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Showbiz Tonight
Paula Abdul`s "American Idol" Backlash; Brangelina Family Secrets; Kate Slams Jon Yet Again; Alana Stewart Speaks Out; The Spelling Family Drama
Aired August 12, 2009 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LISA BLOOM, HOST: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Paula`s "Idol" backlash. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with a raging new debate over Paula Abdul leaving "American Idol." Will the show be better off without her? Plus, new details of why Paula really left "Idol."
Brand-new Brangelina family secrets. Tonight, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie reveal, will they ever get married? Will they adopt again? Plus, intimate details of their sex life? But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has to ask, is that too much information?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALANA STEWART, ACTRESS: I say that`s absolute B.S., first of all. Ryan had and always has a lot more money than Farrah.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLOOM: Tonight, one of Farrah Fawcett`s best friends answers the explosive question, what does she think of Ryan O`Neal`s son accusing her and Ryan of trying to cash in on Farrah`s death. Alana Stewart in the headline-making interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Hello. I`m Lisa Bloom broadcasting tonight from Hollywood. A.J. Hammer has the night off.
Tonight, the Paula Abdul "Idol" backlash. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is now ready to reveal something that is going to make a lot of people who love Paula really angry. Because we`ve uncovered that Paula leaving American Idol may be the best thing to ever happen to the show.
But wait, there`s more. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has also learned explosive, brand-new details about Abdul`s big split from "Idol." And what we`ve learned is making big news right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PAULA ABDUL, "AMERICAN IDOL" JUDGE: You celebrate what the competition is all about.
BLOOM: Paula Abdul certainly wasn`t shy about crying on "American Idol."
ABDUL: You are an American Idol. You are.
BLOOM: And now that she`s left the show in a salary dispute, it is her fans who are crying.
JODI MILLER, COMEDIENNE: I think I`m in the five stages of grief, actually.
BLOOM: But here`s a radical thought. Maybe, just maybe Paula`s departure may not be such a bad news. This "E! News Online" article says it all, "Why `American Idol` is so much better without Paula."
MARC MALKIN, "E! NEWS ONLINE": I do think there are some valid reasons why "American Idol" could be better off without Paula.
BLOOM: So now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT lists the reasons why "American Idol" may be better off without Paula Abdul. The first reason can be summed up in three words - no more drama.
MALKIN: The thing about Paula, as we all know, she always brings drama.
BLOOM: In the past few months, Abdul has repeatedly and publicly bashed her "Idol" colleagues in interviews.
ABDUL: I`ve put up with so much BS.
BLOOM: Last December, on Barbara Walters` radio show, she accused Simon of trying to make her look bad on air.
ABDUL: He claims to be - that this is - what he`s creating is great television. And I said what, "What you created is doubt in my character. You created defamation in my character. And you lied."
BLOOM: Airing behind-the-scenes dirty laundry probably wasn`t the best thing for Paula to be doing in the final year of her contract.
MILLER: She shouldn`t have been biting the hand that feeds her. If I`m looking for a raise, I`m going to take advice from Paula.
BLOOM: Today`s "New York Times" reports that someone working behind the scenes claims that all the Paula drama made producers even more willing to let her quit. The "Times" story also suggests many of the people who dealt with Paula on a day-to-day basis didn`t want her back.
MILLER: I think the producers took as much as they could take of Paula. It`s like any abusive relationship. You can only take so much and then you need to ask for help.
MALKIN: Some people may say, "You know what? No more Paula, no more drama, better show."
BLOOM: So no Paula may mean less behind-the-scenes drama at "American Idol." But another reason her loss may be "Idol`s" gain - there may be more on-stage drama for "Idol`s" performers. Paula, an ex-Lakers girl, was also the head cheerleader of "American Idol," dispensing unconditional love and praise.
ABDUL: I think have you a big career ahead of you.
MALKIN: No matter how bad someone did, Paula somehow found something good to say about them.
BLOOM: "E`s" Marc Malkin tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that now "Idol" may become even more fun to watch.
MALKIN: Without Paula, these contestants don`t sort of have that person to soften the blow. It also makes for better television because, as we know, we love to hear these contestants get trashed, you know. It`s much more fun to watch Simon, you know, blasting a contestant as being a lousy singer than Paula doing one of her crying fits or one of her standing ovations.
BLOOM: And perhaps the best reason "American Idol" might be better off without Paula, it`s just time for a change.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
In its eighth season "Idol" was still America`s number one show. But in recent years, it steadily lost viewers by the millions. So maybe losing one of its original judges is just the shake-up the show needs to be fresh again.
