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Showbiz Tonight
Adam Lambert`s Sexually-Charged Shocker at the AMAs; Who Can Replace Oprah?; Slamming Sarah Palin; Bye-Bye, Jon and Kate
Aired November 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, Adam Lambert`s sexually- charged shocker at the American Music Awards. The absolute outrage over the sexually explosive performance by the openly gay "American Idol" star. Tonight, Adam`s angry claim that there is a double standard with women.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ADAM LAMBERT, "AMERICAN IDOL" RUNNER-UP: All of a sudden, a male does it and everybody goes, "Oh, we can`t show that on TV."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, the great debate. Did Adam go too far?
Brand-new revelations today about why Oprah is quitting her show from her confidant, Gayle King. Could Gayle be replacing Oprah? But what about Ellen or Tyra?
Slamming Sarah. Tonight, the unbelievable brand-new fallout after Martha Stewart bashes Sarah Palin right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARTHA STEWART, TV HOST: I mean, she`s dangerous.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
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, Adam`s sexual surprise. And we are not talking about Adam Lambert`s sexuality. The "American Idol" runner-up is openly gay.
But what he did at the American Music Awards ignited an absolute firestorm today over whether he finally went too far. Adam could not have asked for more publicity just in time for his new album which officially dropped today.
But I can tell you that hardly anybody I spoke today with could remember what song he actually sang last night at the AMAs, because all we could remember was his over-the-top sexually charged performance that made for big news breaking.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): It`s a great raging debate tonight. Was Adam Lambert`s high-voltage S & M performance a buzz-worthy jolt to the music industry or a desperate and offensive grab for attention?
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Last night, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was there at the American Music Awards as Lambert revealed his much-awaited brand-new single, "Entertain You." But now, some are saying his over-the-top sexual shenanigans were too much entertainment for one night.
JANELL SNOWDEN, HOST, VH1 NEWS: When Adam came on, his voice captivated me. So I stopped what I was doing and I dropped my jaw when I saw that whole display of sexuality. I was like, "Really, Adam? Really? This is what I`m getting?"
ANDERSON: What the audience got was a provocative mix of sexuality and S & M. Some highlights included Lambert`s dragging a fishnet-clad woman around the stage by her leg. Leading two male dancers around by a leash. Some pretty shocking sex simulations for broadcast TV. And perhaps most provocative of all, Lambert kissed his male keyboardist.
JO PIAZZA, CNN.COM CONTRIBUTOR: This was definitely the kiss heard and seen throughout the world.
ANDERSON: The debate raged on today in the blogosphere and in daytime talk about Lambert`s performance. The ladies of "The View" duked it out over whether Lambert stepped way over the line.
ELISABETH HASSELBECK, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": We will not remember him as a performer or someone with a voice if he continues to do things like this. So, smarten up and think.
(CROSSTALK)
JOY BEHAR, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": Everyone loves a lesbian kiss. When two guys are kissing, they get upset.
ANDERSON: And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you, Adam Lambert agrees with Joy. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT spoke directly to Lambert right after his controversial performance. He told us people need to stop with the double standard.
LAMBERT: I feel like women performers have been pushing the envelope sexually for the past 20 years. And all of a sudden, a male does it and everybody goes, "Oh, we can`t show that on TV." And to me that`s a form of discrimination and it`s a double standard.
PIAZZA: I don`t think there is such a double standard. The world erupted when Britney Spears and Madonna kissed at the MTV Video Music Awards. And that was a huge story. Everyone was talking about it, the same way they talk about Adam Lambert.
SNOWDEN: Yes, there is a double standard. But hon, guess what? You are just starting your career. You really need to establish yourself first before you try to come out of the box and be this, like, you know, social advocate for gay rights.
ANDERSON: And the overwhelming reaction breaking today in the blogosphere was anything less than glowing for Lambert. "Entertainment Weekly" was not impressed, writing, "That the golden voice took a back seat and I`m not sure exactly who was occupying the driver`s seat."
(MUSIC PLAYING)
PIAZZA: He did sound a little like a cat in heat. Maybe that`s because he was focusing on the shock factor.
ANDERSON: But that shock factor got major kudos. Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton wrote, "Was it over-the-top? Yes, and we loved it. He has gotten a lot of criticism for this performance, but Adam Lambert, we applaud you."
LAMBERT: That`s what I`m looking for. Cheers at the end.
ANDERSON: So with the outrageous performance, the cat-in-heat vocals and boy-on-boy kiss, did Lambert come out of the AMAs a winner?
PIAZZA: I think at the end of the day, Adam Lambert won. Everyone is talking about him. His album dropped today. I think the sales are going to be huge. So I think that he`s really putting himself out there and he`s going to come out as a winner.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Well, you can`t deny he is an artist being an artist. But was Adam Lambert`s performance completely offensive? Or is he a victim of this double standard?
