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Showbiz Tonight
Kate Gosselin`s Makeover Video; Jon Gosselin`s Wacky Girlfriend Shuffle; Mel Gibson`s Explosive Advice to Tiger Woods; Angelina Jolie Gets Fired; Lindsay Lohan`s Cause
Aired January 11, 2010 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
A.J. HAMMER, CO-HOST: Right now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, caught on tape, Kate`s unbelievable makeover. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the very first brand-new video of Kate Gosselin getting her controversial makeover.
Also, Jon`s wacky girlfriend shuffle. Startling revelations about his new girlfriend and why he may file charges against his old girlfriend. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the dramatic new episode of the real-life soap opera as Jon and Kate turn.
Mel`s explosive new advice to Tiger Woods. Why Mel says Tiger needs to man up and take responsibility for his cheating. But will Tiger listen? And is Gibson defending Tiger?
Angelina gets fired. Tonight, why Angelina Jolie got canned from a big gig she had.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
HAMMER: Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
BROOKE ANDERSON, CO-HOST: Hi there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you from Hollywood. And in just a moment, the big news breaking today about whether Simon Cowell will leave "American Idol."
But first, the must-see, very first video of Kate`s makeover. For the very first time today, we got to see caught on tape the controversial excruciating 20-hour marathon that transformed Kate Gosselin into the person she calls Kate clean slate.
But wait, there`s more in the never-ending Jon and Kate soap opera. We also learned today that Jon has a new and reportedly very rich girlfriend. A new girlfriend who should probably pay attention to another big development today that Jon may sick the cops on his old girlfriend. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the late-breaking developments that made for big news breaking today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KATE GOSSELIN, REALITY TV STAR, "JON & KATE PLUS 8": This is kind of like the beginning of a new year, of a new Kate, new hair.
ANDERSON (voice-over): This brand-new video today just revealed on "People.com" is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the biggest transformation of the New Year so far - Kate Gosselin`s new hairdo.
K. GOSSELIN: Oh, my gosh. Wrong - this color? I might even cry.
ANDERSON: But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you, Kate is not the only Gosselin making headlines with a big change. Jon Gosselin making the rounds with another new 20-something girlfriend. Just revealed pictures of the new couple are popping up on "Radar Online."
JO PIAZZA, ENTERTAINMENT WRITER, CNN.COM: Everyone has gone through the post break-up blues and cope in different ways. Jon is coping by being a man whore. Kate is coping by getting a new hair.
K. GOSSELIN: I am Kate clean slate.
ANDERSON: Let`s start with Kate`s new hairstyle. And as this brand-new video just out today shows, it really did take an agonizing 20 hours to complete.
PIAZZA: She could have delivered two more babies in that time.
ANDERSON: CNN.com entertainment writer, Jo Piazza, tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that while the new do landed her on the cover of "People" magazine, it`s also getting her into some hot water with some of the haters out there.
PIAZZA: Some people are upset about Kate`s hair style. They don`t think that a mother of eight should be devoting 20 hours of her day to doing her hair.
K. GOSSELIN: That`s cold.
ANDERSON: The new video today of Kate`s makeover is truly revealing and includes this -
Kate screaming during a rinse like she`s being water boarded. The new video also shows Kate dealing with the stress of losing her old trademark short do.
KATE GOSSELIN: No!
PIAZZA: The thing with extensions is they`re disposable fun. They are not permanent, which is how I think Jon views his girlfriends.
ANDERSON: Speaking of Jon`s girlfriend, "Radar Online`s" new pictures of Jon`s new squeeze have everyone asking, who is this girl? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT did some serious digging today to bring you the lowdown.
PIAZZA: Jon met his girlfriend while he was out skiing in Utah. Her name is Morgan. She`s 25 years old and her family comes from loads of money.
ANDERSON: As Jon frolics with his rich, reported new girlfriend, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can now tell you he`s also dealing with some unfinished business with his former girlfriend, Hailey Glassman. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT learned today Gosselin plans to pursue criminal charges against his ex, whom Jon said vandalized his New York City apartment.
PIAZZA: Jon alleges that Hailey broke in and vandalized the apartment, stole the videogame system, stole several different electronics. Hailey alleged that she was just taking stuff that rightfully belonged to her from the apartment.
ANDERSON: Gosselin`s attorney tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, quote, "Jon Gosselin is very intent on the criminal investigation moving forward. He is very confident that when the investigation is completed, they will have an individual who they will no doubt arrest and charge with the appropriate crime for the activity that was perpetrated on him."
First, he had Kate trouble. Now, he has Hailey trouble. If Kate`s hair is her trademark, Jon`s trademark is becoming the bad luck he has with women.
PIAZZA: Good luck to you, Morgan.
K. GOSSELIN: Oh, lord have mercy.
ANDERSON: So Kate`s hair style is making the news and Jon is dating a young woman while having some lingering drama over the previous relationship.
