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Showbiz Tonight
Tiger Not Out of the Woods; The Most Provocative Celebrity of the Year; White House Gatecrashes Ripped on "SNL"
Aired December 07, 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, HOST: Right now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Tiger not out of the woods. Just when you thought it couldn`t get any worse, at least nine women have now come out of the woodwork claiming they had an affair with Tiger.
Plus, could an upcoming invitation force him to go out in public? Should he do a tell-all interview with Oprah? Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has all the latest twists and turns in the Tiger drama.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT names the most provocative celebrity of the year. And what a year it`s been. Jon Gosselin`s antics. The shocking death of Michael Jackson. Chris Brown`s beating drama. Sarah Palin`s tell-all. Carrie Prejean`s controversy. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT names the most provocative celebrity of the year.
Plus, the White House crashers get ripped on "SNL."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
FRED ARMISEN, ACTOR, "BARACK OBAMA": So overall this is the best jobs report that we`ve seen in 2007.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANNOUNCER: 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.
And tonight, Tiger Woods` mess gets worse as if there was such a possible thing. The number of women claiming that they had affairs with Tiger Woods climbed to nine today. Count it - nine.
But wait, there`s more. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT learned today that Tiger may be forced to make his very first public appearance since the scandal broke as the best man at his friend`s wedding, the very same guy who allegedly arranged for at least one of Tiger`s secret romances rendezvous. I don`t know about you, but if I were Tiger, I would be rethinking accepting that invitation.
There were also other brand-new developments today in the Tiger drama and they all made for big news breaking today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: (voice-over): Today`s news in the Tiger Woods sex scandal is sponsored by the number nine. Because SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you, as of today, there are now at least nine women who have been linked to the golf superstar. Even entertainment journalists are starting to lose count.
DAX HOLT, PRODUCER, TMZ: It`s like every day - I was like, one, two, three, four.
KIM SERAFIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": There`s no telling when this will stop.
HAMMER: You need a golf score card to keep track of Tiger`s tally. Ever since Tiger was first linked to New York City nightclub hostess, Rachel Uchitel, and then reality show alum Jamie Grubbs, lots of ladies have come out of the woodwork.
HOLT: It seems like every day, there`s a new woman coming on to the scene, alleging that her and Tiger had some kind of affair.
HAMMER: Today`s "New York Post" had a field day with the new Tiger tally, "Tiger`s Back Nine." And speaking of Tiger Woods jokes...
KENAN THOMPSON, ACTOR, "TIGER WOODS": I`m far short of perfect.
BLAKE LIVELY, ACTRESS, "ELIN WOODS": Yes.
HAMMER: "Saturday Night Live" did an entire skit featuring "Gossip Girl`s" Blake Lively as Tiger`s wife. This skit poked fun at the mysterious Thanksgiving weekend incident at Tiger`s Florida home that launched this scandal and left Tiger all banged up.
THOMPSON: I offer my profound apology for these multiple transgressions.
LIVELY: Multiple? So it happened more than once?
THOMPSON: Did I say multiple because...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This just in, Tiger Woods is back in the hospital.
SERAFIN: Everyone from late night comics to "Saturday Night Live" to the "New York Post" is just jumping on this.
HAMMER: But all jokes aside, if Tiger thought last week was bad, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you, this week is going to be a doozy. One reason, the number of women who claim to have dated Tiger Woods will likely climb even higher.
SERAFIN: Tiger Woods has admitted to having transgressions. But the fact he admitted to that really just opens the door. Now, you`re going to hear women coming out from all over the place.
HAMMER: And then, there`s the matter of a wedding Tiger is scheduled to attend this week. Hey, nothing like watching people take holy vows of matrimony to get your mind off your own marital troubles, right? Well, not for Tiger.
HOLT: I`m starting to wonder if he`s going to show up to this wedding.
HAMMER: TMZ producer Dax Holt tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Tiger is scheduled to be the best man at the wedding of his longtime friend, Brian Bell.
HOLT: He is a childhood friend. He is also the president of Tiger Woods Design. I mean, they have grown up together.
HAMMER: TMZ reports Bell helped arrange some of Tiger`s rendezvous with one of the alleged mistresses. The wedding would be Tiger`s first public appearance since the scandal broke. But TMZ` Dax Holt doubts that Tiger will risk ruining his pal`s big day.
HOLT: It seems like it`s going to cause chaos. And it`s really going to shift the focus from a wedding to just a media event.
HAMMER: But the big question is, what are Tiger`s women problems doing to his public image? A new CNN poll out today says 60 percent of people have a favorable opinion of Tiger, down from a healthy 84 percent in 2001. His unfavorable has soared from nine percent to 25 percent.
SERAFIN: Definitely, when you have this kind of scrutiny on you and when you have this kind of bad stories coming out, you`re going to see a tumble in your favorability.