MALKIN: Change is good. Shake things up. You know, things become stale in Hollywood. Things become stale on television.
BLOOM: And comedienne Jodi Miller says that Paula`s loss can give "Idol" a chance to make a bold choice.
MILLER: They should get Sarah Palin. I think that`s actually why she left office - Sarah Palin - so she could be the next judge. That would be a great replacement.
BLOOM: So maybe saddened fans of Paula can cheer up knowing that the "American Idol" judge`s table isn`t one-fourth empty, it`s three-fourths full.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
Hey, let`s not forget, Paula was really the only known name when "Idol" first started. But now, it`s the biggest show on television. So what SHOWBIZ TONIGHT just revealed, is it on the money? Could the show be better of without Paula? Well, we are fired up about this.
With me tonight in Los Angeles is Carlos Diaz who is a correspondent from "Extra." Also in L.A. is Melanie Bromley who is the west coast bureau chief for "Us Weekly."
All right. Paula has always been the unpredictable factor on "Idol." People tune in to see what`s Paula going to do this time. But as you heard, a lot of people say the show just doesn`t need her. So Carlos, don`t be shy. You never are. Have at it - could "American Idol" actually be better off without Paula?
CARLOS DIAZ, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": I don`t - I mean, you know, you never would have messed with a proven formula. But I mean, yes - I mean, you know, the show is about the singers. Let`s be honest. It`s 70 percent about the singers, 25 percent about Simon and five percent about everything else, all right?
So I mean, it`s all about the singers. And now, you know, Randy can easily step into the role of Paula and become that cheerleader. You know, Kara can be, you know, concise, and then Simon can be Simon. So you have the formula there.
And I`m kind of eager to see what the producers are going to do if they`re going to step up their game, you know, knowing that Paula`s gone, knowing that they`re going to be under a microscope. And you might actually see a better season this year of "American Idol."
BLOOM: It will be interesting to see if Kara and randy change their personalities to compensate. And you know, there are also more brand-new revelations from that "New York Times" report today.
The "Times" reports that Paula wasn`t just mad about money. She also was reportedly upset about jokes questioning her reliability and her reputation. Melanie, given that she had become a joke at times, what do you think? Will "Idol" be better off without her?
MELANIE BROMLEY, WEST COAST BUREAU CHIEF, "US WEEKLY": It definitely could be better for that. Paula was a distraction at times. And actually, we`ve got to bear in mind this is a competition show. I don`t think anybody should be the cheerleader.
I think the fact that there is now - there`s somebody who isn`t predictably going to be nice every single time, it means that it`s going to shake things up. It`s a good thing. It means that we`re going to have a tougher competition, which is great for ratings.
BLOOM: Well, and as Carlos just said, part of Paula`s role - she was the nice judge. She battled with the mean judge, Simon Cowell. And you can always count on the two of them to get into it at some point, right? Like this moment from last season. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SIMON COWELL, "AMERICAN IDOL" JUDGE: I don`t understand a word of what you just said. All of Paula`s nonsense is just ridiculous.
ABDUL: It`s so funny because I don`t care what he says either. What I love about Danny is that he has a performer`s side to him. You know what? People have seen your vocals - I mean, heard your vocals.
COWELL: No, you heard - you hear vocals.
ABDUL: I dogged that one.
COWELL: You hear them.
ABDUL: He`s got mad vocal skills.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLOOM: Some people say "Idol" can`t do without this kind of back and forth. But there`s a lot to be said for Simon Cowell`s fan base and the sheer popularity of the show. Carlos, do you think that maybe Paula overestimated her power on the show?
DIAZ: I mean, think so. I mean, I think, you know, when you have Kara on there - we saw last year that Kara and Simon can go at it. Even Randy and Simon go at it at times. Simon can go at it with anybody, you know.
And the bottom line is, I`ve always been taught - I`ve always been taught that, you know, your job on any show is to make your boss` life easier. And if Paula wasn`t making her boss` life easier behind the scenes, then she becomes expendable.
BLOOM: Oh, well, I think you have a point there. And you know, when the news first broke that Paula was leaving, there was this outpouring of sympathy for her from people who felt she wasn`t getting the respect that she deserved.
But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can reveal that it seems the tide is shifting now. Listen to this. Brittney from Alabama called in to "Showbiz on Call" to say, "Good riddance, Paula." Listen.
CALLER: I think it`s a good thing that she left. And sometimes, I think she seemed like she wasn`t honestly there or she was telling the contestants what they really wanted to hear just to be the good guy. I think Simon is a good judge. He might be mean sometimes, but he`s honest. And that`s what America needs to hear. I`m glad she left.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLOOM: Brittney`s glad that Paula`s been voted out, so to speak, sort of. So Melanie, does it surprise you that some Idol fans are actually happy to see Paula get the boot?