Joining me tonight from Hollywood, Tanika Ray, who is an entertainment journalist. Also tonight in Hollywood, Carlos Diaz, who is a correspondent for "Extra."
And Carlos, right off to you. Were you offended by the Adam Lambert performance at the AMAs?
CARLOS DIAZ, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": Well, this is a political show, I have to say, as a Republican or as a Democrat. So I need to say this - as a straight man, I was not offended at all by this, OK?
We have seen this time and time again. David Bowie, Prince, even Michael Jackson to some extent - the whole androgynous thing.
And let me get as clear as I can be. The only reason we are offended and are talking about this is because a guy kissed another guy on network TV last night. The whole leading people around on stage by leashes, what he did with the girls on stage, no. It`s because he kissed another guy.
HAMMER: See, I don`t think that`s it, Carlos. What I have been hearing from so many people today - and Tanika, I want to get your take, how you thought - but what I have been hearing is it wasn`t so much the kiss.
I mean, look. It`s 2010. Give me a break. We`re almost in the brand-new year here. But I think what people are offended is more the simulated oral sex and some other things that we were seeing. Tanika, first of all, is that how you saw it and were you offended?
TANIKA RAY, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST: No. See, I was privy to how Adam performed prior to "American Idol." What you have to realize is that he sanitized his whole performance to be on that show, "American Idol."
HAMMER: Yes.
RAY: This guy is a glam rock performer. He is all balls out, for lack of a better term. And he doesn`t care what people feel about him. Him simulating oral sex entertaining all the way. Him leading guys on leashes - I thought at least it sparked a little something in the show.
And it was different. It was entertaining. And when it comes down to it, the man knows how to put on a show. The only thing that I was worried about - him kissing that piano player who`s apparently straight, by the way. I thought he would like lose teeth. They`d smash their faces together so hard. That was the only think I was thinking about.
DIAZ: I agree with Tanika there. It was a painful kiss. But one other thing - Janet Jackson grabbed some guy in the nether region to open the show and no one`s talking about that.
HAMMER: Well, that could go to the point of the double standard.
RAY: We did see her boobs.
HAMMER: And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there at the American Music Awards. We got a chance to speak with Adam Lambert as he walked off on the stage. And he really did go off on that whole idea claiming that when women do what he did, it`s really not such a big deal. Watch what he told us.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LAMBERT: As an afterthought, I do feel like there is a bit of a double standard in the entertainment community on television, on radio. I feel like women performers have been pushing the envelope sexually for the past 20 years.
And all of a sudden, a male does it and everybody goes, "Oh, we can`t show that on TV." And to me that`s a form of discrimination and it`s a double standard. And that`s too bad.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: And to be clear, historically, the women do get called out for some of these things that Adam is talking about. But Tanika, what do you think? All that sad, double standard there? Is Adam right?
RAY: I do think it`s a double standard. But you know what? That`s just America. We think two women kissing - that`s sexy and provocative versus two men - that`s really still taboo in America.
So yes, it`s a double standard, but all in all, people just need to get over it. The man is trying to sell some albums and that`s exactly how you do it. You take a page out of Madonna`s book. You take a page out of Britney`s book. You take a page out of Janet`s book.
HAMMER: Yes.
RAY: That`s the way you do it. The man is new on the scene. You`ve got to do what you`ve got to do.
HAMMER: And whether or not it was intentional, certainly not a bad thing to that point that everybody is talking about him say.
All right. Let`s move on to another shocker at the AMAs. I want you to take a look at something. And this was not a planned action if you ask me. J-Lo taking this big tumble during her performance, landing right there on her butt.
Brand-new reports that she was so furious backstage, Dick Clark Productions, who does the AMAs, actually edited out the fall for the west coast showing of the American Music Awards.
And today, J-Lo told Ryan Seacrest - oh, yes, the fall was all part of an act. Listen to this.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
RYAN SEACREST, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: It was the greatest recovery ever.
JENNIFER LOPEZ, SINGER AND ACTRESS: No, it was just a - yes, I meant to do that. What are you talking about? You should know me better than that. That was part of the choreography.
SEACREST: No, what I know is and I didn`t want to tell people that, but you do things because it makes you endearing. It makes you one of us.
LOPEZ: That`s it. That`s it. Look, the measure of things is not what happens when you fall. It`s how you handle it when you fall.
HAMMER: OK. Carlos, quickly here. Are you with me that as much as she`s having a good laugh about, that was not a planned fall right there?
DIAZ: It`s ironic that she`s singing a song about shoes that her shoes failed her on the fall. But on the west coast, we didn`t see it. We saw a really cool effect. We saw a slow motion effect. But I had to go online today to see the fall. That was a real fall.