HAMMER: But right now, poll numbers don`t matter as much to Tiger Woods as another number, namely the number of his alleged mistresses that seem to be multiplying by the minute and adding to Tiger`s troubles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: OK. So just how bad is Tiger`s mess? And will this latest bombshell sink him?
Joining me tonight from New York, Carlos Diaz, who is a correspondent for "Extra." Also in New York tonight, Marvet Britto, who is a publicist and a brand strategist.
So we learned today that Tiger may be forced to make his first public appearance since the scandal broke as the best man at his friend`s wedding. Now, this guy, Brian Bell reportedly paid for a trip to Tiger`s alleged mistress, Rachel Uchitel to secretly rendezvous with Tiger.
And Carlos, I`m thinking here, probably not the best idea in the world for Tiger to show up at this particular wedding.
CARLOS DIAZ, CORRESPONDENT, "EXTRA": Yes, A.J. You know the movie, "The Hangover" where the bachelor party loses the groom before the wedding?
HAMMER: Yes.
DIAZ: That`s a better situation than this, all right? Because this would be - here`s the thing. This would be the dumbest thing for Tiger to do in the world other than what he`s already done. But if he goes to the wedding, I mean, it`s going to be just a total zoo.
And I`ve got news for you. I think his friend will forgive him for not coming to the wedding, although I hear there are some very lovely brides maids there for Tiger.
HAMMER: I was guessing, who is he going to bring as his date?
(CROSSTALK)
Now, despite all the headlines that Tiger has been making, there are still some people out there who think that Tiger`s very public scandal should remain private. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT sat down with Matt Damon. Matt is promoting his new movie, "Invictus."
And I want you to watch what Matt told us when we asked if Tiger has any right to privacy. Roll that.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MATT DAMON, ACTOR: I think it`s none of my business and I actually know him. And it`s still none of my business. Marriages are private.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. I like Matt Damon a lot and I mean no disrespect to him at all. But I think a lot of people are going to say - and tell me if you think I`m wrong, Marvet - that`s a bit of a naive look at what`s happening in view the grand scheme of things here.
MARVET BRITTO, CELEBRITY PUBLICIST AND BRAND STRATEGIST: I actually agree with him. This is not a criminal matter. It`s an ethical matter. And I think Tiger Woods does not stand alone as it relates to cheat or being a cheat. Clearly, we`ve seen that.
So I do believe it`s a private matter. It`s between he and his wife. I think that we should allow Tiger the private time to recalibrate his life so that he can emerge from this mishap a better man, a better husband and a better golfer.
HAMMER: Why all the head shaking, Carlos?
DIAZ: Because I usually agree with Marvet. But Marvet, it`s different for Matt Damon than it is for Tiger Woods. Matt Damon chose a wife and fell in love with somebody who is not in the public eye. So I agree with Matt Damon that his marriage is off limits because he`s not putting his marriage out to us.
But Tiger Woods is pushing an image on us. He`s made a lot of money off of being this standup guy and this great husband and this great father. And I think that Tiger Woods` marriage is for public consumption because he`s made money off of what we think his life should be.
BRITTO: Well, I disagree. We don`t see Tiger doing ads with his wife. Tiger has kept his life private. Every marriage is between a man and a wife. They make the vows. They commit to each other. They did not commit to the public.
DIAZ: Yes. But he wants us to buy into his image, Marvet.
BRITTO: No, no.
(CROSSTALK)
What we`re buying into is Tiger being a great golfer. His brand...
HAMMER: You know it transcends that, Marvet.
BRITTO: No. Not at all...
HAMMER: I have to say when you`re that big, it does transcend it.
BRITTO: Well, we buy into Tiger Woods being a great golfer and that`s where his brand equity comes from. We don`t buy into the fact that Tiger is a wholesome husband. We buy into the fact he`s a great golfer.
HAMMER: I want to move this along. I do think - personally, I think, Carlos - since you`re with me - that it really is the whole package with him. But people are really paying a lot of attention now to see what his wife is going to do, whether Elin is going to walk out on Tiger. Will she work things out? Well, today on "The View," HLN`s own Joy Behar said Elin is going to stay but she shouldn`t.
Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOY BEHAR, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": She should stay with him and then not sleep with him for seven years. Don`t sleep for the guy like it`s just a business now. You`re paying (UNINTELLIGIBLE). It`s a business, because he wants to maintain his position as Tiger Woods in the world. He`s greatest golfer the world has ever seen.
(CROSSTALK)
BEHAR: No. It won`t help him. It`s better if she would stand by her man and take the money.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Well, we asked our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers if Elin should stand by her Tiger and I`ve got the results right here, just given to me. The viewers are very clear - 68 percent said no, she shouldn`t stand by Tiger. Only 32 percent say she should. Any surprise here, Carlos?
DIAZ: I think we, as Americans, are tired of seeing these stars cheat on spouses. I think we`re tired of this facade that he has a happy marriage. And I think your viewers are right on. You know what? If you`re going to cheat, you`re going to pay the consequences, Tiger. And the consequences here are you`re going to be a single guy, maybe.