BROMLEY: It does surprise me. Because, initially, when word came out, obviously, everyone was very upset. But I think after eight years, everybody is ready for a change. We know that the ratings have gone down for this show. It deserves a face-lift.
Maybe losing Paula is a good thing. Maybe now, we can get some guest judges that are more dynamic and equally as exciting.
BLOOM: Yes.
BROMLEY: And I think I agree with Brittney. If Simon left, it would be far more dramatic and upsetting than with Paula leaving.
BLOOM: Just wondering who that replacement might be. Well, Carlos Diaz, Melanie Bromley, thanks so much.
Now, we want to hear from you. It`s our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Paula Abdul: Will `American Idol` be better off without her?" Vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight or E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
Well, tonight, Brangelina`s revealing brand-new family secrets like, will they ever get married? Will they adopt any more kids? Plus, you`ve got to hear the new intimate details of their sex life. But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has to ask, is that too much information?
Also, Kate rips into Jon again. I`m talking about Jon`s original Kate, his soon-to-be ex-wife. You remember her. She`s slamming him in a brand-new interview. But does she think there`s any chance they could get back together?
And Farrah Fawcett`s best friend is furious. Tonight, Alana Stewart goes off on charges that Ryan O`Neal hit on his own daughter at Farrah`s funeral.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEWART: He had just carried Farrah`s casket down the aisle. And he was, I think, in shock and quite grief-stricken. And at first, he didn`t recognize her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLOOM: Also, Alana answers the shocking charge by Ryan O`Neal`s son that she`s trying to cash in on Farrah`s death. It`s the explosive and emotional interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Michael Jackson picked as favorite performer by people under 30. Paula Abdul sends congratulations to new mom, Jennifer Hudson, on her Twitter page.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLOOM: Hey, did you see this? This is the parasailing great-grandma - 96. That`s right, 96 years old. Pauline Herman (ph) from South Carolina got herself an early birthday gift. She wanted to try parasailing, so she did it with her great-granddaughter by her side.
And get this, she has never driven a car yet. So that could be the next thing that she checks off.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Lisa Bloom in Hollywood. A.J. has the night off.
Tonight, brand new outrage involving President Obama`s kids. The Obamas are fired up over a new ad in which their daughters Sasha and Malia are referenced to push for healthy lunch options in public schools. The ad`s creators say that the Obama kids are fair game. But the White House is calling it foul play.
Here`s CNN`s Brian Todd for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A health food campaign with a VIP critic. Dr. Neal Barnard of the Physicians Committee of Responsible Medicine says it wasn`t long after his group put up these ads in Washington`s Union Station, advocating a vegetarian lunch option in public schools that they got a call from White House attorneys.
DR. NEAL BARNARD, THE PHYSICIANS COMMITTEE OF RESPONSIBLE MEDICINE: They contacted us the day after the ads went up, and they said, "You can`t talk about the president`s children." We pointed out that the comparison really is about the school.
TODD: The ad shows a Florida school girl named Jasmine saying, "President Obama`s daughters get healthy school lunches. Why don`t I?" Barnard`s group says on several days earlier this year, when Sasha and Malia Obama`s private school offered a vegetarian choice for lunch, the D.C. public schools offered no such choice. The group wants Congress to institute a mandatory alternative.
TODD (on camera): There`s one Republican pollster quoted as saying, "If the White House hates you, it`s not going to help your agenda." Are you worried about that kind of backlash?
BARNARD: Not in the least. The president, I believe, will support a healthy meal for Jasmine and every child like Jasmine.
TODD (voice-over): Dr. Barnard says his group`s Web site has seen a lot more traffic since the ads went up, but that White House attorneys hinted they might take legal action. Barnard says a First Amendment attorney has told him he`s on solid legal ground.
We called one White House lawyer Barnard mentioned. She didn`t return our calls. First Lady Michelle Obama`s office referred us to a comment by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs who said they`re trying to protect the girls` privacy and, "We hope that others will be respectful, as many in the media have been, about not using the girls as a publicity stunt."
One journalist who covers presidential politics says that position will likely garner support.
SUSAN PAGE, "USA TODAY": It`s hard to grow up in the public eye. There are times when the president`s children are unavoidably in the limelight. But other than that, even for an advocacy group, I think there`s a sense in town that you probably should leave them alone.
