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Showbiz Tonight
Paparazzi Arrested for Hounding Britney; `SNL` Looking for an Obama Impersonator; Kirstie Alley`s Fat Fight; `Idol` Outrage -- Too Many Pros?
Aired February 21, 2008 - 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: A stunning dramatic police crackdown on the paparazzi chasing Britney Spears. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York City.
BROOKE ANDERSON CO-HOST: And a Barack Obama shocker. The surprising way the presidential race is affecting "Saturday Night Live" big time. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
HAMMER: On SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Kirstie Alley`s counter fat attack. Startling claims that Kirstie was fired as Jenny Craig`s spokeswoman because she packed on the pounds again.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KIRSTIE ALLEY, ACTRESS: No, she`s not fat like I was. Keep it short.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, the drastic action Kirstie is threatening to fight back. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the explosive new developments in the star of "Fat Actress`" fat fight.
Britney`s dad new fierce fight. Tonight, the dramatic of what Britney Spears` father is now doing to prevent the battle to control his daughter from turning into a federal case. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the big breaking Britney news.
And a brand new "American Idol" controversy. The outrage and the demand that some contestants get kicked off. But this time, it`s not because of their criminal records, or even posing nude.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
ANDERSON: Hi there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you from Hollywood. And on the same night that Barack Obama engages in yet another debate, here`s a debate for you. Who should play him on "Saturday Night Live?" The inside story on the big Obama search coming up a little later on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
HAMMER: But first, Kirstie Alley`s fat fight and it`s not just the fight to keep the pounds off but a big battle over claims that the pounds are coming back on. Tonight, Kirstie just going ballistic over a tabloid`s claim she regained so much weight, Jenny Craig showed her the door and basically told her to take a hike. Well, Kirstie is not taking any of this lying down. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with Kirstie`s dramatic counter attack.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice over): A bombshell allegation.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE REPORTER: Serious questions this morning.
HAMMER: A passionate denial.
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R-AZ), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: It`s not true.
HAMMER: And shocking speculation that could damage a bold, new venture. We could be talking about presidential candidate John McCain. But we`re not. We`re talking about Kirstie Alley, now the former Jenny Craig spokeswoman. And like McCain`s battle with "the New York times" over the improper relationship story, Kirstie is in an Alley fight with "The National Enquirer" over a story that claims that Jenny Craig fired her for being too fat.
ALLEY: I`m not fat anymore but my friend Valerie Bertinelli is.
VALERIE BERTINELLI, ACTRESS: Hello. Standing right here.
HAMMER: And that she was in a fat cat fight with fellow Jenny Craig spokeswoman, Valerie Bertinelli.
MIKE FLEEMAN, WEST COAST EDITOR, "PEOPLE.COM": Perhaps Kirstie was just the odd woman out.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT puts this story on the truth scale. Are reports that Jenny Craig dumped Kirstie for being too fat, a big, fat lie?
FLEEMAN: I think the only scale that mattered was the one holding the money.
HAMMER: Over her three years pitching for the Jenny Craig Weight Loss Plan, Alley lost a whopping 75 pounds. So it was a shock when she suddenly announced to "People.com" that she and the weight loss company were splitting up.
FLEEMAN: She is parting ways. She`s moving on and now she wants to try to launch her own weight loss brand.
HAMMER: Then came "The National Enquirer" article which claims that Jenny Craig folks were cheesed because Alley had regained the 75 pounds she had lost while she was with the company. Alley says she gained and later lost only ten pounds. And that was after she`d already left Jenny Craig. About the "Enquirer" story, Alley told "USA Today," quote, "`The National Enquirer` story is hurtful and harmful to me. I`m going to litigate. It is chronic and has been chronic for the last three years. This one is extremely damaging.
Body image expert Emme tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT she can see why Alley is striking back at "The Enquirer."
BODY IMAGE EXPERT: I think it can be very damaging especially if she wants to show people that taking on a weight loss program that she heads and she`s not able to keep off her weight. Being publicized all over the place is very damaging for someone to get into that business.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT went straight to Jenny Craig, not for any weight loss purposes but to find out the real story. A spokesman is backing Alley`s story that they just couldn`t agree to a new contract.
SCOTT PARKER, JENNY CRAIG SPOKESMAN: Her weight has and has always been right on target. We did make an offer for a fourth year of a relationship. We weren`t able to come to agreement.
HAMMER: And what about "The Enquirer`s" report that Alley was jealous of Valerie Bertinelli`s weight loss?
ALLEY: You`re losing weight in front of millions of people.
BERTINELLI: I am?
HAMMER: Soon after Alley and Bertinelli started appearing together in Jenny Craig commercials, Alley appeared on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and raved about her co-star.
ALLEY: I`m having a great time with Valerie.
HAMMER: And Jenny Craig says the feud report is laughable.
