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Showbiz Tonight
Chris Brown and Rihanna No-Shows at the Grammies; Usher Rushes to His Wife`s Side; Jennifer Hudson`s Triumphant Return Onstage; A-Rod`s Bad Day
Aired February 09, 2009 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BROOKE ANDERSON, HOST: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, shocking Grammy drama. Tonight, young superstar Chris Brown arrested. And superstar girlfriend Rihanna bails at the last minute.
Tonight, did Chris Brown attack someone? If so, who was it? Was Rihanna rushed to the hospital? And is all this connected? Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the late-breaking developments in the Chris Brown- Rihanna Grammy drama.
Tonight, Yankee slugger Alex Rodriguez speaks out for the first time about reports he tested positive for steroids as his pal Madonna is seen in steamy new pictures with her 20-something companion. Tonight, Madonna turns up the heat as the heat is turned up on A-Rod.
Plus, the very first video of the octuplet mom`s eight babies. And what she now is saying about claims she is just trying to cash in.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC)
Hi there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you from Hollywood. And tonight, there is no shortage of brand-new developing stories that are nothing short of mind-boggling.
The latest on the Alex Rodriguez steroid bombshell as Alex speaks out. That is coming up.
But first tonight, Chris Brown busted on charges domestic violence. I was there on the red carpet at the Grammies last night and, like so many others, could not wait to speak to Brown and his girlfriend, Rihanna. The two superstars who have been the symbolic image of picture-perfect young love.
But both were no shows. And tonight, Chris Brown is out on bail, Rihanna nowhere to be found. And the big disturbing question remains, "Was Rihanna the target of the alleged assault?
Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with this remarkable story which is making big news right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice over): He was nominated for two Grammies and slated to give a highly anticipated performance at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards. Instead, 19-year-old R & B artist Chris Brown is being investigated for alleged domestic violence.
J.D. HEYMAN, ASST. MANAGING EDITOR, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: It really couldn`t happen at a worse time. All of the attention in the world is on Hollywood and the Grammies and the music industry.
ANDERSON: Police say Brown fled the scene after an alleged heated argument on a Hollywood street where a woman, quote, "suffered visible injuries and identified Brown as her attacker."
HEYMAN: This is a guy who had a reputation of being a very accessible R & B pop star. And certainly, there will be ramifications.
ANDERSON: While the Grammies were underway, Brown turned himself into police and was booked on criminal felony threat charges. He was freed after posting a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 5th.
HEYMAN: Criminal threats basically mean under California law that there were threats made against the victim`s life. There were serious threats made.
ANDERSON: Brown`s girlfriend, 20-year-old Rihanna, was also scheduled to perform at the Grammies and she, too, abruptly canceled her appearance. Although authorities aren`t releasing the name of the victim, sources close to the couple tell CNN Rihanna was the alleged victim.
HEYMAN: They asked the questions about whether this is Rihanna. She has released a statement. She said to "People" that she is well and she appreciates the concern.
ANDERSON: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT tracked down Neil Portnow, who is the head of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. And he revealed to us that Rihanna canceled her performance just before the show.
NEIL PORTNOW, HEAD, NATIONAL ACADEMY OF RECORDING ARTS AND SCIENCES: Basically, what we are told is, "We`re sorry, Rihanna is not going to be able to come tonight." It is as simple as that.
ANDERSON: But it wasn`t quite that simple. Brown and Rihanna were nominated for numerous Grammies each. And the cancellation happened so fast, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can now reveal there was no time to take their names out of the open of the show.
ANNOUNCER: Rihanna. Chris Brown.
ANDERSON: Soul icon and music legend Al Green saved the day accepting a last minute invite to fill in for Brown.
Green tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT he was absolutely shocked by the allegations made against Brown.
AL GREEN, SINGER: I am very shocked by it. He seemed like a perfect gentleman. It was a shock to us, yes.
ANDERSON: As Brown and Rihanna remain silent, details remained Murphy. The LAPD released a statement saying, quote, "Detectives investigating the alleged domestic violence felony battery booked him for criminal threat. At the time the case is presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney`s Office, additional charges may be filed.
HEYMAN: It is important to remember that he is innocent until proven guilty.
ANDERSON: But late today SHOWBIZ TONIGHT learned that there are already repercussions. Wrigley Gum says it is suspending ads that feature Chris Brown, saying, quote, "Wrigley is concerned by the serious allegations made against Chris Brown. We believe Mr. Brown should be afforded the same due process as any citizen. However, we have made the decision to suspend the current advertising featuring Brown and any related marketing communications until the matter is resolved."
HEYMAN: It`s hard to know how this will all end up. But certainly, on the surface, from what we all know this is a pretty much of a public relations disaster.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: There have been so many late-breaking details in the unbelievable arrest of Chris Brown. So, let`s get right to it.
