Return to Transcripts main page
Showbiz Tonight
Lindsay Lohan`s Dramatic Revelations on "Ellen"; Susan Boyle`s Never-Been-Kissed Tale: A Big Joke?; Michelle Obama, The Muse; Palin Baby Battle; Beyonce Revealed; The Bounty Hunter Cheats Death
Aired April 23, 2009 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
A.J. HAMMER, CO-HOST: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Lindsay Lohan`s dramatic brand-new revelations. Tonight, Lindsay sets the record straight about explosive new tabloid reports. Did her ex really try to get a restraining order against her?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LINDSAY LOHAN, ACTRESS: It was like - I don`t understand. It came out of nowhere.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Is Lindsay really sad and lonely? And why is Ellen sharing her private pain with Lindsay?
The smooch shocker. Tonight, was Susan`s never-been-kissed story a big joke? And will this hurt her fame?
Plus, your first look at Susan`s new look. Did she finally get that makeover everyone`s been talking about?
And the Palin baby battle. Tonight, brand-new details over a possible custody fight between Sarah Palin and Levi Johnston. Will Levi take Sarah to court over the baby he had with Sarah`s daughter, Bristol?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEVI JOHNSTON, EX-BOYFRIEND OF BRISTOL PALIN: If it keeps going on like this, I think we`re going to have to.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
BROOKE ANDERSON, CO-HOST: Hi there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you tonight from Hollywood. And tonight, Lindsay`s dramatic confession.
HAMMER: Yes, Brooke. We have brand-new revelations from Lindsay Lohan about her headline-making break-up and the emotional reports claiming she`s so lonely. Now, all this went down on the Ellen DeGeneres show. And let me tell you, it was Lindsay as we have never seen her before. From her dramatically thin appearance to Lindsay`s raw honesty, she left nothing to the imagination.
Lindsay talked about her emotional split from Samantha Ronson, and whether Ronson really sought a restraining order against her. And the interview even got more dramatic when Ellen shared her own private pain over a very public breakup. Lindsay and Ellen`s emotional revelations are making big news right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): Lindsay Lohan`s in a career freefall - a very public break- up, and has had the occasional police matter or two to deal with.
LOHAN: There is a lot going on, but I`m not sure.
HAMMER: And now, the troubled starlet appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," not only to talk about her problems.
LOHAN: I didn`t get in this business to be a celebrity on the cover of tabloids.
HAMMER: But to listen to if not take some advice from Ellen.
ELLEN DEGENERES, HOST, "THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW": So maybe don`t go to clubs?
LOHAN: Well, should I not, like, go grocery shopping either?
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you it was a televised counseling session for Lindsay who seems to very much need one.
AMY PALMER, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": She really looked to Ellen like somebody who understood what she was going through. It was a very intimate conversation and one we don`t really get to see.
DEGENERES: Please welcome Lindsay Lohan.
HAMMER: From the moment Ellen introduced Lindsay as David Bowie`s "Under Pressure" played in the background, it was clear Lindsay continues to be a star under pressure.
PALMER: She`s been in rehab a few times. She`s had DUIs. She is scarily skinny. Right now, people are concerned that Lindsay might be back to her partying ways.
HAMMER: The main topic of conversation was Lohan`s recent breakup with her deejay girlfriend, Samantha Ronson.
DEGENERES: Did you not know you were breaking up?
LOHAN: I had no idea what was going on.
DEGENERES: OK.
LOHAN: I just had not seen her in like a week. She just disappeared.
HAMMER: Lohan tried to set the record straight about all the tabloid rumors about the breakup. Was she cheating?
DEGENERES: You weren`t cheating?
LOHAN: I don`t believe in heating on someone. I watched my father do that to my mother like my entire life. So really don`t.
HAMMER: Did someone try to get a restraining order against her?
LOHAN: I`ve never done anything for people to assume that I`m dangerous.
HAMMER: Most of all, she talked about how hard all the scrutiny is on her career.
LOHAN: I feel like I want to, you know, get my career back in shape. I was 19 years old - 20 years old when things happened. And, you know, I`m ready to work. And I`m responsible and I can be on time. I`ve learned from my mistakes.
DEGENERES: I`ll tell you something.
LOHAN: No.
DEGENERES: I went through a very public break-up.
HAMMER: Ellen also tried to offer some advice on celebrity breakups, something Ellen knows about all too well.
PALMER: Ellen DeGeneres can really relate to Lindsay Lohan on the level she had a high-profile lesbian relationship with Anne Heche. When Anne and Ellen broke up, Ellen really was devastated.
HAMMER: Ellen told Lindsay how she recovered.
DEGENERES: I kind of lost my career for a little while, and I went away. I went to Ojai. I stayed away for three years. And I literally hibernated and got myself back together.
HAMMER: But Lohan was less receptive to suggestions that maybe with her history, she should stop clubbing.
DEGENERES: Do you feel like every time you go to a club that that`s a dangerous situation for you?