RAY: Absolutely.
HAMMER: Hey, another reason to move to New York. All right. Also making some big news in the American Music Awards - Michael Jackson won a record number of awards. And then, of course, there`s this news breaking today - you`re not going to believe this.
Michael Jackson`s doctor, you know, the guy suspected of being responsible for Michael`s death, went back to work today. Unbelievable. He hung the shingle back up at his doctor`s office. I mean, who is going to see this guy?
Tanika, Carlos, we`re going to get into that coming up next.
ANDERSON: Tonight, brand-new revelations about Oprah`s big decision. Her best friend and confidante is speaking out about Oprah`s decision to end her show after 25 years. So could Gayle King possibly replace Oprah? What about Ellen or Tyra? The great debate.
Plus, say goodbye to "Jon & Kate Plus 8." Just as the last episode airs tonight, brand-new divorce drama with flowers and everything. You have got to see what happens when Jon brought Kate flowers.
And unbelievable fallout after Martha Stewart slams Sarah Palin. And she spoke out right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEWART: She`s dangerous.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: In what way?
STEWART: She speaks. She is so confused. And anyone like that in government is a real problem.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: People are really fired up about this. Wait until you hear the reaction we are getting. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
HAMMER: Now, it`s time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom, and yes, they are making news right now.
TEXT: Twilight`s "New Moon" scores third biggest movie opening ever, with $141 million. "Cougar Town" temporarily stops production; Courtney Cox has "family matter."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Hey, welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood with A.J. Hammer in New York.
And tonight, Michael Jackson`s doctor is back in. Yes, Dr. Conrad Murray, the man who was a suspect in the death of Michael Jackson, went back to his office today to see patients. Are you kidding me?
Also, just in today, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with brand-new video of Dr. Murray in his own words pouring his heart out about how much he has suffered and why he needs money so badly.
Joining me tonight in New York is Jane Velez-Mitchell, who is the host of the fantastic show "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL" which you can see every night right here on HLN. She is also the author of the absolutely fascinating book - it`s called, "I Want." There you see it.
Hey, Jane. Great to see you. And Dr. Murray, as we know, is suspected of injecting Michael Jackson with the drugs that may have killed him. Today, he went back to his cardiology practice in Houston despite the ongoing investigation. Jane, who in their right mind would go to see this guy?
JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, HOST, "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL": I don`t know, Brooke. If I had a bad ticker, I don`t think I`d be making an appointment with this guy and I don`t think you would either.
ANDERSON: No.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: However, he has a very loyal fan base of longtime patients who are flocking back to him. According to published reports, he saw 16 patients on Friday and more than a half dozen today. So there people who are going.
Now, he says, "I began by going back to my Houston practice as opposed to Las Vegas because Houston is where the need is, where the low-income patients are."
He also went to church and made a flamboyant appearance addressing the congregation saying, "I am back to serve." So he is on to some kind of campaign to rehabilitate his image. And I say, good luck with that, Dr. Murray.
ANDERSON: Oh, my goodness. And these patients, these poor people must be desperate for heaven`s sakes. And speaking of his appearance at his church, he was pleading for sympathy at his church in Houston on Sunday saying that he has suffered, too. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DR. CONRAD MURRAY, SUSPECT IN THE MICHAEL JACKSON CASE: I, with my compassion, was only trying to help my fellow man. But it appears I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I have been reduced to the most nadir level of income and everything I`ve ever encountered. All of the members of Galilee, all of my friends, I know what trouble is.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Jane, I`m thinking not a whole lot of people are going to have sympathy for this guy.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: And what`s with the sunglasses? I mean, he has totally gone Hollywood. That was a very bizarre performance. And he was taking some tips from the late Michael Jackson himself in that one.
ANDERSON: And you know, we also learned today that the investigation into Jackson`s death may stretch well into next year. Jane, quickly, what in the world is taking so long?
VELEZ-MITCHELL: I don`t know. The coroner ruled it was a homicide. Lethal levels of propofol found in his system. Dr. Murray, according to investigators admitted he administered the propofol that fateful day along with other drugs. To me, that is enough.
But apparently, the prosecutors in this - they want to be very careful, because after all, it is Michael Jackson.
ANDERSON: Absolutely. Jane Velez-Mitchell, we love having you on the show. Thanks for taking the time to be here.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Glad to be here, Brooke.
HAMMER: All right, Brooke. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines have been working at near capacity these days. A lot of people have been calling in about Oprah`s big decision to end her show after 25 years.