Joining me tonight in New York, Ben Widdicombe, who is the celebrity editor of "StyleList.com." Great to have you, Ben. In Hollywood, Dayna Devon - we`re thrilled to have you Dayna - who`s a correspondent with "Extra." Always good to see you guys.
You know, at this point, Chris Brown has been booked for criminal threats, due back in court March 5th. Ben, I`m guessing if somebody had said to you Chris Brown would become a suspect in a possible domestic violence case against Rihanna, you might have called them crazy?
BEN WIDDICOMBE, CELEBRITY EDITOR, "STYLELIST.COM": Absolutely, Brooke, because Chris Brown had one of the cleanest, nicest reputations of all the young stars in the music industry. It`s the kind of persona that attracted very mainstream advertisers like Wrigley`s Gum to him. They used him as a spokesman.
And although he never commented on his relationship with Rihanna, they were pictures in the gossip magazines of the two of them on vacation. They always looked very happy and very relaxed together. So they were really the picture of the perfect young couple.
ANDERSON: Yes, seemed to be very content together. And I was right there at the Grammies last night as everybody was scrambling to find out why Chris Brown and Rihanna had pulled out of the show.
Listen to what Recording Academy chairman, Neil Portnow told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about when he found out there would be a last minute shuffle in the performance schedule. Listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PORTNOW: Probably starting around 2:00-ish or so, we started to be aware that we were going to have that issue. Basically, what we were told is, "We`re sorry, Rihanna is not going to be able to come tonight." It`s as simple as that. From there, you have to be nimble. And this is live television.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK. Although the spots were filled, Dayna, I can only imagine that this caused some major panic?
DAYNA DEVON, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": You know they sound really calm in the sound bite. But I guarantee you, when they got the news, there was some harsh language probably flying backstage.
But you know, it really - all is well that ends well, at least in terms of the show. You know, Al Green said he was in the shower when he got the call. He got about two hours and 40 minutes to prep. But apparently, a lot of the lion`s share of credit goes to Justin Timberlake, who actually got Boys2Men to step in really quickly and sing backup. He got Keith Urban to sub to play guitar.
And as if that wasn`t enough, then of course, Usher cancels to rush and be by his wife`s bedside in Brazil because of some complications from plastic surgery. But all is well that ends well. And it looks like they really pulled it off. So my hats off to them.
ANDERSON: Yes, it kept everybody on their toes. That`s for sure. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that Brown has hired attorney Mark Geragos. Now, Geragos is best known for defending the likes of convicted murderer Scott Peterson, Wynona Ryder after her 2001 shoplifting arrest, Michael Jackson during his child molestation trial. Ben, yet another indication how serious this is.
WIDDICOMBE: Well, it is very interesting that he hired Geragos because he is really as much as of a PR decision as it is a legal decision, because he has worked with these very high-profile clients that you mentioned there. And when you hire someone like Geragos, it means that you are concerned, not only with what could happen there in the courtroom, but also your public persona. It`s a long term PR decision that is made that he wants to come out, looking as good as he possibly can.
ANDERSON: Yes. And he is just 19. So he really has his whole life, his whole career ahead of him at this point. But already, the fallout has begun. As we mentioned, late today, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT learned that Wrigley has decided to suspend its ad campaign featuring Chris Brown as its spokesman. Dayna, is that just a sign of more to come?
DEVON: You know, this looks really bad for Chris Brown. And that`s probably the biggest understatement of the day. You know, it`s funny, if you go on blogs all the time when celebrity news breaks, you will find mixed reviews on almost everything.
But some of the blogs I was reading today were about 200 to one against Chris Brown and against the alleged, you know, domestic abuse situation or the assault. And so he definitely has a huge hill to climb in terms of public perspective and the implications could be so far-reaching especially if he does go to trial or serve any jail time. And he could actually serve up to nine years.
ANDERSON: Yes, he is scheduled for a court appearance March 5th, remains to be seen what happens. And if there will be more fallout, we of course will keep everybody updated.
Ben Widdicombe, Dayna Devon, thank you both for your insight. We appreciate it.
DEVON: Thanks, Brooke.
ANDERSON: All right. I cannot believe how much offstage drama there was at the Grammy Awards. Not only did Chris Brown and Rihanna bail, Usher, as we mentioned, had to cancel to rush to his wife`s side in Brazil. She was having a medical emergency. I`ve got the latest on that.
And an emotional night for Jennifer Hudson. Her big win and amazing performance after suffering so much pain. Coming up.
And stunning Alex Rodriguez-Madonna news. Late breaking news, the Yankee slugger A-Rod admits to using steroids. This comes on the same day that A-Rod`s pal, Madonna, reveals sexy new photos with her 20-something friend.