LOHAN: When I go to a club, that doesn`t mean that I`m drinking. That doesn`t mean I`m like, cheating on anyone, or like, in a bathroom with someone. That does not mean that.
DEGENERES: Right.
LOHAN: It`s like, what are you going to do, lock yourself away?
HAMMER: So much for that.
PALMER: Let`s not forget Lindsay Lohan is in her early 20s.
HAMMER: "In Touch Weekly`s" Amy Palmer tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT maybe Lindsay shouldn`t be expected to take all of Ellen`s advice.
PALMER: If people had a camera in their face when they were growing up in their 20s, I don`t know if they would be taking the advice of somebody who is in their 50s.
HAMMER: Still, in a loving tone that almost had Lohan in tears, Ellen made clear that she has Lohan`s best interests at heart.
DEGENERES: Lindsay, you`re so talented. We want the best for you. You are a good person. You`re extremely talented.
PALMER: We don`t know if Lindsay will take that advice. But it was a nice moment to see these two women, an older generation in Hollywood, younger generation in Hollywood, connecting in that manner.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: I really do hope things turn around for Lindsay Lohan. She does say that her career is picking up. In fact, she tells Ellen that she is starting work on a new movie this fall.
ANDERSON: Tonight, is Sarah Palin in for a baby battle? Levi Johnston, the father of Palin`s grandson, says if he doesn`t get to see his son Tripp more often, he might take legal action.
In a brand-new interview with CNN`s "LARRY KING LIVE," Levi is going after the Palins for standing in the way of his relationship with his 4- month-old son, the boy he had with Palin`s teenage daughter, Bristol.
And Levi opens up about accusations that he`s just trying to cash in on his fame. It`s an incredible story making big news right now.
Joining me tonight in Hollywood, Carlos Diaz, who is a correspondent for "Extra." Also in Hollywood, June Sarpong, who is a British TV personality and founder of PoliticsAndTheCity.com. June, Carlos, thanks for being here.
And hey, in a brand-new tell-all interview with CNN`s "LARRY KING LIVE." Levi Johnston, the 19-year-old father of Sarah Palin`s grandson says that the Palins don`t really let him see much of his son. Levi also said it`s getting to the point that he might have to call in the lawyers. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LARRY KING, HOST, "LARRY KING LIVE": They won`t let you see your kid?
JOHNSTON: I can go over there and see him. But it`s - now, you know, it`s kind of uncomfortable thing for me to go over there. And I won`t be able to take him and do that kind of thing or do the father thing with him when I can.
KING: Why can`t you?
JOHNSTON: Oh, I`m not sure. You know, like.
KING: Do you have a lawyer?
JOHNSTON: No.
KING: You`re not interested in finding out legally why you can`t?
JOHNSTON: I am. If it keeps going like this, I think we`re going to have to.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK. It turns out Levi does have a lawyer, which he later confirmed, so he may have been a little confused there. But Carlos, is it possible Sarah Palin and her daughter, Bristol, could have a messy custody battle ahead of them?
CARLOS DIAZ, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": Possible. It`s probable, unless they wise up. Because Alaska law says that each party in this, the mom and dad, have equal rights to the child.
So, you know what? I would not be bringing Tripp - you know, I would not be like holding Tripp back too much because you will unleash a storm here, a storm you do not need.
So be a little more, you know, cooperative, if you will because you don`t want a court battle because it will get messy.
ANDERSON: No, you certainly don`t. June, I imagine a custody battle is the last thing that Sarah Palin needs right now. What do you think?
JUNE SARPONG, BRITISH TV PERSONALITY: Completely. I mean, if she wants to run again in 2012, this is the last thing she needs. It`s all a hot mess. And I do think the Palins have no one than themselves to blame. The minute they started parading this boy around the place during the campaign, they kind of created a rod for their own back. It`s awful. It`s not what they want.
ANDERSON: I do want to say, though, that I don`t think it`s too bright of Levi, if he does want to see his child more often, to publicly slam the mother of his child and her family so often.
SARPONG: You know, you mustn`t forget how young he is, Brooke, how young the pair of them are. I mean, these are teenagers.
ANDERSON: And he may not be getting the best advice. And you know, Levi did not stop there. He also addressed all those rumors out there that he could soon be launching a big-time modeling career. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KING: About that modeling and acting and money-making - any truth?
JOHNSON: You know, Larry, there`s been a lot of people coming and calling, and a lot of offers out there for me to do a lot of things. And you know, nothing`s set in stone. I haven`t signed or done anything. And you know, I haven`t made a dime off anything I`ve done yet. So for them to say I`m out for fame, fortune - you know, that`s ridiculous.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK. Levi says he isn`t looking for fame and fortune. But so far this month, he`s done interviews with Tyra Banks, CBS, and now, Larry King. If it isn`t fame, Carlos, why do you think he`s doing so much press? By the way, he did make sure to direct people to his representative for opportunities.
