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Showbiz Tonight

Kate Gosselin`s First Interview Since Her Divorce; Paula Abdul Heading for "Dancing With the Stars?"; Billy Mays Cocaine Shocker; Kathy Griffin Dates Levi Johnston; Oprah Winfrey Sued for $1 Trillion

Aired August 10, 2009 - 23:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


LISA BLOOM, HOST: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Kate`s tear-filled confessions. Kate Gosselin`s first live interview since Jon and Kate`s big divorce news. Tonight, Kate`s shock over Jon`s 22-year-old girlfriend, the daughter of her plastic surgeon. Kate on the claim she`s having an affair with her bodyguard and see what caused Kate to break down in tears.

Tonight, the battle over Paula. Explosive news that Paula Abdul may be heading to "Dancing with the Stars?" Plus, the first "American Idol" audition since Paula quit. And the surprising results of our poll as we asked, do you think "Idol" needs Paula?

Plus, the Billy Mays cocaine shocker, the startling news that cocaine may have contributed to the death of the TV pitchman.

TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.

(MUSIC PLAYING)

Hello. I`m Lisa Bloom in Hollywood. A.J. Hammer has the night off.

And tonight, Kate`s tell-all and very teary-eyed confessions. Kate Gosselin sat down today for her very first live interview since she and Jon revealed to the world that they`re getting divorced. Kate did it this morning going on the "Today" show for a no-holds-barred and tear-filled interview with Meredith Vieira. Watch this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MEREDITH VIEIRA, CO-HOST, THE "TODAY" SHOW: I notice that you still have on your wedding ring. Why is that, Kate?

KATE GOSSELIN, REALITY TV STAR, "JON & KATE PLUS 8": For them. Sorry.

VIEIRA: It`s OK.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLOOM: But, wait, there`s more. For the very first time, Kate is speaking out about Jon`s 22-year-old girlfriend, the young woman whose father is the plastic surgeon who did Kate`s tummy tuck. And that`s not all.

Joining me tonight in New York, Carolina Bermudez, who is the senior editor for "In Touch Weekly." And tonight in Hollywood, Carlos Diaz, who is a correspondent for "Extra."

Until today`s interview, there were so many burning questions for Kate that went unanswered - her husband`s girlfriend, reports that she cheated with her bodyguard - and we`re getting to them all.

First, we`re starting with one of the biggest burning questions of all in the Jon and Kate drama - who broke off the marriage, Jon or Kate? Up until this point, it`s been totally vague. But not anymore.

In a brand-new interview this morning on NBC`s "Today" show, Kate finally tells Meredith Vieira her side of the story. Watch this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

VIEIRA: Recently, Jon said in an interview that you were the one who gave up on the marriage last October, that you are the one who said, I am done. Is that true?

K. GOSSELIN: No. Clearly we both have completely different takes on what happened between us. But I feel like the details of that for the sake of my kids need to remain private.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLOOM: Kate clearly disagrees with Jon about who called it off. So Carlos, who do you believe?

CARLOS DIAZ, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": You know, that is the age-old question in any divorce - who was the person who caused the divorce? My parents divorced and I had to hear it throughout my childhood about, it was my dad. Then my mom caused it - this back and forth thing. And the difference with this is, you have two people doing it on national TV. And instead of the child having to hear about it, it`s all of America playing the he said, she said.

BLOOM: And despite what Kate said today, Jon Gosselin just told "In Touch" magazine, quote, "I think she initiated the split because she wanted a career. Maybe I wasn`t sure what I wanted to do and she was going to move on regardless. I said, `Are you sure about this?`"

Wow, Jon and Kate both make it sound like they were the ones who were dumped. Carolina, whose story are you buying here?

CAROLINA BERMUDEZ, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": It`s a hard, hard story to buy from either one of them, Lisa. And you know, as you just said, "In Touch Weekly" did have the exclusive with Jon. And he said he`s sick and tired of being bullied.

But then he goes down to situations where`s he`s gallivanting around the Hamptons with Lindsay Lohan`s father, Michael Lohan, not exactly father of the year. And he`s not really spending that time at home with the children. So it`s hard to say who was the cause of the break-up. But right now, I think that we`re seeing who`s spending more time with the kids and I think that`s what`s going to play out in all the media.

BLOOM: As all the news was first breaking that their marriage was falling apart, there were reports that Kate was cheating on Jon. And that brings us to our next Jon and Kate burning question. Did Kate have an affair?

For months, there`s been speculation that Kate has been having an affair with her security guard. But in the brand-new interview this morning on the "Today" show, Kate said it`s just not true. Watch this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

K. GOSSELIN: There is no affair. There never has been an affair. We are very, very good friends with him, his wife and family. They`re a huge source of support for me and the kids. He`s been a part of our production team since the very beginning since we had security issues.