Plus, the very first video of the octuplet mom`s eight babies, and what she now is saying about claims that she is just trying to cash in. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Grammy winners: Best new artist - Adele; Best country performance by a duo or group - Sugarland, "Stay")
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NADYA SULEMAN, OCTUPLET MOM: You know, overwhelming feeling of shock. And my, I was actually thinking something irrational.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: The octuplet mom on the shock of finding out she was delivering eight babies. And tonight, you will see the very first video of the octuplets.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.
Tonight, the octuplet mom`s amazing story takes another dramatic turn. We are now seeing the very first video of the babies. It was shown on the "Today" show along with more of the mom`s revealing interview with NBC`s Ann Curry.
The unemployed mother of now 14 children is defending her choice to have so many kids. But tonight, it looks like even her own mother is criticizing her for it.
Joining me in New York is Lisa Bloom, who is an anchor for the Legal Network "In Session." Here, in Los Angeles is Hyla, who is an entertainment journalist.
Lisa, Hyla, so here we are, finally getting a first look at Hollywood`s tiniest stars, the octuplet babies and their newly famous mom. Nadya allowed NBC`s cameras into the hospital where the babies are being cared for. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SULEMAN: Hi, Malia. Your eyes are open. This is Noah, and he is doing well. He is really well. He`s not on oxygen or anything. He is the blond one. He`s one of the tiniest one that was the troublemaker and that`s why they had to deliver early.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Lisa, what are your thoughts? Are you surprised that she is letting the world into the babies` lives so early on, just a couple of weeks after they were born? Is there anything wrong with that?
LISA BLOOM, ANCHOR, "IN SESSION": Well, I think the "Today" show has some pretty good bookers to talk her into it, because we know they don`t pay for interviews. And so she is doing this just to get the story out, just to let the world see pictures of her babies.
And for everybody says she is doing this to make money, she wanted to get a book or movie deal, having these free interviews out there is going to undercut that. So I`m frankly surprised that she is doing it.
ANDERSON: Well, you know, she now has 14 kids to take care of. No job. Very little help. Ann Curry did ask her the question that a lot of people wanted to ask. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANN CURRY, ANCHOR, "TODAY" SHOW: Why didn`t you stop?
SULEMAN: He deserves (UNINTELLIGIBLE). That`s again, me projecting my own wants and wishes on to my child. And I continue to do so throughout all of them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Hyla, does it seem to you that she seems to say that she knows she went too far and that she was doing this out of her own selfish desires?
HYLA, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST: Yes, admitting that she was irresponsible. That has to showcase that she has issues. And if anyone says she is not doing this for money, yes. This interview is to set her up to make money in the future.
Is there any one that does not believe there is not a reality show coming at some point, or a book deal, or a lifetime movie? Money will be cashed in. She has to have money.
ANDERSON: So, Lisa, it sounds look you and Hyla disagree on this point?
BLOOM: You know, she probably is shopping a book or movie deal. I`m just saying that it`s a lot less marketable the more you are out giving free interviews. And I`m sure Ann Curry and the "Today" show were very persuasive, "Why don`t you just come on, tell your side. It`s a very soft interview."
They really don`t ask her any hard questions. Just to say, "Well, why did you do it? Why didn`t you stop?" Those were asked in a very soft way. I mean, nobody says, "Are you crazy? What are you, the old woman that lived in a shoe and had so many children you didn`t know what to do? You had six kids. What do you mean you wanted another sibling? Each of your kids had five siblings."
HYLA: Ann doesn`t have to ask those questions.
BLOOM: Doesn`t make any sense.
HYLA: Well, she has issues just for putting herself in this position.
BLOOM: Yes.
ANDERSON: Well, as we know, speaking of those comments, there has been no shortage of critics of Nadya Suleman. And now get this, even her own mom, Angela, is saying the same thing. You`ve got to hear what she told "Radar Online." Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANGELA SULEMAN, MOTHER OF NADYA SULEMAN: To have them all is unconscionable to me. She really, really has no idea what she is doing to her children and to me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: And to her, she says. Lisa, her own mom slamming her there. This is the same woman who now has to help raise these 14 kids.
BLOOM: Right. Well, thank goodness there is somebody sane in that household because hopefully, Nadya won`t be having any more children. Apparently, all 14 of her kids who under seven years old, they were all conceived artificially with these fertility treatments.
And so, hopefully mom can put the brakes on her and at least get her to stop. I mean, she`s only in her early 30s. Conceivably, ha-ha, she could do this again.
ANDERSON: Oh, my goodness. Well, now these babies are here, they are blessings. My hope is that they`re well cared for and never seem neglected, any of them.
BLOOM: Of course.
ANDERSON: Lisa Bloom, Hyla, thank you both. Good to see you.
BLOOM: You, too.
HYLA: Thank you.
ANDERSON: And now, it seems the spotlight has shifted to the fertility doctor who treated Nadya. The California Medical Board is reportedly looking into the case.
