Return to Transcripts main page
Showbiz Tonight
The Celebrity "I Quit" Club; Obama`s Doodles; Is Angelina Jolie the Biggest Star?; Who Could Possibly Replace Oprah?
Aired November 18, 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, HOST: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, I quit! Tonight, brand-new startling stories of Hollywood biggest stars saying they are done with acting.
Tonight, Nicole Kidman`s blockbuster claims she may be joining the "I quit" club.
Plus, Alec Baldwin, Kevin Spacey, Joaquin Phoenix and more. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the remarkable brand-new list of stars who are screaming, "I quit!"
Cruise is out, Jolie is in. Tonight, why Angelina Jolie is taking over something really big that Tom Cruise decided not to do. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, is Angelina now the biggest star in the world? Bigger than Tom? Bigger than Jennifer Aniston?
Tonight, the rush to replace Oprah. Brand-new moves in case Oprah`s show, as we know it, comes to an end. But who could possibly replace her? We`ve got some really outrageous ideas.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC)
Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City. And finally, once and for all, Simon Cowell is setting the record straight on whether he paid off his long-time and now ex-girlfriend some $9 million after they broke up. You will see and hear Simon Cowell in his own words. That is coming up.
But first tonight, I quit! Well, not me, but tonight, right on the heels of Angelina Jolie`s bombshell claim that she may quit making movies, Nicole Kidman is now saying the same thing. And Nicole`s startling claim came at the premiere of - yes, you guessed it - her new movie.
But wait, there`s more. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can now reveal an extraordinary and long list of Hollywood`s biggest stars who are saying they`ve had it. And it`s all making big news right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice over): Angelina`s angling to get out.
ANGELINA JOLIE, ACTRESS: I don`t plan to keep acting very long.
HAMMER: "Walk the Line`s" Joaquin Phoenix says he`s walking away, too.
JOAQUIN PHOENIX, ACTOR: It`s just moving on. It`s rediscovering something else.
HAMMER: And "30 Rock" star Alec Baldwin is telling "20/20" he`d love to be known as ex-"30 Rock" star Alec Baldwin.
ALEC BALDWIN, ACTOR: I can`t wait to get out of this business.
HAMMER: They`re not alone.
KEVIN SPACEY, ACTOR: I quit.
HAMMER: "American Beauty" Oscar winner Kevin Spacey says he`s done with his acting career. And fellow Oscar winner Nicole Kidman might also leave the biz.
JO PIAZZA, "NEW YORK DAILY NEWS": All these big-time actors are saying, "I quit. I give up. I`m done with Hollywood. I`m done with movies." C`est la vie.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you with all of these stars talking about quitting, we are facing a truly horrific scenario - a world without movie stars.
A world with empty movie theaters, starless red carpets and I don`t even want to think about what would happen to shows like SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. We`d probably have to ask the feds for an entertainment news show bailout. Celebrity gossip columnists are also nervous.
PIAZZA: I`m worried about a world without A-list celebrities. If I have to start watching movies with Heidi Montag, Spencer Pratt, Paris Hilton, it`s not going to be good.
HAMMER: They have fame, lots of money, awards, the adoration of millions. So SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is asking, why are so many stars looking to leave the star business?
PIAZZA: There`s this big epidemic sweeping Hollywood.
HAMMER: Sometimes, it`s personal. Angelina Jolie tells the BBC her reason is her family.
JOLIE: I`m ready to do a few things now and fade away and get ready to be a grandma one day. I like being home a lot.
HAMMER: For stars like Jolie and Nicole Kidman who`s hinting about acting to have more kids, their desire to leave stardom behind might make some sense.
PIAZZA: These are women in their 30s and 40s. They`ve been working almost all of their lives. And it makes sense that they would be ready for a break and want to spend time with their families.
HAMMER: As for other stars, their reasons might be a little bit more incomprehensible.
PHOENIX: You know, it`s like being a pastor. You know what I mean?
HAMMER: A heavily-bearded Joaquin Phoenix recently told the Associated Press he`s giving up his acting career to focus on his music. At least that`s what we think he said.
PHOENIX: It`s like - it`s difficult for me to like to be able to know that (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
PIAZZA: It looks like he`s not just quitting acting, he`s actually quitting civilization.
HAMMER: Alec Baldwin still bearing the scars from his custody disputes with ex-wife Kim Basinger often talks of leaving acting.
PIAZZA: Any time things are not going his way, he gets a little bit bratty and he`s like, "I hate this. I hate television. I hate Hollywood and I`m quitting."
HAMMER: Even Freddie Prinze, Jr. tells "Entertainment Weekly" he`s looking to quit acting, too.
PIAZZA: I thought that Freddie had quit acting about five years ago.
HAMMER: But if you`re afraid of empty theaters, keep in mind some of these stars` threats might be empty as well.
PIAZZA: I think it`s a case of vanity quitting. Celebrities like to say that they`re quitting so when they come back and do another project, everyone makes a big deal about them all over again. Gentlemen never really give up on acting. They always come back.
HAMMER: Call it the "Godfather" syndrome.
ROBERT DE NIRO, ACTOR: Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.