TODD: In January, a toymaker produced two dolls named Sweet Sasha and marvelous Malia. But they changed the names of the dolls after the White House complained about the girls being used for marketing purposes.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLOOM: That was CNN`s Brian Todd for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is determined to keep the ads running through the end of the month. The legislation the committee is pushing for requiring more fruits and vegetables in public school lunches will be debated in Congress in October.
Paula, Paula, Paula! That`s what`s tearing up our "Showbiz on Call" phone lines - Paula Abdul leaving "American Idol." In fact, our "Showbiz on Call" operators are lost in a dream and don`t know which way to go. Did you get that from Paula`s song "Straight Up?"
We`ve got a call into "Showbiz on Call" from Corey in Washington. He actually doesn`t care about the judges on "Idol."
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: I just think this whole Paula Abdul thing is ridiculous. It`s not about the judges. It`s about the kids trying to make it big and just doing what they love to do. So I just think it`s ridiculous already. And we need to think about the kids.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
BLOOM: Thank you, Corey. We also heard from Courtney calling in to "Showbiz on Call" from Oklahoma. She already misses Paula.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: She will be missed, and she made the show because her and Simon were like hilarious. It will not be better. And she should come back because "American Idol" is losing someone amazing.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
BLOOM: Thanks, Courtney. Call us at "Showbiz on Call" and let us know what you think about this or anything else that`s on your mind. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are always open. Call us at 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; that`s 1-888-728-2899.
Tonight, Kate Gosselin is slamming her soon-to-be ex in a brand-new interview. But does Kate seem to have any chance of getting back together? And how is she handling the tough, emotional questions she`s getting from their kids about the breakup?
Also making news right now, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie revealing shocking new family secrets. Are they going to get married? Are they going to adopt more kids?
Farrah Fawcett`s best friend is outraged. Tonight, she`s answering the shocking charge by Ryan O`Neal`s son Griffin that Ryan is trying to cash in on Farrah`s death.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEWART: I say that`s absolute BS. First of all, Ryan had and always has a lot more money than Farrah.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLOOM: This is so explosive because Griffin is also accusing her of exploiting Farrah`s death. Alana Stewart right here in the headline-making interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Octomom Nadya Suleman has surgery, nothing "too serious." "I Love Lucy" and "The Honeymooners" U.S. postage stamps go on sale.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLOOM: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Lisa Bloom. A.J. has the night off.
Tonight, a brand new weight controversy surrounding singer Kelly Clarkson. Kelly is on the cover of the September issue of "Self" magazine. In the issue, she talks about how she`s happy and confident about her body image. Her weight has gone up and down over the years when she won the first "American Idol."
But take a look at this "Self" cover. The magazine admits to retouching the photo. And it looks like they did quite a bit to make Kelly, quote, "look her personal best." And that got a lot of people angry.
I mean, maybe a little retouching here and there, fine. But what kind of message does this send when Kelly says she`s fine with her body?
And "The Hills" star Heidi Montag is revealing her secrets. In a new interview and photo-spread in "Playboy" magazine, Heidi, who has had a nose job and breast implants, says she`s not stopping there.
Heidi says, "I plan to get a few more upgrades. I`m sure as I get older, I`ll need some touch-ups. I`m definitely not done with my surgical quest. I think I want to go bigger on my boobs."
What a great message for young women and teens everywhere, huh? Just keep on nipping and tucking. Read more on the September issue of "Playboy" on newsstands this Friday.
Over to the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page, people are really fired up over 16-year-old Miley Cyrus`s controversial pole dance on the Teen Choice Awards. But it didn`t bother Allison B. She writes, "I found nothing wrong with Miley`s performance. She wasn`t grinding the pole or swinging on it like a stripper. Give the poor girl a break."
But Miley`s dancing did bother Jenn B., "A lot of young girls look up to her. And she needs to be a role model. I just feel that when Britney Spears started dressing and dancing like that, she fell apart."
Remember, I want to hear from you on Facebook. Also follow us on Twitter for breaking entertainment news alerts. Sign up for Facebook and Twitter pages at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
And now, the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT at the top of the hour.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie reveal new family secrets. Will they ever get married? Will they adopt? And why are they revealing so much about their sex life?
Kate slams Jon again in a brand-new interview. But does she think they have a chance of getting back together?
And one of Farrah Fawcett`s best friends is speaking out. Her explosive response to claims by Ryan O`Neal`s son that she`s trying to cash in on Farrah`s death. It`s the headline-making interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Tim McGraw and the Black Eyed Peas to perform at NFL season opener on 9/10. Warner Bros. working on a movie about Legos!
