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Showbiz Tonight
Hollywood at War Over Sarah Palin; Is Levi Johnston a Bigger Star than Palin?; Will Donald Trump Save Carrie Prejean?; The Great Johnny Depp- Robert Pattinson Debate; Miley Cyrus Disses "Twilight"; Chaz Bono Talks About Becoming a Man
Aired November 19, 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: Right now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Hollywood at war over Sarah Palin. Why Hollywood is drawing a line in the sand over whether to support Sarah.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She would probably make an excellent host.
MARTHA STEWART, TV HOST: I wouldn`t watch her if you paid me. She is very boring to me - very boring.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: And with Hollywood at war over Palin, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, is Levi Johnston actually a bigger celebrity than Sarah?
HAMMER: Will Donald Trump save Carrie Prejean. Tonight, is the former beauty queen reaching out for career advice to Donald Trump after her sex tape scandal? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT investigates.
Plus, the great debate after Johnny Depp is named "People`s" sexiest man alive. Why wasn`t Robert Pattinson chosen. The shocking results of our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT poll.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: 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 from Hollywood. And tonight, Hollywood at war over Sarah Palin.
HAMMER: Yes. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is revealing just how much Sarah Palin is dividing Hollywood as she storms the country on her no-holds- barred tell-all book tour. Wait until you hear what Martha Stewart just told us at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about Palin. Talk about a smack down.
It was a brand-new jaw dropping revelation today about Sarah`s arch nemesis, her almost son in law, Levi Johnston. And it all made for big news breaking today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He`s the biggest celebrity in the world.
HAMMER (voice-over): It was more than a year ago when Republicans used the word "celebrity" to mock Barack Obama. Now, there is someone from the 2008 presidential campaign who is getting massive TV ratings, selling tons of books and causing a major stir in Hollywood.
And the celebrity isn`t President Obama. Former Republican vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin.
KIM SERAFIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": She is on every program whether you turn on to cable news, whether you turn on network news, whether you turn on the entertainment shows, whether you turn on the late night shows. It`s all about Sarah Palin this week.
HAMMER: So who is a celebrity now?
OPRAH WINFREY, HOST, "THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW": Sarah Palin.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has learned that Palin`s appearance this week on "Oprah," her first big interview about her tell-all, gave Oprah her highest ratings in two years. Palin`s star power even has the queen of all media looking in her rearview mirror.
WINFREY: Should I be worried? Should I be worried because I have heard that you are going to get your own talk show?
HAMMER: If Oprah is worried, then maybe Hollywood should be, too, because Sarah Palin just might be coming to take over. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you Sarah Palin`s white hot celebrity is splitting Hollywood between those like Donald Trump who tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT she`s got the right stuff.
DONALD TRUMP, BUSINESS TYCOON: I watched her on television. And I think she is doing a very good job.
HAMMER: . and those like Martha Stewart who tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that Palin doesn`t belong in the celebrity club.
STEWART: I wouldn`t watch her if you paid me.
HAMMER: Martha Stewart ripped Palin apart when SHOWBIZ TONIGHT caught up with her in New York City.
STEWART: She very boring to me - very boring and a very - to me, kind of a dangerous person. I mean, she`s dangerous.
HAMMER: But other stars disagree with Martha. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there last night in Hollywood at "GQ`s" Men of the Year party where Rainn Wilson, the star of TV`s "The Office" told us Palin was made for TV.
RAINN WILSON, "THE OFFICE": She would probably make an excellent TV host. She`d be like a very good Rachael-Ray type.
HAMMER: But comedienne Sarah Silverman tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT she is not setting her Tivo for Palin just yet.
SARAH SILVERMAN, COMEDIENNE: I could not (EXPLETIVE DELETED) care less.
HAMMER: Sarah, tell us how you really feel. Joel McHale sure did. The star of NBC`s sitcom "Community" spoofs talk shows on his E! show, "The Soup." SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was with him last night at "Us Weekly`s" "Hot in Hollywood" party.
JOEL MCHALE, HOST, "THE SOUP": I think she has already out-rated me in pretty much everything this week for all the ratings that we`ve ever gotten for "The Soup." She`s pretty damn confident.
SERAFIN: There are some celebrities, obviously, who disagree with her so much there is no way they will welcome her into their crowd. There are other celebrities who, like Donald Trump, for example, who understands the medium, understands the media, understands that she would give great ratings if she ever came on his show, for example. Politics aside, whether you agree with her or don`t agree with her, there is something that people are drawn to about her.
HAMMER: But the big question is, does Sarah Palin even want to go the celebrity route? In her interviews this week with ABC`s Barbara Walters, Palin revealed she`s gotten all kinds of big-time Hollywood offers.
FMR. GOV. SARAH PALIN (R-AK), FORMER VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Reality shows.
BARBARA WALTERS, ABC TV HOST: You said no to that?
PALIN: Absolutely not. I would never.