HAMMER: Leaving A-list stardom is always easier said than done. And even if some stars do make good on their threats to leave, to paraphrase Beyonce, don`t get to thinking they`re irreplaceable.
PIAZZA: For every A-list actor, there is a waiter over at the grove getting ready to take their place. These people may be amazing actors. But at the end of the day, we`re always going to find someone to replace them. And hopefully, it isn`t Paris Hilton.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Yes. Please don`t tell me that Paris Hilton is our only hope and that the D-list is going to be the new A-list. Why are stars fleeing Hollywood by the dozen? It`s a conundrum.
Joining me tonight in the soon-to-be ghost town of Hollywood to help me figure it all out, Carlos Diaz who is a correspondent for "Extra." And in New York is Janell Snowden who is a host for "VH1 News."
All right. So we hear Angelina Jolie saying this, quote, "I don`t plan to keep acting very long. I`m ready to do a few things now and fade away and get ready to be a grandma one day."
Carlos, what does that mean? Are we going to need to start calling her "Grangelina?"
CARLOS DIAZ, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": That`s pretty good. Yes, that would be nice. Now, you know what? I mean, I admire her for wanting to be with her family. That`s great.
But I mean, come on, was it a few years ago that she was wearing vials of blood around her neck. I mean, you know what? To me, it`s great that she wants to be mom. But I think this could be phase. And Angelina, I did the premiere for "Twilight," the movie coming out this Friday last night. And there are a ton of young actors ready to take your place, so you better watch your back.
HAMMER: Yes. Wow. What a response those guys got. That could be the path, you know. We do know how trendy Hollywood can be, right, guys? Days later, not a big surprise that another big star came out saying she`s quitting at the premiere of her movie, "Australia."
I`m talking about Nicole Kidman who says, quote, "In terms of my future as and actor and stuff, I don`t know. I`m in a place in my life where I`ve had some great opportunities, and I may just choose to have some more children."
All right. Janell, over to you, and like Carlos, I respect Nicole and I respect what Angelina is saying, both of them. But do we really believe that stars like them are going to walk away from, you know, these $15 million to $20 million paychecks that they get for just a couple of months` work?
JANELL SNOWDEN, HOST, "VH1 NEWS": Well, think about it. They don`t exactly need the money. I mean, not only are they banking big bucks, but they also have husbands that are very gainfully employed themselves.
So, I mean, part of the whole, you know, American way is you work until you don`t have to anymore. And they could have stopped a long time ago.
So while I haven`t had kids, I can certainly speak for my friends and family members who have and I think there`s a natural yearning for a lot of them. And when you have had them, to want to be home with them. If you can afford to do that, then God bless you. I mean, not to mention that Angelina - if she and her (UNINTELLIGIBLE) are going to pop out some more, will have money from the magazine sales for them. So, come on.
HAMMER: To put it plainly, OK, (UNINTELLIGIBLE). And again, full respect to the desire to do that whether you`re an A-list movie star or working in any kind of a business, I think that`s terrific.
Now, some of these gestures or statements of quitting have been more eloquent than others. Perhaps it was Joaquin Phoenix who recently made the most dramatic announcement when he said he was leaving acting for music. Watch Joaquin.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PHOENIX: It`s just moving on. It`s rediscovering something else. I don`t understand why it seems so hard to understand. Because there`s - it`s like being a pastor, do you know what I mean? So I`m just going to do - I`ll be doing other things, you know what I mean? Hopefully I`ll emotionally impact you with that as well.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Man, I like him a lot. But what was going on there? All right. We know Joaquin was nominated for an Oscar for his role in "Walk the Line" playing Johnny Cash. But what do you think, Carlos? He`s talking about moving over to a music career full-time. Is that a line you think he can successfully walk and give up acting? As we Regis Philbin would say, "Why can`t he do both?"
DIAZ: Yes, but A.J., wait. You just said he was talking about - I don`t know what the heck he was talking about.
(CROSS TALK)
But yes, he does say that he wants to go to acting. But A.J., I will give you $20 right now, you can name me one actor who was an actor and then went on to become a successful singer. Anybody?
HAMMER: Bruce Willis? No, I guess not. Don Johnson?
DIAZ: No, no. I will take David Hasselhoff, maybe. That`s about it.
(CROSS TALK)
HAMMER: All right. We know that we have somebody else I`ve got to talk about who has suggested that he may become a charter member of the "I quit" club - Freddie Prinze, Jr. I like Freddie a whole lot, but this is what Freddie said, quote, "I`m going to stop acting in the next few years because it`s just too weird."
Janell, are you sad there won`t be a "Scooby Doo 3".
SNOWDEN: Yes, I was actually looking for some tissues over. I didn`t see any - I`m just finding it hard to contain myself. No, I don`t think I`m sad, but I do wish Freddie all the best.
HAMMER: All right. Finally, one that we cannot go without mentioning. This is where Paris Hilton could really take over - Pamela Anderson. Listen to what Pamela says, quote, "I want to be in Vegas forever."
Now, I`m told that means she`s quitting acting. But Carlos, I mean, come on. Does this even count?
DIAZ: No, not really. You know, we all saw Pamela`s biggest movie about 10 years ago. And let`s just say her best work is behind her.
