMAKER: That is Cricket.
MOOS: And coach her through an ear piece -
WACHNER: She`s got the same birthday as you.
CRICKET: You have the same birthday as me.
MOOS: Where better to reinvent yourself then at your reunion?
MIRA SORVINO, ACTRESS (as Romy White): I invented Post-Its.
MOOS (on camera): The invitation alone can provoke dread. The name tags. The forced joviality. Comparing wrinkles and weight gain.
WACHNER: Had that initial reaction of, "Oh my, god. I would never, ever go to this."
MOOS (voice-over): This being her 10th reunion at Palos Verdes Penisula High School in California. But then, comedy writer Andrea Wachner decided to turn it into a video project.
WACHNER: So I bought a ticket, got a hotel room directly above the ballroom and hired a crew.
MOOS: And sent in Cricket, with cameras feeding Andrea images so she`d know who was who -
WACHNER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Covington.
CRICKET: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Covington.
MOOS: And what to say.
WACHNER: He was a young Republican.
CRICKET: You were a young Republican and now (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How did you know that?
MOOS: When a classmate suggested she didn`t look like Andrea, Cricket said she`d had work done.
CRICKET: Have you gotten work done, too? Or - because if you did, you have an awesome surgeon. You look beautiful.
MOOS: And then there was Alex Wormbrain(ph).
CRICKET: I believe he was your first kiss.
WACHNER: Yes. You know, I kissed him once when we were like, six years old.
MOOS: Cricket planted one on him. Eventually cricket the stripper lived up to her name.
(MUSIC)
CRICKET: I felt like I jumpstarted the party right then and there.
WACHNER: Oh, my god.
MOOS: You figure this is when her classmates really got suspicious -
WACHNER: I remember Andrea. She can`t do that with her body.
CRICKET: She was no way that flexible.
MOOS: And then disaster struck.
CRICKET: I lost the ear piece. The ear piece fell out.
WACHNER: It`s on the floor. It`s on the dance floor right in front of you. Right in front of you. Right in front of you. Right in front of you. Oh, she can`t hear me.
MOOS: For more, go to Andrea`s Web site, "IHateSelfPromotion.com" where she`s promoting the trailer she hopes to turn into a documentary.
(on camera): What more memorable way to end your high school reunion than getting thrown out? After that dance, Cricket was asked to leave.
(voice-over): But not before this guy realized Cricket wasn`t Andrea.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I like you better.
MOOS: More interested in union than a reunion.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Here I go.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Well, the "Showbiz on Call" operators would love to head to a party, too, but they`re swamped with viewers calling in to the on-call phone lines.
And they`re calling in about the possible custody battle between Sarah Palin and Levi Johnston, the father of her grandson. Here`s Julie calling into "Showbiz on Call" from Texas. Julie says that Levi needs to step it up.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
JULIE, CALLER FROM TEXAS: On the Palin baby battle, it takes a boy to make a child but it really takes a man to be a father. So if he can`t grow up and be a man and be a father, then he shouldn`t have anything to do with the baby.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you, Julie. And we also heard from Vera calling into "Showbiz on Call" in from Georgia who thinks Palin`s family is not being fair to Levi.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
VERA, CALLER FROM GEORGIA: It`s a shame, what Levi Johnston is going through. I myself and so many - hundreds of thousands of mothers are single parents whose fathers of our kids don`t want anything to do with them and don`t care about them and they (UNINTELLIGIBLE). And here, you have a man who wants to be in his son`s life and it`s not fair.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: We appreciate that, Vera. Call us at "Showbiz on Call." Let us know what you think about this or anything else that is on your mind. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines open 24/7 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899.
OK. Tonight, as we reported, there is a growing backlash against Susan Boyle. People are mad over her makeover. But I still think she`s got an amazing voice. And tonight, you`ve got to see this brand-new video of Susan before she became a big star. It`s the lost tape you haven`t seen. That is coming up.
And also Blago goes to Hollywood.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BLAGOJEVICH: What`s really appealing about this opportunity is that it`s a chance to do something that`s really fun and entertaining compared to some of these other things I got to deal with, frankly - sucks and scary.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: This guy is really something. Rod Blagojevich gets impeached as governor of Illinois and now is trying to become a star? So will Hollywood welcome him with open arms? Or will they tell him and his bad hairdo to take a hike?