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLOOM: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Angelina and Brad`s brand-new intimate secrets deep inside their private world. Will they marry? Will they adopt another baby? Plus, sexy Brangelina bedroom secrets revealed.
Kate`s all-out war against Jon. The "Jon & Kate Plus 8" star in her most candid interview ever. Does she regret their split? Kate in her own words.
Farrah`s best friend on the outrageous charges that Ryan O`Neal hit on his own daughter at Farrah`s funeral.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEWART: He just carried Farrah`s casket down the aisle. And he was, I think, in shock, and quite grief-stricken. And, at first, he didn`t recognize her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLOOM: Tonight, the explosive and emotional one on one with Farrah`s best friend. Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It`s 30 minutes past the hour. I`m Lisa Bloom in Hollywood. A.J. has the night off.
Tonight Brad and Angelina`s big secrets. In a brand-new tell-all interview, Brad and Angelina reveal dramatic details about their normally ultra-private life.
Tonight, will Brad and Angelina ever really marry? Will they adopt again? What`s life really like for Hollywood`s most famous couple as they raise six rambunctious kids? We`ve got the Brangelina family secrets.
Also tonight, Kate Gosselin rips into Jon. In her most candid interview yet, Kate does not hold back in her rage at her soon-to-be ex- husband. Is Kate venting valid or is she getting way too bitter for comfort?
Tonight, in New York, Steven Smith, who is a music and pop culture expert. And tonight, in Hollywood, Melanie Bromley, who is the west coast bureau chief for "Us Weekly."
Let`s begin with these brand-new Brangelina tell-all that was just released today in the upcoming issue of "People" magazine. For some reason, they are spilling all their secrets. And get this, they talk sex.
They tell "People" magazine how they keep the spark in their marriage while juggling six kids. That`s not easy. They say, quote, "Parenting can become hectic but it is also great fun. In fact, it`s the ultimate teamwork. But when all else fails, mommy and daddy need to hire a baby- sitter, go away and get dirty."
OK. So Steven, I think for most people picturing Brad and Angelina getting dirty is kind of fun with the possible exception of Jennifer Aniston. But are you surprised they fessed up like this?
STEVEN SMITH, MUSIC AND POP CULTURE EXPERT: I`m just so shocked about your comment about Jennifer Aniston. She`s the last person who wants to think about them. Yes.
BLOOM: That`s what I`m saying.
SMITH: I think it`s crazy that they`re being so open about everything because their lives are so open in general. But Brad and Angelina Jolie have always been this kind of people that meet the media head on.
And I think why not tell everything? People wonder all the time. So, you know, yes, this is what we do. And I`m thrilled with the fact that they are 50-50 parents who still like to hire a baby-sitter and go hide behind the fountain.
BLOOM: Yes, good for them, right? OK, another major burning question about Brangelina. Will they adopt any more kids? They fess up saying, hey, you never know. Brad tells "People," quote, "Angie and I have always been open to international and domestic adoption. And as strange as it may sound, it`s been proven to us that your children find you."
Sweet, right? Melanie, there are those who have said that Brad and Angelina have six kids - that`s enough. But is there really anything wrong with them adopting as many as they like?
BROMLEY: Well, I think adopting as many as they like, like they might never stop, you know. But as long as they have the money and they have the resources and there`s no problem as far as on the other children that they already have, then I think that`s fine.
And actually, there`s been a lot of positive things aside from the obvious that have come from these two adopting. They`ve been able to bring a lot of attention to Cambodia and Vietnam and Ethiopia. And they`ve also been able to do charity projects in those areas as well. So they`ve definitely used this to do some good work around the world.
BLOOM: Maybe they`ll be the new octomom and octodad - you`ll never know.
BROMLEY: Yes.
BLOOM: Well, we know that Brad and Angelina are private and protective parents. But guess what? They`re also revealing intimate details about those six gorgeous kids. They admit to "People" magazine getting the kids to bed is the hardest part of their day, saying, quote, "I`d like to say we have some genius technique to get them to bed, but truth be told, they often get the best of us and end up in our bed."
"This is why," Brad says, "I had to make a nine-foot wide bed just so we could get some sleep." Steven, is it just me or is the image of Brangelina sprawled out in a 9-foot-wide bed with six kids kind of a crazy image?
SMITH: I think it`s phenomenally crazy image and also a very beautiful one. The fact that he gave up his sweet time with Angelina Jolie so that all the kids could come in and sleep comfortably is just more proof again that Brad Pitt is the Clark Kent of the world.
BLOOM: Well, Brad Pitt or Clark Kent of the world has made explosive comments about gay marriage that caused fury and applause when he said that he and Angie are not getting married until everyone can get married including gays.