ANDERSON: That`s right, A.J. We got a call into "Showbiz on Call" from Sandy in Texas who thinks it was the right move mostly because Oprah can do no wrong.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
SANDY, CALLER FROM TEXAS: I think Oprah, in no way, can make the wrong decision. She has done what she can do and she has done plenty. And I know that she will continue even if she`s not on air.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you, Sandy. Call us at "Showbiz on Call" and let us know what you think about this or anything else that is on your mind. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are open 24/7. The number, 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. Leave a voicemail. We will play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
HAMMER: Tonight, brand-new revelations about Oprah`s big decision. Her best friend and confidante is now speaking out about Oprah`s decision to end her show after a quarter of a century.
So, could Gayle King possibly replace Oprah? What about Ellen? What about Tyra? It`s the great debate.
Also, is there going to be a reality show featuring Jon Gosselin and the octumom? The octumom herself setting the record straight about all of those reports.
And unbelievable fallout after Martha Stewart slams Sarah Palin and she spoke out right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Have you been able to catch Sarah Palin`s interview.
STEWART: (INAUDIBLE) I wouldn`t watch her if you paid me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: People really fired-up about this. Wait until you hear the reaction we are getting. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom. They are making news right now.
TEXT: Fan buys Michael Jackson`s famous sequined globe for $350,000 at auction. Travoltas thank fans at "Old Dogs" charity premiere for Jett Travolta Foundation.
HAMMER: Time now for Hollywood`s A-list. Tonight, Rihanna is back on the red carpet. She`s promoting her new album and glad to be there.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT caught up with Rihanna at the American Music Awards. As we all know, she went through a really tough time and disappeared for a while after the night that Chris Brown beat her.
Well, Rihanna told us that she went stir a little stir crazy and was so happy to get back to work and make her new music. We asked her what it felt like to have the steadfast support of so many fans.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RIHANNA, SINGER: Amazing. It makes you - you know, you don`t feel lonely. You know, you feel like you have a team of support and there is nothing better than that, especially when you go through something rough.
You always feel like - you always need friends. You always feel like you want somebody to reach out to and lean on and having my fans` support throughout the whole thing is just amazing to me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Rihanna`s new album is called "Rated R." It is on sale right now.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Thanksgiving is almost here. And that means it`s time for "CNN Heroes." That`s where the stars come out to honor the everyday people who make a difference in other people`s lives.
I was right there at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood over the weekend for the star-studded red carpet and a very moving ceremony as the biggest celebrities in the world gathered to honor the finalists. Here`s my inside look at a very glamorous and very inspiring night.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): It was a night of tears and triumph. A night to honor everyday people doing extraordinary things. Ten finalists for CNN Hero of the Year were recognized for helping others around the world. Among them, a 20-year-old amputee who is getting artificial limbs to kids who need them.
The Heroes night began on a star-studded, red-carpeted Hollywood and continued inside the Kodak Theater, home of the Oscars where musical greats paid tribute in song. Some of Hollywood`s biggest stars joined in.
NICOLE KIDMAN, ACTOR: Let`s honor our hero.
ANDERSON: 2.7 million votes were cast online to determine which of the honorees would be named CNN Hero of the Year. The honor went to.
ANDERSON COOPER, HOST, "ANDERSON COOPER 360": Efren Penaflorida.
ANDERSON: Penaflorida created a classroom-on-wheels in his native Philippines to educate his country`s forgotten children.
EFREN PENAFLORIDA, CNN HERO OF THE YEAR 2009: Each person has a hidden hero within.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: A.J., you know, out of all of the award shows that you and I cover each and every year, this one is my favorite, because these honorees are to me the true stars, the coolest celebrities. And they`re so giving, so selfless, just truly remarkable individuals.
HAMMER: Yes. I know it can be a really, really intense night. I know you were right there back stage interviewing the heroes and the celebrity presenters as they came off the stage. Who really blew you away, though? Because it`s a totally different environment than a regular celebrity red carpet.
ANDERSON: It certainly is. And you know, I have to say that out of those 10 individuals who were being honored, they all did, A.J. And I`m not just saying that. They are equally incredible. I had tears streaming down my face. The celebrities did as well who were paired with them.
It was a very, very special night. You don`t want to miss it on Thanksgiving night. Join Anderson Cooper for "CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute," Thanksgiving night, 9:00 Eastern and Pacific on CNN.
HAMMER: Now, the SHOWBIZ lineup - here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
New revelations from Oprah Winfrey`s best friend about why she is ending her show. Could Gayle King actually replace Oprah? What about Ellen or Tyra?
Unbelievable fallout after Martha Stewart slams Sarah Palin here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Wait until you hear the reaction that this is getting.
And the hero captain`s TMI revelations about sex. Why suddenly we know a little too much about Captain Sully`s sex life. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Britney Spears` ex, Adnan Ghalib, in jail for leaving the scene of an accident. Susan Boyle performed on the "Today" show this morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OPRAH WINFREY, HOST, "THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW": These years, you, our viewers, have enriched my life beyond all measure.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, brand-new revelations today about why Oprah is quitting her show after 25 years from her best friend.