DIAZ: Yes, exactly. It`s fame or fortune. We must get that word right now. I mean, the key word there if you read transcript is "yet" - I haven`t done anything yet. And that`s the thing. I mean, I can`t comment on whether a dude`s good enough to be, you know, a model or not. I don`t want to go there.
But what I can say is that he has done of press. He does seem to love the attention. And, you know what? When you start doing the press, it`s hard to stop.
ANDERSON: It is. And you make a good point there, Carlos. Levi kept saying he hasn`t made a dime yet, hasn`t signed a deal with anyone yet. June, do you think he`s got something big in the works maybe?
SARPONG: Well, you know what, Brooke? I`m thinking he should be the new face of Levi`s, you know. They`ve got the name in common.
ANDERSON: That`s a good point. Carlos, 10 seconds.
SARPONG: He looks good in a pair of jeans.
ANDERSON: Your thoughts? What should he do?
DIAZ: I think that would be great. They can sponsor the new reality show that this family must be a part of because.
SARPONG: Oh, fabulous. Yes.
DIAZ: . they are a trip. Sorry, the pun.
ANDERSON: Oh, boy. Well, he`s not doing anything to help his cause with the baby, in my opinion, at this point. Carlos Diaz, June Sarpong, good to see you. Thanks.
HAMMER: All right. The thing about Susan Boyle, the plain-Jane woman, of course, has blown everybody away with her amazing voice, is that she really comes across as so real.
ANDERSON: Yes. That`s true, A.J. But tonight, one of the most touching parts of her story.
HAMMER: Yes.
ANDERSON: . may be a big joke. Susan says she has never been kissed. But tonight, is she changing her story? And if so, will this devastate her fans? Plus, we`ve also got your first look at Susan`s new look.
And this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MIKKI TAYLOR, "ESSENCE" MAGAZINE: There`s a first lady lip gloss. A gym class called Michelle Obama Defined Arms. And for the whole look, hot off the presses, "Michelle Style: The Book."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Michelle Obama lip gloss? Michelle Obama books? Even new Michelle Obama dresses. The brand-new ways people are trying to cash in on one of the hottest stars out there, the first lady.
And my revealing brand-new interview with Beyonce. You do not want to miss this. Because she really opens up to me about one of the biggest misconceptions people have about her. It`s Beyonce setting the record straight in the interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
ANDERSON: And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: No evidence found against father of "Slumdog" star, Rubina Ali. Father of "Slumdog" star had been accused of trying to sell her for $300,000. Michael Jackson`s driver implicated in alleged hit and run with ambulance.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Take a look at this. Your first look at the brand-new Michelle Obama comic book. It`s part of the Female Force series which highlights women in politics. Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin ones are already out. This one of the first lady will hit stores on April 29th.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Tonight, Michelle the muse. Well, besides comic books, there are lots of brand-new other ways people are trying to cash in on Michelle Obama`s fame. You`ve got books, even lip gloss, and yes, lots of first lady fashion.
I can tell you that designers are scrambling to copy Michelle`s style.
Here`s CNN`s Alina Cho for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ALINA CHO, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In a matter of months, Michelle Obama has become one of the most photographed women in the world. And an overnight style icon.
TAYLOR: Anything that she puts her stamp on, women are going to buy. The most incredible kind of branding.
CHO: So much so, some designers are taking note, creating collections inspired by the first lady.
TAYLOR: She`s just so for real. You know, there`s no pretense. There`s no distance between her and between real women.
CHO: Even when she misses - someone, fashion insiders say, every woman can relate to.
ELIE TAHARI, DESIGNER, ELIE TAHARI: She`s been like a woman. She`s (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
CHO: Elie Tahari is unveiling the Michelle dress.
(on camera): How did you come up with this?
TAHARI: Well, I notice when I saw her that she wears bare shoulders. She has great arms.
CHO: Ah, those famous arms. The reason why the Michelle dress is one- shouldered, in (INAUDIBLE) and floral. Not so subtle homage to Mrs. Obama.
TAHARI: She just has great style. And what`s great about her is because she is dressing like everybody else can dress.
CHO: Designers are making the most of it - Jay Crew, Jason Wu and now Talbot`s. After she wore this Talbot`s dress on the cover of "Essence," 300 of them sold in just four days. Talbot`s tells CNN the first lady is someone we refer to when designing clothes. Fern Mallis, who runs New York`s Fashion Week says Michelle Obama has the Midas touch.
FERN MALLIS, IMG: I think designers have to be nuts to not be clicking into her (INAUDIBLE) right now and saying, "OK. What is she doing? Let`s make more dresses. Let`s make more sleeveless dresses."
CHO: And it`s not just fashion. There`s a first lady lip gloss, a gym class called the Michelle Obama Defined Arms. And for the whole look hot, off the presses, "Michelle Style: The Book." Elie Tahari is looking ahead to fall, more sleeveless tops and dresses than ever before. And yes, more jewel tones, too.
TAHARI: She says something when she wears a (INAUDIBLE).
CHO: Is your greatest hope is to have her in this?