HAMMER: We don`t quite know yet if Palin`s got Hollywood stardom in her eyes. But based on what the stars are telling SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Palin is just as polarizing in Hollywood as she is everywhere else.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Well, there you have it. Hollywood divided over Sarah Palin, the star. And I`ve got to tell you, the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive with Martha Stewart and her Sarah Palin smack down is truly incredible.
Joining me tonight in New York, Rachel Zalis, who is a contributing editor for "Life and Style Weekly." And in Hollywood, Hyla who is an entertainment journalist with "5DollarPrep.com."
Rachel, Hyla, you just heard some of Martha Stewart`s smack down of Sarah. But let me you, we just gave you a taste of the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive. Here`s a lot more.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT producer Jenny D`Attoma asked Martha what she thought was a simple question. And Jenny could not believe her ears as Martha just wouldn`t let it go. Watch more of this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JENNY D`ATTOMA, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT PRODUCER: Why do you think she is so polarizing to so many people?
STEWART: She is very boring to me - very boring, and a very - to me, kind of a dangerous person. I mean she`s dangerous.
D`ATTOMA: In what way?
STEWART: She speaks - she is so confused. And anyone like that in government is a real problem.
D`ATTOMA: Meanwhile, they`re saying her book is already a bestseller. Do you find.
STEWART: Good for her. Good for her.
D`ATTOMA: Have you been able to catch Sarah Palin`s interview?
STEWART: (INAUDIBLE) I wouldn`t watch her if you paid me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Martha turning up the heat there. As I watch this, I was thinking, "Hey, Martha, what did Sarah Palin ever do to you? Hyla, why do you think she`s so riled up?
HYLA, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST, 5DOLLARPREP.COM: I think because if Sarah Palin ever got a talk show, she would whoop Martha Stewart`s ass. I mean, the reality is even Oprah said it.
Oprah`s like, "So you`re going to be my competition?" You know what? Yes. Hollywood is never going to accept Sarah Palin. But you know what? In Middle America, the rest of the country - they love her. And she could rival Oprah on the talk show circuit. I have no doubt about that.
ANDERSON: Rachel, let me ask you this. How do you think Sarah would respond to Martha who is saying that she is boring, she`s dangerous?
RACHEL ZALIS, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, "LIFE AND STYLE WEEKLY": I think she would say, "Martha, that`s pretty funny. The woman who thinks cake stands and sconces are fascinating is calling me boring." I mean, really, Sarah Palin is probably the most famous woman in the world this week. And you know, I think Martha is not keen on that.
ANDERSON: Yes.
HYLA: And I love the whole dangerous thing, because on paper, who has been to prison?
(CROSSTALK)
ZALIS: Exactly.
ANDERSON: Who is actually more dangerous right now? Yes, obviously, Sarah Palin is really getting under Martha Stewart`s skin.
And what she told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT became a viral video today. It is everywhere. And our "Showbiz on Call" phone lines have been on fire over this. Ellen from California said shame on Martha.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: Regarding the idiotic comment Martha Stewart made about Sarah Palin, would she be able to sell the number of books that Sarah Palin is selling? No. Would she give Oprah Winfrey the highest ratings in two years? No.
So how can she say that Sarah Palin is boring? I wouldn`t read Martha Stewart`s book if she paid me. So there, Martha.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Ellen from California had it right when she said that Sarah`s interview with Oprah Winfrey scored over Oprah her biggest ratings in two years. Hyla, why do you think Martha has it in so for Sarah Palin?
HYLA: I don`t know. There is some ego factor. We know that Martha Stewart has a big ego. We know that she has a little bit of a chip on her shoulder.
She`s not afraid to go toe-to-toe with Donald Trump or whatever else she`s having a little beef with in the media. She likes to pick on this girl. You know what? Good for her because now we are talking about both of them. So we`re giving both of them publicity.
ANDERSON: Yes. Martha is not playing nice here at all. We also heard from Kerry in Minnesota who called into "Showbiz on Call" phone line. But she is siding with Martha Stewart. Take a listen.
CALLER: Hooray for Martha. She`s right. Sarah is dangerous. I would think she was scary, but Martha knows best.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: I do have to say that a lot of people hate, hate when big stars speak out like this. Take a look at this video just in today to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT of Sarah Palin greeting her fans in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Rachel, could Martha`s comments actually help Sarah Palin?
ZALIS: Yes. I mean, you know, I think the big issue right now is, you know, Sarah Palin is obviously on a book tour. But is she going to run for president? And I think Hollywood has a really hard time with Sarah Palin and people like Martha Stewart.
There`s a lot of people that are very opposed to her. And don`t let it get lost on anyone that she launched her book tour in Michigan, the state she had the huge conflict with John McCain over because state eluded them.
ANDERSON: Yes. And you`re right. A lot of people in Hollywood not afraid to express how they feel about Sarah Palin politically.
ZALIS: Absolutely.