And the very first live interview with the octomom and her eight babies. Oh, and get this, she says raising 14 kids, not so bad. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Wynton Marsalis opens New Orleans jazz fest. "Rachel Getting Married" wins prism award for raising awareness about drug abuse.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: We welcome you back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Tonight, the very first live interview with the octomom and her eight babies. Nadya Suleman took "Good Morning America" inside her California home this morning. And we got our first live look at her octuplets.
And what`s really wild about this, Nadya says taking care of the eight, plus six other older kids, is easier than she imagined.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHRIS CUOMO, ANCHOR, "GOOD MORNING AMERICA": Are you going through a little bit of that, "Yes, my children are a blessing. But boy, am I in over my head"?
NADYA SULEMAN, OCTUPLET MOTHER: I know I`m going to sound kind of crazy to say this, but no I`m just - every day I`m taking it as it comes. And it`s actually a lot less stressful than I envisioned it to be. Because I`m just focusing on - what takes precedence over anything else is just how healthy they are. They`re really, really good babies. They`re growing and getting so big and healthy. That`s all I focus on.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: I am really glad to hear the babies are doing well. But maybe it`s been easier for the octomom because - well, I don`t know, because she`s got a bunch of nannies helping her out?
Now, of course, the other big question here is how is she paying for all of this? The octuplets reportedly go through 2,000 diapers per month. And Nadya says she`s heading to "Octomom U."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SULEMAN: I`m actually going back to school in the fall to finish my masters. And I`m actually really excited about writing a book. I`m in the process of doing that. So I`m excited about that. That was always a dream of mine before any of this happened - before this miracle happened.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: She sounds like she`s going to be plenty busy for a long time. By the way, Nadya also tells "GMA" that she only mixes up two of her kids every now and then - Jonah and Josiah.
Also, in a brand-new "Radar Online" video, the octomom says that she blames herself for her 3-year-old son Aidan having autism.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SULEMAN: When you`re autistic - he`s nonverbal and he also doesn`t really like touch. Aidan will probably never talk and will probably be with me for the rest of his life. You know, she`s just as worthy as all of my kids. I love him so, so much.
And it affects me so much because - you know, I cry sometimes because I blame myself. I`m sure, like any mother, even though it doesn`t sound rational, blame myself really because I feel like I caused it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Nadya thinks that drinking caffeine while she was pregnant contributed to his autism but there`s no proven link between the two.
And now, the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Susan Boyle before she became a big star. Tonight, the never-before-seen home video of a much younger Susan.
Blago goes to Hollywood. Impeached governor Rod Blagojevich heads west to become a star but will they kick him and that haircut out of town?
And Michelle Obama`s brand-new secrets. Why she sneaks out of the White House. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Steven Curtis Chapman gets top honors at Gospel Music Association`s Dove Awards. Kenny Chesney named country music`s biggest moneymaker.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, impeached Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is going Hollywood. Tonight, Blago is getting ready for his reality show close-up. But is this the best move for a guy who`s in real- life hot water?
Tonight, Susan Boyle like you`ve never seen her before. We`ve got the singing sensation`s home video from before she became an international star. Wait until you see and hear her.
And Michelle Obama reveals brand-new secrets. Why she sneaks out of the White House. And the truth behind Bo the dog`s bad behavior.
Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
TV`s most-provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
I want to welcome you back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you tonight from Hollywood.
Tonight, two big stories that are new right now, including the disgraced ex-governor Rod Blagojevich speaking out about his new reality show.
But first, Susan Boyle before she was famous. Check out this just- revealed video of a younger Susan Boyle. She was just 25 years old then. By the looks of it, she was mesmerizing family members with her voice.
And now, the 47-year-old singing sensation is sporting a brand-new `do. Gone are the dowdy duds. She`s dreaming a new dream. Say hello to the new glamour girl. But why are so many people fired up about it?
And former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is saying hooray for Hollywood. Nothing says star like attending your first official press tour for a reality show, right? And that`s not all. Check out Blago`s first official stunt in front of a green screen. All this, after a judge told him, "Sorry, Blago, no reality show for you."
Joining me tonight in New York, Steven Smith who is a music and pop culture expert. Also in New York, Lisa Bloom, who`s an anchor for the legal network, "In Session."