TAHARI: It would be a great dream - a dream come true.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: That was CNN`s Alina Cho for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Now, Tahari also tells Alina that he`s going one step further. He`s designing his clothes with a little more give in the hips. The cut is a bit more generous, inspired by the first lady.
HAMMER: You know, Brooke, both the Miss USA gay marriage controversy and YouTube singing star Susan Boyle are really inspiring a lot of callers to dial up our "Showbiz on Call" phone lines. And I need to point out our "Showbiz on Call" operators are also very inspired by the New York Rangers going up three games to one in their hockey series with the Washington Capitols.
ANDERSON: Guess you`re a fan, A.J. Yes, congratulations to them.
All right. We`ve got a call in to "Showbiz on Call" from Donna in Michigan who is angry about the same-sex question Miss California was asked.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
DONNA, CALLER FROM MICHIGAN: One, I think it`s frightening that this young lady is expected to lie about her views. Secondly, the question about gay marriage is a political question that`s so divisive that it didn`t matter if you believed in gay marriage or if you didn`t believe in gay marriage. You were going to cause a problem.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Donna, thank you for your call. We also heard from Lydia calling into "Showbiz on Call" from Kentucky, who thinks Susan Boyle needs a new `do.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: I really like Susan and I`m really happy for her. But as far as makeover - yes, she should have her hair more up to date. I`m really happy for her with where she came from. I hope she wins.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right, Lydia. Thanks for your call. You can call us at "Showbiz on Call" and let us know what you think about this or anything else that`s on your mind.
ANDERSON: The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are open 24/7 - 1-888-SBT- BUZZ. That`s 1-888-728-2899.
HAMMER: You know, Brooke, like so many people, I have just been blown away by Susan Boyle`s story.
ANDERSON: Yes. People are really connecting with the fact that she doesn`t look like the typical star., but she has an amazing voice.
HAMMER: Of course, such an important part of her story, Brooke, that Susan says she has never been kissed. Well, tonight, is she taking that back? And if so, will her fans turn on her like rabid dogs? Plus, we`ve also got your first look at Susan`s new look, coming up.
ANDERSON: And there might be some kissing in the octomom`s future. Tonight, I can tell you she was asked out on a date. The octomom herself with the details of this bizarre story.
Also, the scary attack on Dog Chapman.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DUANE "DOG" CHAPMAN, BOUNTY HUNTER: Once he fired that shot, he was like a wounded animal. He was out there - maniac in Colorado Springs and anybody who was next to him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Dog the Bounty Hunter speaks out about how a guy he was trying to capture allegedly shot at him. Wow. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: ABC renews "Grey`s Anatomy" and "Private Practice." Photographers donate vintage Bruce Springsteen photos for N.J. food bank raffle.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson.
HAMMER: So Brooke, you know when you go to a basketball game or a baseball game, they`ve got that kiss cam. They put couples who are kissing on a giant screen.
ANDERSON: Yes, A.J. I think it`s really cute. But there is a lot of pressure because so many people are watching.
HAMMER: Yes. Watch what happens to Justin Timberlake and his still- girlfriend Jessica Biel. They were at the Lakers-Jazz game. Now, the Lakers won. J.T. and J.B. had some scoring of their own, if you know what I mean. Here`s "Jimmy Kimmel Live."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JIMMY KIMMEL, HOST, "JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE": We have a photograph, I think, from like the kiss cam.
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, SINGER: Oh.
KIMMEL: There`s you and your beautiful girlfriend, Jessica.
TIMBERLAKE: I also won.
KIMMEL: Yes, you did. What`s Christina Aguilera doing there in the foreground?
TIMBERLAKE: Oh, yes. Well, you know, that`s a perfect opportunity for - you are beautiful.
KIMMEL: Let`s see. There`s a couple more pictures there. There you are. The kiss cam is just supposed to be a smooch, right?
TIMBERLAKE: Actually, you know, I have to clarify that picture. We`re not actually that much of exhibitionists in front of 18,000 people. But, you know, at the game, they do the "Kiss Me Cam."
And they - you know, they were playing Sonny and Cher`s "I Got You, Babe." And we were watching, you know, all these, like, sort of elderly people kiss. It got kind of weird for a second - I`m not going to lie. But it was really endearing.
And you know, then they cut to Dustin Hoffman and his wife. He like - he planted an open-mouth kiss on her that was just like - it was kind of award-winning in its own way. And then they cut to us and I was not to be outdone.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Will there be some smooching for the octomom as well? Tonight, I can tell you Nadya Suleman has been asked out on a date. That`s right. While getting in some bowling, the octomom reveals she got hit on. Check out this brand-new video on "Radar Online."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NADYA SULEMAN, OCTUPLET MOTHER: I got asked out today at a grocery store.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Really?
SULEMAN: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What happened?
SULEMAN: He was really, really good looking and very nice. But why would someone ask a person out that they know has had 14 kids? I thought that was funny. I thought it was funny.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What did he say to you?
SULEMAN: I don`t know. He was really nice. He was really positive, really nice. (INAUDIBLE).