K. GOSSELIN: This is kind of like the beginning of a new year.
ANDERSON: Maybe this former couple hasn`t changed that much this New Year after all.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: All right. So Kate gets more hair and Jon`s relationship gets - well, shall I say, hairy. The Jon and Kate soap opera continues now.
Joining me tonight from Hollywood, Carlos Diaz, who is a correspondent for "Extra." Tonight in New York with me is Megan Alexander, who is a correspondent for "Inside Edition."
And I`ve got to start with this startling, brand-new video today of Kate Gosselin and the behind-the-scenes video from "People.com" which shows it did take a whole lot to transform Kate to Kate clean slate. You`ve got to take a look at what she said about her new do. Roll that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
K. GOSSELIN: This is kind of like the beginning of a new year, a new Kate, new hair, new show. Same girl. Different look. It`s 1:00 a.m. We started at 9:00 a.m. yesterday morning.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Yes, 20 hours for this transformation. Carlos, does this brand-new video out today really just make it abundantly clear how much Kate wanted to wash that man right out of her hair?
CARLOS DIAZ, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": And she should, you know, although her referring to herself in the third person on multiple occasions -
HAMMER: Creepy -
DIAZ: Yes. Well, Carlos doesn`t have a problem with that. But what I`m saying is, you know, she spends all of that time, you know, getting a new look and she should because, you know, we`ve seen Kate with the short do recently, crying, being very emotional.
So now, hopefully, you know, when we see her with the long hair, this is seeing Kate in a happier light. Although, I didn`t agree with the "her" and the screaming during the rinse process. I mean, like you said, she`s not being water boarded there, OK? It`s just a rinse.
HAMMER: Yes. A.J. thinks that was a very insightful answer from you. Thank you for that. People actually really seem to be liking the new look more than not.
In fact, when we asked in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day, "Kate Gosselin`s Makeover: Did she do the right thing?" The results just came in moments ago. Fifty-nine percent of you said, great idea. Only 41 percent said not so much.
So Megan, when you look at this brand-new video just out today and realize, "Hey, this actually did take 20 hours." Because at first, we were like, "Really, 20 hours?" But it did. Would you say it was worth it?
MEGAN ALEXANDER, CORRESPONDENT, "INSIDE EDITION": Well, it`s difficult for me to sit in the salon for two hours, so I don`t know how she managed 20 hours. But I think women, when we go through something we like - and maybe guys do too - you like to change it up. Maybe it`s a new job, a new outfit or a new haircut. Her haircut really redefined her, the reverse mullet.
HAMMER: Yes.
ALEXANDER: So she wants to start afresh. The thing she needed to do was change her haircut. And obviously, she went to great lengths to do it.
HAMMER: At great lengths. And obviously, she had a lot to accomplish because she is more than just trying to create a new image of what she looks like. She has got a lot more invested in, hopefully, a future career in television.
All right. Another chapter in the Jon and Kate soap opera breaking today, while Kate has got a new hairdo, Jon got himself a brand-new 25- year-old girlfriend. "Radar Online" has just published this photo of Jon and his new girlfriend. Her name is Morgan Christie.
Now, Jon reportedly met Morgan at a ski trip and spent the whole time with her family over the holidays. And according to one report, her family is loaded.
Carlos, she`s a little bit older than Hailey Glassman and apparently has a lot more money. Is this a good investment for Jon or would you say it`s yet another train wreck headed down the tracks.
DIAZ: Well, legally she couldn`t get much younger than Hailey. But I`ve got to give Jon props. Man, this guy has got game. Because I mean, A, he`s got eight kids. And although they are beautiful and adorable, they are still baggage.
But B, we know all of the drama that surrounds his life and still can pull girls like this. What is that look? That`s like, "Hey, I`m Jon. This is my new squeeze. What do you think?" You know, it`s kind of weird.
HAMMER: Hey, you`ve got that darn pretty well. All right. Let`s move on in the continuing saga of Jon and his girlfriends. The truce between Jon and his ex-girlfriend, Hailey Glassman, apparently off.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT did learn today from Jon Gosselin`s attorney that Jon is now pursuing charges against Hailey, that for vandalizing his New York apartment. Jon`s attorney says once the police investigation is complete, they do plan to press charges.
Megan, I look at this and I`m thinking Jon is in a kind of no-win situation, because, yes, he was vandalized, if he was vandalized. He has every right to press charges, but it`s not going to look so good for his image to press charges.
ALEXANDER: Yes, the last thing this man wants to do is be back in court. I mean, he`s been seen around courthouses enough. Those are pretty serious statements. I mean, one of the statements said that supposedly Hailey Glassman said he roughed her up and what have you.
So I mean, you`re right. I think he needs to pursuit it if really he feels he was wronged in some way. But I also think he needs to just get out of the spotlight and out of the drama.
HAMMER: Yes.
ALEXANDER: And this is a way for him to continue in the spotlight.
HAMMER: Yes. Perhaps he just needs to let it go, although, as I said, he has every legal right to pursue something.