Steven, Lisa, I want to begin with this newly-discovered video of Susan Boyle singing to her family when she was just 25. Watch.
(MUSIC)
Had pipes then. Lisa, does this video prove that Susan is the real deal?
BLOOM: Absolutely. She`s not just a flash in the pan. It`s just that we`re all discovering her now. Look at the grainy old video, by the way. Looks like a movie from the 18th century.
ANDERSON: I know.
BLOOM: Look, she`s going to - apparently she`s been singing at church and she`s been singing in the pub for many years. And all of those people confirm that she`s had talent for a long time. It`s just taken the rest of us a while to catch up to her.
ANDERSON: Well, and speaking of that, I want you to listen to what comedian Carlos Mencia told CNN about Susan Boyle.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CARLOS MENCIA, COMEDIAN: If she was attractive, they would have discovered her 20 years ago.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK. That`s kind of sad to think about, but he does bring up a great point. Susan has obviously had talent since she was young. We just saw the proof. Steven, do you agree with Carlos?
STEVEN SMITH, MUSIC AND POP CULTURE EXPERT: Oh, definitely, I agree with Carlos. And I agree with whoever said it first, then Carlos took credit for it. What a rude thing to say.
I mean, seriously, she`s had talent her whole life. She`s obviously known Broadway musicals. And maybe this just wasn`t the path she chose. I mean, who knows where she went? What we have to do is enjoy where she is now.
I mean, to sing "Jesus Christ Superstar" back then and nail it. And then to sing Les Mis on "Britain`s Got Talent" - it doesn`t matter. The whole point of it is it`s the voice, not the look.
BLOOM: But Brooke, there are plenty of young, gorgeous talented people who don`t make it. I`ve got a lot of friends in that category who are musicians and artists. I mean, very few people actually make it in the entertainment industry.
ANDERSON: That`s right, a very small percentage. It`s an extremely competitive business. Great point. And you know, the bottom line is, music has obviously been a love of hers for a long, long time. I`m so glad that people are recognizing her talent now.
And you know, people are also talking about her new appearance, her new hairdo. I want you to check out this picture of Susan. She washed that gray right out of her hair. She`s wearing pants, a leather jacket. Lisa, are we witnessing a transformation here?
BLOOM: You know, I love it because she clearly does look better. But she still looks like herself. She`s not trying to look like Beyonce, for heavens sakes. She looks like a woman very comfortable in her skin, just a little bit improved. I say three cheers.
ANDERSON: Yes. Me, too. It`s not like she got liposuction and breast implants and a spray tan.
BLOOM: As far as we know -
ANDERSON: If it makes her feel more confident - as far as we know - you`re right. But if it makes her feel good about herself, I say three cheers as well.
All right. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines have really been overwhelmed with calls reacting to the Susan makeover debate. Diana from Florida says, so what? Who cares if she got her eyebrows waxed? Listen.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
DIANA, CALLER FROM FLORIDA: I love everything about her, including if she`d done an eyebrow job, if she bought a new dress, whatever she wants to do. A makeover, no, I don`t think she should. But I think she looks great. People that feel cheated or feel that she lied to them - she`s got a very dry sense of humor. You can tell that. And if anyone feels that they`ve been lied to or that she`s deceived them, I think they really need to get a life.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: You tell them, Diana. Thank you for that. Diana also referring to Susan clearing, you know, up all the hubbub over her joke that she had never been kissed. She, of course, later admitted she had. Steven, do you think that people need to just lighten up and just go back to enjoying Susan, the phenomenon?
SMITH: Oh, lordy lord, yes. Just let the woman be. I mean, the point of the whole story is how she has this gorgeous voice that no one expected her to have based on her appearance.
And the thing about the makeover that really gets me - a couple years ago, even recently, don`t people love makeover-type shows? Why not? Why don`t we encourage that? I mean, she`s obviously someone who hasn`t been to one by her own admission. Let her do it. Let her go out. Have a makeover. Make that part of the whole journey for people to watch. Enjoy it.
BLOOM: Because we like her authenticity. We like her the way she is.
ANDERSON: We do.
SMITH: Yes. But that`s the whole point -
ANDERSON: That`s the risk she runs because people fell in love with her as she was before, Steven.
SMITH: Yes, but have you ever seen like a really attractive opera singer? Seriously, those people are ginormous.