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But are you going on a date with him?
SULEMAN: Probably not.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: It sounds like the octomom wasn`t bowled over by this guy.
HAMMER: All right. Now, the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Susan Boyle`s kiss-and-tell tale. Was she really kidding when she said she had never been kissed? The YouTube singing star sets the record straight.
Beyonce revealed. What`s got the gorgeous superstar so fired up? Well, I go one-on-one with the one and only Beyonce.
And Duane "Dog" Chapman cheats death. Yes, TV`s bounty hunter opens up about his dramatic close call. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
ANDERSON: And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Elton John completes his five-year Las Vegas concert run. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to return to the big screen.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Susan Boyle`s smooch shocker. Tonight, was Susan`s never been kissed story a big joke? Plus, your first look at Susan`s new look.
My revealing one-on-one interview with Beyonce. What is she so fired up about?
Plus, Dog`s close call.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHAPMAN: Once he fired that shot, he was like a wounded animal. He was out there - maniac in Colorado Springs. And anybody who was next to him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Dog the bounty hunter cheats death. Tonight, Dog opens up about being shot at by a guy he was trying to capture.
Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker." TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Welcome to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you tonight from Hollywood.
HAMMER: Well, Brooke, tonight, we have breaking Susan Boyle news. Has the world famous spinster who claims she had never been kissed actually been kissed?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What?
HAMMER: The YouTube singing phenomenon captured the world`s attention with her incredible voice. But it was this story that really got people talking.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SUSAN BOYLE, "BRITAIN`S GOT TALENT" CONTESTANT: At the moment, I live alone with my cat, Pebbles. I`ve never been married. Never been kissed. Oh, shame. But it`s not an advert.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, 100 million YouTube hits later, Susan reveals a great smooch scandal. Was it all a big joke? It is a lip-smacking spectacular, I tell you.
A brand-new photo reveals the humble homemaker`s new look. But is this a makeover or a mistake? And will this revelations foil Boyle`s fast track to fame?
All right. Joining me tonight in New York, it`s Steven Smith. He`s a music and pop culture expert. Also tonight from Hollywood, June Sarpong, who is a British TV news personality and founder of PoliticsAndTheCity.com.
Guys, Susan Boyle is a huge star. Anything that she says or does making big breaking news. And now, the first Susan scandal. You heard her say it, she`s never been kissed. But now, in a brand-new interview with Britain`s GMTV, Susan said, just kidding. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There`s been a lot made about you saying you`ve not been kissed.
BOYLE: That was meant as a joke. But I did say I wasn`t after it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE).
BOYLE: Good job. You`re still (INAUDIBLE). Never been kissed? I`ve never stopped.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: It`s a shocker, I tell you. She may not be as shy as we thought, guys. A lot of people think that this never-been-kissed angle was really a big part of her story.
June, to you first. Does this revelation make you look at Susan in a whole new light?
SARPONG: Not at all, A.J. Not at all. I think what Susan meant that it`s been so long that it feels like she`s been kissed. I know how she feels. You know, it`s funny. Yesterday, I had lunch with Piers Morgan and Britain`s First Lady Sarah Brown. And Piers was saying he actually doesn`t care if she hasn`t been kissed or has been kissed. He wants to take her out anyway.
And Sarah Brown was saying it`s almost irrelevant. All that matters with Susan is that story of people judging her based on appearance, and then totally making a complete turn-around once they saw her talent. And I think that`s what people bought into, the fact that it doesn`t matter what you look like, but if you are talented sometimes, you do get through in this world. Go, Susan.
HAMMER: I`m right there with you, June. I`m surprised that Piers didn`t make a move on you there.
SARPONG: I`m not Susan.
HAMMER: Steven, you are a big fan of Susan Boyle`s, I know.
STEVEN SMITH, MUSIC AND POP CULTURE EXPERT: Huge.
HAMMER: Will people really be disappointed that she`s lived a little more than we may have thought?
SMITH: See, I think everybody likes the ugly duckling fairy tale. But if you find out the ugly duckling`s feathers have been ruffled a little bit behind the barn and you didn`t know about it, it might tarnish her slightly. I think that just shows that she`s way smarter than people thought she was.
HAMMER: Yes.
SMITH: It goes right back to people saying, "Well, we`re judging her by her appearance and not by her talent." So I`m giving the edge to Susan. I think she`s really handling the media very smartly.
HAMMER: I`m with you on that. Maybe it`s one step back, two steps forward because I think what it shows is that she has a terrific sense of humor. And we know most people still love Susan. But I`ve got to tell you, I`m out there surfing on the Internet today and there are some bloggers, just outraged about this, which is shocking to me.
But I`m going to read a few of their posts I found online. One blogger writing, "I respected her until I found out she was lying. Although she has a good voice, that story was bogus."
Another blogger writing, "I don`t see why she would joke about something that some of us thought was true to get sympathy."
Those are some pretty harsh words. But June, look, if she`s got the talent, as you said, does it really matter whether or not she`s been kissed?