SNOWDEN: Or in front. I thought it was in front.
DIAZ: No, I don`t even want to go there. But unless it`s "Borat 2," the sequel, she`s not going to be getting any opportunities anytime soon. So let`s not worry about that.
HAMMER: Let`s not worry about that. All right. Janelle Snowden, Carlos Diaz, thank you both. And please, you fine actors and actresses, stay with the game. We do need you and we don`t want the D-listers taking over.
All right. So Angelina Jolie may leave Hollywood, but I can tell you if that happens, she`s not going to go quietly. Tonight, Cruise is out, Jolie is in. Why Angelina Jolie is taking over something really big that Tom Cruise decided not to do.
And we`re also daring to ask, is Angelina now the biggest star in the world? Bigger than Tom, perhaps? Bigger than Jennifer Aniston? You ponder that. We`ve got it, coming up.
Well, how about Angelina Jolie to replace Oprah, huh? Huh? Tonight, a brand-new mad scramble to come up with a new Oprah if she takes her show off the air. We are taking a crack at this with some outrageous Oprah replacement ideas, coming up.
And also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A lot of people can say -
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I got his autograph.
MOOS: But this guy can say, I`ve got Obama`s doodles.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Not a lot of people can say that. Somebody actually bought Barack Obama`s doodle drawing. And he`s been offered six figures for it. This is unbelievable. We`re talking about cashing in on Obama. And we will do that, next.
Now, keep in mind, you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT video on your schedule anytime at all. We`re always posting new stuff for you to check out right there on our Web site which is CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. Surf on over right now so you can check out the videos now playing, including the SHOWBIZ Obama watch, including a revealing look at the first family of cool and Miley Cyrus and the Obama kids. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is coming right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Cashing in on Obama, including big numbers for the president-elect on "60 Minutes" this past Sunday. The ratings are in tonight for President-elect Obama`s first post-election interview, and they are truly astounding.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, on the SHOWBIZ Obama watch, it seems everyone is cashing in on Obama`s popularity. "60 Minutes" got its highest ratings in nearly a decade with its Obama interview. Nielsen Media Research says at least 24.5 million people watched. Wow.
Also cashing in, record companies and stars like Jay-Z and Will.I.am releasing hip-hop songs with titles like, "Pop Champagne for Barack." And get ready for a barrage of Obama books about to be released.
TV commercials all over the airwaves, hocking Obama commemorative coins. And even Obama doodle is bringing in big bucks. Yes, I said doodle. Here`s CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MOOS: A lot of people can say -
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I got his autograph.
MOOS: But this guy can say, "I`ve got Obama`s doodles," and he`s not selling.
WAYNE BERZON, OWNER OF OBAMA`S DOODLE: And they said what if the offer was six figures?
MOOS: No. Financial consultant Wayne Berzon is not selling the doodles he bought for about $2,000 at a charity auction a year-and-a-half ago. There`s Sen. Feinstein, Sen. Kennedy, Sen. Harry Reid and this is Sen. Chuck Schumer, only it doesn`t look like him.
Compare this to another famous doodle that made rounds recently. Here`s Sarah Palin`s. "The New Republic" uncovered it in a box of odds and ends by the woman who ran Palin`s campaign for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She`s fantasizing about her win, "It`s me. Check this box."
MOOS: Palin jotted down possible slogans like "Time for a change," telling citizens, "You would be my boss."
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It looks like confused and talky.
MOOS: Talky - what`s talky?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Like she`s talking too much.
MOOS: As for an opinion on President-elect Obama`s doodle.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The guy`s intelligent. This actually looks it`s done well, except for the hair. I don`t like the hair.
MOOS: What`s wrong? Not yellow enough? We had graphologist Sheila Kurtz with the two sets of doodles under her magnifying glass. He is economical and clear and to the point.
MOOS: Ronald Reagan used to like to doodle faces. The book, "Presidential Doodles" features LBJ`s devil pact, FDR`s fish and JFK`s sailboats.
As for Sarah Palin`s doodles from back before she was famous, our graphologist notes the circle dot over the I the hook on the P and the words scrawled over words.
KURTZ: She`s smart, but she`s very scattered and all over the place and wants everyone to recognize her and to know who she is. It`s almost like a teenager`s writing.
MOOS: Yes. Well, tell that to the guy who wanted his cell phone signed. The collector who bought the Obama doodle is putting it in a safe deposit box for now.
BERZON: It`s (UNINTELLIGIBLE) idea of a thing to own something that could end up in a presidential museum.
MOOS: In a museum, on some blog? Makes you want to hide your doodles lest they be criticized.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Looks like somebody who`s in prison who would write on like, their wall.
