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Showbiz Tonight
American Idol Strikes Back at Paula Abdul; Jennifer Aniston`s Naked Ambition; Is Michelle Obama the New Jackie Kennedy?
Aired December 12, 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 - "American Idol" strikes back at Paula Abdul. Tonight, brand new revelations from the guy who ran "Idol" about Paula`s claims she warned them about the obsessed fan found dead near her home.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KIM SERAFIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": The drama now with "American Idol" is going back and forth.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: What really happened? Who should we believe? And is it time for Paula to leave "Idol?"
Tonight, the great debate over Jennifer Aniston`s photo shoot. Why Aniston`s naked ambition has everyone all riled up and arguing from coast- to-coast. Plus, what her boyfriend John Mayer told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about Jen`s steamy new photos. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, was this the right move for Jen?
Is Michelle Obama the new Jackie Kennedy? Tonight, the great debate over the comparisons between Michelle O. and Jackie O.
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.
Tonight, from Jennifer Aniston`s photo shoot to a brand-new, multimillion dollar showdown with ex-hubby Brad Pitt. There is big Aniston news tonight and SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has got it all covered, coming up.
But first "Idol" strikes back at Paula Abdul and Paula`s startling claim about the woman she calls a stalker, who was found dead outside her home.
Tonight, the guy who ran "American Idol" is shooting down Paula`s explosive charge that "Idol" producers put her in danger, that "Idol" producers knew the woman was obsessed with her when they let her audition for "Idol."
But hold on just a second, because tonight, we are getting a very dramatic and very different side to this very disturbing story. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT bringing you today`s fast-moving developments making news right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice over): Paula Abdul is taking shots at "American Idol`s" producers.
PAULA ABDUL, JUDGE, "AMERICAN IDOL": I said this girl is a stalker of mine. And please, do not let her in. And they let her in anyway.
HAMMER: Now, "American Idol" is returning fire.
NIGEL LYTHGOE, FORMER "AMERICAN IDOL" PRODUCER: Had Paula said this is a stalker, I don`t know about.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you a former "American Idol" producer is firing back at Paula Abdul`s shocking claims that the show knowingly brought her face to face with an obsessed fan.
You heard of "American Idol" gives back, now it`s more like "American Idol" strikes back.
SERAFIN: The drama now with "American Idol" is going back and forth.
HAMMER: Nigel Lythgoe who left "Idol" this past summer, talked to "Access Hollywood`s" Billy Bush about "American Idol`s" decision to have this young Paula Abdul fan audition back in 2005. That same woman was found dead of apparent suicide outside of Paula`s home in November.
LYTHGOE: Had Paula said this is a stalker, I don`t know about. If she said this is a crazy fan, that`s why she was there.
BILLY BUSH, "ACCESS HOLLYWOOD": She suggested to you guys, "This girl is a problem. I know her. She is a stalker of mine or I have a past with her specifically?"
LYTHGOE: Not to my awareness, really. We are talking about three ago and many, many, hundreds of auditions later.
SERAFIN: He does say, "If we had known that there was any issue that there would be harm to Paula or to this young woman or to anyone involved, we would definitely not have done it." He is sort of saying it doesn`t seem like "American Idol" did anything wrong.
HAMMER: That`s not what Abdul has been saying.
ABDUL: She had been writing disturbing letters for 17 - almost 18 years.
HAMMER: On Barbara Walters` Sirius XM radio show earlier this week, an angry Abdul said she did warn "American Idol`s" producers this was no ordinary fan they were bringing on the show.
ABDUL: I said this girl is a stalker of mine, and please do not let her in. There are people. Everyone knew I was shaking.
WALTERS: You mean they put you in peril because it would be fun?
ABDUL: Funny. Fun for them to cause me stress.
SERAFIN: What is coming from her genuine emotion. I think she is genuinely upset.
HAMMER: For his part, Lythgoe is trying to be diplomatic.
LYTHGOE: I don`t remember the conversation. Paula said this, so she must have said it.
HAMMER: But he stresses his former show is not responsible for the young woman`s fate.
LYTHGOE: And when she did what she did, the unfortunate actions that she took, was three years later. So to sort of tie that into an audition on "American Idol," I find upsetting.
HAMMER: Either way, the whole thing seems to have left Abdul bitter. On Barbara Walter`s radio show, Abdul, who is reportedly in her final year of the "American Idol" contract, didn`t seem too enthusiastic about being on the show.
WALTERS: This is a show you will continue to be on, obviously, on Fox?
ABDUL: Well, I am under contract.
SERAFIN: I think we need Paula on the show. I hope things work out. I hope some of the tension gets smoothed over before the live shows start.
HAMMER: Other than Paula, no one currently associated with "American Idol" is speaking out about the apparent dispute. So all that is left is the tragic death of a young woman and a seemingly strained atmosphere on TV`s biggest show.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Well, in a separate interview with "People" magazine`s Web site, Nigel Lythgoe remembers the young Paula Abdul fan as a lovely girl. "American Idol" returns to Fox in January.
Well, moving on now. Tonight, the pictures everybody is talking about. Jennifer Aniston`s naked ambition. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT first showed you Aniston`s nude photo shoot for the new issue of "GQ" magazine. And tonight, there is a great debate over what Aniston did. Should she have done it? Did she go too far? Or is this thing just a home run?