Just the other night, he told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT the whole thing really peeves him. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRAD PITT, ACTOR: I certainly don`t think anyone`s got any right to tell someone else what to do with their lives. It bugs the (EXPLETIVE DELETED) out of me, to tell you the truth.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLOOM: And in his brand-new interview with "People" magazine, Pitt now takes it a step further. When he was asked who he`d rather have baby-sit his kids, George Clooney or Matt Damon, Pitt says, quote, "I`m going to go with George Clooney because he doesn`t stand a chance against my kids. I`d also like to reiterate that Angie and I will not be getting married until George and his partner can legally do so. Thank you."
Of course, he`s joking. George isn`t gay. But Melanie, this really shows Pitt can be a political guy and also have a pretty good sense of humor, doesn`t it?
BROMLEY: It does. And actually, I think the sense of humor is so important because Brad and Angelina have almost become a caricature of themselves. They`ve become so famous that it`s good for them to kind of remind us that they`re normal people.
But as far as the political side is concerned, Brad`s done some incredibly good work, especially with New Orleans in the housing projects, which is great like using his fame in order to do some good projects and really highlight some issues. So it`s good, but the sense of humor obviously makes him more durable than ever.
BLOOM: And Angelina working with the refugees in Africa - three cheers for that.
BROMLEY: It`s amazing.
BLOOM: All right. Let`s move on now to Kate Gosselin`s week-long rampage on air and in print. And tonight, what may be her most bitter comments yet about her soon-to-be ex-husband Jon Gosselin.
She doesn`t hold back. She`s angry. She`s bitter and she`s unforgiving. And she says she`s got a big problem with the way that Jon handles his now 22-year-old new girlfriend who, we remind you, is the daughter of Kate`s tummy-tuck doctor.
Kate tells "People," quote, "It`s just so distasteful. It only really upsets me when the people he`s choosing to bring to the house and let stay overnight affect our kids. That`s not the sort of example that I will ever set for them and that`s where it really kills me. I don`t understand him."
Steven, keeping in mind this is just Kate`s side of the story. But if Jon did let his girlfriend sleep over when their eight kids were there, I would be peeved, too. What do you think?
SMITH: Yes, I think I would definitely, definitely be annoyed if I was Kate. That`s not the best example you want to set. Even if the divorce isn`t finalized and you`re already dating, it`s just not cool. They need to find some boundaries and just set things up for themselves. And I mean, if he`s going to date, Kate, I think you should, too.
BLOOM: All right. Well, Kate also doesn`t hold back when she reveals she doesn`t even know who Jon is anymore. Since they announced they were splitting up in June, Jon has gotten thinner, tanner, and now, he wears two earrings. In a brand-new episode of "Jon & Kate Plus 8," Jon says, yes, he`s changing and get used to it. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JON GOSSELIN, REALITY TV STAR, "JON & KATE PLUS 8": I`ve always liked motorcycles and cars and fast things. And I have four tattoos. And you know, that`s the way I`ve always been in charge of myself. There`s just things, you know - are just coming out a lot more now. And this is who I am and this is who I`m going to be.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLOOM: Kate thinks that`s ridiculous. She tells "People," quote, "The erratic behavior continues and continues. I`ve learned not to say how can it get worse because just when I think he`s pulled out the craziest trick, it gets crazier." Melanie, just a few seconds, but Kate makes it sound like Jon`s transformation is a horrible thing. Agree or should we cut him a break?
BROMLEY: Well, I kind of - I`m on the fence. It`s extraordinary, his transformation and it must be incredibly shocking to her as she tried to keep him under control for so long. And now, obviously, he`s breaking free.
BLOOM: All right. Steven Smith and Melanie Bromley, thank you. And you can check out all these juicy details in the upcoming issue of "People" magazine on newsstands, Friday.
Tonight, Brangelina and Kate Gosselin aren`t the only ones revealing intimate behind-the-scenes family secrets. Farrah Fawcett`s best friend goes off answering the shocking charge by Ryan O`Neal`s son that his own dad is trying to cash in on Farrah`s death.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEWART: I said it`s absolute B.S. First of all, Ryan had and always has a lot more money than Farrah.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLOOM: Farrah`s best friend who was with her when she died is holding nothing back. We`re going one-on-one with her in the interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Michael`s superstar-studded tribute concert. Tonight, the brand-new details about the show everyone`s waiting for. And the mind-blowing number of people organizers are expecting. Plus, breaking new details in the M.J. death mystery.