MOOS: Or someone posted after eying Sarah Palin`s doodles, "I think the O in mayor just winked at me."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: All right. I think I`ve seen enough doodles for one night. That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Well, we are still getting a ton of calls into our "Showbiz On Call" phone lines all about Jennifer Aniston slamming Angelina Jolie. Everybody`s just fired up about this. And everybody is taking sides, including Ginger from Canada who is proudly wearing her team Aniston shirt.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
GINGER, CALLER FROM CANADA: I think it`s about time that Jennifer Aniston spoke out and said something. And Angelina Jolie can say whatever she wants about her and Brad`s relationship before they were married. And good for you, Jennifer. I`m proud of you. It`s about time.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Oh, but then there`s Roxanna from Washington who`s definitely not friends with Aniston.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
ROXANNA, CALLER FROM WASHINGTON: Aniston needs to just suck it up and know that her man was taken away from someone sexier and more outgoing and just plain better than her, obviously.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, we always appreciate your candor. Remember, you, too, can call us at "Showbiz On Call." That way, you can let us know what you think about this or anything else that may be on your mind. Just call the "Showbiz On Call" phone lines even in the middle of the night if you so choose. The number, 1-888-SBT-BUZZ. That`s 1-888-728-2899. Leave us a voicemail. We`re playing your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Also, your calls to "Showbiz On Call" are now on our homepage online at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Well, whether you love or hate Angelina Jolie, you definitely cannot deny she is one of the biggest stars in the world. But is she the biggest?
Tonight, I can tell you that Angelina Jolie is taking over something big from Tom Cruise because he walked away from it. So is Angelina now bigger than Cruise, Jennifer Aniston? Is Jolie the biggest star in the world? Well, we`ve got a fired-up debate, coming up.
There`s also a raging debate as to who could replace Oprah. Tonight, a brand-new rush to figure out who could fill her shoes if she decides to take her mega-show off the air. I`m taking a crack at this tonight with some truly outrageous ideas. You`ve got to stick around to hear these, coming up.
And I`ve got to tell you, I`m really rooting for Britney Spears to turn her life around. But tonight, her dramatic new words. Why Brit feels her life right now is worse than a jail sentence.
I also want to tell you about CNN Heroes. CNN is honoring heroes all over the world. Head to CNN.com/Heroes to vote for your favorite. Then tune into CNN Thanksgiving night when Anderson Cooper will name the hero of the year. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is coming right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer with some more stories that are making news right now, the lawsuit edition. Tonight, a wealthy Arab sheikh is suing Michael Jackson. Lawyers for the Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa say their client fronted Jackson $7 million to make a new album and write an autobiography.
But Jackson has not produced either. Jackson says all that cash was a gift. Jackson`s lawyers also say he`s too sick to travel to London to testify in court and wanted to do so through a video hook-up.
And Prince is being sued too. The makers of a fragrance named "3121" after Prince`s last album say he hasn`t lived up to his end of the bargain to help promote the perfume. They want $100,000 in damages. No word from Prince`s folks, but Universal Music Group, also named in the suit, says the lawsuit is, quote, "without merit."
Well, tonight, Valerie Bertinelli is revealing some brand-new details about her battle with drugs. Now, Valerie, who we all loved on the `70s sitcom "One Day at a Time" has been very open about using drugs at a very early age while she was still on the show.
And in a revealing interview with "Good Morning America`s" Diane Sawyer, Valerie tells the shocking story of how she and ex-husband guitarist Eddie Van Halen once filled out some marriage forms with the priest and were playing with cocaine vials.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VALERIE BERTENELLI, ACTRESS: Ed and I were playing with our vials of cocaine as we`re filling out the forms the priest had given us to, you know, see if we were compatible for marriage. I would say right there and then we`re probably not, if we`re playing with cocaine.
DIANE SAWYER, HOST, "GOOD MORNING AMERICA": Twenty years later -
BERTENELLI: Right. Yes.
SAWYER: A lot of turmoil.
BERTENELLI: But there was so much love there and there still is a lot of love. I love that man. He is the father of the biggest joy in my life, my son. And he`s some (UNINTELLIGIBLE). He`s just a really good guy. And I`m really, really proud of him.
And I`m so happy for he and Janie. He`s getting married next summer. And I just - now, I look back on us. He`s just, you know, another one of my brothers but a really special one. I just adore him and he`ll always be a big part of my life.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I really like her. Valerie is doing terrific. Now, she`s got a book out and since becoming a Jenny Craig spokesperson last year, she`s lost 45 pounds. Nice going, Valerie.
And I`m thinking maybe Valerie Bertenelli in for Oprah Winfrey? Tonight, there`s a brand-new rush to replace Oprah, brand-new moves in case Oprah`s show, as we know it, comes to an end. But who could possibly replace her? We`ve got some really outrageous ideas coming up.
How about Angelina Jolie? I mean, she is one of the biggest stars in the world. But is she really the biggest, bigger than Jennifer Aniston? Bigger than Tom Cruise? A fired-up debate is coming your way.
And you know, when people break up, sometimes they keep jewelry, maybe a car, other stuff. So get this - did "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell actually pay his ex-girlfriend $9 million after they split? Well, Simon is finally setting the record straight in his own words. That`s coming up next.
Now, you can always stay on top of the most provocative entertainment news by signing up for the daily SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsletter. Do it by heading over to CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. You`ve got to click on that "sign up for newsletter" link at the bottom of the page so we know where to send it. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is coming straight back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, is Angelina Jolie now the biggest star in the world? She`s taking on a role that Tom Cruise passed on. So is Jolie now bigger than him, bigger than Jennifer Aniston? Bigger than her man, Brad Pitt?