ANDERSON: We`re going to leave it there for now. Rachel Zalis, Hyla, thank you both so much. And don`t go anywhere because we`re going to have a huge debate that you don`t want to miss. Coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Sarah versus Levi. Who is the bigger celebrity?
And now, we want to hear from you. It is our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Sarah Palin Versus Levi Johnston: Who is the bigger celebrity?" Vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. E-mail us, showbiztonight@cnn.com.
HAMMER: Tonight, Carrie Prejean needs help. Is the former beauty queen really asking for advice from Donald Trump on how to deal with her career after that pesky little sex tape scandal? And will he help her?
Also, Johnny Depp named the sexiest man alive. People go nuts. The great debate - is Johnny really sexier than "Twilight`s" Robert Pattinson.
Plus, Miley Cyrus disses Robert and company.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MILEY CYRUS, SINGER: I don`t like the vampires. I don`t like any of the stuff. I don`t like the wolf that pops out on the screen while I`m watching my TV at night. I don`t like it. I don`t want anything to do with it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Miley, you have to know that your fans - they`re probably "Twilight" fans, too. Was this a great idea? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
It`s time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" is top pre-selling film in "MovieTicket.com`s" history. Emmy Awards moved to August 29 on NBC to avoid conflict with Sunday NFL games.
You are watching SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN. And keep watching the bottom of your screen for more nonstop, compelling and provocative news from SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Hey, Will Ferrell, you are not worth your paycheck. Well, that`s not according to me. I`m a big fan. But the Forbes list of Hollywood`s most overpaid stars is out today. Will is number one. Hey, apparently, for every dollar Will is paid, his films make only $3.29.
Ferrell starred in "Land of the Lost" this summer. It was a big bomb. Now, they are doing an "Old School II." So maybe that will help Will out. I hope so.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.
Tonight, the elbowing, kicking, hair-pulling mean girl soccer player speaks. Now, we have all seen this video at the University of New Mexico`s soccer player, Elizabeth Lambert, doing some really nasty things to a Brigham Young opponent during a soccer game including grabbing a woman by her ponytail and yanking her to the ground. Well, tonight, the first time Elizabeth is opening up.
Here`s CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was the ponytail pull that floored everybody who saw it. Ponytail pull and punch that became a late night punch line.
DAVID LETTERMAN, HOST, "LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN": Watch this. This display of rough action and hair-pulling has caused sports fans across the nation to stand up and say, "Hey, maybe I need to start watching women`s soccer."
MOOS: Elizabeth Lambert was called nasty, dirty and most violent cheap shot. And now, she gets the bully pulpit to say -
JER LONGMAN, "THE NEW YORK TIMES" SPORTS REPORTER (through telephone): She`s just trying to say that she`s not a monster that she`s being portrayed to be.
MOOS: The University of New Mexico junior gave her side of the story only to the "New York Times." No media circus.
LONGMAN: She came across as very remorseful, I think, and stunned that not only that this happened, but stunned that she was the one who did it.
MOOS: Speaking of the hair yanking, she told "The Times," "I look at it and I`m like, `That is not me.`" She is seeing a psychologist, suspended from soccer. Her roommates try not to let her get near a computer to avoid vicious comments or reenactment or an impersonation of her making a dating video.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I`m thinking about putting the soccer ball in the shop.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What the (EXPLETIVE DELETED) is this? You think all I do is play soccer? Get back here.
MOOS: But it`s been far from funny for Lambert who says she is stunned and scared by the vehement comments like this.
LONGMAN: "You should be taken to a state prison, raped and left to die on the side of a ditch."
MOOS: She points out that, except for the ponytail yank, the rest of what was condensed into that video was normal jostling that takes place in women`s soccer, that she was elbowed in the ribs before whacking back at her opponent, tugged at her shorts.
(on camera): Elizabeth Lambert says the whole incident got blown out of proportion because it was a woman doing it. If it had been men`s soccer, the guys are expected to be rough.
(voice-over): And then, there are all the catfight comments like this one from Wiener Guy who is appalled the incident has been portrayed in a sexy way.
LONGMAN: She`s got messages from guys saying, "Hey, we have to meet up."
MOOS: She looks like a J Crew model in this picture.
(voice-over): She is also the model of remorse that could take a lifetime to live down this take down.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What happened to Linda? She was here a second ago.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Yes. Here`s the thing about Lambert`s on-the-field nastiness. I have been wondering all along where the heck the refs were. How they missed that? That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And Brooke, I can tell you, we have got a catfight of our own going on, on the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines. The big issue today, Johnny Depp being voted this year`s sexiest man alive by "People" magazine.
ANDERSON: Yes. Folks are really fired up about this, A.J. Is Johnny really the sexiest or should the honor have gone to smoking hot "Twilight" star Robert Pattinson? We got a call into "Showbiz on Call" from Jennifer in Alabama who says, no doubt about it, "People" got it right.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
JENNIFER, CALLER FROM ALABAMA: I think the magazine made an excellent choice, that it`s Johnny Depp. I`ve always loved him and think he is one of the best actors. I`m looking forward to him one day getting an Academy Award. They made a good choice in Johnny Depp. I love him.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you, Jennifer.