VIEIRA: We`re talking about Steve Neild so everybody knows (INAUDIBLE).

K. GOSSELIN: Yes. And he`s one of our rotating security people. And it`s just another crazy rumor. It sells tabloids.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLOOM: Carlos, she hasn`t talked about this at all before. She really looked relieved that she could try to set the record straight. Do you think people will buy what she`s staying?

DIAZ: I think people will buy it until they read this article that just came up in the "Chicago Sun-Times." Staffers from NBC`s "Today" show telling the "Chicago Sun-Times" today that Kate, on the set, was a total rhymes-with-witch, if you will and that she bad-mouthed Meredith Vieira on the way out.

This one staffer said, "We get virtually all the world`s biggest egos coming through here, but she was the most unpleasant person I`ve seen in many years." This is a staffer from the NBC`s "Today" show telling the "Chicago Sun-Times" this. So obviously, any kind of goodwill she tried to put out there was not received reportedly from the staff of the "Today" show.

BLOOM: OK. And HLN has not confirmed, but that is an interesting story. As we`ve mentioned, Jon is currently dating 22-year-old, Hailey Glassman, the daughter of the doctor who gave Kate her tummy tuck, and that brings us to our next Jon and Kate burning question. What does Kate think of Jon`s girlfriend? Well, listen to what she said this morning on the "Today" show.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

K. GOSSELIN: I was shocked. But those things - to be very honest, that`s his life and they don`t affect me directly at this point.

VIEIRA: It`s got to be hurtful.

K. GOSSELIN: Well, it is hurtful. It`s very hurtful. And to be very honest, the most hurtful part is when his decisions directly affect our children.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLOOM: Carolina, Kate`s implying that Jon is hurting their children by dating Hailey. Is that fair?

BERMUDEZ: I don`t think it`s very fair. But I also don`t think you`re going to get any kind words from an ex-wife or soon-to-be ex-wife about who her ex-husband is dating. And you know, the stories that have come out about Hailey - they haven`t been very flattering.

And maybe that isn`t the type of person that she wants around children. But at least she didn`t go off on a tangent and start calling names. I mean, that`s really what we`re looking at here - it`s the protection of the children. She may not like the girl, but at least she`s keeping her mouth shut.

BLOOM: And Kate still seems to be having a rough time with her split. In the brand-new interview on the "Today" show this morning, she got very emotional. And to top it all off, she`s still wearing her wedding ring. So that brings us to our next Jon and Kate burning question of the night - why is Kate still wearing that wedding ring? She says it`s because of her kids. Well, watch what she said on the "Today" show.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

K. GOSSELIN: I don`t want to upset them. While I`ve been very real and as honest as I need to be, I don`t want to shock them. I`ve walked slowly through this with them. As they`ve asked questions, I`ve answered them.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLOOM: She`s trying to go easy on the kids by wearing the wedding ring. But Carlos, doesn`t it also seem like she`s just personally having a hard time with this divorce in general?

DIAZ: You know what? I`ve always been on team Kate. But I just - I`m sorry. I`ve got to give her props. I think this is a really great act on her part. I think she`s having problems with the divorce. Really, just hear me out. I think she wishes she had a father figure for her kids.

But I think she knows that Jon is messing up by going out there and living his now-single life in the public eye before they`re even officially divorced. And so she`s playing her role as, "I`m at home with the kids. I keep the wedding ring on."

And like I said, I`m a big fan of Kate. But I think she`s doing exactly what she needs to be doing to garner as much favor as she can with the American public right now.

BLOOM: So how does Kate really feel about Jon? Well, that brings us to our next Jon and Kate burning question - does Kate still hope the marriage can work? Watch what she said in today`s brand-new interview on the "Today" show.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

K. GOSSELIN: No. I think it`s very clear that we are two different people at this point with two different sets of goals. I feel like if you`re asking if this was an end result of the show, a product of the show, I feel like it would have happened anyway, cameras on, cameras off.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLOOM: Carlos, does it surprise you that Kate thinks their marriage was always doomed?

DIAZ: Yes. I mean, it`s two people, you know, who want different things. She said it over and over again in this interview. They want different things. And if you watch the show, "Jon & Kate," these kids are adorable. Why would any man want to be away from these kids for a second?

So obviously, she wants to still be the mother. He wants to be single-guy Jon. He`s proven that. So obviously, they have two separate agendas going on in their lives right now.

BLOOM: All right. Carolina Bermudez and Carlos Diaz, thank you so much.