And so we want to hear from you on this. It is our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day, "Octuplet Mom: Would you pay to hear more of her story?" Vote, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. E-mail us, showbiztonight@cnn.com.
All right, the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines have been ringing off the hook with people calling in about the Michael Phelps` pot scandal. The Olympic swimming record breaker suspended for three months, even losing some endorsements.
We got a call into "Showbiz on Call" from Linda in Canada.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
LINDA, CALLER FROM CANADA: I`ve just got to say the guy is a swimmer. I don`t think he got those however many medals by not keeping up his training. And I`m just wondering, when did parents stop being role models for their children? Why is it that celebrities and sports stars are now role models? It used to be parents. Why isn`t it now?
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you, Linda. And we also heard from April calling in to "Showbiz on Call" from Florida.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
APRIL, CALLER FROM FLORIDA: Phelps - yes he smoked pot. The biggest thing is he did something illegal. He knew it was illegal, and he is not above the law. And it`s - let him go on this, then everybody else should be let go on this. What makes him different? Because he can swim good? That`s not sending the right message.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: We appreciate your thoughts, April. Give us a ring at "Showbiz on Call." Let us know what you think about this or anything else that is on your mind. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are always open. Give us a buzz, 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. Simply leave a voicemail. We will play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
OK. I think last night`s Grammies could go down as one of the most controversial ever. We`ve got nominees Chris Brown and Rihanna bailing at the last minute. Brown then arrested. Is Rihanna connected?
Plus usher also canceling at the last minute to rush to Brazil, his wife in a medical emergency. And then you had Jennifer Hudson`s amazing return to the stage. So much Grammy drama, coming up.
Also, A-Rod-Madonna drama on the same day the New York Yankees slugger, Alex Rodriguez, admits to taking steroids, his pal, Madonna, reveals brand new super-sexy pictures of her with a 20-something male friend.
And also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEANN RIMES, SINGER: I mean we are making such progress. And things are moving forward in `09. And we are reporting Jessica Simpson`s five pounds up or down. Like, who cares?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Tonight, brand-new, fired-up star reaction to the Jessica Simpson weight debate. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: "Slumdog Millionaire" wins seven BAFTA awards. The BAFTAs are the British Oscars.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHAEL BLOOMBERG, NEW YORK CITY MAYOR: Captain Cool himself, Chesley Sullenberger, "Sulley."
(APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg presenting keys to the city to Captain Sulley and the rest of the crew of U.S. Airways Flight 1549. Sulley landed the plane in the Hudson River last month after losing power in both engines. All 155 people survived, remarkable.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson. You know, Mayor Bloomberg also gave Sulley a copy of the library book he left on the plane. And that live ceremony was just one of the many media stops for the Flight 1549 crew.
Captain Sulley shared his amazing story on "60 Minutes" Sunday night. And the entire crew was on ABC`s "Good Morning America" and CBS`s "The Early Show" this morning. On "The Early Show," Sulley insisted that he is not the only one who should be getting credit for saving all those lives and admitted that he had no choice but to suppress his emotions during the dramatic final moments of the flight.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAPTAIN CHESLEY "SULLEY" SULLENBERGER, PILOT, FLIGHT 1549 OF THE U.S. AIRWAYS: This one was so sudden and so extreme that I had to suppress my natural adrenaline rush, quickly channel it, put it aside and not allow it to distract me. It hasn`t stopped yet.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I was going to say.
SULLENBERGER: I can actually remember the hour it stopped. I mean, in the hospital while we were being checked out hours later that evening, I remember it subsiding.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Did you have - have you had a release, a moment where you just either cried or screamed or let it out somehow?
SULLENBERGER: No. It`s been more a gradual processing of this and integrating the experience into my life. But the one moment of relief obviously was that night in the hospital finally getting the word. It was official that everyone was accounted for and everyone was safe.
I should also say that this entire experience in my opinion so far has been entirely too much about Sulley and not enough about the team. And without our flight attendants, Donna, Doreen, and Sheila, we would not have had the same outcome.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: He is a real professional. That entire crew is. I also want to let you know that Captain Sulley and the entire crew will be on CNN`s "LARRY KING LIVE" this Tuesday night, 9:00 p.m. Eastern. It`s their first primetime interview, so you should definitely check that out.
Well, there was plenty of drama at Sunday night`s Grammy Awards. Chris Brown and Rihanna both cancelled at the last minute. Brown arrested. Did he attack someone? And what is Rihanna`s connection to this mess? That`s coming up next.
Also Usher is a no-show too. He had to jet off to Brazil, rushing to his wife`s side after she had a medical emergency. I`ve got the latest on what happened and how she is doing.
And what a bad, bad day for New York Yankees` star Alex Rodriguez. Breaking news - he is speaking out about the allegations he used steroids. This comes on the same day that his pal Madonna reveals sexy new photos of her with a 20-something Brazilian guy. All that coming up.