The mad rush to replace Oprah. Oprah`s show as we know it could be going away. So who could possibly replace her? Tonight SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with some wild ideas.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It`s 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
Tonight, from Simon Cowell to Angelina, we have big stories making news right now.
All right. Move over Tom Cruise. Angelina Jolie has just revealed she is stepping in to star in a big spy movie that Cruise turned down which got us asking, is Angelina now the biggest movie star in the world? How does she stack up against stars like Will Smith or say, even her archrival Jennifer Aniston?
Also new tonight, did "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell actually pay his ex-girlfriend a friendly little parting gift of $9 million? Well, Simon is setting the record straight in a brand-new interview with "Extra," and you are about to see that.
Joining me tonight in Hollywood is "Extra" correspondent Carlos Diaz. And tonight, in New York, Janell Snowden who is a host for "VH1 News."
OK. First off, we just got the news that Angelina Jolie is stepping into this role that Tom Cruise turned down. It`s a spy flick called "Salt." They`re actually rewriting the lead right now so it`s for a woman and not a man.
Carlos, is this just confirmation that Angelina is bigger movie star than Tom Cruise?
DIAZ: No, A.J. I`ve got to respectfully decline on that one and say I disagree because of the fact as you just said, Tom Cruise turned down the role, so Angelina stepping in for Tom Cruise. If it was the other way around, I would say, yes, it was Angie`s and she said, "I don`t want to do it." And then Tom Cruise was like, "Yes. I want to do it." Well, then you say, "Wait a minute. But it`s a role that Tom Cruise didn`t have time for."
HAMMER: OK. So you`re suggesting the logic perhaps a bit flawed. But, Janell, I want to hear your take on this. After all, Tom`s not doing it. They`re rewriting the film and this is a big-time film, just for Angelina.
SNOWDEN: I agree with Carlos. If he turned it down, and it was written for a man, then obviously Angelina Jolie can`t step in and play a man`s role even though I know some guys might disagree.
Some guys might disagree. I mean, I think people obviously probably want to look at Angelina a little bit more than they want to look at Tom. But I don`t think that`s the real reason. I mean, I just think it`s probably a scheduling conflict. And you know, they can`t have her fill in Tom`s shoes. They`ve got to make it tailor to her.
HAMMER: OK. Well then, let`s move on and play a little game. I`m going to ask the question, is Angelina Jolie the biggest movie star in the world? We want to compare her to other huge stars.
First up, let`s talk about Will Smith. Obviously, here`s the guy. He can do no wrong at the box office. "I am Legend" made big box office history. In fact, it had the biggest December opening ever - $76 million.
Carlos, who`s the biggest movie star there, Angelina Jolie or Will Smith?
DIAZ: If you`re talking about the world or the U.S., I`m going with Will Smith on this one. Let`s look at the two big movies they just did this summer. "Wanted" and "Hancock" came out a week apart from another. The worldwide gross for "Wanted" was $200 million. The worldwide gross for "Hancock," $400 million. So obviously, you look at the numbers, Will Smith is the champ.
HAMMER: What do you think, Janell? I know you`re a fan of both of these guys.
SNOWDEN: Nobody`s messing with Will Smith. He is legend. I mean, I think the numbers speak for themselves. And not only that, but I mean, Angelina does more niche movies, whereas Will Smith does blockbusters, and he does more of them.
I mean, he has at least one a year or two as Carlos mentioned. You know, Angelina kind of picks and chooses and takes more time between her films. And she`s also got a ton more kids to take care of. So maybe that`s part of the reason.
HAMMER: A ton is almost an understatement at this point. All right. Advancing us a bit forward, what if we got a little spousal rivalry going on here? Angelina Jolie, of course, is still out promoting her movie, "Changeling," currently in theaters. Her beloved, Brad Pitt, is promoting his upcoming new film, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."
Pitt has a history, as we know, also of making big box office smashes - of course, the "Ocean" series, "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" as well. What do you think, Carlos? I`d like you to compare the spouses here. Who`s the biggest movie star in the world - Angelina Jolie or Brad?
DIAZ: Right now, they`re neck-and-neck, I would say. I mean, if you look at Brad Pitt`s pictures, he hasn`t done any pictures in the last several years that didn`t have the word "Ocean" in the title that made too much money. The last big blockbuster he had without George Clooney was "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" with Angelina Jolie.
HAMMER: True.
DIAZ: He does have 10 movies in production or rumored to be in production coming up. So he`s got a lot of movies on the horizon.
HAMMER: Marking that down as a tie. OK. If we`re going to do spouses against spouses here, let`s pit former spouses against each other, too. And "pit" is not a pun. Jennifer Aniston, America`s sweetheart - she`s out there promoting her upcoming movie as well. It`s called, "Marley and Me." She`s done a string of romantic comedies that have done well. She had "Breakup" with Vince Vaughn. That brought in major moolah. Janell, is Jennifer a bigger movie star than Angelina?
SNOWDEN: Wow, here we go again. Why do I always have to make the deciding decision? I`m going to say no. I`m going to say based on sheer numbers, no. I think that Angelina brings in more box office dollars. But I think that Jennifer is America`s sweetheart.