PARKER: Kirstie and Valerie like each other very much. I know they workout together. I know that their kids go to the same school and nothing could be further from the truth.
HAMMER: So now, Jenny Craig is moving forward with its two remaining celebrity spokeswoman. Bertinelli and actress Queen Latifah. And Kirstie Alley is moving ahead with her own company and her big time crusade against what she says is a bogus story. And looks like Kirstie and John McCain have a lot in common.
MCCAIN: It`s not true.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: So what`s the upshot of all this? Is Kirstie all fired up for nothing just because a tabloid is calling her fat or should she be outraged? Joining me tonight from Hollywood, Kirstin Dos Santos, "E! Online" columnist and Jessica Weiner, self esteem expert and the author of this fine book, "Do I Look Fat in This?" I appreciate you being with me tonight, ladies.
Jessica, I want to start with you. You`ve been on our program for a long time. You know me well enough to know that I don`t think anybody should make fun of anyone for their weight, no matter what the deal is with that. But there are those who would suggest that Kirstie is perhaps making a big deal out of nothing since, after all, this is a tabloid magazine reporting this stuff about her. And it really is nothing new. What do you think?
JESSICA WEINER, SELF ESTEEM EXPERT: Well, I don`t think she`s making a big deal out of nothing. I think she absolutely has a right to fight back if it`s not a true story for her. But I think once again, and we`ve talked about this a lot, A.J. It`s so sad to me that Kirstie who once had a really a viable career and was known for her work as an actress is now really known for her weight and how much fat she has on her body. And that, I think, is another sentiment about Hollywood and the tabloid obsession to talk about weight all the time. And I think by Kirstie`s striking back and by speaking up, it lets women know everywhere that they`re not just what they weigh, even famous women.
HAMMER: So do you think that`s setting a bad example then?
WEINER: I think it`s setting - I think we`ve always been setting a really bad example by equating a woman`s worth with what she weighs. I think it belittles and demeans women in Hollywood and their true talent and their ability. But Kirstie now is cashing in on the weight loss business, so I`m not completely holding her faultless here.
She is in the business of weight loss now. She sold her story and herself around her weight loss. And she`s gained notoriety because she mirrors a lot of women out there feeling frustrated about the weigh. But, again, I think Kirstie really has to walk her talk and feel good about who she is no matter what size she is. Because if she`s going to launch that weight loss program next year, she`s got to come at it from an authentic platform.
HAMMER: Certainly. Kristin, what do you think? is Kirstie pretty much on the money here with her counter attack against "The Enquirer" for saying she lost her job because she was fat?
KRISTIN DOS SANTOS, "E! ONLINE COLUMNIST": Well, I think it`s surprising to people because Kirstie has been so sort of self deprecating. And obviously, she`s able to sort of like, you know, just laugh at herself and not take things too seriously. So I think that there`s certainly the surprise element of it. But I`m glad that she`s speaking out.
I know Jennifer Love Hewitt did that just a couple of months ago. And good for both of them because, you know, I really think that obviously there is way too much focus on women`s weight issues. And for someone like Kirstie who`s so much - that is so much of who she is and how she`s now made a name for herself, she has the fight back, especially if she`s going to end up wanting to sell something to women who should, you know, take stock in what she`s saying. If they think that she personally can`t control her own weight, they`re not going to put any stock in what she is saying or what she`s selling in the future.
HAMMER: And for a long time, she`s been very open and honest about her ups and downs. She did admit that she gained a little weight in interview that she did with "USA Today." Here`s what she said, quote, "In January, when I wasn`t the Jenny Craig spokesperson anymore. I gained about 10 pounds which I would attribute to being like a kid in a candy store. For about four weeks, I had ten extra pounds on me, but I have since taken it off.
I`d have to imagine millions of women around the country are saluting Kirstie for speaking out and admitting that she gained a little weight, Jessica. Right?
WEINER: Yes. This is like time for a reality check. Any woman who`s ever gone on a diet or especially a diet program like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers or any of the programs out there, there is a time, a normal time in maintenance where you`re going to gain some weight.
You can`t maintain some of these programs forever and I think women everywhere are sort of saluting her and saying, "Yes, I`m glad you`re sort of normal, too." But the truth is she`s not really normal because she was paid lots of money to lose weight. And if we offered millions of dollars to women across this country to lose 20 pounds, we`d all be really skinny.
HAMMER: No kidding. Now, among the many reasons that this really gets under Kirstie`s skin is because she has been discriminated against because of her weight and the weight that she`s gained. Listen to what she told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s own Brooke Anderson. Brooke asked her if she`s felt that bias in the past. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALLEY: Of course. It`s part of the game, you know? It`s - you know, I lost jobs when I weighed 135 pounds because I was told by directors that I was too fat. You know, I had one director tell me to go - when I weighed 128, "Go lose 15 pounds and then come back and see me." You can either become the victim of something or you can triumph over something. And I think just the message of all life is, if adversity is staring you in the face, just stare back at it and turn it into a comedy movie and make some money.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes, make some money. And in fact, Kirstie poised to make some money once again as we`ve been talking about with her plans to launch her own weight loss program. Kristin, I`ve got about 20 seconds. Do you think that`s a good plan?