But first, stay on top of the most provocative entertainment news. And you can do that with or daily SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsletter. Head to CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. Click on the "sign up for newsletter" link. It`s at the bottom of the page. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is coming back right after this. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Grammy night drama. Chris Brown arrested on suspicion of threatening a woman. Was his girlfriend Rihanna involved?
Plus, Usher rushes to his wife after surgery complications. And Jennifer Hudson`s triumphant Grammy return. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has all the drama from the Grammies.
A bad day for A-Rod. Alex Rodriguez mired in a brand-new scandal. Tonight, he admits for the first time he used steroids. Now, his good buddy Madonna is caught in some steamy pictures with a much-younger companion.
Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
TV`s provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It`s 30 minutes past the hour. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you tonight from Hollywood.
Tonight, the remarkable drama at the Grammies. Right now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s continuing coverage of the arrest of R & B superstar Chris Brown on suspicion of threatening and possibly attacking a woman.
Tonight, although police are not releasing the victim`s name, sources close to the couple say it was his girlfriend, Rihanna. Both Brown and Rihanna pulled out of performing at the Grammies at the last minute. Brown turned himself into police right as the Grammies were on the air live.
Grammy drama for another megastar. Usher is another Grammy no-show pulling out of a performance at a pre-Grammy party to rush to his wife`s side in Brazil after she has complications from surgery.
And Jennifer Hudson`s emotional and triumphant night just months after the tragic deaths of her mother, brother and nephew. First, Jennifer wins her first Grammy. Then, she brings down the house with a soul-stirring performance.
With me now, here in Hollywood, is Ken Baker, who is the executive news editor for "E!" And in New York tonight is Katrina Szish. She is a celebrity journalist.
Ken, Katrina, like you - well, Ken, I`ll begin with you. You know, you were on the red carpet. I was on the red carpet at the Grammies waiting for Chris Brown and Rihanna to show up.
When we got this news that Brown - that police were looking for Brown, and as we said, sources close to the couple say that Rihanna was the alleged victim of domestic abuse. Ken, were you as stunned as I was that this all went down, that this happened at all?
KEN BAKER, EXECUTIVE NEWS DIRECTOR, "E!": Of course, everyone was. And we had just seen Rihanna and Chris Brown over the last couple days. They looked very happy. They were at the Clive Davis party the night before, and they looked like just a normal happy couple.
So a lot of people are shocked. And very shocked and surprised were the organizers. When we were on the red carpet at the front with "E!" and Ryan Seacrest, and we`re doing all the interviews. All the Grammy organizers are around there and they were just completely trying to scramble and figure how they were going to change the show, how they were going to fill that time. And it just became a total mess for everybody.
ANDERSON: Yes, it certainly was. Katrina, were you surprised? I mean, here, we have Chris Brown, known to be a nice kid - 19 years old, super- squeaky clean image.
KATRINA SZISH, CELEBRITY JOURNALIST: Nineteen years old - that`s I think the amazing part. And these two are such an amazing couple. They`re a beautiful couple. They`re talented. They`re kind of one of those - how good can it get? It can`t get any better than this couple.
So when you do hear the news of something like this happening, it really makes everybody`s jaw drop, as I`m sure, of course, you know, the organizers were, as Ken had mentioned. But even for us just watching and hearing more about it the next day, it is hard to imagine this reality.
ANDERSON: Yes. And the organizers were able to pull it together - consummate professionals. And as Ken mentioned, Brown and Rihanna attended a pre-Grammy party shortly before the incident late Saturday night.
Rihanna`s rep released this statement, saying quote, "Rihanna is well. Thank you for your concern and support." Ken, is this kind of vagueness aimed at protecting both of their images maybe?
BAKER: I don`t think there was much strategy that went into that statement. They`re just in basically triage mode. I mean, this was a woman who, you know, was by all accounts, beaten.
And I just think right now, there is a lot of people asking a lot of questions and - you know, Chris Brown is in a whole heap of trouble. He`s got a legal problem. He`s got a professional problem. He`s got a personal problem.
And you know, frankly, he`s got a PR problem at this point, too. So there are just a lot of things that I don`t think that there was any strategy behind that. It`s nice to hear she was OK, because you know what? Actually, you were there on the red carpet. You heard it.
There were a lot of rumors about things being even worse. So that was actually good to hear that the publicist was saying that she was OK.
ANDERSON: Yes, hopefully she is doing well physically and emotionally. I want to mention that Chris Brown did not win either of the two Grammies he was up for last night. He was also supposed to perform.