I do have to move on to another big story breaking today, big controversy over Mel Gibson`s advice to Tiger Woods. Mel says Tiger needs to man up, take responsibility for the cheating scandal. So why is somebody actually calling Mel a jackass for what he`s saying?
Carlos Diaz, Megan Alexander, stay right there.
ANDERSON: You know, I`ve got to ask, does Mel Gibson who has been through a scandal or two of his own, have a right to be dishing out advice?
Also, tonight, Angelina Jolie gets fired. That`s right. Angelina, one of the biggest stars on the face of the planet, gets canned from a very high profile gig. I mean, really, who fires Angelina Jolie?
And more big news breaking late today. Wow! This is huge. Simon Cowell finally reveals, he`s leaving "American Idol." Plus, does Simon want to hire Paula Abdul? You`ve got to stay tuned for that. You do not want to miss this. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Here comes the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker." These are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Sarah Palin signs deal to be a contributor to Fox News. NBC pulls plug on "The Jay Leno Show," plans to shift Leno back to 11:35 p.m.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We got on everyone who had their pants on. And as we started, they definitely started to come off.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We were confused.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: we were thinking they were going to take the rest of their clothes off.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: stand clear of the people with no pants. Did you see this? Thousands of people across the U.S. on Sunday hopped on to subways without pants. Yes, this was the ninth annual no-pants subway ride. Sounds like a good time.
The group that organizes this wacky thing called "Improv Everywhere" says its mission is to cause scenes of chaos and joy in public places. That`s good, but I`ve got to say, there is not a lot of joy in the amount of germs on a New York City subway. You know what I`m saying there?
ANDERSON: Yes.
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. And how about a shot of tequila, Brooke?
ANDERSON: A.J., you know, I think I will pass. Thanks for the offer. But how about this shot of tequila. Yes, there she goes again, shot a brand- new video we got today of Tila Tequila, the reality show train wreck, rambling again about the death of her supposed fiancee, Hollywood heiress, Casey Johnson and talking about how she is set to appear on CNN`s "LARRY KING LIVE."
Joining me tonight in New York, Steven Smith, who is a music and pop culture expert. And in Hollywood tonight, Kim Serafin, senior editor of "In Touch Weekly."
Steven, Kim, so Tila tequila went outside her home and informed the world that she`s got an interview all set with Larry King. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TILA TEQUILA, REALITY TV STAR: I`m not going to do interviews. I just want to do "LARRY KING." Hi, Larry.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right.
TEQUILA: Keeping my mouth shut for you.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Can I get a nice smile right here? Right here. You`re so beautiful.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, Tila, sorry, but we`ve got some breaking news for you. We confirmed today that you`re not going to be on "LARRY KING." The interview has been canceled.
Steven, I`m actually, though, starting to feel sorry for Tila. And I really don`t understand how she doesn`t get what an embarrassing spectacle she`s been making of herself since Casey`s death.
STEVEN SMITH, MUSIC AND POP CULTURE EXPERT: Yes, I really feel bad for her. And I think she`s, in a way, making light of such a tragedy. Yes, they had a relationship. Yes, her death was awful and I feel for her.
But she doesn`t know how to express her feelings and in front of a camera is all she`s ever known. So this is how she`s handling grief. I just don`t buy it and I think she needs some help.
ANDERSON: Yes. A lot of people are having sympathy for Tila. In fact, Valerie in Pennsylvania called in to "Showbiz on Call" to say she thinks Tila`s behavior is just her way of dealing with the loss of a loved one. Listen.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
VALERIE, CALLER FROM PENNSYLVANIA: I believe that Tila Tequila girl. I feel sad for her. She and this Casey were in love. It was very public. And I feel bad because she doesn`t have anybody around her and she`s in - I believe in shock and went crazy from the grief. And pretty much only people she does have around her are the paparazzi and she`s doing what she knows best and it`s to play a part.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Kim, do you buy what Valerie is saying about Tila, or do you think that Tila has really been making an embarrassing spectacle of herself that she`s just been humiliating herself?
KIM SERAFIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": You know, it just looks like Tila is making this all about her. I mean, even the video that you just showed. She`s posing for the camera. She`s smiling. She doesn`t look really depressed.
Yes, it`s possible this is how she`s dealing with it. But you know, the fact is, since Casey`s death, since we learned about this, I`ve learned more about Tila Tequila and her childhood and the bad things that happened to her years ago than I have about Casey. She`s made it all about her. And I think that`s why people are not feeling a lot of sympathy for Tila.
ANDERSON: Oh, it is sad, nonetheless.
SERAFIN: Yes.
ANDERSON: I want to move quickly now to some breaking news today about somebody else who`s been making a spectacle of themselves.
Balloon boy dad Richard Heene began serving his 90-day sentence in a Colorado jail today for pleading guilty to that hoax of his son being on a runaway balloon. But before going to jail, he went on "LARRY KING LIVE" to claim it wasn`t really a hoax.
Steven, I hope that he takes the time in jail to get his story straight. Very, very quickly. Do you think there`s any chance when he gets out, he might get that reality show he`s always wanted? That would be ridiculous, right?