DOS SANTOS: I certainly think so. I mean as we`ve discussed, I think that her career is not necessarily what it used to be as far as acting. And she now is known for being the Jenny Craig spokesperson and being the number that she weighs and all of that. And she`s turning it into a profit and I say good for her. She may as well.
HAMMER: Yes. I give her a lot of credit for among many things, her candor with all of this. I`ve got to wrap it up. Jessica Weiner, Kristin Dos Santos, I appreciate you both being with us tonight.
ANDERSON: Well, there is a nasty court battle involving Britney Spears` dad, Jamie. He`s trying to prevent the fight over control of Britney from heading to federal court. I got to say, I`m with him on this. Whoever is behind this, well, it seems really sketchy because Britney does seem to be doing OK recently with her parents getting involved. I`ve got the big breaking news of her dad`s fierce fight, next.
And a brand new "American Idol" controversy. You know, I am a fan of the show but this time, there`s a lot of outrage over what some contestants did in the past and it`s not about their criminal records or even posing nude. That`s straight ahead.
Also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: It`s a shame that he`s not a stupid man because it would make doing an impression of him a lot easier.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, the shocking way Barack Obama`s having a huge effect on "Saturday Night Live." You will not want to miss this - the frantic search for a Barack impersonator. It is really funny and it is coming up.
ANDERSON: Yes, it is. And now, we do want to hear from you. It is our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Take a look - "American Idol Controversy: Are there too may pros on the show?" We want to know what you think. So vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. You can also E-mail us at showbiztonight@CNN.com.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: A dramatic turn tonight in the battle over who will remain in control of Britney Spears` fate and fortune. Now, her father is fighting to prevent this from becoming a federal case.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. TV`s most provocative entertainment news show. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Tonight, Britney`s father is fighting back. For the first time ever, Jamie Spears is responding to a controversial legal move that could determine who will run Britney`s life.
With us tonight from Atlanta is B.J. Bernstein, defense attorney, and in Hollywood, Atty. Darren Kavinoky. Darren, B.J., as we know, a court gave total control of Britney to her father and an attorney, John Eardley came out of the blue and claimed that her civil rights were being violated. He is now trying to move the case to federal court.
Britney`s father, Jamie, is calling this brazen, describes him as an attorney without a client. B.J. Bernstein, does Jamie have a point that this attorney really has no bearing on the case?
B.J. BERNSTEIN, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Absolutely. I mean, it`s ridiculous to think that this could go to federal court. That an attorney can just step in when a court has said that Britney doesn`t have control right now to hire, you know, anybody. And how this lawyer even got involved is not clear and is very suspicious at this point.
ANDERSON: Well, Jamie, obviously, is very suspicious of everyone who is involved. And in the court papers that he filed, he`s demanding to know who in the world is behind the whole thing. He wants the court to require Eardley to give a statement and reveal who he`s working with. And the suspicion is that it`s Britney`s former so-called manager Sam Lutfi. Darren, do you think Lutfi is the one pulling the strings here?
ATTY. DARREN KAVINOKY: Well, Lutfi could be the one pulling the springs here, but if he is, he`d better get his checkbook ready. And the interesting thing is that Eardley had previously gone on record and said that Britney contacted him directly by way of a phone call. And that raises a few interesting issues. I mean, how did this phone call take place and how did he even know it was Britney?
Does he have a special Britney ring tone or is there a Britney hotline? Does her picture flash on the cell phone? I mean how can you really have confidence that it`s Britney doing anything? But like I said, if it is Lutfi, he better be prepared to pay up because Jamie`s lawyers are seeking sanctions and they want to know who it was that got Eardley involved, because they want that person to pay their legal bills and they`re running up a big fee.
ANDERSON: Absolutely. They want to get to the bottom of all of it. And I want you two to get a load of this because as we know, a temporary restraining order was issued against Sam Lutfi, ordering him to stay away from Britney. Today, we learned that he`s actually been served with those papers. B.J., I know it means that he can`t be physically near Britney, within 250 yards to be exact, but does that also mean he can`t have any contact with her at all, call her, E-mail her, work for her behind the scenes?
BERNSTEIN: That`s correct. Any contact, when there is a restraining order, whether it is by E-mail, by phone or even through a third person that`s not a lawyer involved in the case is a violation of that order. And thank goodness,. it`s finally been served and it probably says something to the character of Mr. Lutfi that, you know, it`s been well publicized that this order has been out there for weeks and only today he`s served. He`s been trying to hide from it. And if you really have something to say, then go to court in front of a judge and deal with it directly.