SARPONG: It really doesn`t. And I don`t think she`s been kissed a whole lot, do you?
(CROSSTALK)
I think she`s going to be getting the kisses now. That`s what matters. What matters is what happens here.
SMITH: Yes.
SARPONG: From this point onward.
SMITH: She`s got some kisses in the closet.
SARPONG: She has a lot of kisses on the way.
HAMMER: There are kisses, we know, in her past, and lots more in her future, I`m sure. So kiss - I`m going to call you kiss, Steven, now - whatever. Does the kiss story, Steven, ruin the fairy tale for you at all? And truthfully, will it have any impact on her stardom?
SMITH: Well, hug, let me tell you, the whole kiss thing, actually - it doesn`t actually ruin the fairy tale for me. I just want to see the fairy tale happening.
HAMMER: Yes.
SMITH: First, I see this woman who comes out and she`s -using the ugly duckling metaphor again - I want to see her become the swan. I want to be part of the journey. And if this is something she did indeed plan or give a little more thought to, I don`t feel jilted. I love how she`s smart. But I`m always rooting for the underdog. And Susan Boyle is the ultimate underdog right now.
HAMMER: Well, you mention the swan opening up - a perfect segue. Kiss, check. Now, we move on to the brand-new makeover controversy. Did she or did she not get a makeover? Take a look at this new photo - Susan looking good in what appears to be a brand-new outfit, a lovely purple dress, a black leather jacket, and maybe even a new `do, too. I`ve got to tell you, I think she looks terrific.
Take a look at this before and after shot. Can we put that up, please? June, you have said in the past, right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, she shouldn`t change a thing about herself. What do you think? Does this count as a makeover? Or is this really just a little tweak?
SARPONG: Yes. This isn`t a makeover. It`s a little tweak. I mean, if she turns up tomorrow with blonde extensions and fake boobs and Botox, then we have a problem.
But right now, you know, she`s being herself. I don`t think this is a makeover. It`s a tweak. She`s put on a pretty dress and some little heels. Good on her.
HAMMER: Can you imagine some injections in the lips and the whole thing?
SARPONG: Yes.
SMITH: No.
HAMMER: But Susan herself has been saying over and over that she doesn`t need a makeover. In fact, listen to what she told GMTV in that interview.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We`re not going to se a whole new Susan the next time you`re on the program, are we?
BOYLE: It remains to be seen. But I prefer plain Jane just now.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Might we see a new hairstyle or something like that - you`ll never know?
BOYLE: You may see the wig going - you never know.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You`re loving every second of it, aren`t you?
BOYLE: It`s a wig, you know.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I don`t think it`s a wig. There are reports that she actually didn`t like the way she looked when she saw herself back on TV and reportedly got her eyebrows done. Steven, do you think this is actually going to upset the people who said, "Hey, we don`t want you to change a thing?" Is this too much?
SMITH: No, I don`t think so at all. I think, again, people want to see the journey. They want to see the joy. They want to see this woman go through and become the celebrity that she already is.
I agree with what they`re saying over there in England, that the people were judging her on her looks, and then judging her talent. And that says a lot about how people are in general. I think Susan Boyle is rising above it. I mean, her voice is gorgeous. I watched it and all I did was root for her and root for her. And then, when she sang, I was sold completely. She could wear anything. She could even wear an ugly duckling costume and I wouldn`t care as long as she`s singing.
HAMMER: All right. Let`s break it down, just to be fair on our first Susan Boyle scandals. We have never been kissed, actually turned out to be a joke. Doesn`t want a makeover. People don`t want her to get a makeover. And she`s gotten a few new items of clothing. What do you think, June? Will any of this foil her journey to fame?
SARPONG: No way. I mean, she`s got such a great sense of humor. She`s got such great energy. You just like her. You watch her, and you`re like - you want to see more of this woman.
HAMMER: Let`s have a big round of applause for Susan.
SARPONG: Yay!
(APPLAUSE)
HAMMER: Steven Smith, June Sarpong, we love you, too. Thanks for being here.
All right. What do you think? Here comes our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Susan Boyle: Will her fame last?" Let us know what you think at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. You can also e-mail showbiztonight@cnn.com.
ANDERSON: Tonight, are "American Idol" judges Paula Abdul and Kara Dioguardi really feuding? There have been all sorts of wild reports that they are at war behind the scenes. Is there really a backstage battle between Paula and Kara?
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT caught up with Kara on the red carpet for "Us Weekly`s" "Hot Hollywood Style" issue party where Kara set the record straight up once and for all. The singer-songwriter admits she struggled to fit in at first, but that`s not because of Paula or any other "Idol" judges.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KARA DIOGUARDI, "AMERICAN IDOL" JUDGE: In the beginning, it was really difficult to find, you know, your place in the panel, and your stride and when you should speak, when you should not speak and understand everybody and how they work.