SMITH: If there is a god, he will not get a reality show and no one have him back on their network again. The man is a travesty of a parent.
ANDERSON: Yes.
SMITH: I think should be sent in a balloon up into space.
ANDERSON: Enough laughing we need is a reality show starring Richard Heene. Steven Smith, Kim Serafin, thank you both.
HAMMER: All right. Brooke, you know, when I get a haircut, you get a haircut, really no big deal, right?
ANDERSON: Yes, A.J. No big deal. We don`t end up on the cover of "People" magazine or anything like that.
HAMMER: That is because neither of us is Kate Gosselin, of course. Well, we just showed you that unbelievable new video of Kate`s 20-hour makeover. And I`ve got to tell you, the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines have been blowing off the hook.
ANDERSON: Yes, they have. We got a call in to "Showbiz on Call" from Kenya who loves Kate`s new do.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
KENYA, CALLER: I believe that Kate`s new hairdo is awesome. And I think if the mother doesn`t feel good or feel good about herself, then what good is she going to be for the kids if she`s down?
How is she going to be good for the kids? If she`s depressed, they`re going to be depressed. I think that if she takes care of herself first, then, she`ll be a better mother for her children and help them get through this a whole lot better.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well said. Thank you, Kenya.
HAMMER: Well, we also heard from Marlee calling in from Wisconsin who thinks Kate`s do is a don`t.
MARLEE, CALLER FROM WISCONSIN: She should focus on her eight kids she has. If she wants to be a mother, then that`s what she needs to do. She needs to be a mom and stop trying to get in the limelight and stop trying to get attention. The kids want your attention.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Thanks a lot, Marlee.
ANDERSON: The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are open 24/7. Mark this number down - 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; that`s 1-888-728-2899.
HAMMER: So Mel Gibson is giving Tiger Woods some makeover advice but this has nothing to do with his hair. Why Mel says Tiger needs to man up and take responsibility for his cheating. But will Tiger listen?
And really, should Mel be giving out advice. I mean, hello. Remember Mel had that DUI arrest, the anti-Semitic rant. In fact, somebody is already calling Mel a jackass for what he`s saying.
And making news right now, the unbelievable new two faces of Lindsay Lohan - out of control party girl and crusader against child sex trafficking.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LINDSAY LOHAN, ACTRESS: The whole situation is heartbreaking because the parents aren`t necessarily in the wrong. The children are not even in the wrong. The traffickers are the ones in the wrong.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I really admire Lindsay for getting behind this very serious issue. But with her wild reputation, is anyone going to take her seriously? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Here comes the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker." These are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Howie Mandel will replace David Hasselhoff on "America`s Got Talent." Liza Minnelli to undergo knee surgery this week.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, how Barbara Walters almost said bye-bye to ABC? Yes, Barbara dropped the shocking bombshell today on "The View." On this morning`s show, she revealed that NBC tried to hire her back. Listen to this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARBARA WALTERS, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": Last June, NBC came to me. NBC was my home for so many years before I came to ABC, and to my amazement, made me an offer to come back to NBC News.
And at my age, it was very flattering offer. And I met with Jeff Zucker, the president and CEO of NBC Universal and Steve Capus, the president of NBC News and Mark Whitaker who is in charge of their Washington bureau.
The fact that they would make an offer to someone of my age and consider that I still had years ahead, was something that I think says something about them and about NBC. And that`s why I`m saying it today I chose not to go because I have been very happy at ABC. So -
SHERRI SHEPHERD, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": But did you have that little tingling in your stomach of something new? Maybe (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
WALTERS: Well, I thought what a wonderful way to end a career, take the next step. And they want me. They really want - you know, all of the above. And it was a very difficult decision. I was wrestling with it. And I would have been able to continue to do "The View" because this is at daytime.
I would not left "The View" - leave you? How could I leave you?
JOY BEHAR, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": And have another gig? Sounds familiar to me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes, it`s true, Joy. We know it and we love having you here on HLN. By the way, Barbara Walters hosted NBC`s "Today" show for 13 years.
ANDERSON: I`ve got to tell you I`m getting such a big and fired-up reaction on my SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook post about Beyonce performing for the son of terror-backing Libyan dictator Muammar Gadhafi.
Jennifer Z. thinks Beyonce way out of line and shouldn`t have squealed on others who were at her concert. "What she did was wrong and then try and make herself not be the only guilty one. She has to snitch on Lindsay and Usher. How childish."
Ayan M. thinks, "I think she`s pretty dumb for doing this. And she needs to sack her management."
Rebecca S. says, we should forgive and forget, "We all made bad decisions and move on. She is human like the rest of us."
Jozie L., "She`s a performer, not a politician."
Write me on Facebook, please. And follow us on Twitter. Sign up at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
HAMMER: And now, the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Mel Gibson`s explosive new advice to Tiger Woods. Why Mel says Tiger needs to man up and take responsibility for his cheating ways. But does Mel have any business giving Tiger advice in the first place?