HAMMER: Well, one person who perhaps could help clean up everything is Oprah Winfrey. We understand - we learned today at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that Oprah has reached out to Tiger. No word yet but I think that would be a good move for him to appear on her show.
Carlos Diaz, Marvet Britto - thanks, guys. I appreciate it.
Tonight, the White House party crashers brought to justice on "Saturday Night Live."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ARMISEN: I`m grateful to have the opportunity to speak to you today about our economy. And I`m also grateful for the chance to get away from Washington and its many distractions.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Wait until you see the rest of the hilarious lampooning that the White House crashers got on "SNL." You don`t want to miss this.
Plus, a huge night on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT names the most provocative celebrity of the year. Will it be Sarah Palin?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OPRAH WINFREY, HOST, "THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW": Should I be worried? Should I be worried because I have heard that you`re going to get your own talk show?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Is it Sarah? Will it be Jon Gosselin? Carrie Prejean may be giving her a run for her money. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT names the most provocative celebrity of the year.
And is Hulk Hogan really complaining that his ex-wife stole his toilet seat? Wait until you hear this. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: South African actors want Jennifer Hudson out of Mandela film; say use local actors. "The Blind Side" eclipses "New Moon" at weekend box office with $20.4 million.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ARMISEN: And I`m also grateful for the chance to get away from Washington and its many distractions.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The White House gate crashers crash "Saturday Night Live." You have got to see this hilarious spoof of the reality show wannabes. But I`ve got to ask, did the skit actually do more damage to President Obama than the gatecrashers themselves?
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
Tonight, trashing the gate crashers. Well, "SNL" took the White House gatecrashers to the cleaners. But who came out looking worse, the crashers or President Obama himself?
Joining me tonight in New York, Carlos Diaz, who is a correspondent with "Extra." Also in New York tonight, Marvet Britto, who is a publicist and brand strategist.
OK. We`ve been waiting to see just how "Saturday Night Live" would take on these White House gatecrashers. I`ve got to tell you. For my money, they didn`t disappoint.
Take a look at how "Saturday Night Live" took on the couple at the center of the White House scandal. You`ve got to take a look at this spoof of the Salahis crashing the stage while President Obama gives a speech. Roll it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ARMISEN: The recession that has hit folks like them hardest of all. So at the end of this very tough year, I want to do something I haven`t had a chance to do that often during my first year in office. And that is, to share some modestly encouraging news on our economy.
Today, the Labor Department released its monthly employment survey and reported that the nation lost 11,000 jobs in November. This was about 115,000 fewer than was forecast.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. That was pretty good and pretty much like it happened and it`s where it`s supposed to be. And a pretty good impression, too. I mean, look at that. That looks pretty good. We know that the Salahis want to be reality stars.
Carlos, I have to believe as bad as it sort of made them look in that skit, they had to be at home watching this thing, saying, "All right."
DIAZ: I mean, They didn`t look that bad if you ask me. I thought that they were great in the skit. They did look just like them. And it`s so hard to pull off the comedy while not saying anything during the entire skit. You know what I mean? That was the tough part. I thought this was a much better skit than the Tiger Woods skit that aired later in the show. I thought this was dead on.
HAMMER: Well, let`s take a look at some more of the "Saturday Night Live" skit, because President Obama and his administration, I`ve got to say, didn`t exactly come out smelling like roses in this thing. Watch this.
ARMISEN: We also took steps to unlock our frozen credit markets so average Americans can get the loans they need to buy a home or a car, to go to college, to start a small business. We enacted measures - you want me in it?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I want you to take it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. You know, they snuck into a White House state dinner. Why not Obama speech? Marvet, do you think President Obama was at home watching that, thinking it`s pretty funny or maybe saying, "Oh, this isn`t so good."
BRITTO: I would never think that he would think it was funny that someone compromised his security. Clearly, the skit showed the couple as the opportunists that they clearly are.
But more importantly, Secret Service - it`s their responsibility to protect the president. So the onus of this event and this incident should lay squarely in their lap. It should not look negatively on President Obama although he will expect to take the hit for it and the - you know, he will accept responsibility for it but it really comes down to Secret Service failing to do their job.
HAMMER: Yes. I don`t think he`s laughing all that hard, but he does have a good sense of humor. We`ll end it there. Marvet Britto, Carlos Diaz, thanks, guys.
The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines keep on ringing. People calling in about Tiger Woods. I want you to check out this call we got in "Showbiz on Call" from Terry in New Jersey.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: I think Tiger Woods is like every other man who thinks he will never be discovered. It`s unfortunate for his wife and especially his children that he`s not as squeaky clean as his image portrayed.
It`s known that once you`re famous, your life is an open book. It`s unfortunate that he chose to betray his wife. And sooner or later, he will have to face the consequences of his actions with his wife, family and those that admire him.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: I appreciate your insight, Terry.