HAMMER: Now Clarissa in Texas called into "Showbiz on Call" to say Robert has to wait his turn.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: I do believe that Robert Pattinson is incredibly sexy and incredibly hunky. And in a couple of years, he will be the Johnny Depp of our new generation and will get "People`s" sexiest man alive at 46, just as Johnny Depp has.
HAMMER: Appreciate your call, Clarissa. Call us at "Showbiz on Call" and let us know what`s on your mind.
ANDERSON: The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are always open. The number is 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; that`s 1-888-728-2899. Simply leave a voicemail. We will play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And tonight, the brand-new Sarah versus Levi war. Just who is the bigger star? It`s the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT fired-up debate. And Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Will these two really have a turkey truce? You know, Sarah did invite Levi over.
Also, the raging debate over the sexiest man of the year. "People" magazine picked Johnny Depp. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines went nuts over this. Was "Twilight`s" Robert Pattinson robbed? Is he really the sexiest? We have the great debate.
Also, Miley Cyrus trashes "Twilight."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CYRUS: I don`t like vampires. I don`t like any of the stuff. I don`t like the wolf that pops out of the screen when I`m watching my TV at night. I don`t like it. I don`t want anything to do with it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: I guess you won`t find any vampires at Miley`s "Party in the USA" or anywhere. But is it a bad move for Miley to diss a movie her fans are probably totally obsessed with?
HAMMER: And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Country Music Awards give ABC best ratings week all year; more than 17 million watched CMAs. Taylor Swift to be named one of NBC`s "People of the Year" in special that airs Thanksgiving night.
HAMMER: You are watching SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN. Right now, I want you to keep on watching the bottom of your screen for more nonstop, compelling and provocative news from SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Tonight, Kate Moss is being slammed by eating disorder activists over something she said. In an interview with the fashion Web site, "WWD," Moss said that her motto is, quote, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels."
That`s a slogan that`s posted all over pro-anorexia Web sites that encourage girls not to eat. Critics are calling Moss` comments shocking and irresponsible. Moss` modeling agency says, quote, "This was part of a longer answer Kate gave in a wider-ranging interview which has unfortunately been taken out of context and completely misrepresented."
HAMMER: Tonight, Patrick Swayze`s wife is speaking out about her husband`s battle with pancreatic cancer. Swayze and Lisa Neimi were married for 34 years before his tragic death in September at the age of 57.
Now, the statistics on pancreatic cancer - they are grim. Only five percent of people who were diagnosed with it are still alive after years. Well, on "LARRY KING LIVE," Lisa said it all started when Patrick had some indigestion and jaundice. He went to the doctor right away and the news wasn`t good.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LISA NEIMI, PATRICK SWAYZE`S WIFE: I didn`t know a lot about pancreatic cancer at that point, but he did. And when he got that diagnosis, the first thing, unfortunately, because of pancreatic cancer, he said, "I`m a dead man." And it`s a really tough, tough merciless disease, especially, you know, in the advanced stages which he was diagnosed.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Swayze lived for two years after his diagnosis.
ANDERSON: Patrick Swayze got lots of accolades throughout his career. And in 1991, he was even named "People" magazine`s sexiest man alive.
This year the honor went to Johnny Depp. And the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page is overrun with comments about that. "People" magazine named Johnny the sexiest man for a second time. He also got the title in 2003. But some of the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook fans have their own ideas.
Jessie B. writes, "It should have been Anderson Cooper."
Rebecca O. writes, "It should be Johnny Depp every year even when he`s 80."
A lot of Facebook fans also think our own A.J. Hammer deserves the title and I agree.
I want to hear from you on Facebook. Also follow us on Twitter. For breaking entertainment news alerts, sign up for our Facebook and Twitter pages at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
HAMMER: Nice of you to say, Brooke. Nobody voted for that. Come on.
Now, the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Carrie Prejean needs help. Is Carrie really asking Donald Trump for advice about her post-sex tape career? Didn`t she just diss him?
Sarah Palin versus Levi Johnston. Tonight, the great debate - who is the bigger celebrity?
Also Chaz Bono talks about becoming a man.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHAZ BONO, CHER`S CHILD: This is a very difficult decision to make, but it`s the best decision I`ve ever made.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The former Chastity Bono, daughter of Sonny and Cher, speaks out about the decision to have a sex change.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Bon Jovi`s new album, "The Circle," number on Billboard; it`s the band`s fourth number one album. HBO renews "Real Time with Bill Maher" for eighth season.
You are watching SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN. Keep on watching the bottom of your screen for more nonstop, compelling and provocative news from SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Now on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the brand-new Sarah Palin-Levi Johnston war. She was a former VP pick and is a bestselling author. His is the father of her grandson and just posed nude. Tonight, the fired-up debate - who`s the bigger star?