HAMMER: All right. Well, it is funny because when Jennifer Aniston was on "Oprah" last week, Oprah made a very good observation, pointing out the fact that her movie and Brad Pitt`s new movie are coming out on the same exact day. We`re talking some competition here. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OPRAH WINFREY, HOST, "THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW": Do you know that both of you have movies coming out on the same day?
ANISTON: Isn`t that funny?
(LAUGHTER)
I know.
WINFREY: Yes.
ANISTON: I know.
WINFREY: So there will be a little part of you that wants to beat him at the box office?
ANISTON: Oh, what am I going to say? No, I hope he just takes the night.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Carlos, if I was a betting man, I`d say Aniston would love to beat her ex at the box office and probably Angelina as well.
DIAZ: I would say so. I mean, she does go on to say she wishes it would be a tie on that day as well, that they could make exactly the same amount of money in that "Oprah" interview. But you know that she`s hoping that "Marley and Me" does make money. And "Marley and Me" does have a good chance in making more money because it appeals to more of a broad audience.
HAMMER: Yes. She was goofing around when she said she wanted a tie. I assure you of that.
Well, we want to hear what you think. Here`s what we`re asking everybody for our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Who is the bigger star? Angelina Jolie or Jennifer Aniston?" I`m interested in seeing the results of this tomorrow. You can vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. Or E- mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
OK. We need to move on to another story that is making some big news right now. "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell setting the record straight. Now, there were these reports floating around that after he and his long- time girlfriend, a woman by the name of Terri Seymour - after they split up, he paid her off, $9 million, in terms, that`s 5 million pounds over there on the other side of the pond.
Well, Simon and Terri did set the record straight on "Extra." Watch what they said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TERRI SEYMOUR, SIMON COWELL`S GIRLFRIEND: So clear up - clear up the main rumor. Did you give me 5 million pounds in cash?
SIMON COWELL, JUDGE, "AMERICAN IDOL": No, no.
SEYMOUR: Everybody thinks you did.
COWELL: No, that is actually not a true story. If anything, I should be getting money.
SEYMOUR: For?
COWELL: The last six years.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Carlos, why do you think that Simon needed to get this out there in his interview with "Extra?"
DIAZ: Well, I can confirm, by the way, that that $9 million thing is total rubbish. I`m looking at Terri`s office right now, which is right behind the camera. I`ve seen a lot of IKEA stuff in there. So obviously, she`s not getting paid too much money. And I ought to see, A.J. - seriously, if someone gave you $9 million, would you show up to work the next day? No. She`s working her butt off right now. She doesn`t have the $9 million. I can confirm that right now.
HAMMER: Hey, I`ve worked in that building, too. It`s a nice place. And they`ve got the good meals around lunch time. Maybe that`s why she`s sticking around.
But seriously, you know, it`s funny because we know that Simon certainly is not shy about talking about how much money he has and flaunting it. So I don`t know, still not convinced here.
But after six years of dating, you know, you watch that. They`re really getting along well, Simon and Terri. So what do you think? Do you think, Janell, they may get back together? Because even in that interview, Simon said that he calls her almost every day.
SNOWDEN: And for that very reason alone, I`m going to say, yes. Because I don`t know any man that Terri would choose to date after him would be OK with her talking to her ex every day. I know no man would date me would be OK with that. I mean, the only instance where that might be OK is if someone just had a kid. But even then, there`s something not quite right about that.
HAMMER: Carlos, do me a favor. When we`re done here, would you go into Terri`s office and just see if that`s a diamond-encrusted IKEA.
DIAZ: Hey, Terri, are you getting back with Simon or not? Definitely not.
SEYMOUR: Definitely not.
DIAZ: Definitely not.
HAMMER: All right. You got the scoop.
DIAZ: She confirms right here on "HEADLINE NEWS."
HAMMER: Right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you. Carlos Diaz, Janell Snowden. All right, guys. I appreciate it.
And remember, we always want to hear from you. Who do you think is the bigger star, Angelina or Jennifer? Call the "Showbiz On Call" phone line to verbally tell us what you think about this or anything else at 1- 888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. Leave us a voicemail. We`re playing your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And your calls to "Showbiz On Call" also online on the homepage, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Well, the "The Oprah Winfrey Show" as we know it could be going away. Say it ain`t so. But what if it does? Is there anyone who could possibly replace the great Oprah Winfrey? Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has got some wild ideas. And we`ve got a fired-up panel ready to have at it. You`ve got to stick around for that.
Plus, Miley Cyrus gets grilled by Ellen DeGeneres about whether or not she`s really dating a 20-year-old underwear model. You`ve got to stick around for what Miley says about their relationship.
And Britney Spears unplugged. In a brand-new interview, she`s revealing what life is like for her right now. Is she worse off now than before her meltdown? Britney`s surprising confessions, coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, the rush to replace Oprah. You know, TV stations around the country are reportedly in a mad scramble to find a possible replacement for Oprah.
There is growing speculation that "The Oprah Winfrey Show" as we know it may move to Oprah`s planned cable channel in the year 2011. So tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is asking, who might fill her slot?