The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are open all the time. This is the number, 1-888-SBT-BUZZ. That`s 1-888-728-2899. Leave us a voicemail. We`ll play your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Tonight`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT names the most provocative celebrity of the year. Who is it going to be? Maybe the former beauty queen who was disgraced.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CARRIE PREJEAN, FORMER MISS CALIFORNIA USA: You can call it whatever you want to call it. If you want to call it a sex tape, that`s fine. But...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, what do you call it?
PREJEAN: It was me by myself. There was no one else with me. I was not having sex.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Carrie Prejean had quite a provocative year. But there are so many other stars to choose from. Who is it going to be? Jon Gosselin? Maybe Sarah Palin? Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT names the most provocative celebrity of the year.
Also, Barbara Walters names Adam Lambert as one of her 10 most fascinating people of the year. And wait until you hear what Barbara told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. She gave us her take on his racy AMA performance. Plus, will Adam be performing on "The View?" We will also have this
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): What is your message to Tiger Woods?
(LAUGHTER)
(voice-over) He`s probably not laughing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Even the big guy is weighing in on the whole Tiger Woods scandal. Tiger better watch out because Santa Claus is coming to town and he`s got a sleigh full of Tiger jokes. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
This is the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Candy and Tori Spelling end their long-running feud. USA`s "Monk" sets cable ratings record with 9.4 million viewers during series finale.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: It`s Diane Sawyer`s last week on "Good Morning America." Today, she confirmed that after 10 years, she is leaving the show at the end of the week. Sawyer says that by her count, she`s done 2,881 "GMAs." Sawyer takes over as the evening news anchor on "World News" on December 21st, replacing Charles Gibson who is retiring.
Well, Adam Lambert has been uninvited from some shows after his racy performance at the American Music Awards. But his two big appearances are still on. He`s going to be on "The View" on Thursday. Today, the co-hosts they`re all excited to see what he`s going to do.
But I should point out, his performance is going to be pre-taped just in case. And on Wednesday, Lambert is part of Barbara Walters` "10 Most Fascinating People" special. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT sat down with Barbara Walters. And we got her take on all the controversy surrounding Lambert.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARBARA WALTERS, CO-HOST AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, "THE VIEW": Adam Lambert is a man with few excuses, admits he got carried away when he was on that stage and talks freely about his sexuality. Never tried to hide it. Has no regrets. I think he`s probably stunned by what`s happened.
Some programs have taken him of the air. Nobody has asked us not to do this interview. And I liked him. I think what`s happened to him has made him much more famous which may be good and in the long run will probably help his career. It certainly has made him not just famous but infamous.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Barbara Walters` "10 Most Fascinating People" special airs Wednesday night on ABC.
Well, the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page has just been overrun with comments about whether Tiger Woods` wife, Elin, should stand by her man.
A lot of really fired-up opinions about this. I want you to take a look at Sherry H. writes, "She needs to bail. She had suffered great humiliation and it will happen again."
Let`s take a look at Charlynn S. who wrote, "No woman should stand by a man that cheats on her. Same thing goes for a woman that cheats on her husband."
Keep in mind I`d love to hear from you on Facebook as well. You can also follow us on Twitter. For breaking entertainment news alerts, I encourage you to sign up for our Facebook and Twitter pages simply by going to CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Now, the SHOWBIZ lineup. This is what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT names the most provocative celebrity of the year. And what a year. From Carrie Prejean`s sex tape scandal to Jon Gosselin`s antics.
Also this...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Tiger, we have a message for you. One two three.
CROWD: You better watch out. You better watch out. You better watch out.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Even Santa is weighing in on the Tiger Woods scandal. He`ll be making a list and checking it twice and I`m guessing Tiger ends up on the naughty list. That`s just me.
And is Hulk Hogan really complaining that his ex-wife stole his toilet seat? You can`t make this stuff up. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: MTV picks up "The Hills" for a sixth season and "The City" for a second. "American Idol" winner Kris Allen to sing on Fox`s new year`s eve special.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WINFREY: Should I be worried? Should I be worried because I have heard that you`re going to get your own talk show?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - tonight, a headline making special event. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT names the most provocative celebrity of the year - Sarah Palin, Jon Gosselin, Michael Jackson, Chris Brown. Who has caused the most ongoing outrage? Who had people fired up all year long? Tonight, we`re naming the most provocative celebrity of the year.
He`s making a list. He`s checking it twice. Tonight, Santa Claus reveals if he thinks Tiger Woods has been naughty or nice.
And Hulk Hogan furious with his ex-wife over his missing toilet seat? Plus, more stories breaking from the news ticker.
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
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.
And tonight, right now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is about to name the most provocative celebrity of the year. Now, this is the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT annual event that I guarantee will be making big headlines everywhere tomorrow - the person that TV`s most provocative entertainment news show declares is the most provocative celebrity of 2009.