Plus, the great debate. Who could be the next Oprah? Ellen? Tyra? Or will it be Oprah`s good buddy, Gayle King?
HAMMER: Bye-bye, Jon and Kate. Just as the last "Jon & Kate Plus 8" airs tonight, there`s brand-new Jon and Kate Gosselin divorce drama. And what`s this about? Jon bringing Kate flowers?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEWART: She`s dangerous.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: In what way?
STEWART: She speaks - she`s so confused. And anyone like that in government is a real problem.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The unbelievable reaction to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s blockbuster exclusive interview with Martha Stewart where she slams Sarah Palin.
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: I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you tonight from Hollywood.
And tonight, it is the end for Jon and Kate, because tonight, the very last episode of their family reality show just aired on TLC. Hard to believe, but it was only about six months ago that scandalous photos of Jon with another woman first surfaced.
And we have now learned that Jon and Kate Gosselin are on the brink of finalizing their divorce. And I can tell you things took another nasty turn over the weekend when Jon tried to present Kate with roses.
Also, breaking today, new revelations about the end of Oprah`s show right from one of Oprah`s closest confidants, Gayle King. Wait until you hear what Gayle revealed today.
HAMMER: But we begin with the end of Jon and Kate. Joining me tonight from Hollywood, Tanika Ray who is an entertainment journalist. Also from Hollywood, Carlos Diaz, who is a correspondent for "Extra."
Let me flash you back, if I may. You all remember, it was just over six months ago - this was one of the most wholesome shows on television. In fact, families would gather around the warm plasma to watch the trials and tribulations of this large but sweet Gosselin family.
Carlos, isn`t it mind boggling how hard and how fast the Gosselins have fallen?
DIAZ: I`m going to need a minute here, A.J. I`m sorry, because this is really kind of affecting me emotionally. But this is going to go down as one of the biggest blunders in reality show history. This was mishandled by Jon Gosselin. This was mishandled by Kate Gosselin. It was mishandled by TLC.
The moment they got divorced, they should have taken the kids off the show. As I said, the moment that it went down, they should focused on the divorce between Jon and Kate. They had a product. They did not take advantage of that product.
And that product got utilized by the paparazzi and by every other show except for "Jon & Kate Plus 8."
HAMMER: Yes. And they wanted to keep the show going in some capacity. In fact, let`s remember Kate did want to keep the show on the air. Jon was the one who ended up putting the kibosh on it. And in fact, on the very last "Jon & Kate Plus 8" that just aired tonight, Kate had a very teary goodbye. Let`s take a look at that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KATE GOSSELIN, REALITY TV STAR, "JON & KATE PLUS 8": It`s sad. It`s cut short. It`s too soon. And it`s been a great run. I`m very grateful.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Oh, Kate clearly not going willingly. And she made that point again in the finale. Tanika, are you just amazed as I am at how hard and fast the Gosselins have fallen considering where all this started?
RAY: No. I mean, I`ve talked about this many times on this show. When you live off of cheap thrills and become a famous person for no apparent reason, you`re going to slide down that hill fast as well.
And as far as Kate being teary, I get it. That was her main income. But let`s not forget, the only reason why Jon was against his kids being on this, because he got the ax in the show. He was all about it when he was the costar of "Jon & Kate Plus 8." So a little fishy, if you ask me.
HAMMER: Well, Kate is not necessarily going to be off TV and out of cash, because now that "Jon & Kate Plus 8" is officially over, TLC is going to move forward with Kate by herself. They`re developing some sort of a new show. Carlos, the question is about that.
RAY: Like what?
HAMMER: Yes. I mean, what are they going to do? Do you think anybody`s really going to want to watch Kate on TLC without her eight kids?
DIAZ: No. This is going to be the beginning of the end as far as Kate Gosselin goes. And you know, it`s a sad, sad thing, because I`ve always been behind the show going on because of the money that it generates for the kids and the possibilities that it generates for the kids as far as their future, as far as college and money going to that. But what I`m saying to you right now is the Kate Gosselin show, "Kate Plus 8" ...
HAMMER: Not going to happen.
DIAZ: ... will last, at the most, about a season and that`s it.
HAMMER: All right. So the reality drama with the reality television show may be over. But of course, the divorce battle drama is still going strong. In fact, here`s your reality show right here.
Over the weekend, Jon and Kate were meeting with their lawyers. They`re finalizing their custody arrangements. And Jon does this. He shows up with a bouquet of roses. Now - OK. His lawyer says that Jon did this because this was a real-life "War of the Roses."