And this news and his subsequent arrest, as we said, sent Grammy organizers scrambling for a backup plan. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT caught up with the legendary singer Al Green who told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT how he became a part of those last-minute plans. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GREEN: Well they called us two hours and 40 minutes ahead of time and said, "Whatever you have got, throw it in the bag. Come on. We didn`t have time to plan anything." So I kind of liked that kind of energy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: How cool is he? Ken, you were there. Can you even imagine the kind of chaos that the last-minute cancellations must have caused?
BAKER: Yes, well, you know, there were a couple of issues. I mean, one was Chris Brown`s performance. But also Rihanna was supposed to be doing a performance as well. There was a lot of scrambling going on. He did a great job.
And I think the show was actually a great show. The ratings were amazing. The ratings actually went up from last year`s, and that`s a trend that we are not seeing with anything these days in television. So there was a lot of interest. And they obviously put on a good show.
ANDERSON: Yes, two million more people watched compared to last year. So in that regard, it was a success.
So I do want to move now to another Grammy drama for another pop superstar. Usher pulls out of a performance at Clive Davis` pre-Grammy party to rush to his wife`s side. Tamika Raymond recovering now from complications after surgery in Brazil.
Take a look at what the rep for Usher`s wife told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, quote, "Tamika Raymond is in stable condition after suffering complications from routine surgery in Brazil. Her husband, Usher, is with her at the hospital. The family requests privacy at this difficult time.
Katrina, now, Tamika just gave birth to the couple`s second child in December. So Usher must be freaked out here.
SZISH: Freaked out, to say the very least. Not only is he worried about his wife - routine surgery, you know, you don`t even think of complications happening. Plus, when she is far away in Brazil, you just want to get there. So that`s scary enough.
But the fact that also they have, not one, but two small children at home, one very, very new to this world. That is just a very scary thing. And that is the time when you really just want all of the media out of your face really, and just want that private time. And I`m glad he asked for it, and I`m sure he is going to get it. It is a scary time.
ANDERSON: Yes. And we wish Tamika a swift recovery. The Grammies were a great night, I want to say, for another big star recovering from tragedy. In an incredible and emotional moment, Jennifer Hudson was handed the very first award for best R & B album from none other than Whitney Houston, this of course just months after the tragic deaths of Hudson`s mother, brother and nephew. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JENNIFER HUDSON, SINGER: I don`t really know what to say. First of all, I`ve got Whitney Houston presenting me. And wow, I am just in awe right now. But first, I just would look to thank God who has brought me through. I would look to thank my family in heaven and those who are here today.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: So touching. This was Jennifer`s very first Grammy win for her debut album, Ken. I do have to imagine, though, that this was bittersweet.
BAKER: Yes, I mean it has to be, obviously. But what a moment. I was fortunate enough to be in the audience. And it was one of those moments where it was literally like dominoes in reverse. People standing up, all the way. I remember just watching.
When she was done and she crying, it seemed like the more - the bigger ovation she got, the more she cried. People are really connecting with her. And it was just a triumphant moment for her, because, you know, as we all know, it has been a very rough few months for her.
And she was there. She was happy. And she did such a great job. It was just a great comeback for her.
ANDERSON: Yes, she also performed a stirring rendition of "You Pulled Me Through" accompanied by a gospel choir. Take a look.
(FOOTAGE OF JENNIFER HUDSON SINGING "YOU PULLED ME THROUGH" AT THE GRAMMY AWARDS)
ANDERSON: We`ll leave it there. Ken Baker, Katrina Szish, thank you. We appreciate it.
All right. It has been a rough day for A-Rod. First, Alex Rodriguez faces a brand new scandal about steroid use. Now, his good friend Madonna is caught in some steamy pictures with a much younger companion. I`ve got all the late-breaking drama, next on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RIMES: I mean we are making such progress. And things are moving forward in `09. And we are reporting Jessica Simpson`s five pounds up or down. Like, who cares?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: The stars speak out on the Jessica Simpson weight debate. I was on the Grammy red carpet asking stars what they thought about all the criticism of Jessica`s apparent weight gain. Lots of outrage about this in Hollywood.
Plus, Christian Bale`s rant. Christian has apologized for his F-bomb filled rant against a crew member on the set of his upcoming movie. And now, the director is weighing in. I`ve got that.
Plus, your fired-up phone calls to "Showbiz on Call." This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker," more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Grammy Winners: Coldplay, best rock album for "Viva La Vida"; Lil Wayne, best rap solo performance for "A Milli.")
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Hey, welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.
Tonight, talk about a bad day for A-Rod. Tonight, the Yankee slugger is facing the music about his steroid use just as his gal-pal Madonna is seen in a steamy new photo spread.
Brand new tonight, A-Rod is speaking out for the first time and saying, yes, he did it after a bombshell investigation uncovered that he tested positive for steroids, this back in 2003.
And A-Rod`s day may have gone from bad to worse. His gal-pal Madonna stars in a brand-new steamy, 46-page photo spread with a 20-something Brazilian boy. Yikes.