Joining me tonight, Lisa Bloom, who is the host of "Lisa Bloom: Open Court" and an "In Session" anchor. Also joining me tonight in New York, Janell Snowden, who is a host for "VH1 News."
Ladies, let me just put this on the table right now. I think Jennifer Aniston looks fantastic in these pictures. Now, "People" are writing about this. They`re blogging about it. They`re taking sides. Some are saying, "Right on, Jen." Others are saying she went too far to publicize her new movie. Lisa, what say ye?
LISA BLOOM, HOST, "LISA BLOOM: OPEN COURT": If I looked that good naked, A.J., I would spend all my days in nothing but a tie and spray tan. I say three cheers for Jen. She looks fantastic. She`s almost 40. Good for her. If you look that good, I think you`ve got to take your clothes off.
HAMMER: All right. Nothing wrong with that according to Lisa Bloom. Janell Snowden, what about you?
JANELL SNOWDEN, HOST, "VH1 NEWS": Here is the thing. We had a big office debate about this. Most people I find were on the other side.
OK. First of all, if you are going to get this naked, why not do it for "Playboy" and get paid. And then, I guess if you do it for "GQ," does that make it somehow classier or is it the - like Americana tie that does it? I am not quite sure.
I agree with Lisa that if you do look that great and you`re nearing 40, you know, sure there is something to be said for being secure enough in your body to do that. At the same time, I think there is a certain sort of scream of maybe desperation.
HAMMER: Really?
BLOOM: Desperation? She`s an A-list star. Look at her, does she look desperate lying with these gorgeous guys?
SNOWDEN: No, but listen - OK, but I don`t get the pose. I really don`t get the pose. I do agree that she looks great. Her body is incredible. But at the same time, you know, this is not to promote a movie where we`re going to see her naked. This is not to promote a movie where she`s going to be some type a vixen. So I don`t necessarily see the tie-in.
HAMMER: There is not always a tie-in, Janell. When people are promoting movies, they do all sorts of things that have nothing to do with the movie.
SNOWDEN: They do -
HAMMER: They show off.
SNOWDEN: They do, but here`s the thing. And I understand from a PR standpoint she needs to do everything she can to try to get in, you know, and beat Brad at the box office. But at the same time, you know, I mean - I say, why not just go on "TMZ" and say like, you know -
BLOOM: Here`s what she`s promoting -
SNOWDEN: Hold on - this is what someone in my office suggested, and I have to say that this is kind of a funny suggestion. You know, go on "TMZ," rant about having broken up with John Mayer and say you`re going to run off with Owen Wilson if you want to drum up publicity. But you know, don`t necessarily have to be naked.
BLOOM: OK. I`m going to vote for lying naked with the two hot guys, personally, rather than going on "TMZ." Here`s what she`s promoting, "Hi. I`m Jen. I`m healthy. I`m happy. I`m beautiful. I`m confident in my body." Isn`t that great?
SNOWDEN: It`s a wonderful thing -
HAMMER: That`s what I get out of it. And I`ve got to say, Janell, I appreciate your suggestion about her doing that for "Playboy" instead. But it is really apples and oranges. I mean, come on, we`re talking about "GQ" magazine.
BLOOM: Maybe that`s next.
SNOWDEN: "Playboy" has great ratings.
HAMMER: Let`s see what Jen`s motivation is. Does Jen have any idea why she did this thing? Well, on the very same night that we first showed you these photos of Jen nude in "GQ" magazine, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there with Jen at the premiere of her movie. It`s called "Marley and Me." Now, Jennifer had an interesting answer as to why she posed nude. Let`s watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE REPORTER: Tell me why you did it and what do you (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
JENNIFER ANISTON, ACTRESS: I don`t know. I don`t know why I did it. For this movie? I did it. That`s how far I will go.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. She doesn`t know. She doesn`t have any idea why she did it. In fact, she told "People.com" that she wasn`t trying to make any kind of a statement. Now, Lisa, do you buy that?
BLOOM: I don`t know. Seemed like kind of an air-headed Rachel moment. I don`t know. I mean, these are the kind of things that are set up well in advance with your teams of lawyers and agents and publicity people. It`s not like she wandered in there one day wearing a tie and they took a picture.
I mean, this thing is well planned in advance, so that is a little bit surprising. I think she is very, very careful of what she says for the press. She knows that everything she says is going to be the screaming yellow headline.
HAMMER: Yes.
BLOOM: And I think it speaks for itself. She feels great. She looks great. She wanted to show it off. And why shouldn`t she?
HAMMER: Here`s something that`s not surprising at all. The "Showbiz On Call" phone lines literally exploded last night, people calling in. They want to weigh in on the great Aniston nude photo debate. We heard from Michelle in Virginia. And I want you to listen to what Michelle has to say.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
MICHELLE, CALLER FROM VIRGINIA: I think that she is pathetic. While Brad and Angelina are receiving critical acclaim and award nominations, raising a beautiful family and trying to make the world a better place, she feels the need to keep badmouthing Angelina. And she has to disrobe to prove that she`s still got it in hopes of keeping her wayward boyfriend and in hopes of taking off the focus of her marginal movie roles. I am just sick of her.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
BLOOM: Ouch.