ANDERSON: Yes. He seems like he`s seemingly been trying to dodge the order. But I do have a question about the timing, Darren, of it being served today. Because I`m looking at this restraining order and it says that a copy had to be served in person to Sam five days before the hearing, which, according to the document is scheduled for tomorrow. So seems like they`re a little bit late. What does that mean? Will it have to be reissued? How will that affect a hearing? Will he have to show up?
KAVINOKY: Well, unfortunately, it means that we`re not going to have the full-blown hearing that we were hoping to have. He`s got to be served on a timely basis before that hearing can go forward, and when it does, it really will be a great hearing to watch.
I mean, this is the hearing where we`re finally going to get to the bottom of these allegations that Lutfi was slipping drugs into Britney`s food so that he could induce that coma, and then the doctors could step in and give her the real medication to fix her brain and all of this really crazy stuff that wouldn`t make it on a soap opera with the actors being able to read those lines without laughing. So it really will be great. But what the judge will probably do is extend the temporary order so that -
ANDERSON: I see.
KAVINOKY: So that he can`t have any contact with her.
ANDERSON: All right. Some pretty wild allegations out there. A lot of questions still to be answered. Darren, Kavinoky, B.J. Bernstein., thank you both.
HAMMER: Well, shifting gears now, I think it is just great that "Dancing With The Stars" picks all kinds of people with all kinds of backgrounds. This time, for example, Marlee Matlin is on the show. But because Marlee is deaf, you know, a lot of people are wondering, is it a good idea? Well, tonight - wait until you hear this - Marlee`s speaking out. In fact she says being deaf could actually help her win. What she is saying, coming up.
ANDERSON: Well, tonight, "American Idol" fans are making sure they`re heard. I`m a big fan of the show but this time, there is a lot of outrage over what some contestants did in the past, and it`s not about their criminal records or even posing nude. I`m going to get to the bottom of this startling controversy, coming up.
Also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WYATT CENAC, COMEDIAN: It`s a shame that he`s not a stupid man because it would make doing an impression of him a lot easier.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, the shocking way Barack Obama`s having a big effect on "Saturday Night Live," the frantic search for a Barack impersonator. This is absolutely hysterical and it is coming up.
Well now, you can watch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT any time you`d like. All you have to do is download our podcast. It happens to be totally free. You`ll find the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT podcast on our website, which is CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. You can also find it on the iTunes by typing "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" into the search box. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT coming straight back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood and here are some more stories that are new right now. Tonight, Delta Burke`s shocking suicide admission. She says her depression got so bad that at one point she actually sat in a car with a gun and a bottle of Xanax beside her. But she claims she never intended to kill herself. The "Designing Women" star checked into a psychiatric clinic last month because she needed an adjustment in her medicines. Putting herself out there, Delta tells "Entertainment Tonight" she wants to remove the stigma of depression and be the face of the mental illness.
A stunning Britney Spears paparazzi crack down. Los Angeles Police arrested two men photographing Britney at a hair salon. Cops also picked up two others outside of a club where Lindsay Lohan reportedly was. LAPD says the guys were blocking the walkway and didn`t move when asked to. TMZ which is where two of these paps were said their guys weren`t doing anything dangerous.
Pink is speaking out about her shocking split from her husband of two years, Carey Hart. On her Web site, she says, quote, "This break-up is not about cheating, anger or fighting." Pink also didn`t rule out that they would get back together someday.
HAMMER: All right. Well, coming up, I`ve got a revealing look at three other big stories that are new right now. You will not want to miss these. I think it is just great that Marlee Matlin is on the new season of "Dancing With The Stars." But get this, she`s now speaking out saying that being deaf could actually turn out to be her not-so-secret weapon on the show.
"Heroes" star Milo Ventimiglia is finally speaking out about his reported relationship about with his "Heroes" co-star, Hayden Panettiere. You know, a lot of people have been a little queasy about this, because well, he`s 30 and she`s 18. He is all fired up.
And no joke here. Jessica Simpson is now a hot commodity, where? In a former Soviet state. Wait until you hear this. It is coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
ANDERSON: All right. A.J., I cannot believe how angry "American Idol" fans are this year. Yes, there have been controversies before. I know. But this time, there`s a lot of outrage over what some contestants did in the past and it`s not about their criminal records or even posing nude. I`m going to get to the bottom of this startling controversy, straight ahead on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(NEWS BREAK)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: On SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Marlee Matlin speaks out. The first deaf contestant in the history of "Dancing With The Stars" explains just how she`s going to go toe to toe with the rest of the stars on the dance floor. This is truly a remarkable story. Tonight, how Marlee is going to shake things up on "Dancing With The Stars."