A Billy Mays cocaine shocker. You know Billy. He did all those infomercials for OxiClean, Fix-It. Well, he died suddenly back in June. Tonight, I`ve got the startling news that cocaine may have contributed to the death of the TV pitchman.

Also tonight, the battle over Paula - explosive news that Paula Abdul may be heading to "Dancing with the Stars." Plus, the first "American Idol" auditions since Paula quit. And the surprising results of our poll, do you think "Idol" needs Paula?

And you`ll never believe who was Kathy Griffin`s arm candy at the Teen Choice Award, the teenage father of Sarah Palin`s grandson.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KATHY GRIFFIN, COMEDIENNE: I`m nominated for two Teen Choice Awards. And I thought I would ask the ultimate teen, Levi here, to come with me. He`s delayed hunting season by a day to share our love.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLOOM: Seriously? Kathy, Levi Johnston? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.

Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.

TEXT: Michael Jackson tribute concert planned in Vienna, Austria next month. "G.I. Joe" is number one movie of the weekend, pulling in more than $56 million.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLOOM: Did you see this? Very, very cool. It`s a guy on a flying bike - a "Flyke." John Carver, a teacher in the U.K., is flying from one end of the country to the other on Flyke. Carver is doing it to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He can go up to 10,000 feet and travel at 30 miles an hour. Carver hopes to finish the journey Tuesday.

Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Lisa Bloom. A.J. Hammer has the night off. Tonight, Manson madness. It was 40 years ago this week that Charles Manson masterminded the murders of actress Sharon Tate, the pregnant wife of director Roman Polanski and Rosemary and Leno LaBianca, shocking Hollywood and the world.

Four decades have passed, but the fascination with Manson and the gruesome murders hasn`t diminished over the years. You`ve got to see this fascinating SHOWBIZ flashback.

Here`s CNN`s Ted Rowlands for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do you believe in God, Charlie?

CHARLES MANSON, CONVICTED MURDERER: Sure, I believe in myself. Why wouldn`t I?

TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The murders made headlines but it was the mad man behind them who frightened and fascinated the world. Forty years later, Charles Manson continues to draw attention. When this prison mugshot was released in March, millions viewed it online. "Helter- Skelter" remains the number one-selling true crime book of all time, authored by Vincent Bugliosi, the prosecutor who put Manson away.

VINCENT BUGLIOSI, AUTHOR, "HELTER SKELTER": I guess we could say that other than Jack the Ripper, whose identity still has not been conclusively established, Manson may be the most famous, notorious mass murderer ever.

ROWLANDS: Some people can`t seem to get enough.

(on camera): And a perfect example is Scott Michael`s company called Dearly Departed Tours. They have a Helter Skelter Tour where people actually go around to different spots that are connected to the Manson murders and who goes on these tours?

SCOTT MICHAEL, DEARLY DEPARTED TOURS: The people that take this tour are people that are generally fascinated with this case.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It`s completely fascinating. It`s got celebrities. It`s got blood. It`s got gore.

(MUSIC PLAYING)

ROWLANDS (voice-over): "Helter Skelter," the made-for-TV movie, came out in 1976, but documentaries about Manson are still being made, heeding the fascination over what happened and why.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Meeting Charlie for the first time was very exciting.

ROWLANDS: The History Channel is premiering "Manson" next month.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He gave me the feeling that I would be cared for, and that he took care of everybody. I eventually felt really safe and protected. We were like his children.

MANSON: And then - what Charles Manson followers? I never had any followers. That was the district attorney`s trip (ph).

MICHAEL: This is the LaBiancas` home coming up on the left.

ROWLANDS: Back on the bus where it`s $50 a ticket for a three-hour tour, Scott Michael`s says it`s not just about making money, he`s also obsessed with the Manson case.

MICHAEL: I don`t think I`m a bad person. I think the people I take on my tour aren`t bad people. They`re just interested in something that is horrific, but it`s still history.

ROWLANDS: A piece of history that many people don`t want to forget.

MANSON: I`m a terrible guy, man. I`m awful. You know, I move so quick you wouldn`t believe it.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLOOM: That was CNN reporter Ted Rowlands for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. An interesting note, Manson family member Susan Atkins, who stabbed Sharon Tate to death, is up for parole next month. She`s been denied parole 17 times but now, she`s dying of brain cancer.

Moving on, our "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are still ringing off the hook. So many of you are fired up over Paula Abdul leaving "American Idol." Teri from Oklahoma thinks Paula leaving is terrible.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

CALLER: I think they`re making a big mistake letting her get away. Paula brings intelligence, beauty and fun to the "American Idol" stage. Without her, it`s not going to be the same. I, for one, will not watch again and will encourage my friends to not watch. Stand up, America. No Paula, no "Idol."