Joining me tonight in New York is Ben Widdicombe who is the editor-at- large for "Star" magazine. Also in New York, Ashleigh Banfield, the co- anchor of "Banfield & Ford: In Session."
All right. Ben, Ashleigh, we know it is almost impossible to fill Oprah`s shoe, of course. But there are plenty of people out there in the field who either should give it a try or should at least be considered.
Let us begin by talking about "View" co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, OK? I mean, we know she`s opinionated. Like Oprah she wasn`t afraid to publicly back a presidential candidate in a big way. A lot of women identify with her. What do you think, Ben? Could this work - Elisabeth Hasselbeck?
BEN WIDDICOMBE, EDITOR-AT-LARGE, STAR MAGAZINE: Well, actually, A.J., I think it could. With the Republicans out of power, she can claim to have the underdog viewpoint with her conservative opinions, and that`s a very effective platform.
Also, it was the fact that she didn`t agree with her "View" co-hosts which made that show so watchable and so popular during the election cycle. I think she speaks for a lot of people still in this country. And I think she has a lot going for her.
HAMMER: What do you think, Ashleigh? She`s honing her skills now amidst a panel of co-hosts? Could she pull it off on her own and replace Oprah?
ASHLEIGH BANFIELD, CO-ANCHOR, "BANFIELD & FORD: IN SESSION": I think Elisabeth has a huge future in television. But I think she has more of a combative personality that works very well on cable at night, primetime cable show - sure. But I think for Oprah`s spot in daytime, you have to be a little more empathetic and you have to be a great listener. I`m not sure that that`s what people perceive Elisabeth Hasselbeck to be. If she is, I don`t know. But, again, perception is reality in TV.
HAMMER: OK. I`m going to write "eh" next to Elisabeth Hasselbeck on our list here.
BANFIELD: Is that a new special term, "eh?"
HAMMER: Yes, it is, actually. All right. Somebody else who we think could possibly fill Oprah`s slot - now, this is a little interesting. Let`s talk about Tina Fey as an Oprah replacement.
We know Oprah guest-starred on Tina`s NBC sitcom "30 Rock." And in that show, if you saw it, Tina even tried to get Oprah to introduce her character on the show, Liz Lemon. Let`s roll that clip.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WINFREY: I want to help you. What can I do?
TINA FEY, ACTRESS: Oh, my god, would you say, "Please welcome, Liz Lemon?"
WINFREY: No.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I love that. You`ve got to admit that Tina`s got the Oprah mannerism down there. But all kidding aside, Ben, could she do the full on Oprah?
WIDDICOMBE: I think it would be an amazing opportunity for Tina Fey that she should jump on it if it`s offered to her. Because although critics love her show, "30 Rock," its numbers are kind of flat. So there`s a question mark as to how long that will still be around.
But an hour-long talk format would be a perfect platform for Tina Fey for her wit and her warmth, both as a writer and as a performer. I think it will be a fantastic career move for her.
HAMMER: Yes. And you know, I think she`s a terrifically smart woman. She`s a wonderful conversationalist. I`ve had few chats with her myself in the past. I think it`s a great idea.
So we just saw Tina imitating Oprah. Of course, we`ve really gotten to know Tina Fey`s infamous imitation of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s next possible Oprah replacement - Sarah Palin. Now, consider this, Ashleigh, Sarah Palin as the new Oprah?
BANFIELD: Well, you want me to be honest?
HAMMER: Yes, I would really appreciate your honesty tonight.
BANFIELD: OK, here`s what I think about Sarah Palin as an interviewer. I think she lacks a desire for intellectual curiosity. So I think Sarah Palin is very interested in her career. I`m not sure she`s like Oprah, very interested in getting things out of them. You`ve got to be more of a journalist than a politician if you`re going to be creating warmth on daytime, so I`m not so sure. Mind you, people loved her, but people also hated her and polarizing isn`t great in daytime TV.
HAMMER: Polarizing is not great - I agree with you. Ben, I want you to weigh in on this because the one thing that she will bring to the table certainly is a large fan base, as Ashleigh said, polarizing or alienating some people, but a lot of people do love this woman.
WIDDICOMBE: Well, I think half the country, you know, think that maybe Sarah Palin has values that they represent themselves, and the other half of the country thinks she`s a train wreck. So I think she appeals to both constituencies. I would certainly watch her for one of those reasons. And I would even watch C-span to see Sarah Palin. So I`m just praying that she gets some kind of show. Please.
HAMMER: And she looked - could we see that shot again, Charles. Are you able to pull that up? She looked very comfortable interviewing Jennifer Aniston there. Yes. I mean, she`s just right at home.
You know, there`s somebody else I would like to see in that same position. This is going outside the lines. Charles, do we have a shot of maybe Justin Timberlake? There, as Oprah in the Oprah dress. He created a big buzz with his appearance over the weekend on "Saturday Night Live." I want to roll that clip right now. You`ve got to see this.