Will the Donald save Carrie? Tonight, Carrie Prejean reportedly reaches out to Donald Trump right in the middle of her sex tape scandal. But didn`t she diss him? Will the Donald help her?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CYRUS: I don`t like vampires. I don`t like any of the stuff. I don`t like the wolf that pops out of the screen when I`m watching my TV at night. I don`t like it. I don`t want anything to do with it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Miley trashes "Twilight: New Moon." "Twilight" is something her fans are probably obsessed with. Is this a really bad idea?
Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: Welcome back 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. And tonight, it is Sarah versus Levi, the great celebrity debate.
HAMMER: Yes. That`s right, Brooke. It is the battle of the century going on here. Sarah`s gone rogue and Levi`s gone Hollywood. And their dueling star power made for even more big news breaking today.
Palin is on "Oprah," Barbara. And now, she`s hitting the road for a big time bus tour all to push her tell-all book. But Levi Johnston has unveiled his "Playgirl" photo and he`s hitting Hollywood`s biggest parties. Tonight, we`ve got the heated debate. Is Levi becoming a bigger star than Palin?
Also tonight, talk of a Palin-Levi turkey truce? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT right there in Hollywood as Levi was pressed for answers on whether or not he`ll take up Palin`s invitation on "Oprah" to come to Thanksgiving dinner with the Palins.
And in more big news breaking today, Levi says he`d been invited to appear on "Dancing with the Stars." And I`ve just got to say, are you freaking kidding me?
Joining me tonight in New York, Rachel Zalis who is a contributing editor for "Life and Style Weekly." Also tonight, in Hollywood - it`s Hyla, who is an entertainment journalist for "5DollarPrep.com."
All right. Let`s get things off by showing the two images. They are straight out of Hollywood and I mean that literally. Take a look at this, Charles. May I see those photos, please?
We`re going to do a little split screen for you. On the left side, you see Levi Johnston all spiffed up and living it up for the cameras last night. These were at the "GQ" men of the year red carpet in Hollywood.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, of course, was right there with him. On the right, we have Sarah Palin standing in front of thousands of her adoring fans as she embarked on her nationwide book tour.
Hyla, off to you first. Has Levi become bigger celebrity than Palin?
HYLA: Whoa, whoa, whoa. Everyone slow down. Now, we are getting excited with him in "Playgirl" and in a little bubble of Hollywood. He`s kind of big talk of the town. But if you think about famous, nationally, internationally, this guy doesn`t even come close.
I mean, when I traveled to Europe this past summer, people would come up to me and ask me, "Yo, what`s up with this Sarah Palin person? Are you guys really taking her seriously?"
She is on a much bigger scale because the things that she does could one day affect our lives on a daily basis. Whatever Levi does is just fun to make fun of.
HAMMER: Well, I do have some facts and figures to perhaps back up everything you`re saying right there, Hyla. In my hands, the ratings just in today for Oprah Winfrey`s show with Sarah Palin that, of course, aired on Monday.
Get this - Sarah gave Oprah her highest ratings in two years. That`s a big deal. An estimated 10 million people tuned in to see Sarah Palin on "Oprah."
HYLA: That`s a great point. You think who she`s had - she`s had Jennifer Aniston on. She`s - you know, Mike Tyson just this season. She`s had some big mega stars. You`re not going to say that Levi Johnston is bigger than Jennifer Aniston, are you?
HAMMER: You know - not necessarily. But of course, you know, let`s not count Levi out just yet because he did just turn the fame tide back his way by releasing the first photo from his naked "Playgirl" shoot. Rachel, let me ask you. Do you think that Levi is, you know - if not bigger than Sarah, certainly stealing Sarah`s spotlight here?
ZALIS: Oh, absolutely. I totally disagree with Hyla. I mean, we expect Sarah to be famous. She was the VP nominee. She has a huge book.
What does Levi do? He got a girl preggers, posed for "Playgirl." And yet, he is going toe-to-toe or maybe, toe-to-tush with Palin in the press. I mean, this guy is huge this week. Every cover, every interview, reality shows. It`s insane.
HYLA: But if you have to go on her coattails, that means that she is more famous than he is.
HAMMER: Do me a favor, Rachel. Watch your word choice when you`re talking about a guy who just posed in "Playgirl."
Now, everybody has been talking about this. Our "Showbiz on Call" phone lines fired up all day long today over the whole Levi and Sarah celebrity duel.
Let`s get to a call here. Nicole from Texas, who thinks that Sarah is to blame for fueling Levi`s rise to stardom. Listen to this.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
NICOLE, CALLER FROM TEXAS: I think Sarah Palin needs to be the adult and not feed into his little immature behavior. But she is making herself look really, really bad at this point. And I mean, she is supposed to be the adult. She`s giving him more fame than he`s actually worth.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Nicole, we appreciate your call. Brooke Anderson, let me ask you this. Could Sarah actually be to blame for fueling Levi`s rise to stardom? What do you think?