(END AUDIO CLIP)

BLOOM: Thank you, Teri. We also heard from little Myra calling into "Showbiz on Call" from California. She`s going to change the channel when "Idol" comes on now.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

CALLER: I just wanted to say since Paula Abdul is leaving "American Idol," I`m not going to be watching it anymore because she was one of the judges I actually liked because she actually judged people correctly and not criticized or was very mean like Simon.

And now that she`s gone, I don`t think I`m going to be watching anymore because she was a great judge and I loved her.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

BLOOM: Thanks, Myra. But Judy, also from California, is jumping for joy that Paula is gone.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

CALLER: I`m glad that Paula Abdul is off the show of "American Idol". I think I will enjoy it a whole bunch more. All my friends and family will be watching it more. Yay!

(END AUDIO CLIP)

BLOOM: Thanks, Judy. Well, remember, call us at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and let us know what you think about this or anything else that`s on your mind. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are always open. Call us at 1-888-SBT- BUZZ; that`s 1-888-728-2899. Leave us a voice mail. And we`ll play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

OK. So I just don`t get this. Check out Kathy Griffin`s date at the Teen Choice Awards.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GRIFFIN: Hi, this is an unlikely couple. I admit it. This is Levi Johnston. I`m Kathy Griffin Johnston. I just love the confusion on everyone`s face.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLOOM: Yes, that Levi, as in the teenage father of Sarah Palin`s grandson. Are Levi and Kathy really dating or is this some cougar thing going on here? I`ve got to check this out. I can only imagine what Sarah Palin is thinking right now.

Also tonight, a Billy Mays cocaine shocker. The startling news that cocaine may have contributed to the death of the TV pitchman.

And Linda Hogan speaks for the first time since her nasty divorce from Hulk Hogan. Linda opens up. Is he really dating a guy who went to high school with her daughter, Brooke? Gross! Are you kidding me? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.

Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.

TEXT: Tom Cruise`s son, Connor, to star in the remake of 1984 film, "Red Dawn." Rihanna to appear with Jay-Z and Kanye West in premiere of Jay Leno`s new show.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLOOM: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Lisa Bloom. A.J. Hammer is off.

Late-breaking news today in the Michael Jackson death investigation. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that the coroner has completed his report into what killed Michael. But the LAPD has asked that the report not be released because of its ongoing investigation.

Also an L.A. judge has approved a deal between Michael Jackson`s estate, concert promoter AEG Live and Columbia Pictures for an M.J. movie based on his final concert rehearsal. Columbia paid $60 million for the rights.

Tonight, Rod the king? This guy`s got no shame. Rod Blagojevich singing Elvis Presley`s "Treat Me Nice" - good song choice, right - at a Chicago block party. Look at this.

(MUSIC PLAYING)

Blago got paid for this, really. And he`s even launched a new Web site, GovernorRod.com, where you, too, can book him for your wedding or Bar Mitzvah. Hey Rod, thank you. Thank you much - not.

There`s still a raging debate over Paula Abdul leaving "American Idol" on the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page. Kay J. writes, "I really do not think she was a good judge because she always wanted to be nice and did not judge the talent."

But Janny D. likes Paula because you`ll never know what you`re going to get with her, "It`s like chasing an ambulance or fire truck. If there`s nothing to see, there`s no need to chase. We watch to see what Paula will do or say next."

Remember, we want to hear from you on Facebook. Also, follow us on Twitter for breaking entertainment news alerts. Sign up for our Facebook and Twitter pages at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.

And now, the SHOWBIZ lineup - here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

A Billy Mays cocaine shocker. Tonight, brand-new details about how cocaine may have contributed to the sudden death of the TV pitchman.

Oprah Winfrey being sued for $1 trillion? I know Oprah`s rich, but really, $1 trillion? The SHOWBIZ truth squad is on the case.

And the battle over Paula, explosive news that Paula Abdul may be heading to "Dancing with the Stars." Plus, the first "American Idol" auditions since Paula quit. And the surprising results of our poll as we ask, do you think "Idol" needs Paula? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.

Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.

TEXT: Ashley Judd enrolls at Harvard University. She`s working on a masters in public administration. "Dancing with the Stars" couple, Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough, have split up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLOOM: Now on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Billy Mays`s cocaine shocker. The startling news that cocaine may have contributed to the excitable pitchman`s death. Should his ads get yanked from TV?

The battle over Paula Abdul. She`s possibly heading to "Dancing with the Stars." And she`s got an avalanche of other offers. Tonight, who`s showing Paula some big love?