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, SINGER: Live from New York, it`s Saturday night! With Fred Armisen, Will Forte, the handsome guy, the black guy. Kristen Wiig and featuring the new guy and the new girls and your host and musical guest, Justin Timberlake!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. And as you`re watching now, you see Justin dressed up as a back-up dancer in the skit he did with Beyonce. Real quickly here, Ashleigh Banfield. I mean, if you can wear heels and dance like that, you can replace Oprah, right?
BANFIELD: He looks better than me in that outfit. No. You know what? He`s making too much money doing what he`s doing. And also there`s a gravitas thing. I think he needs some gravitas still for daytime.
HAMMER: No gravitas. Not enough for daytime. OK. Ashleigh Banfield, Ben Widdicombe, thanks, guys. I appreciate all of your help tonight.
Well, tonight, brand-new details about whether or not 15-year-old is dating a 20-year-old underwear model? Miley has been seen out and about with Justin Gaston in Hollywood and in her hometown of Nashville Tennessee. But both have denied that they are dating.
That is, until Miley went on Ellen DeGeneres` show. Ellen`s comfy couch turned into a hot seat when things turned to all things Justin. And you`ve got to see Miley`s totally teenage reaction. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ELLEN DEGENERES, HOST, "THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW": Hey, let`s talk about your boyfriend. Now, there`s all kinds of - he`s your boyfriend. He`s not your boyfriend. It seems like he`s your boyfriend.
MILEY CYRUS, ACTRESS: I could see where you could see that.
DEGENERES: Yes.
CYRUS: I could see that.
DEGENERES: Yes. We could all see that. His name is Justin?
CYRUS: Yes.
DEGENERES: Right. And he seems very sweet. So he`s your boyfriend?
CYRUS: No. I giggle on everyone.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: How do you not love Miley`s giggle? Now, Ellen didn`t give up there. She wanted Miley to fess up. And when the giggles did finally subside at least a little bit, Ellen gets Miley to tell her why she likes Justin so much.
DEGENERES: How long have you all been dating?
CYRUS: We`ve been friends for like a couple of months.
DEGENERES: A couple of months?
CYRUS: Yes.
DEGENERES: OK. But how long have you been dating?
CYRUS: I don`t know.
DEGENERES: All right.
CYRUS: He is a singer. He`s really cute. And he`s nice and he`s a Christian and I really like that. Yes. Yes.
DEGENERES: All right. So you have a boyfriend, great.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, like the boyfriend, Miley is a Christian as well and wears a purity ring as a vow to her country star dad, Billy Ray that she will remain a virgin until she is married.
You can catch more giggles with Miley and Ellen on Thursday`s "Ellen."
Well, for the very first time, Britney Spears is revealing what life is really like for her since her tragic breakdown. Coming up, we`re going to tell you why Britney says her life now is worse than it has ever been. You definitely will not want to miss Britney`s shocking confessions. That is coming up next on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. We are coming right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Nice move, Don. Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, for the very first time and in her own words, Britney Spears is revealing what her life has been like since her breakdown.
Think about it. It was only back in January when we all watched Britney as she was carried out of her home and into the UCLA Medical Center psych ward. But Britney says it wasn`t the two hospital stays but her life since her breakdown that`s been the real nightmare.
In a brand new MTV documentary set to air on November 30th, Britney says life now is worse than jail, saying, quote, "Even when you go to jail, there`s the time when you`re going to get out. But in this situation, it`s never ending. It`s just like the Bill Murray movie, `Groundhog Day.` If I wasn`t under the restraints that I`m under right now, I`d fell so liberated."
Well, since her breakdown, Britney has had little control over her own life with her dad controlling her finances and with her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, caring for their two young sons.
There is one thing Britney can control - how she celebrates her birthday. And you won`t believe where she is spending the day. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, Britney Spears, where are you celebrating your birthday?
BRITNEY SPEARS, SINGER: I`m coming to "Good Morning America."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Tuesday morning, December 2nd only on "Good Morning America." Britney is back.
SPEARS: It will be the biggest birthday bash ever to hit morning TV.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Britney Spears in the concert event of the year on her birthday.
SPEARS: Come on, blow out the candles with me.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In just two weeks, only on ABC`s "Good Morning America." Presented by Walgreens.
SPEARS: Don`t you dare miss me on "GMA."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let`s celebrate with Britney.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: It`s terrific to see Britney looking so great. I`ve got to tell you, I for one can`t wait to see her perform on "GMA." I would like to blow out her candles with her.
And her new album, "Circus," will also be coming out on the very same day, December 2nd. I have a pretty good feeling it`s going straight to number one.
All right. Monday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. "The Obama Kids: Should they guest star on `Hannah Montana?`" Look at how this went - not a lot of you think so. Sixteen percent said yes; 84 percent said no.
Here are some of the E-mails we got. Linda from Idaho writes, "No `Hannah` for the daughters of the president, please. I hope the Obamas will shield the girls from Hollywood."
We also heard from Allison who writes from New York, saying, "What an amazing opportunity it would be for the Obama girls. I think it would be great for young girls around the world to view and relate to the future first family."
And as always we appreciate your E-mails and we appreciate your voting. And I thank you for watching SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Now, remember you can always catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific. And we`re on in the morning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern. The latest from "CNN HEADLINE NEWS" is coming up next.
END