Tanika, are you with me that Jon did not bring the roses for Kate? He brought them for us, for the cameras, for everybody to look at him and say, "Oh, what a nice guy." Because let`s face it - his public image - it`s in the toilet right now. I mean, come on.
RAY: Absolutely. The man has read "How to be Famous for Dummies" or something. And he realizes that he`s got to get people in his corner, and so he brought the silly flowers.
But are any of us convinced that he`s a good guy? Not at this point. But right now, we`re not going to see very much of him unless he is hanging out with Michael Lohan at some bar at the Hamptons.
HAMMER: Yes.
RAY: So hopefully, we won`t see very much of him and his earrings and Ed Hardy T-shirts.
HAMMER: All right. Well, the show is over and let`s put an end to that now and move on to some other stunning news tonight. All about Oprah Winfrey ending her show. Her talk show is coming to a close in the next year.
And Oprah`s closest confidante, Gayle King, revealed today how agonizing this decision was for Oprah and what she`s going to do now. Watch what Gayle told Robin Roberts just today on "Good Morning America."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GAYLE KING, OPRAH WINFREY`S CONFIDANTE: The night before she was going to announce to Harpo, I knew it was for real. Because I was hoping she was going to change. She was going to change. I even called her and said, "You know, you don`t have to walk down the aisle. You don`t." I know the invitations are out.
ROBIN ROBERTS, CO-ANCHOR, "GOOD MORNING AMERICA": Right.
KING: The flowers are sent. The caterer`s here. The guests are here. But you know, we can go back home. You don`t have to marry him.
Now, listen. No pity party for Oprah because she has a great life, does wonderful things. But you know, at the end of the day, it really is her life. And it`s time to - this weekend, for instance, she went to California with a big bag of books and was so happy to be able to know that`s what she was going to do for the week.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now, Robin also asked Gayle if perhaps she might replace Oprah. Watch what she said about that this morning.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KING: No, no, no.
ROBERTS: You`ve done this for her.
KING: As a matter of fact, I never heard that conversation from Oprah or anybody associated with Oprah. Do I want to do something with the O Network? Absolutely, positively, but no, I don`t see that.
ROBERTS: We have to think about.
KING: Oprah hasn`t asked me to replace her. She got my number.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Number one on the speed dial. But you know, Gayle King right never really ruling it out. What do you think, Carlos? Is it too far-fetched to think that perhaps Gayle King who, of course, worked closely with Oprah for years and is Oprah`s best friend - do you think she could perhaps replace Oprah?
HAMMER: To put in sports terms, Oprah is Michael Jordan and Gayle King is Scottie Pippin, all right? I don`t think that she`s going to be the next Oprah. I don`t think there`ll ever be another Oprah.
RAY: Nobody - no.
DIAZ: Nobody will ever replace Oprah.
RAY: Ever.
DIAZ: Just like Jordan. Somebody might have Jordan`s jump shot. Somebody might be able to dunk. Somebody might be able to play D like him.
RAY: Never.
DIAZ: But no one has the complete package. No one has Oprah`s complete package, especially not Gayle King.
HAMMER: Yes. I agree with you. And I also want to be clear about something. You know, we keep talking about the next Oprah. And I think what a lot of people really are talking about is who will now take over the crown as the queen of daytime talk, because I`m with you guys. Oprah is one-of-a-kind and there can only be one Oprah.
Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT right there at the American Music Awards last night. We ran into our friend Melissa Etheridge. And we asked Melissa who she thinks could possibly fill Oprah`s massive shoes. Watch what she said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MELISSA ETHERIDGE, SINGER: I think Ellen will just kind of rise up to that. And I don`t think there will ever be another Oprah. She`s got a heart and a soul like nobody else.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: And to our point right there, we also asked in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day of you, who is the next Oprah? Is it Ellen as Melissa suggested? Is it Tyra? Could it be Gayle King?
What do you think, Tanika? Of those three, and I`m talking about the queen of daytime talk here to be clear.
RAY: Yes. I think Ellen is going to get the ratings. But as far as taking the throne, they`re all going to share a little chip that crown forevermore. From Tyra to Wendy Williams who is rocking it right now, Ellen, even Rachael Ray and Martha Stewart. I just think they`re going to share the pot.
And as far as Oprah leaving, I think inertia is dangerous. And I think, you know, the amount of respect. And good for her for leaving when she really felt that it was time.
HAMMER: Carlos?
DIAZ: I vote for Tanika Ray. I vote Tanika Ray.
(CROSSTALK)
HAMMER: You are on your way, Tanika Ray. Carlos Diaz, thanks, guys. I appreciate it.
ANDERSON: Well, all right. Now that the last "Jon and Kate" aired just a short time ago tonight, Jon gotten the job. And there have been all these reports that Jon and the octumom may team up to do a reality show. Can you say "train wreck?"