"Idol" outrage. A brand new "American Idol" controversy. Critics are crying foul over some of the contestants` past, but this time, it isn`t nude photos or rap sheets. It`s too much experience that has people all up in arms - record deals, multimillion dollar marketing campaigns. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT asks - are there too many pros on "American Idol"?
(MUSIC)
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: And I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you tonight from Hollywood. This is TV`s most provocative entertainment news show.
HAMMER: Well tonight, there are three hot in Hollywood story that is are new right now. We just got to talk about them. For the very first time, deaf actress Marlee Matlin is revealing to Oprah Winfrey the secret weapon that she plans to use to compete on "Dancing With The Stars."
Also new right now, 30-year-old "Heroes" star, Milo Ventimiglia, is speaking out about his much-talked about relationship with his 18-year-old co-star, Hayden Panettiere.
And why is Jessica Simpson loving a former Soviet state? Wow. You are not going to believe the reason and I`ve got to tell you it is not Borat. Not so much.
Joining me tonight from Los Angeles, "E! Online" columnist Kristin Dos Santos. In Hollywood tonight, "Extra" correspondent Carlos Diaz. And also in Hollywood tonight, CNN entertainment correspondent, Kareen Wynter.
All right, gang. We recently learned that Marlee Matlin is a part of the new "Dancing With The Stars." I`m a huge Marlee Matlin fan. She, of course, is an Oscar winner. She, of course, is hearing-impaired. A lot of people are wandering how the heck is she going to do this? Well, now, she is revealing her so-called secret plan. I want you all to listen to what she told Oprah Winfrey.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OPRAH WINFREY, HOST, "THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW": I heard, Marlee, that you said "Dancing With The Stars" speaks your language.
MARLEE MATLIN, ACTRESS (through translator): Well, it`s the - I mean, because I use my hands when I speak and my body and I face every day. That`s how I communicate because of being deaf. And knowing what dancers do, we do the same thing. They use their hands and body. They make themselves understood that way and express themselves that way. It is like learning another language for me and being on the show. That`s what it`s like for me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Pretty easy to understand. So, since Marlee says she can literally feel the music, Kristin. We shouldn`t count her out, should we?
DOS SANTOS: I actually think she has a huge advantage and I think she`s right. And I think she`ll do better than say Billy Ray Cyrus or some of the athletes we have seen who have no rhythm whatsoever. So for her to be able to feel the beat and to be able to follow that, she`ll do very well and obviously for her to overcome her obstacles and show people that she can do this, she could very well be a fan favorite this season.
HAMMER: Well yes, and if look back at her history, her career, she pretty much shows that she can do anything she puts her mind to. I`m curious to get your take, Carlos, because Marlee I don`t think would be doing this if she didn`t think she had a real shot at winning.
CARLOS DIAZ, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": Well, I think the positive impact she`s going to have on young people is going to be amazing. Think about this, A.J. You know, you have all these young people out there who are going to be watching this and some of which will be hearing impaired.
And think about, like, the awkwardness growing up and you`re at a dance when you`re young and you`re hearing impaired. And all of a sudden, you`re not afraid to dance because, you know, Marlee did it. Why can`t I do it? This is a feel good story and I think it`s going to have a positive influence on all the young people who have the same kind of, you know, hearing handicap that she has.
HAMMER: Yes. I`m right there with you. I love it. I love that ABC is doing it. I love that Marlee is doing it.
All right. Moving on to another story new right now, one that has raised some eyebrows. Thirty-year-old "Heroes" star Milo Ventimiglia has remained pretty tight-lipped about his relationship with his 18-year-old co-star, Hayden Panettiere. Now, in the new issue of "GQ" magazine, Milo says that the gossip doesn`t faze him at all.
Listen to what he says, quote, "When you`re in the public eye, you try to keep whatever you can private. People can speculate and talk, but what can you do, stop living your life?"
What do you think, Kareen? Does Milo have anything to be ashamed of when it comes to this relationship?
KAREEN WYNTER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: When I heard about this, this one really had me shaking my head, A.J., for this very reason. OK, 30 isn`t old. We know that. But little Hayden, she`s 18 years old. There are reports that they probably met and hooked up when she was 17. And that`s a little bizarre to me. I have an 11-month-old now and I think if he ever brought home a 30-year-old woman, mommy wouldn`t be too happy with that. Maybe if she was 25, even, 27, 28, that would be no problem. But 18, a little too young.
HAMMER: All right. Let`s compare and contrast, shall we? And for that, I`m going to go to my friend, Carlos Diaz, who on this very program before has said, "Go, Milo." You know, which leads me to my question to you tonight, Carlos, should he be out and proud with this relationship? Does it matter at all as far as you are concerned, he`s 30, she`s 18?