HAMMER: All right. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) That`s why we have "Showbiz On Call." Now, I need to point out it`s not the first time Aniston posed nude for the cover of a magazine. She did it for "Rolling Stone" magazine back in 2004, if we can take a look at that picture.
Lisa Bloom - actually, no - you spoke. I`m going to ask Janell. Janell, why such a strong reaction this time around?
SNOWDEN: I just think because she`s America sweetheart, not America`s sex symbol. So I mean, my first reaction I thought was wow. OK -
HAMMER: Yes, but she didn`t choose that title. You know, that`s interesting of you to say and it`s a good thing to make a note of. But she didn`t choose to be America`s sweetheart.
SNOWDEN: She didn`t, so if she is trying to reverse her image then I think this is a great way to do it.
BLOOM: But I think she is both. I think she`s the girl next door and that`s why men are so hot for her. She`s that wholesome, kind of Dove girl, Breck girl, that`s why guys are so attracted to her. From what I`ve heard on my talking to guys about this -
HAMMER: Yes, quickly.
BLOOM: That nudity with the tie is really what seems to get them going.
SNOWDEN: Sure. It`s the tie.
HAMMER: All right. Take note, everybody. Lisa Bloom, Janell Snowden, thank you both.
Now, you want to stick around because, coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the Jennifer Aniston-Brad Pitt million dollar showdown. Who will come out on top? That`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And now, over to you for the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Jennifer Aniston`s Nude Photo Shoot: Good idea?" Vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight or E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
So Tom Cruise is talking about doing a movie with Katie Holmes. Will this actually be happening? And if so, would it actually be a good idea? I have to wonder, if people could watch a movie and see anything but Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. What Tom has to say about it, coming up.
Also, "SHOWBIZ Obama Watch." You have heard all the comparisons that say Michelle Obama is the new Jackie Kennedy. Is that really a fair comparison? Well, not everybody thinks so. Wait until you hear why. The great Michelle O.-Jackie O. debate still to come.
Also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WOLF BLITZER, ANCHOR, "THE SITUATION ROOM": It`s not that hard. I will say it three times - Blagojevich, Blagojevich, Blagojevich.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes, well, Wolf Blitzer may not have a problem with the Illinois governor`s name. But he might be the only one. And what`s up with the governor`s hair anyway? Coming up, a scandalously funny look at how comedians are having a field day with the governor.
And now, the SHOWBIZ news ticker - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: "Private Practice" star Kate Walsh and husband divorcing after 14 months of marriage. 1950s pin-up girl Bettie Page dies of pneumonia at age 85.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
Tonight, what a joke. I`m talking about the scandal involving the governor of Illinois and charges that he put President-elect Barack Obama`s Senate seat up for sale. Doesn`t sound too funny?
Well, tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is bringing you a very different spin on the whole thing. Comedians - they`re having a field day with this, like, what`s up with that guy`s hair? And how in the world do you pronounce his name?
Here is CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: There`s a polite way of saying it and the not-so-polite. But what seems to be driving everybody`s nuts is the governor of Illinois` hair.
JON STEWART, COMEDIAN: He has too much hair. He has crossed over from virile to monkey.
MOOS: A courtroom sketch on the blog, "Sparkle Pony" prompted someone to post, "Perhaps, he is in fact a Chia Pet." Rod Blagojevich`s terrible hair found guilty of everything, screamed wonket - a cross perhaps between star of "No Country for Old Men" -
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: You don`t know what you`re talking about.
MOOS: And a Lego. "Bla-lego-vich" is the name coined by the Web site, "Chicagoist," a Lego under arrest.
GOVERNOR ROD BLAGOJEVICH (D-IL): And the things I`m interested in doing are always lawful.
STEWART: Well, clearly, this man has nothing to hide except perhaps whatever it is written on his forehead. Now -
MOOS: A "Chicago Sun Times" photo caught the governor next to a rat extermination warning.
JAY LENO, HOST, "THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO": It was so blatant how he was selling the seat. Did you see the footage? It was so blatant. Take a look. We have a Senate seat up for sale, formerly Barack Obama`s Senate seat. Obama, Obama, Obama. For $25,000, sold.
MOOS (on camera): Whenever there is one of these political scandals, it takes the folks who make t-shirts about 24 hours to jump on the bandwagon.
(voice over): There`s the classified ad, "For sale, U.S. Senate seat, hardly used." Or the, "I gave governor Blagojevich a bribe and all I got was this lousy (EXPLETIVE DELETED) t-shirt."
For apparent irony, it`s hard to beat the governor describing his mother`s advice years ago.
BLAGOJEVICH: Promise me, son, you will never take bribes. I said, "Of course, I will never take bribes. Not only would that be dishonest, it would be illegal."
MOOS: Now his name -
LENO: Rod Bla - (EXPLETIVE DELETED). How do you say that?
MOOS: Is being dragged through the mud. The pronunciation may be muddy -
LOU DOBBS, HOST, "LOU DOBBS TONIGHT": And Illinois` governor, Blag - Blagojevich, governor of Illinois.