Also, Tori Spelling in a very public battle with her mom. Well, it`s heating up again. This time, Tori Spelling`s husband is throwing the verbal blows. Will they ever give it a rest or will this be the most dramatic Spelling production ever? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Venice Film Festival to honor Sylvester Stallone with filmmaker award. Liam Neeson walks red carpet for the first time since the death of wife Natasha Richardson.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Lisa Bloom in Hollywood. A.J. has the night off.
Tonight, Farrah Fawcett`s final days. Two months after Farrah tragically lost her battle with cancer, Farrah`s best friend, Alana Stewart, remembers her in a new memoir called, "My Journey with Farrah" based on her personal diaries.
In a brand-new explosive interview with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Alana responds to shocking claims by Ryan O`Neal`s son that she and Ryan are trying to cash in on Farrah.
But first, I just had to ask her if Ryan really planned to marry Farrah.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
STEWART: He did propose to her twice in those final weeks, and she said yes both times. And she was very clear and very lucid, knew what she was saying. And I believe that it would have happened if she had not taken a turn for the worse and had to go into intensive care. And at that point then, it was just clear that it wasn`t going to happen.
BLOOM: Someone who has been very critical about Ryan`s relationship with Farrah as well as your relationship with Farrah is Ryan`s son Griffin O`Neal.
I want to give you a chance to respond to claims that Griffin made in an interview on CNN`s "LARRY KING LIVE." Griffin claimed that you and Ryan did not have the best intentions for Farrah. Watch this.
GRIFFIN O`NEAL, RYAN O`NEAL`S SON: Well, she was selling, you know, Farrah`s stuff on eBay, you know, the day that Farrah died. And trust me, I know who she sells to on eBay.
I am disgusted with those people. I thought they were exploiting her. I think that they will continue to exploit her through the "Farrah`s Story," too, and Alana`s new book.
BLOOM: Those are some pretty explosive claims. First of all, he says you`re trying to make money off of your best friend, Alana. How do you respond to that?
STEWART: Griffin set out to hurt his father. He was very, very angry at his father. And why he threw me into the mix - I don`t know because I`ve never done anything to hurt Griffin. I`ve only actually been kind to him.
So I guess it makes me angry, but it also hurts me. And yet, I`m trying to think of him as a troubled young man. I honestly think that if anybody reads the book, they`ll know where my heart is. And they`ll see very clearly, my feelings about her and my loyalty to her.
BLOOM: Alana, Griffin has claimed that Ryan tried to capitalize off of Farrah`s death. What do you say to that?
STEWART: I say that`s absolute BS. First of all, Ryan had and always has a lot more money than Farrah had. And I hope that he doesn`t mind me saying this, but he invested his money very well from the very early years.
So I know that Ryan is a complex person. And sometimes he can say things with a sense of humor that get taken out of context and don`t sound the right way when they`re written or repeated. But I know that he has a good heart. And the only reason he was ever with Farrah was because she was the love of his life. And the only reason she was ever with him was because she loved him.
BLOOM: Well, we know that Griffin O`Neal was barred from attending Farrah`s funeral. But Tatum O`Neal, Ryan`s daughter, was not. I have to get your take on this, Alana. In an interview with "Vanity Fair," Ryan admitted to hitting on Tatum at Farrah`s funeral.
Here`s what he told "Vanity Fair," quote, "I had just put the casket in the hearse and I was watching it drive away when a beautiful blond woman comes up and embraces me. I said to her, `You have a drink on you? You have a car?` She said, "Daddy, it`s me, Tatum.` I was just trying to be funny with a strange Swedish woman and it`s my daughter. It`s so sick."
Alana, why would Ryan hit on Tatum? What do you make of that?
STEWART: Well, he didn`t hit on Tatum. He was making a joke of it to this writer. And because she did come up behind him and put her arms around him and he turned around. And he just carried Farrah`s casket down the aisle. And he was, I think, in shock and quite grief-stricken.
And at first he didn`t recognize her. And I have to tell you the truth, she looked fantastic with long blond hair and I didn`t recognize her either. But he did recognize her for a minute.
And then, he kind of made a joke out of it and told the story to this woman at "Vanity Fair" and, you know, so - as I said in the retelling of the story out of context, you know, it can sound pretty horrible. But that`s not the way it was intended.
BLOOM: Alana, if you lose a spouse, you`re a widow or a widower, if you lose your best friend, there`s really no word in our language for it. But a best friend can be closer. You were together almost 30 years. You and Farrah are such close friends. How would you describe your grieving process over the last month?
STEWART: I think it will take a long time. And I think that one of the reasons I`m glad that I have the diaries, she was a very, very important person in my life. And she was like my sister and I write about this in the book.