Also, late-breaking news - Simon Cowell reveals if he`s staying on "American Idol" or taking a hike.
Plus, Angelina Jolie fired. I mean, who fires one of the biggest stars on the face of the planet? Are you crazy? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Michael Buble engaged to Argentinean singer, Luisana Lopilato. Fox picks up "Glee" for a second season.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Mel Gibson`s brand-new tough talk for Tiger Woods. Tonight, why Mel says Tiger needs to man-up and take responsibility for his cheating. But is Mel also defending Tiger?
Angelina, fired? Tonight, why Angelina Jolie got the boot from a high-profile gig.
Talking news about Simon Cowell and "American Idol" just a day before the new season starts. We`ve got the details on the big news breaking late today, a huge announcement about Simon`s future. Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
ANDERSON: I`m Brooke Anderson coming to you from Hollywood. And tonight, big breaking news about "American Idol."
HAMMER: Yes, Brooke. Late today, Simon Cowell confirmed all of the speculation and he revealed he will be leaving "American Idol." And this, of course, made for huge news breaking today.
Cowell confirmed that the new season of "Idol" starting on Tuesday night will be his last. Simon also revealed today that he`s bringing his British TV show, X Factor" to the U.S. on Fox which, of course, is the same network as "American Idol." And in a brand-new interview out today, Ellen DeGeneres says if Simon goes, she`s going too.
But wait, there`s more. There is a brands-new startling report today that Simon is about to sign Paula Abdul as a judge on the British version of "X Factor." Could this be the last season of "American Idol" as we know it?
Also breaking today, a brand-new and explosive interview with Mel Gibson giving Tiger Woods advice and telling Tiger he needs to man up. But he`s also saying he feels sorry for Tiger. But why?
Joining me tonight from Hollywood, Carlos Diaz who is a correspondent for "Extra." And with me in New York, Megan Alexander, who is a correspondent for "Inside Edition."
All right. Megan, you know, when this started bubbling around a couple of weeks ago that Simon could actually end his run on "American Idol," a lot of people said it can`t be. But it`s happening. What do you think?
ALEXANDER: Well, this is obviously the season to watch if it`s his last, right? I think Simon will be very difficult to replace. But I also admire him - leave when you`re on top. Maybe that`s what he`s doing, by saying, "Look, it`s been a good run. You need to freshen things up some time." I think it`s going to be very interesting to see how they replace him and who replace him with. That will be a really important issue.
HAMMER: And by all accounts, this is a win-win situation for Simon Cowell because of course, Carlos, he owns the "X Factor." As much money as "Idol" paid him, he`s walking into a really good deal here.
DIAZ: Yes, but it`s over. "American Idol" is over without Simon. I mean, do you have a "24" without Kiefer Sutherland? Do you have a "Two and a Half Men" without Charlie Sheen?
I mean, "American Idol" is "Star Search" without Simon Cowell. I mean, that`s - and the fact - hear me out here. The fact that "X Factor" is going to be on Fox - Fox only has so much time to promote its lineup.
So you know they`re going to give a large portion of that time to promoting "X Factor" which is going to hurt "American Idol" even more. I think this is the beginning of the end of "American Idol."
HAMMER: Yes, it will be interesting to see. What do you think, Brooke? Because obviously, they`re going to have "X-Factor" on in the fall. That`s the plan, starting in 2011, by the way.
And then, of course, "American Idol" typically kicks off in January. So it seems like a good move. But do you think this show can survive without Simon?
ALEXANDER: I do, actually. I disagree with Carlos because I think "American Idol" has a recipe for success and that is contestants who have talent, who have dreams, who have compelling stories.
And I`m not saying that these judges or that Simon Cowell is replaceable, because they are all very, very good. But I`m sure that Fox can find others who are equally entertaining, who are knowledgeable, captivating and all too willing to jump on board. So I don`t think this is the nail in the coffin for "American Idol."
HAMMER: Well, here`s something really fascinating about the timing of all this, because the news comes on the heels of Simon`s very first interview that he gave side-by-side with new "American Idol" judge, Ellen DeGeneres.
The two of them sat down together for the new "Entertainment Weekly." Ellen came charging right out of the gate. Here`s what she said, "Simon really is, in my opinion, mean to people sometimes. So I think I`ll be hard as a judge. But if he`s rude, I`m going to let him know he`s rude."
Now, here`s the interesting part. Ellen also said in this interview that if Simon leaves "Idol," she`s going to leave, too. I mean, think about that. That would mean, Megan, after one season, Simon Cowell would be gone. Ellen DeGeneres, after one season of doing the show, would be gone. And of course, Paula Abdul will have been gone. How disastrous would that all be?
ALEXANDER: Well, maybe if they all leave, you really need to completely mix it up, bring all fresh faces in and start over. Maybe you do need to really close that chapter and begin a new one. It might be difficult to continue on.
Ellen is smart. Maybe she thinks they`ll have a great season with Simon. They`re both very witty. I can`t wait to see the two of them together. And then, maybe she leaves as well because a new cast needs to come in.