BLITZER: Rod Blagojevich, I know you will get it right by the top of the hour. It Not that hard. I`ll say it three times. Blagojevich, Blagojevich, Blagojevich.
DOBBS: Blagojevich.
MOOS: Yes, Wolf, not that hard. Not until the next day, anyway.
WOLF: The Illinois Governor Rod (stutters) Blagojevich`s wife.
MOOS: We know a CNN staffer who remembers it by thinking of Goya beans.
DAVID LETTERMAN, HOST, "LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN": And then, he was charged with one count of Blagojevich-ing.
STEPHEN COLBERT, HOST, "THE COLBERT REPORT": Blagojevich.
STEWART: Rod Blagojevich -
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
All right. Moving on, the "Showbiz On Call" phone lines have been ringing nonstop. A lot of people calling in about Oprah Winfrey`s weight confession. Oprah says she`s up to 200 pounds and she has given up on trying to be thin.
We`ve got one call I want to play for you from Shalon in Alabama. Shalon says something just doesn`t ring true about Oprah`s latest revelation.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
SHALON, CALLER FROM ALABAMA: I find it very funny that over the years, she has put out so many books claiming she had the answer to weight loss and to lose weight. And now, she says she can`t control her weight. And think of all the millions of women that have bought her books on weight loss. And now Oprah is saying, "You know I can`t control it." So I think it is nothing but a money-hungry, egotistical woman.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: We, appreciate your call, Shalon. We also heard from Mary in Wisconsin. Mary has a much different opinion. She says Oprah is a breath of fresh air.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
MARY, CALLER FROM WISCONSIN: I would like to thank Oprah for all of the help she has given us full-figured women with our self-esteem. We are so sick of being looked down at. She has helped us so, so much. Thank you, thank you Oprah.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: I thank you for your call, Mary. You can call us at "Showbiz On Call." Please, let us know what you think about Oprah`s weight confession or anything else that is on your mind.
And you want to get out - the "Showbiz On Call" phone lines are always open. Call then number right here - 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; that`s 1-888-728-2899. Leave us a voicemail so we can play your calls here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Your calls to "Showbiz On Call" are also now online on our homepage, which is CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Get ready - it is a million-dollar showdown between Brad Pitt and his ex-wife Jennifer Aniston. This thing is shaping up to be a huge battle. So who will come out on top? I`ll tell you what this is all about, coming up.
Also, Hulk Hogan sounds off about his estranged wife. Hulk says Linda is blowing thousands of dollars on things like a photo shoot with her dog. Hulk goes off. That`s coming up next on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Also, what do you think about this? And is it possible? Are Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes going to star in a movie together? I really wonder if people look at this screen and see anything except Tom and Katie. I`ll tell you what Tom Cruise has to say about it. That is still to come on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Now, the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT news ticker, more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Brooke Shields congratulates Tom Cruise for his Golden Globe nomination. Usher and his wife celebrate the birth of their second son, Naviyd Ely Raymond.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer with some more stories that are new right now.
Tonight, Hulk Hogan is making some outrageous claims about his estranged wife, Linda`s spending habits. Well, Hulk and his lawyer say Linda spent $4,000, among other things, to pay a friend to take pictures of her with her dog. Now, Linda was in court in Florida yesterday asking for another $400,000 in attorney fees. Now, the court gave it to her but put it in a separate account designated only for attorney fees.
"TMZ" caught up with Hulk and his lawyer after the hearing. Check this out.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HULK HOGAN, PROFESSIONAL WRESTLER AND REALITY SHOW STAR: I ran the list of expenses. We saw, you know, tens of thousand of dollars being spent on Charlie, her 19-year-old boyfriend, and a lot of checks being written to friends, family members, tens of thousands of dollars to her brother, to her father and mother and some bunch of checks to cash to her hairdresser and all kind of people. So -
UNIDENTIFIED MALE ATTORNEY: What we`ve always been worried about is the fact that she was wasting a tremendous amount of money. And today, the judge agreed to require any monies placed in attorneys fees are going to go to the lawyers` account. Linda can`t spend it. Linda can`t touch it, because, otherwise we`re going to be back here next month after she spends that on dinners and hotels and first class airfares when she is asking for more money for attorneys fees. She needs a lawyer, because without a lawyer, you can`t beat her and that`s exactly what we`re going to do.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, we called Linda Hogan`s rep to see what her reaction was to these claims of outrageous spending. As of show time, we did not hear back.
Well, looks like Hugh Jackman is the next host of the Oscars. Jackman will host the 81st Annual Academy Awards that will take place on February 22nd. Jackman is currently starring in "Australia" with Nicole Kidman and was recently named "People" magazine`s sexiest man alive.
All right. Get ready - it`s a million-dollar showdown between Brad Pitt and his ex-wife Jennifer Aniston. This thing is shaping up to be a huge battle. So who is going to come out on top? We`ll tell you all about that, coming up.
Also, Tom Cruise talks about doing a movie with his wife. Will it happen? And if so, would it really be a good idea? I mean, really? I have to wonder if people could actually watch a movie and see anything but, hey, there`s Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. What Tom has to say about that is coming up, too.