DIAZ: I believe I was misquoted. I said, "Go, Milo!" Here`s the thing. Come on, people. I mean why is this that we can say that Hayden Panettiere is so hot and then all of a sudden if she is dating someone a few years older, then she is, "Oh my gosh. We can`t do that."
I mean, there are Hollywood executives here in Hollywood who are a lot older than 30 that are saying, "Wow, she`s hot." And so, I mean, it`s - she`s an adult. Legally. So, I - what`s the big deal? I don`t - I think it`s - it`s one of the things where, you know, you can say a girl`s hot. But, oh well, you know, you really can`t date her? I don`t get that at all.
WYNTER: A.J., may I jump in here?
HAMMER: Yes, of course.
WYNTER: A few years? Come on, Carlos. Eighteen years old. That`s -
DIAZ: That`s 12 years.
WYNTER: That`s way too young. I absolutely love you but disagree with that. Way, way too young. If she were your daughter, if she were your daughter -
DIAZ: Yes.
WYNTER: And she brought home a 30-year-old man and walked into the door, daddy would not be happy. Come on.
DIAZ: We can watch the game together. It will be kind of cool. I`m 37. I can date a 25-year-old without it being any problem. Come on.
HAMMER: You can disagree about that. We can all agree on Carlos` enthusiasm, however. I want to move on to the final story that`s new right now. And this is really one of my favorite stories of the night. The Ukraine just loves Jessica Simpson. Now, Jessica`s latest movie "Blond Ambition" tanked here in the United States. I mean it made like barely $2,000, all told. It`s number one at the box office in the Ukraine and this is according to the Web site box office, "Mojo.com." Now, the editor- in-chief told "People" magazine, quote, "The former Soviet nations have a sweet tooth for straight-up comedies. Kirsten, there are many mysteries in the universe as we all know. Perhaps you can explain this one to me.
DOS SANTOS: Many mysteries involving Jessica Simpson, as well. I have to say for those of us who haven`t really ever gotten her and didn`t really understand her brand of humor, now we get it. She`s just along the Ukraine lines of sense of humor. She is very funny in the Ukrainian and very talented. And I think a lot of football fans would probably agree that perhaps she should just move there.
HAMMER: Kareen Wynter, what do you think? I have 20 seconds. Do you think maybe she should be doing the junkets and red carpet premiers over there in the Ukraine?
WYNTER: Hey, absolutely. Money is money, whether it`s here or there. She has a shot and her career is kind of on the downslide. She`s supposed to have this country album coming out. We`ll see, but you know what, Jessica? You may want to pack your bags soon.
HAMMER: Hey, Carlos, only time for a "Go, Jessica" from you.
DIAZ: Go, Ukraine! Go, Ukraine! Here we go.
HAMMER: Not with the same enthusiasm you have for Milo. Kristin Dos Santos, Carlos Diaz, Kareen Wynter, thanks to all of you.
ANDERSON: All right. Tonight, there is outrage over "American Idol." A brand new controversy over some contestants` past - record deals, multi- million dollar marketing campaigns. Hey, that doesn`t sound like undiscovered talent to me. Isn`t "Idol" about finding the diamonds in the rough? Are there too many pros on the show? That`s next.
Also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WYATT CENAC, COMEDIAN: It`s a shame that`s he`s not a stupid man because it would make doing an impression of him a lot easier.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: He`s talking about Sen. Barack Obama there. Apparently, it`s a big challenge to play him and that has left "Saturday Night Live" just scrambling. You want to stick around for this, the search for faux-bama.
ANDERSON: And this guy, one of my favorites, getting ready for a huge weekend. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is one on one with Oscar host Jon Stewart to find out if he`s got any tricks up his sleeve for the big ceremony. That`s still to come. In the interview you`ll see only right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RANDY JACKSON, JUDGE, "AMERICAN IDOL" (on Carly Smithson`s performance): The best vocal of the top 24 right there!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: As you heard, rave reviews for "American Idol" finalist Carly Smithson who is now the center of controversy over her professional past.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. TV`s most provocative entertainment news show. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Tonight, outrage across the country over the not so amateur finalists on "American Idol." Carly Smithson might have been Randy`s favorite Wednesday night but take a look at what SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dug up on YouTube.
(VIDEO CLIP OF CARLY SINGING "I`M GONNA BLOW YOUR MIND")
ANDERSON: That`s Carly singing "I`m Gonna Blow Your Mind" from her 2001 album, "Ultimate High." That`s right. I said album. Carly and at least four other "Idol" contestants has had record deals before. But wait a just second. Isn`t "Idol" an amateur competition? What`s the deal here?
With us tonight in Hollywood, Mary Murphy, entertainment journalist and adjunct professor for the Annenberg School at USC. Also tonight, in New York, Lizzie Goodman, editor-at-large for "Blender" magazine. Ladies, I don`t know about you but like so many others, I always thought "American Idol" was a search for undiscovered talent. Not already sort of discovered. Mary, should they be kicked off the show?