HAMMER: Yes. Revamping the whole thing makes sense, because, essentially, and I agree with Brooke on this, the format itself works.
But Carlos, you think "American Idol" cannot survive having lost Paula and then if they lose Simon and Ellen? Game over?
DIAZ: I think if they can keep Ellen, they`ve got a shot. I`m a huge fan of Ellen DeGeneres. I think she`s hilarious. And I think if some way they could hold on to Ellen, maybe they have a shot.
You know, you go with Kara, Ellen, and Randy Jackson format with Ryan staying there. But in all honesty, if you lose Simon and you lose Ellen and you`ve lost Paula, I think it`s too much for a show to overcome that, in my opinion, is only about the singers in the final week or so every time you`re watching "Idol" from then on. It`s all about what Simon is going to say to the singers.
HAMMER: Well, everybody is going to be watching for sure to see exactly what happens. And of course, they did time this out perfectly for all of the publicity the show is now getting.
Let`s move on. Mel Gibson is giving some brand-new advice to Tiger Woods. He gave a brand-new interview that was just revealed today about Tiger Woods` cheating scandal that made it into the interview. And in it - this was with the U.K.`s "Daily Mail."
This was what Mel Gibson is offering up for Tiger Woods, "Nobody is without sin. You have to try to make amends if you can. You have to shut up on move and not whine about it. And you have to deal with it like a man and that`s it."
Back to you, Carlos. Mel telling Tiger, "Hey, man. Man up." Is this good advice, in your mind, from a guy who went off on an anti-Semitic - the tirade that he did while being arrested for DUI, but managed to get through it?
DIAZ: Yes. What Mel Gibson did and what he said are terrible. The way he handled it is pretty darn good. I mean, he`s got a new movie coming out, "Enter Darkness," this month. You know, he`s done well for himself.
So if I`m Tiger, I`m not looking at Mel Gibson as a role model but he did handle his drama better than Tiger Woods is handling his.
HAMMER: Yes. And if you look at where Mel is at now, it`s clear that people do ultimately do forgive. Not everybody has forgiven Mel, but a lot of people obviously have. And in this very same interview, Mel says he also feels badly for Tiger Woods. Brooke, what is Mel saying about the sympathy factor in this interview?
ANDERSON: A.J., this may seem like twisted logic, but here goes. Mel says, quote, "I feel sorry for Tiger Woods. Why are we talking about this when we`re sending 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan? You`ve got this history-changing event going on and we`re talking about Tiger`s private life and golf injuries. He`s being used as a diversion and it just drives me crazy. You come out savaged. I just think, `who cares?`"
Megan, are you buying that, that Tiger Woods is being used as a diversion to what`s really going on in the world?
ALEXANDER: Well, Brooke, I do think that some people have said the same thing, "who cares?" in terms of Tiger getting so much attention. I think we can agree there`s been such a hyper-focus on him, that, yes, there are other stories, other issues that we could be talking about.
Tiger Woods is such a superstar, too. I think few people could even be in a position to give him some advice. Mel Gibson may be one of them. I also think these are comments and maybe they should just be taken as comments. And one would hope that Tiger would really seek professional advice in the end.
HAMMER: Oh, my goodness. We hope - that`s been going on since day one in the whole situation.
ALEXANDER: True. Very true.
HAMMER: Well, the editor of "HollywoodLife.com" is calling Mel - and this is a choice word he pulled out for this - a jackass for even suggesting this whole notion. Carlos, do you think that`s too harsh or do you think it`s a jackass move on Mel`s part.
DIAZ: No, I`m not going to call Mel any names because that`s what got Mel in trouble in the first place. But yes, you know, I think Mel is doing what he can and I think the one thing that Tiger needs to look at is all the money that Mel had to give away when he got divorced.
And Tiger needs to look at that and say, you know, "Our bank accounts were pretty much the same. Are they going to be the same after, you know, the whole divorce thing is done?" So that`s what Tiger needs to worry now - how much money does he stand to lose like Mel did?
HAMMER: Harsh as what each of them did, Megan, it`s pretty clear, I think, to a lot of people who just look at the situations that Tiger Woods could learn a thing or two from Mel`s experience.
ALEXANDER: I think he could. I think any time you talk out and make yourself vulnerable as Mel Gibson is doing, you`ve got to respect him for that.
HAMMER: All right. Megan Alexander, Carlos Diaz, thank you very much for being here tonight.
Over to you, what do you think? It`s our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Ellen versus Simon: Will `American Idol` be a better show this year?" Please vote by going to CNN.com/ShowbizTonight or you can E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
ANDERSON: Gosh. You know the economy is bad when even Angelina Jolie is getting canned. Tonight, the shocking reason Angelina got fired from a high-profile job. Wait until you see who`s replacing one of the most famous women on the planet.