Also, Will Smith sounding off on marriage.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WILL SMITH, ACTOR: Marriage counseling is a cheat. Like, you don`t need marriage counseling.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: So is Will Smith really dissing marriage counseling? We`ve got Will in his own words, and that is still to come on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
But first, I need to remind you. If you want to stay on top of the most provocative entertainment news, you need to look no further than our daily SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsletter which we love to send to you. Just head to CNN.com/ShowbizTonight and click on the "sign up for newsletter" link at the bottom of the page. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, coming right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN MAYER, SINGER: Can I be honest with you? It`s freaky, but the girl is perfectly symmetrical.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, John Mayer`s outrageous reaction to Jennifer Aniston`s latest nude photo shoot. Her on again-off again boyfriend weighs in on the revealing layout. But tonight, there`s a brand- new debate over whether Jen should have bared anything at all.
Tonight, Michelle O. versus Jackie O. - are the comparisons even fair? It`s the great first lady debate.
TV`s most provocative 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.
All right, tonight you will want to brace yourself for the multimillion dollar showdown between Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt. New right now - it is going to be the showdown of all showdowns. And it is happening before the end of the year. Just as Brad is baring all about his life with Angelina and the kids, Jennifer is baring, well, everything including those startling new nude photos wearing simply a tie.
Also new right now, Jennifer Aniston`s boyfriend John Mayer is talking to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about Aniston`s steamy pics and we`ve got his take on them.
And get this, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes starring in a movie together? Huh? Tom says he`d love to make a movie with his wife. But is that such a good idea?
Joining me tonight in New York is Lisa Bloom who is the host of "Lisa Bloom: Open Court" and an "In Session" anchor. Also in New York is Janell Snowden who is the host for "VH1 News." And also in New York tonight, Ben Widdicombe, editor-at-large for "Star" magazine.
Gang, we`ve got to begin with Jennifer and Brad who are about to embark on a massive showdown at the box office. It`s happening Christmas Day. Both of their big new movies of the year are going to be opening. Brad starring in, of course, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." And Jennifer Aniston starring in "Marley and Me."
Lisa Bloom, you get this thing rolling now. Regardless - pay close attention to the question, please. Regardless of which is a better movie, given all that has gone down in the public realm, who do you think people want to see more, Brad or Jen?
BLOOM: You know, it`s really not fair to ask me to focus when putting up those pictures of Brad Pitt. I mean, what kind of woman could focus? He is so gorgeous. He`s so beautiful. You know, I am voting for Brad. I think Brad, unfortunately, is a bigger box office draw. And I say unfortunately because I like Jen. I think she is adorable. It`s just her movies, usually not so good.
HAMMER: Yes. But men and women are alike - we`re not talking about the quality of the movie - men and women alike are saying same things you`re saying about Brad, about Jen because she`s out there. And man, she`s looking good. Janell?
SNOWDEN: Yes. I have to agree with Lisa. I mean, come on, Brad is pretty much as close to perfect as anybody is going to get.
BLOOM: Look at him.
SNOWDEN: I mean, seriously, I was in a screening for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" just earlier this week. And there are all kinds of women around, the old, young. And the moment he appeared on screen as the Brad Pitt that we know him to look like -
HAMMER: Yes.
SNOWDEN: There was this like this collective (gasps) - so I mean. I was right there with them. I have to say Brad. Plus, look at all the award nominations that film has garnered. Jennifer - not so much.
HAMMER: We`re not talking about the nominations. Let`s stay on topic here. Ben Widdicombe, were you at that screening? Did you gasp with delight when Ben hit the screen?
BEN WIDDICOMBE, EDITOR-AT-LARGE, "STAR" MAGAZINE: No. I have yet to see the film, I`m afraid. But you know, there is such huge interest in both Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, mainly for their private lives (UNINTELLIGIBLE). But Brad is the one. He got a Golden Globe nomination for "Benjamin Button." I think he of the former couple is one that has more acting chops, at least, the more success in the box office.
HAMMER: Did I say "when Ben hit the screen?" I meant to say "When Brad hit the screen." I was trying something new on to the screen there, Ben Widdicombe.
Well, now listen, to promote their movies, they`re out there. I mean, they`re doing a lot of press. Brad and Jen both opening up about their lives in really what I think is an unprecedented way. Very revealing interviews. Brad talking about his life with Angelina.
Both Brad and Jen appearing on the "Oprah Winfrey Show" and that`s where Jen was asked to clarify her comments to "vogue" magazine about Angelina being un-cool. Let`s watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANISTON: He asked me a question and I basically just answered it as honestly as I could. You know, I don`t go there. You know what I mean? It`s 100 years old.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Yes, Jen opening up. We`ve got Brad opening up. Lisa, who do you think is going to sell more tickets because of the way they`re opening up?
BLOOM: Good question. I don`t think Jen is going to sell any tickets because she is opening up. I don`t buy it that she talked to a reporter. And now, she`s completely shocked that what she said came out in print on the cover of a magazine. I mean she is the tabloid queen at this point.
So I think Brad opening up is a little bit more interesting. We don`t know much about him, and all of this love triangle saga for the last four years. And I think we`re all going to hang on every word that he utters that has anything to do with his personal life.