MARY MURPHY, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST: Well, this is Hollywood, Brooke. This is the land of second, third and fifth chances. They shouldn`t be kicked off the show because the show has always had this rule that if you don`t have a contract now, it`s OK to be on. And frankly, I would say that after last year and the whole Sanjaya episode with some sort rogue Web site trying to get people to vote for him, this is a much better year and these kids actually deserve a chance. And I`ve gone on the Internet and lot of people agree with me.
ANDERSON: They are very talented, no question about that. You know, I`m a big believer in second chances, Lizzie Goodman, but part of the appeal for me is that these kids are getting their very first, big break. What do you think? Should they be kicked off?
LIZZIE GOODMAN, EDITOR-AT- LARGE, "BLENDER" MAGAZINE: It`s not that they should be kicked off. They shouldn`t have been on there in the first place. I mean, this is whether it`s intended in the fine print or not. We understand it as the audience to be an amateur competition.
And when you have people with this past experience, not only do they have an advantage over other candidates for the big prize, but they also - we miss a piece of their story. We didn`t get to see Carly when she was really green at 17, figuring out her voice, figuring out how to be a rock star. In stead, we see this relatively polished product so we also miss a big piece of this sort of narrative that makes "American Idol" fun.
ANDERSON: Very good point. And I agree with you, maybe it does give them an unfair advantage to a certain extent. But, you know, the executive producer of "Idol," Nigel Lythgoe says, "Hey, wait a second. We are not doing anything wrong here."
He told reporters, quote, "Nobody said this is an amateur competition.
This is something that people are making up for themselves. It doesn`t matter if you`ve had a professional contract." Well, Mary, a lot of people are going to be saying, as Lizzie mentioned, that wasn`t our understanding of the show from the beginning. Is this now going to be a show of second chances?
MARY: I think it probably will be more of a show of second chances. But also, if you watched the last two nights, you would notice that the judges did not necessarily give the highest marks to the people who had some chance before, had some recording of them.
So a few of them got some of the highest marks. But some of people who are really untested showed up and did a performance that got rave reviews. So I - my feeling is that the judges are testing them on what they did that night. And you have to also remember the people got a lot of experience and maybe in marketing or in a studio, but not in front of a live audience which is really what "American Idol" is about and America votes.
ANDERSON: Well, Lizzie, I would have to think that if I were one of those - I don`t know, 10,000 people who stood in line, slept all night to audition for "Idol" and found out that I got booted for a semi- professional, I`d be a little upset. What do you think?
GOODMAN: I think if you are a little bit upset, that would be impressive, restraint on your part. I would be furious. I mean, the things that these kids put themselves through to even get to this stage, not even this stage, any of the earlier stages. And "American Idol" can say all they want now about, Oh, we never said it was just amateurs. We never made any promises."
But they showcase and they play on that element in the early stages of the show as if it`s gold. You know? The stories are gold. Kids plucked from obscurity and farming towns who turn out to be George Straight, you know, the Carrie Underwoods of the world. That`s what we want on "American Idol." And whether they sort of announce that in the official way or not, it`s certainly what they`ve trained us to look for. So the idea that now we`re facing some - you know, that well, it is OK because there are some contestants who are untested. That`s crazy to me. I mean it should be all of them. That`s what we`re expecting and this isn`t politics.
ANDERSON: That`s right.
GOODMAN: This isn`t the law, you know. The fine print doesn`t matter. It is what they sort of sold us.
ANDERSON: That`s what the viewers want. You are right. It is the rating`s juggernaut. It will be interesting to see if the controversy does affect the credibility of the show. Mary Murphy, Lizzie Goodman. We`ll leave it there. Thank you.
And we have been asking you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day, "`American Idol` controversy: Are there too many pros on the show?" Keep voting at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
HAMMER: A lot of people are very excited "Saturday Night Live" is coming back this weekend live. But the show has been scrambling to find someone to play a certain someone who has become a crucial character in the times since "SNL" was last on the air. Here`s CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Will the fake Obama please stand up?
(MUSIC)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: You will you not touch me! You will not touch me!
MOOS: Calling all Obama - your dream gig is up for grabs. "Saturday Night Live" needs to find an Obama fast.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Who is that under there?
MOOS: The real Obama is the only one to ever appear on the show. And now with the writers` strike over, they need an impersonator who can go the distance. It`s tough for Kenan Tomson, the only black male actor over the SNL staff to play lanky Obama. Tomson`s been big enough to star in fat Albert.
KENAN TOMSON, ACTOR: Hey, hey, hey man.
MOOS: "ContactMusic.com" reported that Tomson was trying to lose 60 pounds so he could play Obama. There are a few imposters out there.