And toward the end, I said to her - I just - you know, I said, "I may never say this to you, but I want you to know how much I love you. And you`re really like my sister." And she looked up at me and she said, "More than a sister." And that`s how I feel. I feel like I`ve lost my sister.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLOOM: So sad. Alana`s book, "My Journey with Farrah," is in stores now.
Tonight, breaking Michael Jackson concert news - a blockbuster tribute concert honoring Michael Jackson is now set for September 26th. It`s set to take place at a 17th century castle in Vienna, Austria.
But of course, the star-studded lineup is hush-hush for now. But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that Michael`s brother Jermaine is helping set the whole thing up. Tickets go on sale next Thursday and organizers are bracing for a huge demand. How huge? Organizers say the castle grounds can hold standing room crowd of 85,000 people.
Also breaking tonight, investigators take another huge step in unraveling the Michael Jackson death mystery. Police and federal officials have just raided a pharmacy they believe could lead to more startling details about Michael`s use of the powerful anesthetic Propofol.
Here`s CNN`s Ted Rowlands for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: This is the fifth search warrant in connection to the Michael Jackson death investigation targeted at Dr. Conrad Murray. This is the doctor that was with Jackson at the time of his death.
According to a source close to the investigation, the pharmacy that was raided in Las Vegas is the pharmacy where Murray was able to purchase Propofol or Diprivan, a strong drug normally only used by anesthesiologists in a clinical or hospital setting.
But the drug that another source has told CNN Dr. Murray gave Michael Jackson in the 24-hour period before his death. This comes on the heels of the coroner reporting that they have finished their reports into the death of Michael.
They have the toxicology and they have a cause of death, but they are holding it pending the completion of the LAPD`s investigation. Clearly, that investigation continues. We talked to Dr. Conrad Murray`s attorney`s representatives. They say they have no comment.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLOOM: That was CNN`s Ted Rowlands for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Is Tori Spelling really using her kids like props on their reality show? That`s what her mother thinks. And tonight, Tori`s husband is getting in the middle of the latest round of this ugly family smackdown. Wait until you here what he has to say. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Playwright David Mamet will direct a movie about "The Diary of Anne Frank" for Disney. "Guiding Light" shoots final scenes; soap opera ending 72-year run on 9/18.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DEAN MCDERMOTT, ACTOR: Tori and I met and fell in love in Ottawa, Canada.
TORI SPELLING, ACTRESS: And then, we got married.
MCDERMOTT: And then we have (INAUDIBLE).
SPELLING: I know you would, baby.
MCDERMOTT: Of course, you know that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLOOM: Yes. We know lots of intimate details about Tori Spelling`s life with her two kids because of her reality show, "Home Sweet Hollywood." But now, Tori and her husband are in another very public war of words with Tori`s mother over the reality show and Tori`s kids.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Lisa Bloom in Hollywood. A.J. has the night off.
Tonight, Tori Spelling`s nasty war with her mom is heating up again. This time, it`s Tori`s husband, Dean McDermott, who`s taking the gloves off.
Candy Spelling started this round of the public smackdown after posting a bizarre open letter to Tori on TMZ, attacking Tori for using her two kids as props on her reality show.
Candy launches into a tirade about why she didn`t go to her own granddaughter`s party, "Tori`s two-part season finale revolves around my granddaughter`s first birthday party. A big party wasn`t how I envisioned meeting my granddaughter for the first time; but hey, this is Hollywood and my grandchildren have become reality show props, too."
BLOOM: Ouch. But Tori`s husband, Dean, says you`ve got it all wrong, mother-in-law. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MCDERMOTT: We don`t use our children as props. We take really good care of our children. We love our children and you know, everybody is entitled to their opinion.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLOOM: Oh, boy. Is it just me, or are you also going to be counting down the minutes until the next big episode of the Spelling family drama? Stay tuned.
Tuesday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Simon Cowell`s New Reported $45 Million `Idol` Contract: Is he really worth more than Paula Abdul?" Well, guess what - 67 percent of you say yes; 33 percent of you say no.
Here are some of the E-mails that we got. Kelly from Canada writes, "I like Paula, but I don`t think `Idol` will suffer without her. And without Simon, it would suffer. He is the one that drives the show and he is the one worth the money."
And Theresa from Louisiana writes, "I think the show would keep going if Simon was leaving but I hate to see Paula leave."
I`m sure a lot of people agree with that. Keep those E-mails and calls coming. For tonight, that is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Lisa Bloom in Hollywood.
Remember, you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern, 11:00 p.m. Pacific, and in the morning, 11:00 a.m. Eastern right here on HLN.
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