BLOOM: And Kathy Griffin`s hook-up with the teenage father of Sarah Palin`s grandson?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GRIFFIN: I`m nominated for two Teen Choice Awards, and I thought I would ask the ultimate teen, Levi here, to come with me. He`s actually delayed hunting season by a day to share our love.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLOOM: We`ve got the scoop on this red-hot red carpet match-up.

Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."

TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.

(MUSIC PLAYING)

Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It`s 30 minutes past the hour. I`m Lisa Bloom. A.J. Hammer has the night off.

Tonight, the battle over Paula. "American Idol," step aside, because SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can now reveal that it seems everyone wants a piece of Paula.

Here are tonight`s big breaking developments. The taping of "Idol`s" new season without Paula has just begun, but no worries. Tonight, two of TV`s biggest reality shows are in a brand-new tug of war over Paula. So what will she do?

Tonight, for the very first time, "American Idol`s" Kara DioGuardi`s shocking show of support for Paula. Abdul`s former fellow judge on "Idol" is speaking out in Paula`s defense. And wait until you see what she did.

Also, brand-new, Victoria Beckham speaks out about taking Paula`s chair on "Idol" as a guest judge. Is the former Spice Girl peppering ideas that she`s staying for good?

Joining me tonight in New York is Carolina Bermudez who is a senior editor for "In Touch Weekly." Also joining me tonight in New York is Lauren Lake, who is an attorney and author of the brand-new book "Girl! Let Me Tell You."

We`ve heard the Fox`s reality show "So You Think You Can Dance" is interested in Paula. Well, now, "Idol`s" biggest competition on TV, ABC`s "Dancing with the Stars" wants her, too.

You`ve got to hear what the head of ABC Entertainment just said, quote, "We would love to have her on `Dancing.` I think she`s a huge talent whether as a contestant or a judge. There`s a sensitivity and an emotion that balanced out `Idol` and we`d love to get a piece of that."

Lauren, he says he wants a piece of that. Forget that he could have chosen his words maybe a little more carefully. Do you think Paula would want it?

LAUREN LAKE, AUTHOR, "GIRL! LET ME TELL YOU": Hey, why not? It`s work. It`s a wonderfully successful show. And, I mean, let`s be honest - don`t you know that Paula is sitting somewhere really kind of having a moment right now with all of these wonderful shows fighting over her?

I think it really says to "Idol" that, "You know what? I brought something to this table and it`s worth maybe just a little bit more than what you offered me." I don`t really blame Paula right now. I`d wait it out. I`d let the offers keep on coming.

BLOOM: Yes. Carolina, you know, if Paula Abdul moved to ABC`s "Dancing with the Stars," wouldn`t that just be the ultimate "In Your Face" moment?

BERMUDEZ: Oh, totally. Revenge is a dish best served cold. Isn`t that what they say and especially when you go against each other. Now, here`s what "Idol" needs to worry about. When they have results nights, they go directly against "Dancing with the Stars."

And you know, you`re going to have a lot of her fan base that are definitely going to follow her if she chooses to go that route. So, ABC, if they snag her, this is a big, big win for them.

BLOOM: And another big "Idol" bombshell tonight, Kara DioGuardi`s shocking show of support for Paula Abdul. As we know, Kara was brought on last season as a fourth judge on "Idol."

Auditions for the new season of "American Idol" just got started in Denver. Take a listen to what "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest and Kara DioGuardi had to say to KDDR-TV station in Denver about how it felt without Paula.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RYAN SEACREST, HOST, "AMERICAN IDOL": We`re saddened that we`re doing this because it feels strange to be here without her today. We love her. She`s a part of our family. So it`s going to be a different day for sure.

KARA DIOGUARDI, JUDGE, "AMERICAN IDOL": I`m wearing black today, because I`m in mourning. I`m very, very sad about it. I mean, she is a huge loss for the show, a huge loss for the contestants and she`s my friend.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLOOM: There you have it. Kara DioGuardi dressed in black mourning Paula? But she also said she hopes Paula will reconsider. Lauren, do you buy it or do you think Kara is maybe a little glad to see Paula gone and get out of her shadow?

LAKE: You know what? I think Kara`s in that really interesting position of be careful what you wish for because you just might get it, because I think she`d be a liar if she didn`t think to herself, "I wonder how I would do as the only female judge or if I could hold this ship down myself."

But the problem is, now the ship is depending on her. And if it sinks, this is going to be a bad look for Kara and the guest judge. If they can`t give that same type of, you know, glamour and glitz and little bit of loony, train-wrecking style, TV drama that Paula brought, they`re in trouble.

BLOOM: You know, Kara also mentioned in a different interview that Paula Abdul is irreplaceable on "Idol." But in another brand-new development, Paula`s temporary replacement, Victoria Beckham, a.k.a. Posh Spice, sat in Paula`s chair as the first guest judge at the Denver auditions.