ANDERSON: You`re terrible. Oh, gosh.
BLOOM: Hey, big people can be beautiful, too.
ANDERSON: Exactly. And Susan is beautiful inside and out. We`ve seen that. I want to move now to the disgraced ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich`s transformation into a Hollywood star - what?
Even though a judge just told Blago that he would not be able to fly to Costa Rica to tape NBC`s "I`m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here," Blago managed to participate in his very first press tour for the show. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there. Watch Blago explain why he had to do it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BLAGOJEVICH: At this point, I`m looking for a new line of work and when you face some of the obstacles I have, an opportunity to get away from it all. This is a chance to be able to make a living and support my little girls and my family.
And a judge made a decision I can`t go to Costa Rica. But I`m not ruling out the possibility of being involved in some capacity.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK. Producers are trying to figure out a way to have Blago be a part of show. For his part, he says - you know, you heard him. He just needs to make a living.
Lisa, do you think the judge who told him he can`t go to Costa Rica because - you think he told him that because he should be concentrating on his case here? I mean, he`s in legal hot water and thinking of doing a reality show. Where`s the disconnect?
BLOOM: Totally. I don`t know what Miss Cleavage is doing behind him, by the way, touching him as he`s talking. That all seems a little bit weird to me. Look, the judge doesn`t want him to leave the country because he`s accused of some major felonies and he`s afraid that he`s going to flee.
I don`t know how he`s on a show called, "I`m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here." If he`s already out of there, if he`s still in the U.S., it really doesn`t make a lot of sense to me. But look, I can`t criticize people who make a living on television. That would be hitting a little close to home for me.
ANDERSON: Oh, well. But there`s a big difference between you and Rod Blagojevich.
BLOOM: I don`t have any felony convictions. Not any. Not even one.
ANDERSON: That`s true.
SMITH: No convictions.
ANDERSON: And you know, Blago already shot his first stunt in front a green screen. Steven, is he making a big mistake or could this be a start of a long career for Blago the star? I hate to even say it - Blago the star. What?
SMITH: Well, Brooke, it`s six in one hand, half a dozen toupees in the other, I think. As much as I would love to see that traitor as waste of sperm and egg disappear from existence, there`s something absolutely train wreck-y about him that you just can`t stop watching. So you can`t script this guy. So maybe we`re going to see him for a long time to come.
BLOOM: Maybe I can just keep him up there on that hoist.
SMITH: That would be nice.
ANDERSON: Yes. You can`t blame the networks for wanting to take advantage ...
SMITH: Why not?
ANDERSON: ... I guess, of the fascination. Steven Smith, Lisa Bloom, thank you, both.
All right. Everybody has been talking about the president`s first 100 days. Tonight, we`ve got the scoop on Bo the dog`s first days in the White House.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHELLE OBAMA, UNITED STATES FIRST LADY: Oh, he is a crazy dog. He - you know, he loves to chew on people`s feet.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Tonight, Michelle Obama reveals brand-new secrets about sharing the White House with Bo. Plus, why is Michelle sneaking out? It`s the Obamas at home. And the Obamas` good friend, Oprah Winfrey, may get caught up in a nasty legal battle. But who would dare tangle with Oprah? We`ve got the brand-new details, next.
Plus, Paula Abdul`s drug and booze confessions. The "American Idol" star`s no-holds-barred interview. She is setting the record straight and she reveals the emotional pain she lives with every single day. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Paul McCartney and Elton John lost millions in economic downturn. Salma Hayek and Francois-Henri Pinault plan second wedding in Italy.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SASHA OBAMA, BARACK OBAMA`S DAUGHTER: He doesn`t know how to swim.
BARACK OBAMA, UNITED STATES PRESIDENT: Yes. Apparently, they have to be taught how to swim. You know, they have webbed feet.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: It`s only been 10 days since the Obama family welcomed their new puppy to the White House. So why is the first lady already calling first dog Bo crazy?
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Tonight, Michelle Obama`s secrets. For the very first time, the first lady is revealing secret tales from inside the White House.
In a brand-new press conference, Mrs. Obama reveals that she sneaks out of the White House at night. What? And what`s making Michelle call Bo the dog crazy?
Also, new tonight, brand-new personal photos of the Obama family`s new life inside the White House. You have got to see these intimate photos.