Joining me tonight, Lisa Bloom who is an anchor for "In Session." From Hollywood, Hyla, who is an entertainment journalist.
Lisa, Hyla, I want to begin with A-Rod. In a bombshell interview tonight with ESPN, Yankees` superstar Alex Rodriguez admits that yes, he took steroids back in 2003.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALEX RODRIGUEZ, YANKEES BASEBALL PLAYER: I was young. I was stupid. I was naive. And I wanted to prove to everyone that, you know, I was worth - you know, and being one of the greatest players of all time. And I did take a banned substance. And you know, for that, I`m very sorry and deeply regretful.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Lisa, this coming the week after the Michael Phelps` pot scandal. Are we watching the fall of yet another national hero?
BLOOM: Well, I don`t think A-Rod was really a hero, was he? I mean, he already had gotten some bad press, unlike Michael Phelps, who I did think was kind of a saint until the bong pictures surfaced.
But A-Rod or "A-Roid," as he is now being called by the New York tabloids - you know, he does have a problem. It`s an image problem. Apparently, it was not in violation of the rules in 2003, and apparently, that`s why he is copping to it now because he probably won`t face any consequences. But Image-wise, I think this is terrible for him.
ANDERSON: Yes. And maybe I should have said role model to some. But a lot of Yankees` fans do think he is a hero. Hyla, what do you think about this whole thing?
HYLA: He is the greatest baseball player alive right now, so image is not his concern.
ANDERSON: There you go. Hyla sees him as a hero.
HYLA: Regardless whether he is a hero or not, he brings in lots of revenue for New York and the Yankees` organization. He is going to be fine. He`s doing what he needs to do. He went - he sat down with Peter Gammons, the foremost baseball authority. He said, "I`m sorry. I`m an idiot. I`m stupid." Hopefully, he won`t do it again. And in six months, it will be a non-issue.
ANDERSON: Wow, his image, I think, will be forever tarnished, though, after this. And you know, it`s only recently that A-Rod got divorced after reports surfaced linking him to Madonna.
And today - listen to this - a brand new sexy photo spread featuring Madonna with her 20-something Brazilian model companion hits the Web.
Earlier today, "W" magazine posted the pictures on their Web site. But they have since taken them down. Lisa, certainly, this doesn`t compare with a steroid scandal. But still, talk about a bad day for A-Rod.
BLOOM: You go, Madonna - 50 years old with this very handsome 22 or 23- year-old guy. I have seen the pictures to prepare for the segment, Brooke. It`s a little hard to concentrate after seeing these pictures of this young man, Jesus. My goodness.
I think she`s really an example to all of us. You have a man problem, you break up. You are single, you move on. And you know, you get together with a hot, 22-year-old, Brazilian model. Life is good.
ANDERSON: They were very provocative pictures. I had a difficult time concentrating too. Hyla, what do you think? Is Madonna trying to tell us something here? The steamy photos of 50-year-old star with a 22-year-old guy coming out just months after splitting from her husband, Guy Ritchie?
HYLA: Well, first, I want to ask if you ladies are OK, if we could move along with the segment.
BLOOM: No.
ANDERSON: Everything that I see and hear is freaking me out a little bit. This is what she does. This is classic Madonna. She is 50 years old. And she has to stay young to stay relevant and to sell records.
So she is not doing duets with Paul McCartney. She does duets with Justin Timberlake and does photo shoots with Latin Jonas Brother look - alikes in "W" magazine. This is what she does stay young, stay hip.
BLOOM: Is there something wrong with that? Good for her.
HYLA: No, not at all. Hey, great for her.
BLOOM: I mean, we see so many 50-year-old men with 22-year-olds in the movies and in television. This is just a reversal. She looks great for 50. Why shouldn`t she be cavorting around with guys like that?
HYLA: Hey, two thumbs up. I hope someday I get to be Madonna.
BLOOM: She gives us all hope.
ANDERSON: Oh, you hope, huh, Hyla? And speaking about the age difference, you know, the boy toy is young enough to be her son. Lisa, is Madonna going through a midlife crisis or she saying at the very least, "Hey, I may be 50, but don`t count me out."
BLOOM: Look my boyfriend is younger so I`m not one to judge. And as people have said, look, he may be young enough to be her son, but he is not her son. And that`s a critical distinction. If he wants to cavort around half-naked with her and she wants to do the same thing, and they`re consenting adults, you know, I will force myself to watch for the good of this program and for the good of research.
ANDERSON: Well, the "W" magazine is known to feature some provocative photos and ads. And they also featured Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie before they told the world that they were a couple in a photo spread.
Hyla, do you think that Madonna is going the same route here? Or do you think that she is just being Madonna?