And I will be perfectly candid with you here. Coming up with this list of final nominees was very difficult this year because there certainly was no shortage of candidates. So we`ve argued. We`ve debated. Small appliances were thrown around the room.
But in the end, the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT staff managed to boil this list down to five - count them - five nominees. And the choice that is about to be made, the selection of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the year, is guaranteed to make for big news breaking tonight.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER (voice-over): Jon Gosselin used to be the beaten down husband on "Jon and Kate Plus 8". Now, he`s a playboy extraordinaire. That`s why Jon Gosselin could be named SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of 2009.
No one does mid life crisis better. No sooner did Jon announce his divorce from reality show wife Kate Gosselin in June than he began dating 22-year-old Hailey Glassman. In September, he told ABC`s "Primetime," was his soul mate.
JON GOSSELIN, REALITY TV STAR, "JON & KATE PLUS 8": Love her.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Love her. Big word.
HAMMER: A month later, they split with Hailey accusing him of being emotionally abusive. There was also former tabloid reporter Kate Major who came to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and, in an exclusive interview, accused of Jon being a fast-moving womanizer.
KATE MAJOR, FORMER TABLOID REPORTER: We held hands and kissed in the car. And this was all -
HAMMER (on camera): This was on the first night?
MAJOR: Unfortunately, yes.
HAMMER (voice-over): And then it all caught up with him. September 29th, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT reported this whopper.
(on camera): Jon Gosselin was fired today from "Jon & Kate Plus 8."
(voice-over): Fired. And just a few weeks later in November, he apologized to Kate for his actions and claimed he was a reformed man. Whatever, Jon.
Chris Brown is another disgraceful bachelor in the running to be named SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of 2009. In February, Brown brutally beat his then girlfriend, Rihanna, the night before the Grammy Awards. And after months of hiding out and dodging questions about what happened, in June, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT broke this news.
(on camera): Late today, Chris Brown went into a Los Angeles courtroom and pleaded guilty.
(voice-over): That same day, Brown was sentenced to five years probation and more than 1,400 hours of physical labor.
JO PIAZZA, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: Once we found out these allegations were true, he should have done the right thing, stepped back. But no. Rihanna releases an album. Chris releases an album. Rihanna goes on tour. Chris goes on tour.
HAMMER: One of the most heartbreaking moments of the year puts Michael Jackson`s on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s list of nominees to be named one of the most provocative celebrities of 2009. It began in June when SHOWBIZ TONIGHT reported the sad news.
(on camera): This is a special live edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the shocking death of Michael Jackson.
(voice-over): In July, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT reported on how drugs may have factored into his death.
(on camera): A powerful drug that some suspect could have something to do with Jackson`s death was reportedly found in the house where he died.
(voice-over): At the very same time, fans gathered around TVs around the world to mourn Jackson`s sudden death.
PARIS KATHERINE JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S DAUGHTER: Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine.
HAMMER: The countdown to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of 2009 continues now with Carrie Prejean. And this year, she earned that nomination. It started in April.
PREJEAN: A marriage should be between a man and woman.
HAMMER: In May, explosive nude photos.
(on camera): Talk about explosive, semi-nude photos surfaced today of Miss California. Yes, that Miss California.
(voice-over): In June 10, this Miss USA...
(on camera): The startling, just out-of-the-blue news today that late today, Donald Trump fired Carrie Prejean.
(voice-over): And in November, Carrie admits she made a solo sex tape. As if that wasn`t enough, Prejean took on CNN`s Larry King on live TV in a classic diva tantrum when a caller asked her about the gay marriage controversy.
LARRY KING, HOST, "LARRY KING LIVE": Did you hear the question?
PREJEAN: No, I can`t hear you.
HAMMER: But perhaps Carrie can hear the major competition she`s got going with her conservative role model, Sarah Palin, who is also one of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrities of 2009.
PIAZZA: Sarah Palin is constantly on the defensive.
HAMMER: She sure does get fired up. She waged war in June with David Letterman.
(on camera): Sarah Palin on the warpath after David Letterman made sexually suggestive jokes about her young daughter.
(voice-over): There was no cease fire. It continued straight to October as she duked it out with Levi Johnston.
(on camera): Tonight, Sarah Palin`s unbelievable response to Levi Johnston over his new threats against her and her family.
(voice-over): And in November on Oprah, she invited Levi to Thanksgiving dinner.
FMR. GOV. SARAH PALIN (R-AK), FORMER VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Open invitation for Levi to come to Aunt Katie`s house for Thanksgiving dinner in Washington. There.
HAMMER: Sarah Palin sure is a straight shooter, but is she worthy of the title of most provocative celebrity of 2009?
(END VIDEOTAPE)
All right. I hope you`re ready for it. The headline-making moment of truth is about to arrive. Who will SHOWBIZ TONIGHT name the most provocative celebrity of 2009?