And move over Angelina. Lindsay Lohan may be stepping into your shoes as a global ambassador. Lindsay is getting behind a very serious issue. She`s almost unrecognizable in a shocking new documentary about child sex trafficking.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LOHAN: The whole situation is heartbreaking, because the parents aren`t necessarily in the wrong. The children are obviously not in the wrong. The traffickers are the ones in the wrong.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Has Hollywood`s resident bad girl gone good? I sure hope so. And will anyone take her seriously?
Plus, the fur is flying as a cat is called for jury duty. Wait until how poor Sal got caught up in this catastrophe. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
HAMMER: And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker." Here come more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Josh Duhamel and Fergie renew wedding vows on their first anniversary. Taylor Swift is top-selling digital artist in history with 24.3 million tracks sold.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, the Octo-Mom wins a major legal showdown. Nadya Suleman was slapped with a lawsuit saying she needed someone to oversee the money her eight kids made from reality shows or anything else. Paul Petersen, a former child star, also slammed Octo-Mom for allegedly exploiting and overworking her eight infants and six other children in videos released online.
But a judge shut all of that down basically ruling for Petersen to butt out of the Octo-Mom`s life.
Now, welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.
ANDERSON: Tonight, Angelina Jolie gets fired, but why? And big news about Charlie Sheen and David Hasselhoff all in the buzz today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): Angelina Jolie fired for being too famous. Jolie has just been dropped as the face of the luxury fashion brand, St. John. "Women`s Wear Daily" reports St. John thinks that Angelina is so famous she overshadows the brand and is getting away from using actresses in their ads. Jolie is being replaced by model Karen Elson, married to Jack White of the rock band, White Stripes.
CBS stands by Charlie Sheen. For the very first time since Sheen`s domestic violence arrest, CBS is speaking out about the star of its hit sitcom, "Two and a Half Men." The president of CBS told reporters there are no plans to drop Sheen and he`s just completed his first full episode since being accused of threatening his wife, Brooke Mueller. The show`s producer said the studio audience was, quote, "incredibly supportive of Sheen."
Howie`s replacing Hasselhoff. Howie Mandel, the host of "Deal or No Deal" has just struck a deal to be a judge on "America`s Got Talent." Mandel is replacing David Hasselhoff who decided to leave the show after four seasons.
NBC says that when it comes to judging talent, Mandel`s experience as a performer and as host of "Deal or No Deal" makes him an expert.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
The big buzz question today, was St. John`s decision to fire Angelina because she`s too famous absolutely ridiculous?
Joining me tonight in New York, Steven Smith who is a music and pop culture expert and host of MySpace`s music feed. And tonight, in Hollywood, Kim Serafin, who is the senior editor for "In Touch Weekly."
Steven, Kim, I really - you know, let me get this straight. Angelina Jolie fired from St. John because she`s too famous. They said that these days, Angelina Jolie, quote, "overshadowed the brand." Seriously, Steven, I don`t think I have ever heard of a paid spokesperson being fired because they are too well-known. What gives here?
SMITH: No, St. John made a very good call because overshadowing is very, very huge in the industry, especially with fashion. You are don`t want too many people knowing about the product. You don`t want them to be dressed on a celebrity. And I have it on good authority that the new spokesperson, since her husband is Jack White, will be known as the "white shadow" for St. John.
ANDERSON: OK. Good authority. Well, I will take note of that. And St. John - I do want to mention this. They say the brand is evolving and Jolie, who has been a spokesperson since 2005, just isn`t in the picture anymore.
The president of St. John said this, quote, "We wanted to make a clean break from actresses and steer away from blonds and cleanse the palate."
So Jolie and no blonds. Kim, is this a bad idea, getting rid of one of the most famous faces in the world?
SERAFIN: Yes. I guess no-blonds thing leaves you and me out so no chance for us, Brooke.
ANDERSON: That`s right. What do they have against blonds.
SERAFIN: Yes. It`s so bizarre, because so many people would love to have Angelina Jolie associated with their product whether it`s fashion or, you know - anything. She is a good person. She does good things for the world. And she is so recognizable.
But you know, you look at St. John. It`s kind of an understated elegant brand. It`s also a little bit older than her. So maybe that was something that had to do with it. You know, you see Angelina so much in the magazines and photos of her.
So maybe when you`re flipping through a magazine, you see, oh, Angelina Jolie, there she is doing something good for the world. There`s Angelina Jolie with her kids. There`s Angelina with Brad. You maybe don`t even notice what clothes she`s wearing because she is such a huge icon.
ANDERSON: Yes. Maybe they thought she was getting lost in all of the other publicity that she gets. But I do kind of get it because she is so striking. Sometimes, you don`t even notice what she`s wearing. Because honestly, the girl could wear a potato sack and still look absolutely beautiful.
Another big story today - the two faces of Lindsay Lohan. First side, we`ve got Lindsay the party girl. leaving a Hollywood event - here she is - hopping in the car with her assistant who drove away and hit a paparazzo in the arm and the ankle.