And in a radio interview with Ryan Seacrest, Beckham said she was excited and had a little message for Paula. Listen to this.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

VICTORIA BECKHAM, FORMER MEMBER, SPICE GIRLS: I am beyond excited. I mean, when I got the phone call, I just couldn`t believe it. I feel like I`ve got the best job that there is. I`m just so happy to be here.

SEACREST: What would you say to her if she called you?

BECKHAM: I`d say, you know, good luck. I mean, she doesn`t need luck from me. I mean, she`s great. I`m a big fan of Paula`s. You know, I always have been of her music. And you know, thank you for giving me this opportunity.

But she`s going to be great at whatever she does. There`s something great for her around the corner, I`m sure, that`s why she`s not doing this.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLOOM: I have to say she doesn`t sound as icy as she looks. So she`s wishing Paula luck, but at the same time, she says, this is the best job there is. Carolina, do you think once the season begins, maybe people will forget about Paula and actually see someone like Victoria Beckham as a fresh coat of paint for the show?

BERMUDEZ: No way. There`s no way to forget about Paula. That connection that she had with the contestants - it was undeniable. And I think that a lot of contestants have actually - Adam Lambert came out recently and said that`s the one thing that he felt so comfortable with going on stage, is Paula really puts her heart out there for people.

Posh Spice or Victoria Beckham - not so cuddly and warm. I`m not going to go out there and that she is the sweetest of people. But I think it`s a great opportunity for her. But Paula is definitely going to be missed. And you can`t replace someone like that. She started the show.

BLOOM: I have got to show you the blockbuster results of the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. We asked on air and online - "Paula Abdul: Does `American Idol` need her?" Forty-nine of you say yes while 51 percent of you say no, who needs her?

And we`ve got a call into our "Showbiz on Call" phone line from Lori in West Virginia who says, it just wouldn`t be the same without Paula. Listen to this.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

CALLER: I think it`s a disgrace that Paula had to leave like she did. She`ll be missed, and the show just seems to be breaking up a little bit every year. I don`t really care for Kara. I like Paula. I like Randy. And Simon`s Simon, but we`ll miss Paula.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

BLOOM: Thanks, Lori. Carolina, do you think people are more outraged by the way "Idol" treated Paula or by the simple fact that she may not be there next season?

BERMUDEZ: I think definitely people are upset about the way that she was treated. Here`s the glass ceiling, guys. This is a typical glass ceiling for a woman in entertainment. Ryan Seacrest gets $15 million each year for three years, $45 million. Simon Cowell is being paid out the wazoo. I mean, if they`re really missing her, why couldn`t they thrown in some of their money so that they could keep it all together and keep that ship going?

LAKE: And why bring in another girl to split the salary?

(CROSS TALK)

BLOOM: Lauren, when the new season of "Idol" begins, will Paula be back in the chair with a brand-new deal and everyone`s happy? Or do you think it`s really over?

LAKE: No. I think she will be back in that chair. They need to make sure she`s back in that chair.

BERMUDEZ: Yes. Tell them, Lauren. Tell them. It`s the truth.

BLOOM: Well, Carolina Bermudez, Lauren Lake, we`re going to see whose predictions turn out to be true. Thanks very much.

Tonight, the Billy Mays cocaine shocker. There`s startling news that cocaine may have contributed to the death of the over-the-top pitchman. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, should his amped-up ads be pulled from TV?

Plus, Kathy Griffin`s stepping out with the teenage father of Sarah Palin`s grandson? Yes, you heard me. We`ve got the jaw-dropping hook-up details.

And speaking of things that will make your head spin, Oprah being sued for $1 trillion? The SHOWBIZ truth squad is getting to the bottom of this outrageous new Oprah drama. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.

Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.

TEXT: Fox to air a two-hour special on octomom Nadya Suleman. Elisabeth Hasselbeck welcomes her third child, Isaiah Timothy.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLOOM: Right now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with more startling details of the big octumom show coming to television. Fox announced today that it will be airing a blockbuster special next week called "Octumom: The Incredible Unseen Footage."

Here`s how the octo-press release we`ve got our hands on today describes it, quote, "Viewers will be able to witness the emotional struggles, physical complications and financial burdens of this single mother of 14." Fox did not play any violin music along with that press release.

Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Lisa Bloom in Hollywood. A.J. Hammer has the night off.

Tonight, a Billy Mays cocaine shocker. This really is unbelievable. There is big news tonight about what led to the sudden death of TV pitchman Billy Mays. And let me tell you, this is really disturbing.