Well, joining me tonight in New York is Carolina Bermudez, who is a senior editor for "In Touch Weekly." From Hollywood tonight, it`s Hyla, who is an entertainment journalist for "5DollarPrep.com."
Now, I must tell you, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is not just naming any celebrity in Hollywood as the most provocative celebrity of 2009. There is an exhaustive list of requirements to name that celebrity.
I`m exhausted just looking at it. Celebrities need to meet these requirements to get this dubious distinction. Without further ado, I reveal to you the super secret details on this.
To be the most provocative celebrity of the year, we look for a celebrity that provoked the most continuous shock, outrage and reaction throughout 2009, who generated the most continued interest throughout 2009, and whose very name sparked a visceral reaction.
Hyla, are you with me? These requirements not so easy for just any one celebrity to meet for an entire year.
HYLA, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST, "5DOLLARPREP.COM": No. Not at all. These are tough requirements. But I think I have the pick pretty much picked out. So if you want to skip the segment, I`ll tell you who won and then we could move on to something else.
HAMMER: We`ve got to go through the stuff because, you know, people are now pondering. They`re sitting at home wondering, "Well, will it be perhaps Sarah Palin? Will it be perhaps Michael Jackson?"
Sarah Palin certainly has met all of these requirements. Really, she - so many of our minds just thought of this woman who was repeatedly spoofed by Tina Fey on "Saturday Night Live," of course. Let`s look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TINA FEY, ACTRESS (AS SARAH PALIN): I don`t worry about the polls. Polls are just a fancy way of systemically predicting what`s going to happen. The only pole I care about is the North Pole and that is melting. It`s not great. What? The real one? Bye.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Ah, memories. Well, from punch line to byline. This year, of course, Palin infamously feuded with both Levi Johnston and David Letterman. And she just released her first and, of course, very controversial book. Carolina, what do you think? Is she a worthy nominee to be in the running to be named SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the year?
CAROLINA BERMUDEZ, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": I think she`s a worthy nominee. But do I think she`s going to take the stop spot? Absolutely not. I think Sarah Palin is going to be one of those people that - maybe she`ll reemerge in 2012 because she may have that, you know, that urge to go for a presidential nomination. I don`t know why she would want to do that to herself.
But I don`t really think that she`s the most provocative celebrity of the year. I think that the person who would take the most visceral reaction is Jon Gosselin or Chris Brown after this year.
(CROSSTALK)
HYLA: You think that maybe she`ll surface in 2012? She is an entertainment superstar. She could rival Oprah. If you gave her a talk show right now, she could replace Oprah.
BERMUDEZ: Please.
HYLA: She gave her the highest ratings in two years. She gave Barbara a big raise.
BERMUDEZ: She`s a snoozer.
HYLA: She sold a book, number one bestseller before she even sold any copy. She`s huge.
HAMMER: All right. Don`t get too worked up because we need to move on now from brains to beauty as we run through some of these nominees.
Got to talk about conservative beauty queen, Carrie Prejean, OK? If Carrie`s confession on the "Today" show that she made a solo sex tape isn`t provocative, hey, I don`t know what is.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PREJEAN: You can call whatever you want to call. If you want to call it a sex tape, that`s fine. But -
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, what do you call it?
PREJEAN: It was me by myself. There was no one else with me. I was not having sex. I sent it to my boyfriend at the time. I was a teenager. But the main point is there has been a campaign against me to try to try and silence me for the past seven months for the answer that I gave at the pageant.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Carolina, she certainly has what it takes to be named the most provocative celebrity of the year, don`t you think?
BERMUDEZ: Oh, yes. Because she`s hot and you want to picture that sex tape. You know - I mean, I`m sorry. She`s a big liar, this girl. And I think the reason why she may be one of the most provocative celebrities is because, she did lie.
She was on such a high pedestal and she was looking down at everyone until her little tower came crumbling down this year. Sorry, Carrie, you know, I didn`t buy the act from the very beginning. I`m kind of glad. It`s nice to see when this type of people fall.
HAMMER: Well, you mentioned, Carolina, Jon Gosselin who, of course, transformed himself from wholesome father of eight - you remember that guy - to complete womanizing cad who then bashed the mother of his eight children with an interview with ABC`s Chris Cuomo. Who can forget that?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
J. GOSSELIN: I can`t sit on someone right now that I despise.
CHRIS CUOMO, ABC ANCHOR: Despise?
J. GOSSELIN: I despise because she`s not speaking from the heart. Please, the stuff you tell me in private should be the stuff you tell me on TV.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Let`s look at that - divorcing Kate, dating the 22-year-old daughter of Kate`s plastic surgeon. Hyla, quickly, certainly worthy of being nominee for most provocative of `09.
HYLA: I feel dirty for saying this. He is the most provocative. No one has been able to stay relevant more throughout the entire year than Jon Gosselin.