HAMMER: Well, this showdown doesn`t end with how much they`re opening up for Oprah Winfrey. Oh no, Brad appearing on the cover of "Rolling Stone" magazine. There we see it. As far as we know, beyond that picture, he`s got his clothes on.
Jennifer on the cover of "GQ" - may we see that, please?
BLOOM: Oh my.
HAMMER: She is not wearing anything - well, but a tie. Ben Widdicombe, based on these covers alone, who is selling more tickets?
WIDDICOMBE: Well, there`s no question based on those two covers, Jennifer Aniston is going to be like a box office bonanza, people. If she looks like that, people are going to go and want to see her. But you know, not just for the cover, either. There`s renewed public interest in her. People are curious about her relationship with John Mayer. And you know, "Marley and Me" has a great plot. It`s quite sentimental. I think that could be a real hit with the audience.
HAMMER: I`m sorry. Did you mention John Mayer, her current boyfriend? Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT right there at the premiere of Jen`s movie, "Marley and Me" just last night. Also in attendance, yes you guessed it, Jennifer`s boyfriend, John Mayer.
So what did we do? We had to get his take on the steamy pics of his girlfriend. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE REPORTER: I think you are a lucky guy.
MAYER: Listen, I know I am a lucky guy.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE REPORTER: What do you love most about her - be honest now. I know you`ve got a great sense of humor. At 54 seconds, what do you love most about this girl?
MAYER: Can I be honest with you? It`s freaky, but the girl is perfectly symmetrical.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: You have to love John Mayer. Janell, I think it`s fair to say, John Mayer is speaking from experience there. That said, Janell, do you think that cover will help sell more tickets than Brad`s cover will?
SNOWDEN: Well, here is the thing. Not like she is going to be in a sexy film. It`s kind of a family film, "Marley and Me." She is not going to be naked in the movie. So people going and hoping to see her look like she does on the cover are going to be disappointed. So I`m going to have to go with Brad on this one.
HAMMER: But it certainly opens up the field of imagination, doesn`t it?
SNOWDEN: It definitely does.
HAMMER: All right. Let`s move on to Tom Cruise, shall we, and possibility of him making a movie with his wife, Katie Holmes. Now, Tom is telling "Entertainment Tonight" in Canada that he wants to make a movie with her saying, quote, "I would love it. Look at Newman and Woodward; if you find the right project, I am not going to oppose doing that. I love her work as an actress."
Lisa Bloom, do you think people will go to a movie starring Tom Cruise and Katie and be able to see past the fact that it`s Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes?
BLOOM: You know, I think that is really difficult, A.J. These big stars have this entire narratives built around their real lives. And when they go into a movie, especially if it`s not a great movie - I mean, let`s face it. A lot of times, these big stars are in movies that are not really all that good.
All you can think about is, "Oh, there is Tom Cruise. There is Katie Holmes. Oh no, wait, he`s playing a character. She is playing a character. Oh, there is Katie Holmes. There is Tom Cruise." Sometimes it`s very hard to put that out of your mind.
HAMMER: Ben Widdicombe, would you agree?
WIDDICOMBE: Well, you know, for every couple like Hepburn and Tracy, there is a couple like Affleck and Lopez, who were terrible onscreen together. I would be very curious to see Tom and Katie on the same film, just to see what the chemistry is like. Because certainly, after in gossip land, there is so much question about the authenticity of that marriage. And people seem to be suspicious about it. So I`d love to see what they`re like on camera.
HAMMER: Going back to what you just mentioned - I believe you just said something about Ben Affleck there, Ben Widdicombe, not to be the bearer of bad news for Tom and Katie. But you know, Hollywood really has not been kind to star couples over the years.
You have that example that you said. I think it was in the stink bomb "Gigli" with Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. Of course, Tom flopping with his own then-wife, Nicole Kidman in "Eyes Wide Shut."
BLOOM: That`s right.
HAMMER: So what do you think, Janell? Should basically they say ex nay on the movie for Tom and Katie?
SNOWDEN: Why does it have to be in pig Latin? I hate to be a dream killer, but if history repeats itself, then I would think it is a bad idea. But like Ben, I think we`re all curious to see how they are.
We got a glimpse of them on "Oprah," which by the way, I think is airing today. You know, we got to get a peek into their home life. All we really saw was Katie being like, "I love you Tom. I love you so much." So unless they`re like, hating each other or doing something, you know, completely outrageous, I don`t know.
HAMMER: Yes, and we did see that particular "Oprah" earlier this afternoon. Lisa Bloom, and without answering me in pig Latin would you basically say more to your point of it would be hard to distinguish them from their real life couples, probably a bad idea?
BLOOM: Yes, probably. You know, I think about Brad and Angelina in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" - oh wait, they weren`t together yet. He was married to somebody else, maybe that`s why the film worked. So unless, we have them in, you know, cat suits or spewing fire at each other, probably that`s not going to work out.
HAMMER: Cat suits. Now, there`s an idea. Lisa Bloom, Janell Snowden, Ben Widdicombe, I thank you all.
And guess what I`m doing? Going one-on-one with Tom Cruise this weekend. We`re going to talk about his new movie, "Valkyrie," and so much more. It is the brand new interview with Tom Cruise you will not want to miss. You will see it right here Monday on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
We have been asking you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Jennifer Aniston`s Nude Photo Shoot: Was it a good idea?" You think? Let us know, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight or E-mail showbiztonight@cnn.com.