Joining me tonight in Hollywood is Arthel Neville who is a TV journalist, and in New York, Katrina Szish, who is a celebrity journalist.
Arthel, Katrina, welcome. And I have got to start with Michelle`s secret about the adorable, lovable pup, Bo. I mean, look at that face, just innocent, right?
NEVILLE: I can`t tell you.
ANDERSON: Well, think again. Because in a brand-new press conference for "Take Your Child to Work Day," the first lady revealed to the world that Bo, not as sweet mannered as he seems. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
M. OBAMA: He is a crazy dog. He - you know, he loves to chew on people`s feet. I`ll tell you a story about Bo last night. It was, like, 10:00 at night. Everybody was asleep. And we hear all this barking and jumping around. And the president and I came out. We thought somebody was out there. And it was just Bo.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Arthel, the build-up for this dog was crazy. And now, apparently, so is the dog. People can`t get enough of anything Obama, can they?
NEVILLE: You can`t get enough of anything Obama for a lot of people. And you can`t get enough of a munchable little sweet poopy-doopy dog. You have to talk like that. We`re talking about a cute dog.
ANDERSON: Exactly.
NEVILLE: You know, listen. That dog is - you`re about to have a baby. You`re going to find out, 6-month-olds - I don`t care if they`ve got four legs and some furry hair or two legs. They just want to bite on things and put whatever they can in their mouth, and Bo is just no different.
ANDERSON: Yes, they`re active. Not much you can do about that. And, you know, it`s kind of a funny image if you think about the president and the first lady getting up in the middle of night for this dog. But, Katrina, this isn`t quite the 3:00 a.m. crisis call they thought they`d be getting, is it?
KATRINA SZISH, CELEBRITY JOURNALIST: Not exactly. Instead, you know, this is really what it`s like, as Arthel said, to have a baby in the house. And I think it`s interesting because neither the president, nor the first lady, were - they didn`t grow up with dogs. So this is really their first experience with a puppy.
So not only are they the first family for the first time in the White House in their first 100 days, but they`re first time puppy parents. And that takes a lot of work, even if you are the president and the first lady.
ANDERSON: It certainly does. They were probably relieved that in the middle of the night it was just Bo and not something more serious.
And as far as we know, Bo and the rest of the Obama family get access to any and everything at the White House. But in another surprising secret, Michelle says that she actually sneaks out from time to time. But for what? Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
M. OBAMA: I have this thing that I like to do with some of my staff members and we sneak out without telling anybody and we go and test out all the fun places to eat in D.C. Like I went to Five Guys, and nobody knew it. It was good.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: I love this. She sneaks out of the White House to get a good burger. Arthel, who doesn`t love a good burger? Is this the kind of revelation that makes Michelle just so darn cool?
NEVILLE: See, let me just say, good for Michelle. This is exactly why we love her, because she`s just a regular girl, pardon me for saying that, but she knows what I`m talking about. I say that affectionately. And this is what makes her so wonderful.
This is the same thing that made her such a hit over in Europe when she went over there. And, look, come on, how many times - especially you, Brooke, right now, being pregnant, how many times have you snuck out for a great burger?
ANDERSON: Oh, many, many times - countless, Arthel, I have to admit it. And now, I want to show you, guys, these brand-new photos from inside the White House. "Time" magazine got an unprecedented look at life with the Obamas, such intimate moments from the president playing basketball to the kids running around.
Katrina, this really is the most open and accessible first family that we`ve seen in a long time. Aren`t the Obamas just a lot of fun to watch?
SZISH: They are so much fun to watch. I mean, who needs reality TV shows that are contrived when you can look at beautiful pictures like this? See footage of the first family. The kids playing on the lawn with their new puppy. I mean, we really can`t get enough of them.
And that`s really fun to see. It`s fun to see the entire country coming together to watch the first family as opposed to typical train wreck celebrities. So this is a good thing.
ANDERSON: Yes, it`s refreshing. And - go ahead, Arthel. They`re really down to earth.
NEVILLE: Yes. That`s what I was going to say, piggy-backing on what Katrina said. This is part of Obama`s transparency. He`s letting us see. And this is why this family works. This is why - because they are truly a family. You know, Malia and Sasha - I mean, come on, they are just regular little girls.
ANDERSON: They are.
NEVILLE: And I know they`re not going to become spoiled.