HAMMER: All right. Well, that`s what you say. But who will we be naming SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of 2009? I make the big announcement right here in just a second.
And I have been checking our Facebook wall all day long. I`ll share some of your posts in mere moments. So Carolina Bermudez and Hyla, do not move. The big announcement coming up in just a moment.
And hey, I`m thinking of this Tiger Woods cheating scandal. It happened just a bit earlier in the year. Tiger might have wound up as one of our nominees. This story is so big, it has sparked so much outrage. I can tell you it`s even reached the North Pole. Santa, now speaking out about Tiger Woods.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS (on camera): What is your message to Tiger Woods?
(LAUGHTER).
(voice-over): He`s probably not laughing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, you`ll find out if Tiger will make Santa`s naughty or nice list this year. I`m thinking naughty, but hey, I`m not the guy with the red suit and reindeer.
And no holiday love for Hulk Hogan and his ex-wife. Tonight, I tell you about their brand-new nasty fight over a toilet seat. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Michael Jackson`s "This is It" movie won`t be released in 3D. The National Board of Review picks "Up In the Air" as best film, Clooney as best actor.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, the big announcement. Who will be named SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the year? Will it be Chris Brown, Sarah Palin, Jon Gosselin, Carrie Prejean or maybe Michael Jackson?
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
Right now, the moment we have all been waiting for. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is about to name the most provocative celebrity in 2009. I can tell you it has been a really tough call this year. There are so many worthy contenders.
Back with us tonight in New York, Carolina Bermudez who is a senior editor for "In Touch Weekly." From Hollywood tonight is Hyla who is an entertainment journalist with "5DollarPrep.com."
Guys, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Facebook page exploded with responses when we asked who our fans think deserves to be named the most provocative celebrity of 2009.
This is Stacy M. who wrote on our wall, "I would say Michael Jackson. First, it was when we heard about the last concerts that he was going to do after so many years. And then, he died just weeks before the first curtain call. I`m still shocked and can`t believe he is gone."
I`ve got to tell you, so many people feel that way. I was blown away by how many people thought that Michael Jackson should be named SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of 2009.
Carolina, certainly what Stacy there said about the concerts and the timing of his death put Michael clearly on the list. But it really is so much more than that, isn`t it?
BERMUDEZ: It`s very true. I mean, this is the stuff that legends are made of. You know, you look at Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe and these great rock stars that have died in the past - Jim Morrison. And you see Michael Jackson.
Nobody could have even predicted that this would happen this year, especially on the verge of his comeback. So that would definitely make him a great contender for the most provocative celebrity for 2009.
HAMMER: And certainly, we`re talking about him for a good part of this year. Now, a few people wrote in with some ideas we didn`t come up with.
Tina J. didn`t any of the picks that we came out with for our five contenders to be named SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of `09, writing this on our Facebook wall, "Lady Gaga`s hats, outfits and videos are definitely a regular shocker. Each get up is more shocking than the last. Untalented people need a gimmick but she has talent so maybe she is just naturally strange."
Who knows? But she is both shocking and very talented. I think Tina J. makes a great point. Lady Gaga certainly has been provocative with what she wears throughout the year, how mysterious she keeps herself.
Hyla, do you think she really should have been named a contender though, you know, along with the likes of Michael Jackson?
HYLA: No, you can`t put her in that category. She has plenty of time to be provocative. I`m a little disappointed. This year she already had to do a topless photo shoot. Again, like your E-mailer said, she doesn`t need to do that.
She actually has a voice. She has the talent. She can write music and compose music. She doesn`t have to be that crazy. But we`ll see more of her. She has plenty of time to make this list.
HAMMER: Hey, I think so too. Carolina, I mean, would you agree? She, for me, was an easier name than most to sort of weed out as provocative as she can be sometimes.
BERMUDEZ: Oh, yes. Definitely, she`s just getting started - Lady Gaga. I say we give her another couple of years, and then we need to see like a bitch fight between her and Madonna. We really need to see something really go down for her to be provocative. So let`s just wait.
HAMMER: Yes. Well, I know you`ve met and spent a little time with Lady Gaga. I don`t actually see her taking that path. But you know what? I`m sorry, guys. I can`t wait any more. We have to get to it.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT will now name the most provocative celebrity of f 2009. I hope you`re ready. Let`s recap the five nominees. Number one, you see Chris Brown. Number two, Sarah Palin. Number three, Jon Gosselin. Number four, Carrie Prejean. Number five, Michael Jackson.
And I have to tell you guys, again, coming up with the win of this year was not easy at all, because, as you saw, we had a lot of nominees, didn`t have a lot of time. But in the end, of course, there can be only one.
And her now, the one. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT naming the most provocative celebrity of 2009 and it is -
(DRUM ROLL)
Jon Gosselin, of course. Yes. Jon now has the dubious distinction of being named SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the year. Carolina, are you with me? There really was no other way to go and Jon is indeed the most provocative celebrity of 2009.