I`m not done. I`ve got another showdown for you. It`s Michelle O. versus Jackie O. Is it right to compare Jackie O. to Michelle Obama? Does Jackie`s White House style trump Michelle or does Michelle`s substance push Jackie out of the race? We`ve got the heated debate and it`s coming up next.
HAMMER: Plus, to pay or not to pay - that`s the burning question. Should first ladies actually get paid? Is being a first lady really a job anyway? You won`t want to miss this coming up.
Also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: Marriage counseling is a cheat. It is a cheat, like, you don`t need marriage counseling.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Why is Will Smith dissing marriage counseling? What does will know that we don`t know? You`ll find out just ahead on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And now, the SHOWBIZ news ticker, more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Elvis Presley on Billboard Country music charts with Christmas duets album. This is the first time Presley has been on the country charts in 10 years.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JACQUELINE B. KENNEDY, FORMER UNITED STATES FIRST LADY: I don`t think the White House completely belongs to one person. It belongs to the people of America. And I think who ever lives in this, the first lady should preserve the traditions and enhance it and leave something of herself there.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Jackie O. certainly knew a thing or two about being first lady. As Michelle Obama gets ready to make her big move into the White House, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT wants to know, are these two women really as similar as everyone seems to think?
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight the "SHOWBIZ Obama Watch," Michelle O. versus Jackie O. The two women are constantly being compared as one and the same.
And for some obvious reasons - you`ve got youth, the beauty, the young kids at the White House. But tonight SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is taking a closer look. Are these fabulous ladies really that similar?
Joining me in New York is Katrina Szish who is a celebrity journalist.
All right, Katrina, what is your take on all these comparisons that claim Michelle O. and Jackie O. are basically cut from the same cloth?
KATRINA SZISH, CELEBRITY JOURNALIST: I think that is a lot of wishful thinking. I think people - it really comes from a feeling of hope. People do see, as you mentioned, the youth, the beauty, the kids in the White House. But beyond that, I really don`t think the comparisons are valid.
HAMMER: There is a lot of sentimentality, I would agree with you on that. But there are some obvious - shall we call them superficial comparisons, perhaps, that are worth-taking a look at.
SZISH: Sure.
HAMMER: First, I want to compare their fashion. No doubt, Michelle Obama is fast becoming a fashion icon just like Jackie O. certainly was. And there are a lot of fashionistas out there who compare them when it comes to fashion - that`s both in what they wear and how they wear it. Katrina, what do you think? Is that basically a fair comparison?
SZISH: I don`t think it is a fair comparison. It surprised me very much when that comparison really started to get going. There were a few moments when Michelle Obama wore a sheathe dress and the pearls and had her hair in a classic flip.
But beyond that, Michelle has really made a variety of fashion choices, things that are a little bit daring like this Narciso Rodriguez dress we saw here. She also wears J. Crew, whereas Jackie Kennedy was a big - she embraced haute couture in the 1960s. All her dresses were custom. They really are completely different when it comes to style.
HAMMER: Completely different when it comes to their particular and individual style. But still, you certainly would agree that they are both, in their own right, fashion icons.
SZISH: Fashion icons, but that does not make them similar when it comes to their style.
HAMMER: Got it. All right. Got to move on to their jobs. Now, this is one big difference I feel worth pointing out between Michelle O. and Jackie O. Jackie actually gave up her writing career when she got married to John Kennedy. But Michelle not only kept her job as an attorney when they got married, for a while, you know, she was Barack`s boss at the law firm they were working at together. And that really, Katrina, comes down to a sign of the times, doesn`t it?
SZISH: It sure does. When Jackie Kennedy married John Kennedy, it wouldn`t have been appropriate for her to keep her job. Her job was to then be, at that time, his wife. And now, we`re seeing a completely different time when husbands and wives have equally important, equally strong, equally successful careers and we`re living in a very different time as you said.
HAMMER: So it`s really interesting as people have been constantly making comparisons, and really, since the first couple elect or designate has come into being. They have been making these comparisons to a first couple from, you know, 50 years ago.
If you were going to compare Michelle Obama to a past first lady other than Jackie O. - and I would like to think perhaps a little more contemporary who would that person be?
SZISH: That would have to be Hillary Clinton. And I think for the biggest reason there is because they`re both very accomplished women in their own rights. They`re not defined by the fact that they`re married to presidents. They really have their own careers and of course, they have really reached their own level of excellence. They`re not defined by their husbands. They`re defined by themselves.
HAMMER: And I love that, you know, you are pointing out Hillary Clinton because it`s kind of interesting, the woman that you are comparing Michelle Obama to is the woman that her husband beat to become president of the United States.
SZISH: And she will be secretary of state so she will not be very far from Michelle Obama.
HAMMER: All right. So wrapping it all up, as we move forward, as we get set for the big inauguration in January and people will probably continue to make these comparisons, should we put an all clear on this? Is it safe to say in the end, the whole Michelle O. and Jackie O. comparison not that all accurate?