ANDERSON: No question. I could not agree with our caller, Nicole, more. Listen, Levi is kind of a joke, I mean, a joke with ripped biceps, but a joke nonetheless. And the more Sarah Palin responds to what he does and what he says, the more people pay attention to him.
He has yet to show that he has got any depth or any talent for anyone to latch on to him. So without Sarah Palin, I think his ticket to stardom expires.
HAMMER: Brooke, calling it like she sees it. All right. After Sarah did Oprah, she was interviewed this week. She was interviewed this week by Barbara Walters. And she revealed that she had gotten some offers to do reality shows.
But she`s not the only one. There is a blog called "Dish Rag." And today, they revealed this new interview with Levi where he says that he has been invited to compete on really one of the biggest reality shows out there, "Dancing with the Stars." "Oh, goody. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Have you been invited to "Survivor?"
LEVI JOHNSTON, FATHER OF SARAH PALIN`S GRANDSON: I`m thinking about it. We`ll see.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Which show would be best suited to your talents?
JOHNSTON: I would do my own.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You`re going to do your own? Is that in the cards too? Did you think you would do your own reality show maybe?
JOHNSTON: I would.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is that - have you talked about it and what would be the context, do you think? How about "Dancing With The Stars"? Do you think about doing that.
JOHNSTON: We`ll see. I`ve thought about it. I don`t know.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Maybe the "Survivor" thing - somebody is just toying with him. They just want to drop him on an island and take off. And Levi right there playing a little coy. But look, he`s got some big offers on the table.
Rachel, we saw lose his dignity once so far, taking all his clothes off for "Playgirl." But why not lose his dignity again by flopping on "Dancing With The Stars"?
ZALIS: Oh, absolutely. I mean, I think you can`t go wrong with either. I mean, "Survivor?" If he could survive Sarah, he would definitely survive any of those contestants on the island. And "Dancing With The Stars" - he should go on. He could hook up with Karina Smirnoff. He could be the hottest thing. He can`t go wrong.
HYLA: Karina - does she want to hook up with him? You`ve actually caused (UNINTELLIGIBLE), girl.
HAMMER: Here we are. Actually, we`re exactly week away from Thanksgiving dinner. Everybody getting all excited about this. And one big question out there today is will Levi have Thanksgiving dinner with Sarah Palin? Now, we remember when Oprah asked Sarah if she and Levi might actually break bread at Thanksgiving. Take a look at what she told Oprah. Roll that Charles.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PALIN: This can all work out for good. It really can. We don`t have to keep going down this road of controversy and drama all the time. We are not really into the drama. We don`t really like that we`re - we`re more productive. We have other things to concentrate on.
(CROSSTALK)
WINFREY: Is he coming or no, he`s not?
PALIN: An open invitation for Levi to come to Aunt Katie`s house for Thanksgiving dinner in Washington. There. There.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there with Levi, at the GQ Man of the Year party in Hollywood last night. And reporters were pressing Levi about Thanksgiving with the Palins.
He refused to comment, unfortunately. I was looking for some information on that. But Hyla, after all the venom between Sarah and the guy who was almost her son-in-law, can you actually imagine Sarah and Levi sharing, you know, drumsticks and mashed potatoes at Aunt Katie`s?
HYLA: Yes. Let me think about this. No, absolutely not. Not in a million years this guy is going to be anywhere near the Palin compound.
HAMMER: Levi did just tell "Playgirl" that it would be awkward if he came to the Palin Thanksgiving dinner. Rachel, let me ask you. Understatement of the year right there? I mean, can we just mark it down?
ZALIS: I think he`d be worried that he wasn`t actually a guest, but if he was actually the stuffed turkey, although, I would love to be a fly on that wall. It would be too good.
HAMMER: Rachel Zalis, Hyla, thanks so much, guys. I appreciate it.
All right. we have been asking you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Sarah Palin Versus Levi Johnston: Who is the bigger celebrity?" Please keep voting at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight or E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
ANDERSON: Tonight, Carrie Prejean comes calling back to Donald Trump? Carrie caught up in this embarrassing sex tape scandal so she reportedly asked the Donald to help her out. But didn`t she diss him? Will Trump help her?
The raging sexiest man alive debate? "People" magazine picks Johnny Depp and all heck breaks loose in the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom. Papers everywhere. Typewriters thrown - well, maybe not typewriters. Should "Twilight`s" Robert Pattinson have been picked as the sexiest man alive?
Also tonight - OMG. OMG. I can tell you that Miley Cyrus is trashing "Twilight."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CYRUS: I don`t like vampires. I don`t like any of the stuff. I don`t like the wolf that pops out of the screen when I`m watching my TV at night. I don`t like it. I don`t want anything to do with it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Miley, Miley, Miley. Why would you diss one of the hottest things out there? You know your fans are going to lineup to see "New Moon." Miley, what are you doing? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And this is the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Court documents reveal more nude videos of ESPN`s Erin Andrews than previously thought. Black Eyed Peas manager won`t face charges for allegedly punching Perez Hilton.