And now, it just feels really natural. And you know, they talk about these feuds and all these things. It`s just not true. You know, it would be impossible for me to show up at that set if those things were really true.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: And it was Kara`s big night at that "Us Weekly" bash. She has just been named The Most Sophisticated Rocker by "Us Weekly" magazine. Congrats to her. And you know, we are so glad, A.J., those rumors aren`t true.
HAMMER: So glad, Brooke. You know, Dog the bounty hunter, really got into a dramatic feud.
ANDERSON: Well, he is in a dangerous line of work. But this time, his life was on the line.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHAPMAN: Once he fired that shot, he was like a wounded animal. He was out there - maniac in Colorado Springs - and anybody who was next to him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Did someone really take a shot at TV`s best-known bounty hunter? What really happened? Duane "The Dog" Chapman tells all, coming up.
HAMMER: Beyonce revealed. Now, I went one-on-one with the gorgeous, not- so-single lady. But what`s got her so fired up? And what does she really want people to know about her? I`ve got tell you, Beyonce does not hold back in the interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
ANDERSON: And did you see this? A woman sends a stripper to her high school reunion. But that`s just the start of this revealing story. The reunion ruse that you don`t want to miss. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
HAMMER: Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: "American Idol" judge Kara Dioguardi says she battled eating disorder. Hayden Panettiere says her home was burglarized of $15,000 in jewels.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Thank you, Charles. Hey, welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson.
All right. Stressed out about your high school reunion? Well, why not go as a stripper. Did you see this? A California woman hired a look- alike stripper to go to her 10-year high school reunion, and the elaborate scheme was all caught on tape.
Andrea Wachner had the stripper wired with an earpiece to feed her information. And watch all the awkward exchanges with her high school friends on a video monitor back at her hotel. Then, the stripper - well, she stripped, of course, in front of Wachner`s totally stunned classmates. So it makes you wonder, what the heck does she have up her sleeve for her 20th reunion?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDREA WACHNER, HIRED A STRIPPER ON HER HIGH SCHOOL REUNION: I`m pretty sure I`m not going to get invited to the 20-year reunion. But if I do, then I would love for them to invite me. Cricket and I said we would go together.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: And get this, she is making the entire wild night into a documentary.
HAMMER: Tonight, Beyonce tells all. Grammy Award-winning singer Beyonce is hitting the big screen this weekend in her first non-singing role. She`s starring in a new thriller called, "Obsessed." And I`ve got to tell you, she knows how to throw a punch, doing her own stunts in this thing.
Beyonce plays a woman who seems to have the perfect life with her perfect family, until another woman comes into the picture. Well, when I sat down with Beyonce, she reveals to me what gets her really fired up and what she really wants people to know about her. And wait until you hear why she likes playing the woman scorned. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BEYONCE KNOWLES, SINGER AND ACTRESS: What attracted me to Sharon, the character I play, was the fact that she`s the hero and she didn`t choose to be the victim. She didn`t call her husband when she had to come face to face with the woman that was obsessed with her husband. She didn`t call the police. She didn`t hide. She didn`t run in the attic. She fought. Someone touched her child and it brought her to that place that every woman in real life would go.
HAMMER (on camera): And one of the big issues here is this major communication breakdown that goes on.
KNOWLES: Yes.
HAMMER: . between your character and the guy who plays your husband in movie - his character. You know, it happens in every relationship. How do you keep that from happening?
KNOWLES; Well, I mean, you have to know that communication is - I mean, it sounds cliche, but it`s the most important. Friendship, honesty is very, very important because something that you forget to say can lead to a lot of suspicion and lots of things that you put together in your mind.
HAMMER: I`ve got to tell you, not that I ever would have in the past, and anybody who sees this film will never cross you again. Because wow, we saw the fight come out of Beyonce in this movie. So you realize now people are going, and perhaps your husband - I don`t know - maybe will be a little more timid around you. You know, nice going.
KNOWLES: That`s good. A little bit of fear - there`s nothing wrong with that.
HAMMER: Right. It`s like the (INAUDIBLE) of a strong woman. You know, your character seems to have this life of perfection when you look in from the outside. She`s got this beautiful child. She`s got this great husband - their beautiful new home. He`s got a great job. She`s thinking about getting on with her career.
And again, looking from the outside in, it seems like perfection. And I`ve got to say, and I don`t think a lot of people would argue me, people look in at your life, might think the same thing because it just appears that way.
Does it bother you that people, you know, maybe look at and think, "Wow, she`s got it easy"? Because it`s not easy all the time.
KNOWLES: Not at all. And you know, right now, I have socks on because my feet hurt. My feet hurt because I just finished a video at 2:30 in the morning. I have blisters and they`re bleeding. My hands - I have Band- Aids. I work harder than anyone I`ve ever met in my life. And I`ve been working that way since I was 10 years old.
HAMMER: Yes.
KNOWLES: And everything that I have, I`ve worked so hard for and I cherish and I`ve sacrificed. And everything I have I deserve. And yes, I am very fortunate. But I feel like we all can have everything we want if we work for it and if we have good karma. So I don`t feel guilty about it.