Well, tonight, octumom Nadya Suleman sets the record straight. Will she do a show with Jon?
Also, tonight, the unbelievable reaction everywhere. The SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive Martha Stewart interview where Martha just unleashes on Sarah Palin.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Have you been able to catch Sarah Palin`s interview?
STEWART: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I wouldn`t watch her if you paid me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Hey, Martha. Tell us how you really feel. Plus, Martha not the only one slamming Palin. We are going to show you how "Saturday Night Live" went to town on Palin again.
And is this just TMI - too much information? Miracle on the Hudson Captain Sully out today with his brand-new sex revelations. Eek! This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
HAMMER: Let us now roll out the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom. They`re making news right now.
TEXT: Miley Cyrus is "deeply saddened" by the death of one of her tour bus drivers. Whitney Houston to perform on "Dancing With The Stars" finale Tuesday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: We welcome you back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood with A.J. Hammer in New York.
Tonight, slamming Sarah Palin. It`s the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive that has spread all over the Internet. Martha Stewart slamming Sarah Palin. And today, we got remarkable reaction to Martha`s harsh words.
And wait until you see what Sarah arch-nemesis did. Yes, we`re talking about "Saturday Night Live." And get this, Tina Fey, nowhere in sight.
Joining me in New York is Marc Lamont Hill, who is a professor at Columbia University. And in Hollywood tonight is Jill Simonian. She`s an entertainment journalist for ReelzChannel.
Marc and Jill, the Martha Stewart thing all began when SHOWBIZ TONIGHT producer Jenny D`Attoma asked her what she thought was a simple question, "What do you think of Sarah Palin?" Watch what happened next.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JENNY D`ATTOMA, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT PRODUCER: Why do you think she is so polarizing to so many people?
STEWART: She`s a very - boring to me. Very boring and a very - to me kind of a dangerous person. She`s dangerous.
D`ATTOMA: In what way?
STEWART: She speaks - she`s 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: Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed. And you know, on the day since we first showed that, it has made big news everywhere especially online. Everybody from "PerezHilton.com" to "HuffingtonPost.com" picked it up and so many others that I lost count. Marc, why do you think what Martha said about Palin struck such a chord?
MARC LAMONT HILL, PROFESSOR, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY: Well, it struck a chord because Sarah Palin is so popular. One thing Martha is wrong about is that Sarah is anything but boring. Everything she says, everything she does excites the entire American public.
Some people love her. Some people hate her. She is able to galvanize a part of America that just didn`t talk before. Suddenly, she`s in the middle and she`s their leader. It is scary, though, but that`s why.
ANDERSON: Well, I can tell you that we have been slammed with E-mails about this. And Martha Stewart, you know, not everybody thinks that what you said was a good thing.
Listen to what Pattie S. from California said to us. She got right to the point, "Martha Stewart needs to shut her mouth. She is the mean girl of all times. Sarah Palin is awesome. She will be the one who cleans out all the rats in the White House. Go Sarah. You have our votes. Martha, shut the hell up."
Jill Simonian, why do you think what Martha Stewart told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusively has gotten people like Pattie S. so all riled up?
JILL SIMONIAN, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST, "REELZCHANNEL": I think a lot of people tend to underestimate how many thousands and thousands of fans that Sarah Palin actually has. I mean, New York and Los Angeles - generally speaking, people aren`t too fond of her.
But if you look at more conservative areas in the U.S. If you look at the Midwest, if you look at Middle America, people love Sarah Palin. And if anything, I think that with - you know, with her new book and all the appearances she is making lately, we`re going to really see Sarah fans come out big.
ANDERSON: Well, what the folks over at "Saturday Night Live" did this past weekend make Stewart`s comments seem almost tame. You have got to see this. "SNL" used the trailer for the blockbuster hit movie, "2012" to show what would happen if Palin became president in 2012. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TEXT: All the signs were there. We were warned this day would come.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Good evening from Capitol Hill. What a day this has been. The nation has a new president. .
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sarah Palin!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Many years ago.
TEXT: The DNC presents, from the mind of Keith Olbermann.
HILLARY CLINTON, UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF STATE: People are scared. .
TEXT: A political disaster of epic proportions.
FMR. GOV. SARAH, FORMER VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I don`t know what I`m going to be doing in 2012.
As for my running mate, I was honored to stand beside a true American hero.
GLENN BECK, HOST, "THE GLENN BECK SHOW": I`m sorry. I`m just a guy who cares an awful lot about my country.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Holy -
PALIN: Thanks, but no thanks on that bridge to nowhere.
TEXT: On Election Day 2012, planet Earth is going rogue.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: All right. Now, let us not forget that it was Tina Fey on "Saturday Night Live" imitating Palin that was said to be one of the reasons she and John McCain lost the election. Marc, if I`m Sarah Palin, I`m beginning to think this is personal.