For instance, the star of Barack-ula, a musical about a young Barack Obama`s run-in with vampires. You can find look-alikes looking for work online. Ron Butler with a gig simulating a break dancing contest with Hillary. Impersonators say it`s not easy being Barack. He is not clumsy. He doesn`t mispronounce things.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Ready for sex change in the White House?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Well, I don`t know about that. We`re ready -
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: The face of the next president - excuse me, sir - will be a feminine face.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Well, thank you. I do think I have some feminine features. There`s somewhat -
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: An actual female -
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: With someone -
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: With the fully functioning organs of a female.
WYATT CENAC, COMEDIAN: It`s a shame that he`s not a stupid man because it would make doing an impression of him a lot easier.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Obama.
MOOS (on camera): So even when comedians make fun of Obama, it is usually for things that tend to make him look good. For instance, showing everyone swooning over him.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Could I get a hug?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: OK, well, OK. Just one. Just a small hug. A little one, all right?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: All right. He smells like caramel.
MOOS: Impersonators have to make do with a few measly gestures.
CENAC: He gesticulates a lot with his hands.
OBAMA: Live from New York it`s Saturday night!
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: That was Barack Obama and that was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
ANDERSON: We are gearing up for the Oscars on Sunday night. Jon Stewart hosting for the second time. Do you think he`s feeling the pressure about now?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JON STEWART, HOST OF THE OSCARS: There`s people that know how to take your heart out of your chest and restart it and put it back in. That`s pressure. I`m just telling jokes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: He is hilarious and I`ll tell you, there were some unexpected interruptions as we talk to him about the big show. That`s next.
HAMMER: First, here`s a look at what`s new at the movies brought to you by Pillsbury Crescent Rolls. Opening Friday, Matthew Fox and Dennis Quaid star in "Vantage Point." It`s a thriller about a presidential assassination attempt. Also Friday, "Charlie Bartlett." It`s about a teenager who - listen to this - sets up a psychiatric practice in the bathroom stall at school. Robert Downey, Jr. plays the school`s principal. And finally, Jack Black and Mos Def in "Be Kind, Rewind." That`s what`s new at the movies brought to you by Pillsbury Crescent rolls. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is coming straight back. Don`t go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Thank you, Charles. And hey, everybody is psyched for this weekend. The Oscars that almost didn`t happen. We`re all looking forward to a very big night with a very funny host, Jon Stewart. CNN entertainment correspondent Kareen Wynter asked Jon if the writers` strike set him back at all in getting ready.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEWART: We didn`t start until the strike ended so that was, I guess, a week ago. So, at that point, we just sort of tried to gear it up. But we saw a few more shows to do for our show and then jumped right in on that Saturday. So I guess it`s been four days.
WYNTER: And the heart`s racing right now, I hear it?
STEWART: Mine?
WYNTER: Yes.
STEWART: Can you really?
WYNTER: Yes.
STEWART: Wow. I should really - I should get that checked out, because that`s not good. You really shouldn`t be able to hear people`s chest - I don`t think that`s healthy. Is that healthy?
WYNTER: It`s not healthy and I won`t tell anyone.
STEWART: Is it sounding like a reasonable rhythm or is it syncopated?
WYNTER: You know, it`s sounding like, "Oh my gosh, I`m running out of time."
STEWART: Is that true?
WYNTER: Yes.
STEWART: Oh, my god.
WYNTER: But I shouldn`t say that because I`m scaring you.
STEWART: Certainly, you shouldn`t say that to hypochondriac. And here`s another thing, I think I see a tumor behind one of your eyes. I don`t know. Could be a shadow. You might want to get that checked out.
(MUSIC)
WYNTER: There`s the music again. You handled that very well.
ANNOUNCER: Academy Award winner, Renee Zellweger.
STEWART: Yes. Yes.
WYNTER: So hosting the Academy Awards has to be one of the most stressful jobs in the world. Why would anyone want this -
STEWART: What? What?
WYNTER: Yes, of course. Look at the pressure.
STEWART: The pressure, but not pressure. There`s people that know how to take your heart out of your chest and restart it and put it back in. That`s pressure. I`m just telling jokes. I mean, it`s, you know, in terms of telling jokes, it`s a big night to tell them. But, look, I bombed in front of better and bigger crowds than this.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: He is so silly and got good moves there. That was CNN entertainment correspondent Kareen Wynter for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m really looking forward to seeing Jon Stewart in action this Sunday. I`ll be right there live with A.J. Hammer at the Oscars in Hollywood with late-breaking Oscar news and the first reaction from the stars. Be sure to tune in for a special live edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s "Hollywood`s Gold Rush" this Sunday, 11:00 p.m. Right here, HEADLINE NEWS.
HAMMER: I`m really looking forward to that. That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. And I thank you for watching on this, our third anniversary. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. The latest from CNN HEADLINE NEWS coming up next.
END