A Florida coroner now says cocaine use was partly to blame for the death of infomercial king Billy Mays. And now, Billy Mays`s family is fighting that. They are really angry, but why?

Also making big news right now, Hollywood`s new odd couple, Kathy Griffin goes out on the town with Sarah Palin`s almost son-in-law, Levi Johnston. Yes, that Levi Johnston, the teen who got Palin`s daughter pregnant. What in the world is this about? Well, wait until you hear what Griffin tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

Joining me tonight from New York is Jane Velez-Mitchell, host of "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL" which you can see every night at 7:00 p.m. right here on HLN. Also in New York is Lauren Lake. She`s an attorney and author of "Girl! Let Me Tell You."

As we know, Billy Mays was found dead in his home on June 28th. He was just 50 years old. So as you can imagine, his death came as a huge surprise to everyone.

But now, the new medical examiner`s report is sending shock waves. It did say heart disease was the primary cause of death. But it lists cocaine as a contributory cause of death.

It also adds he was not under the influence of cocaine when he died. But according to the report, he did use it within a few days of his death. Well, Jane, were you as shocked as we were to learn this new detail?

JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, HOST, "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL": Frankly, I wasn`t. The list of stars who have been found dead with drugs in their system is so long, it would take us all day and night to read it. We`d be here forever.

Obviously, America has a drug crisis. We`re losing the war on drugs and we also have a two-tiered system of justice. The vast majority of people who are in prison, doing time for drugs are poor people because they have to do and sell their drugs out in the streets, whereas rich and famous people can do it behind closed doors, behind tall walls.

And that`s why we only seem to find out about it in toxicology reports when they die. This is a tragedy but it`s also a cautionary tale that we`ve got to shatter the stereotype of what the drug addict looks like and realize he looks like the average dad working on the yard or working in the kitchen.

BLOOM: Yes, Billy`s family, along those lines, says they never even knew that he used cocaine. So, as you can imagine, they`re absolutely livid that this autopsy report was made public. In a statement, they say, quote, "We are extremely disappointed by the press release released by the Hillsborough County medical examiner`s office. We believe it contains speculative conclusions that are frankly unnecessary and tend to obscure the conclusion that Billy suffered from chronic, untreated hypertension which only demonstrates how important it is to regularly monitor one`s health."

His family goes on to blame high blood pressure for Mays` death which they say was the result of his hectic travel schedule. Well, Lauren, do they have a right to be upset that the cocaine conclusion was made public without their consent?

LAKE: They can be upset all they want. But the truth is, if cocaine was found in his system, then the medical examiner was simply reporting the facts, which is what they`re supposed to do.

And it is difficult in these trying times, amidst tragedy to deal with information like this that, quite frankly, it`s not a great look. No one wants to know that about a relative or a person that they respected. But at the same time, if it`s the truth, then it`s the truth.

BLOOM: And so sad. Well, another story making big news right now on a happier note, Kathy Griffin and Levi Johnston`s big date. The 48-year-old comedienne took the 19-year-old father of Sarah Palin`s grandchild to the Teen Choice Awards last night. And the handsome couple told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT how their big date came out.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GRIFFIN: I`m nominated for two Teen Choice Awards. And I thought I would ask the ultimate teen, Levi here, to come with me.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You (INAUDIBLE) the date?

LEVI JOHNSTON, FATHER OF SARAH PALIN`S GRANDSON: I do. Best-looking one around here.

GRIFFIN: You know, I know that he cares for the woman inside the woman that is Kathy Griffin. He`s actually delayed hunting season by a day to share our love.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLOOM: Lauren, she`s old enough to be his mother. In fact, she`s six years older than his mother. So, what do you think Sarah Palin thinks about this?

LAKE: I know she doesn`t want any part of this. She doesn`t even want to look at this mess. But you know, it is funny. We have to laugh. I mean, this is ludicrous. But you know, Levi has to keep in mind, he`s somebody`s dad now. And so you know.

BLOOM: True.

LAKE: You know, I mean, if that matters at all, you have to keep that in mind that you are someone`s dad.

BLOOM: Well, you`ve got to keep his 15 minutes going. And Kathy also told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about what they had planned for their big night out. Listen to this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GRIFFIN: I`m just going to be looking in his beautiful chocolate eyes all night and waiting for magic to happen. I`m also going to slip in my Rohypnol and he`ll just wake up four hours later, crying.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLOOM: This is Levi`s second big high-profile date as you may remember. The Republican convention appearance with his then-pregnant girlfriend Bristol Palin, and now, he`s running the red carpet with Kathy Griffin. Jane, who did he look more comfortable with.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: I love Kathy Griffin. She is a genius. That is so, so, so funny. And he was obviously -

BLOOM: A big win for Kathy Griffin, right? Well, we`re out of time.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: (INAUDIBLE) Kathy Griffin because she is real and she`s keeping it real.