HILL: Well, she`s always thought it was personal. She`s been going around saying there was a media conspiracy against her when the reality is she is the most unqualified vice presidential nominee in American history and perhaps the most unqualified Republican frontrunner in American history.
But stuff like this is going to continue to make people laugh and continue to make people feel good because it`s true. So much of America understands that if Sarah Palin would have somehow become president in some cosmic accident, it just might be a sign of the apocalypse.
ANDERSON: Well, you know, she is not afraid to laugh at herself. And she has shown that previously on "SNL." And I think good for her because ...
HILL: She`s got a lot of material.
ANDERSON: ... if she weren`t so self-deprecating, she`d be in for a lot of heartache because she is parodied a whole lot. Marc Lamont Hill, Jill Simonian, we`re going to have to leave it there for now. Thank you both.
HAMMER: Hey, speaking of the apocalypse, what do you get if you put the octumom and Jon Gosselin on TV together? Well, I think you get one really icky but outrageous reality show. Is this thing really going to happen?
Tonight, the octumom sets the record straight. Can you pass the Purell, please? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, it`s the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Nicole Richie is home from the hospital after battling pneumonia. Heidi Klum has taken husband Seal`s last name; she`s now Heidi Samuel!
ANDERSON: It is time now for "Making It Work." This is where we get stars to reveal how they make their relationships work in Hollywood and beyond.
Tonight, Chris O`Donnell. Chris and his wife, Caroline, have been married 12 years. They`ve got a house full of kids - five, to be exact. When we caught up with the "NCIS: Los Angeles" star at the "GQ" awardsm Chris told us he got his advice for making it work from another big-time actor.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHRIS O`DONNELL, ACTOR: It was the one piece of advice Al Pacino ever gave me. He said, "You know, never marry an actress because you`ll always come second in her life." And you know, I didn`t marry my wife because she wasn`t an actress, but I found a good woman. And you know, she plays as much of a role as I do as far as making this work.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Chris also making it work as one of "People" magazine`s sexiest men alive. He was just picked as one of them. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Did you see this? Seven bulls being used on the set of a movie in Spain, starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, broke free and injured two people. All this happened during a rehearsal for the movie "Night and Day."
The bulls apparently ran through the streets of Cadiz, all the way to the beach. Cruise and Diaz are not in town yet. They`re scheduled to arrive next weekend. For now, though, filming is on hold.
ANDERSON: Tonight, big brand-new revelations from the octumom about doing a reality show with Jon Gosselin. And Captain Sully`s secrets about his sex life?
In a brand-new interview for NBC`s "People of the Year" special airing Thanksgiving Day, octumom Nadya Suleman tells Matt Lauer that she is not doing a reality show with Jon Gosselin.
And that`s too bad for Jon, because as of tonight, he is out of a job. The last "Jon & Kate Plus 8" aired just a short time ago. Octumom said the chance of her doing a show with Jon is, quote, "A billion percent no."
Also tonight, and I think this falls into the TMI department, hero Captain Chesley Sullenberger says that his miracle on the Hudson landing of that U.S. Airways flight has gotten him, quote, and these are definitely his words, "rock star sex."
In an interview also for NBC`s People of the Year TV special, Sully and his wife, admit his heroic pilot actions have gotten him plenty of action in the bedroom. There is some kind of mile-high club joke in here, but I`ll leave it alone.
HAMMER: Why do you talk about that? All right. Friday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Moments ago, we received the final results. Here you go - "Oprah Ending Her Show: Did she make the right decision?" Eighty-nine percent of you said yes, this was a good thing; 11 percent no.
Some E-mails we got include Lisa from Kentucky, who says - and the caps are hers here, "No one can replace Oprah! She is one of a kind and totally irreplaceable."
But Gary from Arkansas writes, "I think 25 years is long enough for anyone and she knows it`s time to step down. Besides, maybe her fans will realize that there is more to life than a talk show."
ANDERSON: Well, I can almost taste the turkey and the pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving just around the corner. That means it`s time once again for CNN Heroes. I was right there in the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles over the weekend for the star-studded show.
You voted for the everyday people who are changing the world. Now, tune in to see the big show. I can tell you some big stars were there, Nicole Kidman, Carrie Underwood, Eva Mendes and so many more. Dare to be inspired. And watch "CNN Heroes" Thanksgiving night, 9:00 Eastern and Pacific.
HAMMER: It was as inspiring as it has been in the past, Brooke, because I know it just blows me away. It makes me want to go out and do stuff for other people.
ANDERSON: Yes. You cannot help but watch and be inspired. You cannot walk away from this and not be inspired.
HAMMER: Well, that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. You can always catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, and in the morning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern on HLN. Take care.
END