HAMMER: You are watching SHOWBIZ TONIGHT right here on HLN. And right now, here`s what you`ve got to do. Keep on watching the bottom of your screen. You`re not going to want to miss any of this. It`s more nonstop, compelling and provocative news from SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
ANDERSON: I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Tonight, can Trump save Carrie? Carrie Prejean is reportedly turning to the Donald Trump to get her out of the pickle she is now in because of the sex tape scandal. Good idea?
The "New York Post" reports today Prejean is turning to Donald Trump for advice, the same guy who once fired her. Does Carrie Prejean have a lot of nerve?
And the great debate erupted today over "People" magazine naming Johnny Depp sexiest man alive. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was bombarded today with people saying, no way. It should have been "Twilight" star, Robert Pattinson. It`s a great hottie debate.
But not everyone is a Robert Pattinson fan. Miley Cyrus today bashes the "Twilight" series and its fans.
HAMMER: Yes, Brooke. I`m thinking - Miley, probably not such a good idea. Not a real smart thing to say there.
Joining me tonight in Hollywood, Lauren Sanchez who is a correspondent for "Extra." Tonight, in New York, is Megan Alexander, a correspondent for "Inside Edition."
We begin with a brand-new Carrie Prejean shocker. Prejean reportedly asking Donald Trump for advice on how the heck she can get out of her big old mess, keeping in mind, of course, Donald is the owner of the Miss USA franchise, the same franchise that fired Prejean because of breach of contract. And of course, she just dissed Donald in her new book.
So Lauren, let me ask you first. Should the Donald help Carrie?
LAUREN SANCHEZ, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": Well, he kind of did. He half- jokingly said, "You know what, Carrie? You should be a major porn star, make a lot of money and give all the money to charity." Maybe that is his help.
But come on. You know what? Donald - I think if he could make money off of Carrie, he probably would give her advice. But I think he knows that she`s done. That`s what I think.
HAMMER: However, I was thinking about this. She is keeping his name out there in the public. And we know for one that Donald certainly likes that.
And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT did catch up with Trump. We had to ask him what he thinks about Carrie Prejean these days. I have to say I thought he would be a lot harsher than he was. Watch what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: I know Carrie very well, but hopefully Carrie`s going to get her act together and be happy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. I`m glad you know her very well, Donald. He always, for some reason, feels the need to say something like that. But he wants her to be happy. Megan, you know, it is certainly one thing for him to speak nicely about her. But do you think he should actually help her move on in her career?
MEGAN ALEXANDER, CORRESPONDENT, "INSIDE EDITION": Well, A.J., let`s see. Carrie bashed him and the Miss USA pageant in her book. So I find it very interesting that now, she`s going back to him for advice.
I imagine Donald would be just a little bit too busy for her. And I`m curious about her PR team. They haven`t been able to get it together that they feel this is their last resort. The only thing I think he might do is put Carrie on "Celebrity Apprentice." But I think it would be so he could say, "you`re fired" again.
HAMMER: Yes. Wouldn`t that be something? Once again, it would be good to see her the first to go. Brooke Anderson, another hot debate just in today. Johnny Depp versus Robert Pattinson.
ANDERSON: Yes.
HAMMER: And I know you are listening in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT morning meeting. It nearly came to fist to cuffs.
ANDERSON: It nearly did. Papers flying, coffee being thrown on each other. A.J., "People" magazine has just named Johnny Depp the sexiest man alive. But not everyone agrees obviously with that decision.
Check out our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day where we got nearly 150,000 responses. We asked, "Johnny Depp: Do you agree he is the sexiest man alive?" The late results came in late today and get this, only 25 percent said yes; 75 percent said no.
I`ve got to tell you a lot of people are saying it should be "Twilight" star Robert Pattinson. Lauren, are you on team Johnny or team Robert?
SANCHEZ: I kind of want to be on both teams if possible. But I have to admit everyone went crazy when they heard Johnny Depp and said why not Robert?
But I mean, I think Johnny`s earned it. I mean, come on. He is sexy. He`s been around for a long time. He`s had boatloads of movies. And Robert - I know he`s the proud little boy. He`s prom king right now. But come on. Johnny deserves it just a little bit. Robert always has next year, remember.
ANDERSON: You are right. And Johnny Depp has been in the business longer than Robert Pattinson has even been alive. But do you want an example of how hot people a lot of people think Pattinson is? He was on the "Today" show this morning. And you have got to see the screaming, convulsing, hyperventilating women lined up outside the studio. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It`s going to be chilly, but they will warm you up. I guarantee.
ROBERT PATTINSON, ACTOR: Some of these people have been here for more than a day.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There they go.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK. I`m not so sure that Johnny Depp gets that same reaction from women. And the debate continued on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page.
Michelle G. writes, "Robert Pattinson? You have got to be kidding. Rolls eyes."
But Holly N. counters writing, "Johnny Depp, OMG. Hands down?"