BERMUDEZ: Yes. He`s the biggest ass of 2009. Now, that the New Year is upon us, can we be done with Jon Gosselin? I totally agree. SHOWBIZ, you got it right. That`s correct. He is the most provocative celebrity of the year.
HAMMER: Hyla, give me your thoughts.
HYLA: I like this selection a lot. It`s hard to argue against Jon Gosselin. And I`m starting to butter up to him a little after that die video that he did -
BERMUDEZ: The "Funny or Die?"
HYLA: I loved it. "Funny or Die," thank you very much. Yes, it was great and he`s making fun of himself. And that`s what he needs to do and that`s how he stays in the press constantly.
HAMMER: Exactly right.
HYLA: More Jon Gosselin in 2010.
BERMUDEZ: No.
HAMMER: Congratulations, Jon Gosselin, the most provocative of 2009. Hyla, Carolina Bermudez, thank you so much.
Tiger Woods, may have had a shot at being our most provocative celebrity of the year if his whole cheating scandal just happened a little while back. Tonight, though, I can tell you that Tiger may be Santa Claus` most provocative celebrity of the year.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Tiger, we have a message for you.
CROWD: You better watch out. You better watch out. You better watch out.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Oh, Tiger. It sounds like you may find some coal in your Christmas stocking. Tonight, even Santa Claus is speaking out about Tiger Woods. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Time now to roll out the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker." These are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
TEXT: Vivica A. Fox, Rush Limbaugh and Paul Rodriguez among judges for 2010 Miss America. Bruce Springsteen, Mel Brooks, Robert De Niro honored at Kennedy Center honors.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mel Brooks - a pioneer, trailblazer. He`s like the Barack Obama for short, funny juice. Thank you. Yes, we can.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, Hulk Hogan is flush with rage claiming his ex-wife stole his toilet seat. Yes, TMZ reports that Hulk accuses Linda Hogan of taking all kinds of things out of his home - chandeliers, a tanning bed, wine rack and yes, Hulk`s beloved antique toilet seat.
Here`s what Linda`s rep tells us, quote, "He knows I`m using the wooden toilet seat as a frame for his picture ever since I found out he is a serial cheater and a liar. Once he comes clean and starts to be honest, he can have it back." And I believe that is the first thing that I`ve ever read about a toilet seat.
So the big question everybody is asking right now is will Tiger Woods` marriage end up in the toilet? Everybody`s got an opinion on Tiger`s alleged cheating. But one person we haven`t heard from yet - Santa Claus. That is, until now.
Here is CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MOOS (voice-over): It`s the season to be anything but jolly if you are Tiger Woods.
(on camera): What is your message to Tiger Woods?
(LAUGHTER)
(voice-over): He is probably not laughing. Not only has his voicemail to a woman claiming to be his mistress gone public.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (alleged to be Tiger Woods): Hey, it`s Tiger.
MOOS: Now, the voicemail has been turned into a slow jam remix on YouTube.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (alleged to be Tiger Woods): Hey, it`s Tiger. Can you take your name off your phone? My wife has my phone and she might be calling you.
MOOS: Not since Alex Baldwin left a message for his preteen daughter -
ALEC BALDWIN, ACTOR: You are a rude, thoughtless, little pig.
MOOS: Has a voicemail gotten this much exposure.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (alleged to be Tiger Woods): You`ve got to do this for me.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He was so guilty. He was so guilty.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I`m embarrassed for him that his whole life is displayed in front of everyone.
MOOS: You can bet Tiger doesn`t feel too jolly about the press for displaying this to drive home the point.
JAY LENO, HOST, "THE JAY LENO SHOW": Take a look.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What he believes is a private matter and the Florida Highway Patrol concedes that he does not legally have to talk to them.
MOOS: Along with reporters outside Tiger`s mansion was this scantily clad radio host carrying a sign, "Tiger, they offered me $500,000. I am keeping my mouth shut." As for the women who really are involved -
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Come on, Jade(ph). Do something.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Have a good night, guys.
MOOS: He already gave everything to "Us Weekly."
(on camera): Did you hear his voicemail?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I know everything about Tiger. Yes, but I can`t comment about (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
MOOS: You are not one of his women?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It`s none of our business. Please, it`s a personal domestic dispute.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He is a good boy. He has a gift.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, he is on the naughty list.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, no, no.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He`s not getting the set of golf clubs that he asked for.
MOOS (voice-over): This parody of a holiday card form Mr. and Mrs. Tiger Woods is making the rounds.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Tiger, we have a message for you. One, two, three.
CROWD: You better watch out. You better watch out. You better watch out. You better watch out. (END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: I just hope that Santa pulls his beard down. And of course, if any of this Tiger cheating stuff turns out to be true, I think he will be pretty close to the top of Santa`s naughty list. That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. You can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, and in the morning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern; that of course, is here on HLN.
END