SZISH: Not all that accurate. And I`m looking forward to it being over. Everyone just gets so excited about the idea of I think showing those beautiful Kennedy images. And I love to look at them, too. But that does not mean that it`s accurate to compare Michelle O. to Jackie O. Yes, and I love that clip that we played at the top of this segment here, because it`s just always great to look at the old film as well.
SZISH: Absolutely.
HAMMER: Katrina Szish, thank you for being here.
SZISH: Thank you, A.J.
HAMMER: Well, the "SHOWBIZ Obama Watch" continues right now with more on Michelle Obama`s new role come January 20th. There is a great debate underway about whether or not Michelle Obama should be paid for her hard work as first lady. Could Michelle Obama actually pave the way as a 21st century partner-in-chief?
Here is Alina Cho for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ALINA CHO, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): She`ll make history as the nation`s first black first lady. But even before her husband`s historic win, Michelle Obama was a powerhouse in her own right, an Ivy League educated lawyer with a six-figure salary. In a month, she`ll be moving into a new home and a new full time job, working for free.
PROF. ROBERT THOMPSON, SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY NEWHOUSE SCHOOL: I think most Americans when they hear the phrase "first lady" still think China patterns, tours through the White House.
CHO: Jacqueline Kennedy won an Emmy for her TV tour of the White House. William Howard Taft`s wife, Helen, attended cabinet meetings, but she said only to keep her husband awake. Nancy Reagan had her "Just Say No" campaign. Then came Hillary.
SEN. HILLARY CLINTON (D-NY), INCOMING SECRETARY OF STATE: I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and made tea, but what I decided to do was to fulfill my profession.
CHO: Hillary Clinton redefined the role of first lady, taking on health care, traveling the world. Yet she was never paid a cent.
LISA CAPUTO, DEMOCRATIC STRATEGIST: We used to joke that we were a moving public works project. Wherever we would go, there would be new roads paved literally. She defined that role for herself and I think in many ways, helped pave the ground for future first ladies.
CHO: Like Michelle Obama.
THOMPSON: More and more presidents are going to, I think, have spouses who actually come to the job with a life, with a career. And the kind of things that they do might, in fact, be useful things to employ.
CHO: But a salaried first lady? Some say the pay is in the perks. Big fancy house. First class travel. Elegant dinners. So what does the current office holder think?
LAURA BUSH, FIRST LADY OF THE UNITED STATES: No. I don`t think it should be a paid post. The spouse of the president is not an office holder. We weren`t elected.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: And I would say, given the current economic times, if Michelle Obama was offered a paycheck from the White House, she would probably turn it down. Just my guess. That is CNN`s Alina Cho for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Well, from the first lady to Hollywood`s leading man. Coming up, is Will Smith really dissing marriage counseling?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: Marriage counseling is a cheat. Like, you don`t need marriage counseling.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I guess he doesn`t believe in it. So what is Will`s secret for a long, happy marriage in Hollywood? You have definitely got to stick around for the answer. It is coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT which is coming right back.
But first, the SHOWBIZ news ticker. These are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Miley Cyrus gets Porsche days after getting driver`s permit. Luke Skywalker`s light saber from "Star Wars" movies sells for $240,000.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
It is time now for "Making It Work." This is where we take a look at famous couples who managed to build strong relationships in the spotlight.
And tonight, we hear from the great Will Smith. Now, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith are about to celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary - they`ll do that on New Year`s Eve. That is an eternity in Hollywood, my friend.
But throw in three kids and two movie careers. Well, it makes it really almost unbelievable. Now, Will has famously said divorce is not an option for him. And now, he is coming down hard on marriage counseling to help make things work. He has got his own formula. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: I guess the biggest thing that I would say is that marriage is between two people but it is really going to win or fail based on you. Right, you are the only thing that you have control over. If you`re better, if you`re smarter, if you`re stronger, if you`re a better communicator, if you`re more focused, if you`re a harder worker on yourself that is the only thing, the only tool that you have to make your relationship work.
Marriage counseling is a cheat. Like, you don`t need marriage counseling, if both people take care of themselves. And if both people make themselves happy and deliver themselves, they`ll come better and two smart people can always make it work.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, Will`s brand new movie is called "Seven Pounds." It`s going to open next up Friday. And Rosario Dawson plays Will`s love interest in "Seven Pounds." And they share several intense love scenes, scenes that made Will more than a little nervous.
Now, today on "Good Morning, America," Rosario talked about how Will psyched himself up to kiss her. She says Will got himself all worked up but not in the way you might think. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROSARIO DAWSON, ACTRESS: He wasn`t afraid but he was definitely really nervous and very shy. I remember going into doing this really sort of very beautiful scene of kissing. And you know, we`re crying. It`s really emotional.
He`s like, "Sure, we`re going to get this scene going in." I was like, "You need to chill out a little bit. No more Red Bull for you."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Come on, Will, is it really that hard to kiss a beautiful woman like Rosario Dawson? Well, in the end, Will says he got a lot of help from his wife Jada to overcome his nervousness about doing this love scene.
And here`s a little Hollywood trivia for you - Will says until now, he had never done an onscreen love scene with anybody except his wife Jada, and that was in the movie, "Ali." There you go.
And that is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. You can always catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific. We`re on in the morning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern.
END