ANDERSON: Megan, where are you in here - team Johnny Depp or team Robert Pattinson?
ALEXANDER: You know, I have been a Johnny Depp fan, but "People" magazine generally gives the sexiest man alive to the "it" guy at the moment. And I would say I don`t think Johnny Depp is the "it" guy currently right now. He definitely deserved the title in 2003.
I think Robert would be a good choice. I agree with Lauren. He`s got many more years to claim this title. But maybe Bradley Cooper or Gerard Butler are the "it" man of the moment. It could have been good choices.
SANCHEZ: No!
ANDERSON: That could have been good options. No, Lauren, you don`t agree?
SANCHEZ: No, no, no. It was definitely between I think - I don`t know. I think it was Robert or Johnny. It had to be. That was it, but I think Robert is the most popular guy.
ANDERSON: It has to be one of those two.
SANCHEZ: Yes. But next year, he will get it. Promise. Yes.
ANDERSON: Well, speaking of Robert, not everybody is a fan including tween sensation, Miley Cyrus. I cannot believe what we heard today. Miley actually bashing the "Twilight" series during an interview with Q92 Radio in Ohio saying, "I`ve never seen `Twilight` nor will I ever. I don`t believe in it. I don`t believe in it." And she went on and on. Listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CYRUS: I don`t like vampires. I don`t like any of the stuff. I don`t like the wolf that pops out of the screen when I`m watching my TV at night. I don`t like it. I don`t want anything to do with it. I mean, usually, I`m like - people always like, fall in love with the character. It makes me - yes, I`m not into it.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: OK. That`s all right.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK. Miley obviously realizes she has made a bone-headed move and she has since apologized by Twitter, so she probably thought, not such a smart idea. Ladies, we are going to leave it there for now. Lauren Sanchez, Megan Alexander, thanks. Good to see you.
HAMMER: Tonight, Chaz Bono is speaking out about becoming a man.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BONO: This was a very difficult decision to make, but it`s the best decision I`ve ever made.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Chaz used to be Chastity. It`s the daughter of Cher and the late Sonny Bono. You`ve got to hear this amazing story of going through exception.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio on new list of most overpaid Hollywood stars. Michael Moore`s "Capitalism: A Love Story" doesn`t make the cut for Oscar nomination.
You are watching SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN. Keep on watching the bottom of your screen for more nonstop, compelling and provocative news from SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, Chaz Bono speaks out about becoming a man. Chaz, of course, formerly Chastity Bono, daughter of Cher and the late Sonny Bono, is almost a year into what is expected to be five-year process of gender reassignment surgery.
He said he always felt like a boy from as far back as he can remember. And now, at 40 years old, he has started the process of becoming a man. Today, on "Good Morning America," he talked about how it`s going.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BONO: I have only been on hormone therapy for about eight months now. So there`s been definite changes and I feel so much more comfortable than I have ever been. But you know - much more to come.
I think probably the first thing that was just an incredible hurdle was the idea that I was not going be able to do this privately like most people can. And that took a really long time to get over.
And then, I think it was about dealing with the people in my life and how it was going affect them. And finally, it came down to, you know, realizing that I got live my life for myself and life is short and life is precious. And you know, this is who I am. I need to finally be who I am.
This was a very difficult decision to make but it is the best decision I have ever made. So I mean, I am happier, more confident. You know, I feel great. I mean, I feel great. And, you know, it would almost be easy to say why did I wait so long to do this?
And I am a person who believes that things happen when they are supposed to happen. And you know, I was ready when I was ready and life is just great now. It is really great.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Chaz didn`t say anything about how his mother, Cher is dealing with his decision.
ANDERSON: Big Jon and Kate news tonight. Today, we learn that the TLC show that started it all, "Jon & Kate Plus 8," is ending on Monday.
On the final episode, Jon and Kate venture out on separate outings with their eight kids. And they`ll each wax poetic on what the future holds. It is the end of a long, stormy two years for the show and the couple. When Jon and Kate made their separation official on an episode that ran in June, 10.6 million people watched and the rest, as they say, is history.
HAMMER: Wednesday we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Just moments ago, Jay Conroy (ph) handed me this, the final results. "Johnny Depp: Do you agree he is the sexiest man alive?" Twenty- five percent of you said yes, so 75 percent of you don`t think this is a good choice.
Lots of opinions out there about who should have gotten this title. One of the biggest responses we`ve ever gotten to anything we`ve ever asked - in fact, here are a few of the E-mails we received. Sandi in Georgia writing, "Hands down Richard Gere is by far the sexiest man alive. He ages like fine wine."
Gayle, from Pennsylvania, writes, "Johnny Depp is cute, sure, but he`s more of a boy. Now, Hugh Jackman is a all man."
And I must point out, Brooke Anderson, one write-in vote for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT executive producer, Dave Levin. And it is signed B.A. Is that from you?
ANDERSON: It may be from me. Maybe next year.
HAMMER: That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
ANDERSON: I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. 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 on HLN.
END