It is a little frustrating, though, because people do see celebrities in general, not just myself, and think, oh, because you get to, you know, go to the Grammies, or you get to wear all these gowns, or people are taking your pictures, that your life is perfect.
But everything that happens to everyone else happens to every single person. We`re all the same except it`s a little harder because we`re under a microscope.
HAMMER: You know, when you first came onto the scene, I remember one of the things that was being said about you a lot is here`s a woman, not with longevity, but here`s a woman who is simply going to be with us forever.
KNOWLES: Thank you.
HAMMER: And I speak with a lot of stars who talk about what`s going on in terms of aging gracefully in front of the camera. And a lot of them say, "Yes, I`m embracing that happening." And some of them are saying, "I`m afraid of that first wrinkle."
What about you? Do you sort of look forward to just the process and whatever happens? Not that I can imagine you ever having a wrinkle. But.
KNOWLES: Oh, I`m going to have wrinkles. I mean, let`s hope I leave to have to have many, many wrinkles. I mean, it`s a part of life. And I think all of the phenomenal women embrace growing. And I see my mother and I pray that I`m like her and as intelligent and wise as she is.
And it is difficult. I mean, not for me now, because I`m still very young. But, you know, I hear that it`s hard, some of the things that we have to go through as women. I mean, even with our bodies. Everything - it`s difficult.
But I think it`s really, really important to embrace it and, you know, to use all of the things that happen as like lifelines, things that remind you of all the things that you`ve accomplished in your life.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. My woman. You can catch Beyonce in her new movie called "Obsessed." It`s in theaters everywhere Friday.
ANDERSON: Next, Dog the bounty hunter`s remarkable story of how he cheated death as cameras were rolling.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHAPMAN: Once he fired that shot, he was like a wounded animal. He was out there - maniac in Colorado Springs. And anybody who was next to him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Tonight the TV tough guy speaks out for the first time about allegedly being shot at by a guy he was trying to capture.
HAMMER: Tonight, Jennifer Garner reveals her secret to keeping it all together at home. It`s her husband. She and her hubby Ben Affleck are a power couple right there on top of Hollywood`s A-list.
But at home they`re just mom and dad to Violet and newborn Seraphina. And Jennifer confesses Ben pitches in all the time. Jennifer tells "In Style," quote, "It`s the morning combo of nursing and trying to get Violet to preschool that`s such a challenge. Ben will do the school run. He dresses her and does her hair. It`s pretty funny. You can always tell when he`s been at it, just two random barrettes hanging in there."
It`s actually kind of sweet. You can check out Jennifer`s entire interview on the brand-new issue of "In Style" on newsstands Friday. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
ANDERSON: OK. That Dog Chapman story, next. But first, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: "Gossip Girl" Leighton Meester signs record deal. "The View" co-host Sherri Shepherd to be on WWE`s "Friday Night Smackdown."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
Well, tonight, Dog "The Bounty Hunter" Chapman speaks out about his frightening close call. Now, Dog was allegedly shot at by a guy that he was trying to capture. And, of course, it`s all caught on tape.
The reality show star was trying to bring in a bond jumper in Colorado when the man allegedly opened fire on him. Well, thankfully, dog was not hurt, but he says he is happy to be alive. And believe it or not, Dog says this is only the second time he`s ever been shot at while on the job. So was the TV tough guy scared? Listen to what he reveals to CNN`s Larry King.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHAPMAN: We had hunted him for two days, so to spot him - adrenaline kind of takes over the fear. But you`ve got to watch this, because also adrenaline kind of turns into stupidity if you don`t watch it. So I mean, we know what business we`re in, and we have faith and God is going to keep us alive.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, the man who is now under arrest was on the run from gun charges, and now he`s in even more hot water for allegedly trying to shoot Dog. But there is one mystery surrounding all this. Cops say that they didn`t find a gun or any bullets at the scene. Well, you`ll soon be able to see the entire thing for yourself as it all went down, because Dog says the shooting will be a big part of his A & E show when it comes back in just a couple of months.
ANDERSON: On Wednesday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. It was this - "Susan Boyle: Should the YouTube sensation profit from her fame?" Now, so many people are pulling for Susan here. Look at this - 86 percent of you said yes; only 14 percent say no.
And here are some of the E-mails we received. Shirley from California, "I think Susan Boyle has a heartwarming story and she should be getting something from all of the YouTube hits."
Arthur from Florida, "I think YouTube has the right to profit off Susan Boyle`s fame."
Listen to what Marie from Arizona says, "Yes, Susan Boyle should absolutely profit from her fame. She`s the one with the actual talent." That`s true.
HAMMER: Yes, that is true. Hey, Brooke, I`m not going to be here tomorrow, so I`ve got something for you. Best of luck to you.
ANDERSON: Right back at you. Thank you.
HAMMER: That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Thanks for watching.
ANDERSON: I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. And remember, you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, and in the morning, 11:00 a.m. Eastern right here on HLN. Take care.
END