And the other face of Lindsay - well, today we obtained for the very first time a look at Lindsay shooting a documentary in India on child sex trafficking. I really wouldn`t have believed it if I had not seen it for myself. You`ve got to see this. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LOHAN: Didn`t you hear from other traffickers that children were abused and some - maybe some girls - like they`re attractive - raped and prostituted and subjected to such horrible things?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: I think what Lindsay is doing is absolutely great. But we still do see video of her going out night after night, reinforcing that image she`s had for so long as the party girl. Steven, how are people supposed to take her seriously?
SMITH: I think it`s a little bit of give and take. It`s a really cool thing she is doing, going over there to India to bring focus to something that needs focus brought to it. And she needs to take a little bit of responsibility on her part.
Yes, she`s young. Yes, she likes to party. She said this before. But if you`re going to do grown-up things, you might want to act a little more like a grown-up.
ANDERSON: Yes, in life, outside of this documentary work that she`s doing. And she says, as this documentarian, that she wants to change the world one child at a time which is a far cry from her image as the ultimate unhappy party girl with a failed movie career. But now, Lindsay has a cause, which is wonderful. Watch this from the documentary.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LOHAN: The whole situation is heartbreaking because the parents aren`t necessarily in the wrong. The children are not obviously in the wrong. The traffickers are the ones in the wrong.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Kim, super-quick, are people going to take her seriously?
SERAFIN: You know, it`s hard to start taking her seriously when she makes this transition from party girl to right away trying to save the world. You know, you can`t be Angelina Jolie overnight, basically.
She needs to kind of get away from all the drama, and drama seems to be attracted to Lindsay Lohan. Already, this year, designers accusing her of copying the designs.
ANDERSON: I know -
SERAFIN: She`s involved in the car accident.
ANDERSON: Drama just for her -
SERAFIN: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Drama seems to follow her.
ANDERSON: People will respect her I think if she remains consistent over time. Steven Smith, Kim Serafin, thank you both. Good to see you.
HAMMER: Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: "Star Trek" and "Avatar" nominated for Writers Guild Best Screenplay Award. "Twilight" star Taylor Lautner to present at Golden Globes on Sunday.
HAMMER: Tonight, from the "are you kidding me" file - a cat called for jury duty. Huh? Wait until you hear why Sal the cat got the call and why officials say they don`t care that he is a cat. And he`d better show up or else. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, the fur is flying over a cat called for jury duty. Did you see this? This adorable little guy named Sal is in the middle of a total catastrophe in Boston that he is desperately trying to claw his way out.
OK. This cat caper started when Sal the cat was listed as Sal Esposito by his owner on a census card and not identified as a pet. Well, Sal`s family wanted the world to know Sal isn`t just a cat. He is a member of the family.
Things did get a little hairy when Sal got called up for jury duty. His owners were stunned but took it all in stride.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: When they got the whole thing, I said, "Oh, my god. How can he go when he is a cat?"
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes. I said, "Sal? What`s this?" You know, I can`t believe it. I was shocked.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Probably do meow for the answer.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: It`s crazy I tell you. Sal`s family tried to get him out of jury duty citing his inability to, well, speak. But here`s where it gets really nuts. That excuse was denied by Boston court officials.
So for now, Sal is actually set to serve jury duty next month. And I am thinking maybe Sal will get picked as the jury fur-man, fur-man.
ANDERSON: And maybe so. I`m just picturing little Sal in the jury box. That`s very funny.
Tonight, Valerie Bertinelli`s inspiring revelation. We all know that Valerie lost more than 40 pounds last year and did it all right before our very eyes with Jenny Craig. Now, Valerie is going public with an amazing challenge for herself and it`s going to have women everywhere cheering her on again.
The former one day at a time star made this surprising announcement this morning on the "Today" show. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VALERIE BERTINELLI, ACTRESS: My new goal right now - thanks to the Sta. Barbara Cancer Institute - is to run the Boston marathon. So that`s what -
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You are really going to do that?
BERTINELLI: I`m really going to do it. I am training right now. And come April 19th, four days before my 50th birthday, I will be running 26.2 miles.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Now, Valerie`s goal isn`t just getting to the finish line. She is actually part of a team that`s trying to raise $4 million for cancer research by running the Boston marathon. I`ve got to say that is very cool.
Valerie is still on the Jenny Craig program. And she is getting a new weight loss buddy, former "Seinfeld" star Jason Alexander is now the new face of Jenny Craig.
Hey, on Friday we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Just moments ago, I got the final results. The question - "Kate Gosselin`s Makeover: Did she do the right thing? Fifty-nine percent of you say, yes, you loved it. Forty-one percent of you say no.
Here are some of the E-mails we received. Leigh from Arkansas, "Although Kate Gosselin is not my favorite person, her new look is great."
Anne from North Carolina disagrees, "Kate Gosselin can cut, glue, paste - whatever to her hair. She has got to be one of the most self- centered, appearance obsessed people on the planet. Who cares?"
HAMMER: All right. That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. We thank you for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
ANDERSON: I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Don`t forget you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - that`s 11:00 p.m. Eastern, 11:00 p.m. Pacific, and in the morning, 11:00 a.m. Eastern on HLN. Take care.
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