HYLA: This is classic Madonna. This is how she stays relevant. Now, the question is - because remember she had her thing with A-Rod. He was younger compared to her. Now, she went down to 22. She really can`t get any younger than this. So let`s hope she doesn`t go any lower than our friend Jesus.
ANDERSON: Well, I just want to say that A-Rod and Madonna never admitted an affair.
BLOOM: Right.
HYLA: yes.
ANDERSON: It was said to be some sort of affair of the heart. We`ll leave it there. Lisa Bloom, Hyla, good to see you. Thank you.
BLOOM: Thank you.
HYLA: Thank you.
ANDERSON: Tonight the Jessica Simpson weight debate hits the red carpet at the Grammies. Jessica Simpson has been getting some really harsh, unnecessary criticism for apparently putting on a few pounds.
And even the stars are outraged. The whole thing started when Jessica performed in kind of an unflattering outfit. And the blogs and even some mainstream newspapers had really horrible things to say about the weight.
Last night. I was right there on the red carpet at the Grammies. And I asked some of music`s biggest stars what they thought about this. And the response - pretty much unanimous. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RIMES: I mean we are making such progress. And things are moving forward in `09. And we are reporting Jessica Simpson`s five pounds up or down. Like, who cares? She is a beautiful girl. I`m sure she is a doll.
LEONA LEWIS, SINGER: I just think it is crazy, you know. Women go up and down all the time. I know I do. So, you know, silly to kind of pick on little things. She looks amazing. And she is so slim. And she is probably healthy. So that`s the main thing. As long as you are healthy, that`s what it is about.
TIA CARERRE, ACTRESS: It is very hard when you are in the public eye. I mean, our weight fluctuates. I mean, being pregnant is almost frowned upon like it`s bad for your career and it`s ridiculous. She looks like a beautiful, healthy girl.
And people that are underweight are less healthy than people that are slightly more robust. You know, it`s a crazy thing when what is unhealthy is held on a pedestal as something highly regarded. And I just feel badly for her because I know it`s very difficult.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well said, ladies. I completely agree.
All right. Coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, fallout from Christian Bale`s on-set tirade.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CHRISTIAN BALE, ACTOR: Kick your (EXPLETIVE DELETED) ass! I want you off the (EXPLETIVE DELETED) set, you (EXPLETIVE DELETED)!
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Christian has apologized for his rant. But now, the director is speaking out. What`s his take on the situation? I`ll have that, plus your fired-up phone calls to "Showbiz on Call." This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: 19.1 million viewers tune into the Grammy Awards. Jewel, Denise Richards join cast of "Dancing With The Stars.")
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
BALE: You got any (EXPLETIVE DELETED) idea about, "Hey, it`s (EXPLETIVE DELETED) distracting having somebody walking up behind Bryce in the middle of a (EXPLETIVE DELETED) scene. Give me a (EXPLETIVE DELETED) answer! What don`t you get about it?
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Christian Bale has now apologized for his profanity-laced tirade against a crew member on the set of the upcoming "Terminator" movie.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Tonight, Christian Bale has apologized for his rant and the director of the movie "Terminator Salvation" is now coming to his defense.
The director was in Comic Khan(ph) in New York over the weekend. And he told fans that the film set is a passionate place and this kind of thing happens. He said it was a blowup and it ran its course and they all finished the movie together. The director says it was just one of those moments and that we only heard the explicit parts.
I can tell you that the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines have been burning up with people calling in about Christian Bale`s rant and apology.
We got a call into "Showbiz on Call" from Patricia in Iowa. She says Christian didn`t need to say he was sorry.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
PATRICIA, CALLER FROM IOWA: We`re so quick to point the finger and blame people and bring people down. Yes, Christian Bale made a mistake. We all go out and lose our anger at some point or another. But because America feel - they owe him an apology, why does he owe America an apology? The (UNINTELLIGIBLE) he owes an apology to is the person he went off on and himself.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thanks, Patricia. We also heard from Nancy calling in to "Showbiz on Call" from California. She says that Christian`s co-star in the movie, Bryce Dallas Howard has a very powerful father, director Ron Howard, and maybe Christian should have thought of that.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
NANCY, CALLER FROM CALIFORNIA: I hope he thanks his lucky stars that the lady that he went off in front of, the daughter of one of the most powerful men in the cinematic world, does not black ball his sorry butt from here to every corner of the world. But I think Mr. Howard has far too much class for that.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: We appreciate your thoughts, Nancy. Give us a ring at "Showbiz on Call" and let us know what is on your mind. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are open around the clock. The number is 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; that`s 1- 888-728-2899. Mark it down. Simply leave us a voicemail and we will play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And your calls to "Showbiz on Call" are also now online on our homepage, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
That is a wrap for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you so much for watching. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Don`t forget, you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT at 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern, 11:00 p.m. Pacific, and in the morning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern right here on HLN.
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