BLOOM: That`s right. That`s why we love her. And we love the two of you as well, Jane Velez-Mitchell, Lauren Lake, thank you so much.

Tonight, the SHOWBIZ truth squad is checking out a doozy of a lawsuit. Listen to this, is Oprah Winfrey really being sued for $1 trillion? Yes, I said $1 trillion with a T. A New York City man claims the talk show queen stole the first draft of his work called "A Tome of Poetry" and she published it under a different name online.

This guy also alleges Oprah sold over 650 million copies online for $20 each and thus, the $1 trillion suit. Is this the most - is the most powerful woman in media going down?

SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that Oprah and her billions are safe. A district court judge tossed out the case calling it - surprise, surprise - baseless.

Tonight, Hulk Hogan`s ex-wife, Linda, gets emotional in her first post-divorce interview. Her revelations about her very, very young boyfriend. It`s the brand-new interview you don`t want to miss.

Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.

TEXT: "Smile" performed by Jermaine Jackson at his brother`s memorial to be sold on iTunes. "Twilight" wins 11 Teen Choice Awards; Miley Cyrus takes home six awards.

Tonight, Britney Spears` triumphant appearance at the Teen Choice Award. If anyone can make a comeback, look absolutely flawless, it`s a Hollywood A-lister like Britney. Britney rocked a smoking hot little black dress and took home the very special Ultimate Choice Award on the show that aired tonight on Fox.

And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there on the red carpet as stars like Emma Roberts the Black Eyed Peas just gushed about Britney.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

EMMA ROBERTS, ACTRESS: I knew she was going to make a comeback. I love Britney. I think she`s amazing.

WILL.I.AM, MEMBER, BLACK-EYED PEAS: I think her comeback is - shows the world that, you know, the youth, especially when you hit a low point, that it isn`t necessarily over. You can come out of that, and she did. And it`s great, and I`m proud of her.

JORDIN SPARKS, SINGER: I was rooting for her. I definitely thought at the beginning she should, you know, just take some time off and get better, which she did, which is exciting. But she`s so having so much fun. She`s on this amazing tour and she`s doing her thing and she`s doing what she loves to do.

So I`m proud of her. I`m glad that she`s getting back into it and, you know, getting healthier and just being herself again, which is really cool. So good job.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

And everyone is keeping their fingers crossed for a show-stopping Britney performance at this year`s VMAs. She`s up for seven Moon Men at the MTV awards show on September 13th. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLOOM: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Lisa Bloom. A.J. Hammer has the night off.

Tonight, Hulk Hogan`s ex-wife speaks out for the very first time since their nasty divorce. Hulk and Linda`s battle over their estimated $30 million fortune dragged on for over two years. Linda now says it was Hulk who reached out to squash the battle for an undisclosed amount.

They`ve moved on, but Linda is still locking horns with their daughter Brooke. Their drama is over Linda`s very young boyfriend. Linda made some shocking confessions about her "cougar" status this morning on "Good Morning America."

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Do you feel that it`s an unusual relationship?

LINDA HOGAN, WIFE OF HULK HOGAN: Totally. It`s definitely weird.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Do you love him?

L. HOGAN: Yes, I do. And he`s young, you know. I know he`s young and I`m old.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Does it bother you at all when it`s written in the tabloids "cougar queen?"

L. HOGAN: No. It`s kind of a fad now. Cool, I`m finally in style.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Does having a younger man make you feel sexy?

L. HOGAN: I have to say it does.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLOOM: Things are still pretty rough between Brooke and Linda. But Linda was brought to tears talking about her son, Nick, and his jail time for an accident that nearly killed his best friend.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

L. HOGAN: They put the hand cuffs on him and they took him back. I mean, it was really hard. And then to not see him for six months - yes. And they put him in an adult facility that was just like isolated and it was really hard.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

The house the Hogans lived in on their reality show, "Hogan Knows Best," is now for sale.

On Friday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Paula Abdul: Does "American Idol" need her? Forty-nine percent of you say yes; 51 percent of you say no.

Here are some of the E-mails we got. Lynda from Ontario, Canada writes, "Paula is strange but kind and people like her. Simon is mean. Randy is nice but doesn`t have much to say. They will miss out if they let Paula go."

And Lee from Massachusetts writes, "I just think that `Idol` will be too serious with the comical remarks between Simon and Paula."

That`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Lisa Bloom in Hollywood. And remember, you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s -11:00 p.m. Eastern, 11:00 p.m. Pacific, and in the morning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern on HLN.

END