ANDERSON: Let`s hope not.
NEVILLE: And they`re just showing -
ANDERSON: They are just a captivating family. I agree with you. We`ve got to end it there for now. Arthel Neville, Katrina Szish, thank you, both. Good to see you.
OK, is Michelle`s good friend, Oprah Winfrey, about to get caught up in the middle of a nasty legal battle? You know Oprah has her aha moments on her show and it`s a regular feature in her magazine.
Well, according to TMZ, Oprah is saying no to a big company using aha. Oprah`s lawyers threatened to sue to get them to drop their brand-new ad campaign, which calls the company the official sponsor of "The Aha Moment."
Oprah`s people say it`s theirs, but the company is reportedly suing Oprah, saying they can do whatever they want with the phrase.
Now, Oprah tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT they haven`t filed any suits and hopes everyone can kiss and make up. But we did hear from someone else who is taking on both Oprah and Mutual of Omaha.
(MUSIC)
That of course is the `80s group Aha singing "Take on Me." OK, Alex, I`ll take `80s music for 1,000 and stick with Paula Abdul. Tonight, Paula`s drug and alcohol confessions. The "American Idol" judge pulls no punches about the reports and sets the report straight up.
Plus, Paula gets emotional about the private pain she lives with every single day. That is next. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Time now for making it work. Now, this is where we reveal the secrets of how stars make their relationships work in Hollywood and beyond.
Tonight, country star Martina McBride. She`s about to celebrate her 21st wedding anniversary with husband John. Now, that`s pretty remarkable for a celebrity marriage to have lasted so long.
Martina and John have three kids and she tells us it`s actually not hard to make it work at home. It`s all about putting their kids first.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARTINA MCBRIDE, COUNTRY SINGER: I think you have to make choices, you know. I try to make that are best for my kids. I mean, before my kids came along, it was kind of all about us. And then you have kids and you start going to school and they have friends and they have lives. And you know - but it`s not hard. No, I don`t think it`s more difficult necessarily. You balance, yes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Sounds like she`s no pushover at home. And she`s a pretty cool chick on stage, too. That`s why "Us Weekly" magazine just voted Martina McBride the coolest tough chick for their sassy style in their "Hot Hollywood Style" issue.
And Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Springsteen`s wife misses concert after horseback- riding accident. BET to launch new channel called "Centric" targeting older viewers.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.
Now, Paula Abdul`s drug and alcohol confession. Tonight, the "American Idol" judge sets the record straight about all of those reports that she`s using drugs or that she`s drunk on the show.
And remember her reality show, "Hey, Paula," that showed her behaving kind of wacky? She says, no, that wasn`t her on drugs either.
Now in a brand-new interview, a very emotional Paula Abdul admits to ABC`s "Nightline" that she`s totally devastated by the report.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PAULA ABDUL, "AMERICAN IDOL" JUDGE AND REALITY SHOW STAR: I`ve never been addicted to any prescription drugs. I`ve never been drunk. I`ve worked my whole life. I`ve sacrificed being a normal girl and not having the ability to have probably relationships, not being able to be a mom - a real mom. I am fortunate and feel completely blessed but I am not the girl that`s in those tapes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Paula says that she is totally embarrassed by her "Hate Paula" show and claims that she`s a victim of bad editing. She does confess to using nerve medication to treat chronic neck pain but she says it does not alter her mood. And as for that sometimes erratic behavior on "Idol," Paula says she`s just severely sleep deprived.
OK. On Thursday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. It was this - "Susan Boyle: Will her fame last?" Pretty surprising here - 39 percent of you say yes, but 61 percent of you say no.
Here`s some of the E-mails we received. Kelly from Ontario, Canada, writes, "Of course Susan`s fame will last. I`m sure as the sun will rise that she has already signed a contract."
Loretta from Arizona, "I love Susan Boyle`s voice. I can listen to her over and over again. I can`t wait to buy her CDs."
And Darilyn from British Columbia, Canada says, "I really hope Susan`s fame lasts. She has a great personality and for sure will have a future in music."
That is a wrap for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you so much for watching. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. And now I`m going to head out from this, take a little bit of a break to welcome my first child. So wish me luck and I`ll see you soon.
Meantime, remember, you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, and in the morning, 11:00 a.m. Eastern on HLN. Take care.
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