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Showbiz Tonight
Did Tiger Pull It Off?; Simon Cowell`s Dream Replacement; The Most Provocative Celebrity of the Week
Aired February 19, 2010 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BROOKE ANDERSON, HOST: Big news breaking right now on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - did Tiger pull it off? Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the fired-up explosive fallout from Tiger Woods speaking publicly today for first time about his cheating scandal.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TIGER WOODS, GOLF CHAMPION: I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the unanswered question - has Tiger saved his marriage?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WOODS: As Elin pointed out to me, my real apology to her will not come in the form of words.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Plus, the unanswered questions after Tiger`s startling public revelations about his rehab. And the outrageous request today by a porn star who claims she had an affair with Tiger.
Tonight, will Tiger Woods be named SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the week? Or will it be Jessica Simpson for her dramatic revenge on people who slammed her for her weight? Or is it director Kevin Smith for his too-fat-to-fly controversy?
Plus, Simon Cowell speaks out about Howard Stern possibly replacing him. And Simon`s shocking pick to take over his job on "American Idol."
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC)
ANDERSON: Hi there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you from Hollywood.
And tonight, Tiger`s remarkable tale. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that there has been an unbelievable reaction to Tiger Woods coming out today to speak for the first time about his career and life meltdown, a meltdown that was triggered by his apparent one-time insatiable appetite for cheating on his wife.
For some 13 minutes, Tiger told his tale. But tonight, I can tell you the applause he`s long been used to hearing was anything but deafening. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can now reveal Tiger`s extraordinary and very personal revelations today left many more questions than answers. And it all made for big news breaking today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WOODS: For all that I have done, I am so sorry.
ANDERSON (voice-over): When Tiger Woods faced cameras today for the first time since his cheating scandal exploded and as viewers around the world, from New York to Sweden to Thailand were glued to their TVs, the one point he seemed to want everyone to get is -
WOODS: I`m deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior I engaged in.
ANDERSON: At his Florida appearance, Tiger spoke in front of an audience filled mostly with friends and family including his anguished-looking mother. His wife, Elin, was not there, but Tiger took full responsibility for cheating on her.
WOODS: I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I was wrong. I was foolish.
ANDERSON: But Tiger says he`s getting help, confirming widespread reports that he`s getting in-patient therapy.
WOODS: It`s hard to admit that I need help, but I do.
LINDSAY POWERS, SENIOR EDITOR, "US WEEKLY": What`s interesting is he never said it was sex rehab or he was undergoing any kind of counseling. He basically said that he was just undergoing rehab to better himself and to work on his own issues.
ANDERSON: But while he confirmed the therapy reports, Tiger is shooting down other rumors that have swirled around him since the scandal broke. He denies taking performance-enhancing drugs and he angrily denied rumors that Elin assaulted him on the night of his Thanksgiving weekend car accident.
WOODS: There has never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage, ever.
ANDERSON: And to all of those angry at Tiger for not taking questions and who want details about his infidelities, Tiger had another message - don`t hold your breath.
WOODS: Every one of these questions and answers is a matter between Elin and me.
ANDERSON: Almost the second after Tiger stepped down from the podium and hugged his mom, TV networks that were covering his apology as if it were a presidential address, suddenly exploded in debate. Some praised his remarks.
COOPER LAWRENCE, PSYCHOLOGIST: This is the best apology I`ve ever seen.
ANDERSON: Others bashed it as inauthentic.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It was what he has done all his career, "I`m controlling the agenda."
ANDERSON: But perhaps the strangest review of Tiger`s talk came all the way from California.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He`s so selfish.
ANDERSON: Joslyn James, the ex-porn star, who claims she is one of Tiger`s ex-mistresses watched Tiger`s statement hand in hand with her attorney, Gloria Allred. And speaking to cameras almost the second Tiger was done, Joslyn apologized to Tiger`s wife and kids.
JOSYLN JAMES, ALLEGED MISTRESS OF TIGER WOODS: I`m so sorry for my part in any of their pain.
ANDERSON: And Joslyn actually believes Tiger owes her an apology as well.
JAMES: I`ve had to deal with a lot and too much from him and because of him.
POWERS: She is demanding an apology from Tiger Woods when really, you know, it takes two to tango.
ANDERSON: Tiger says he doesn`t know when he`s going back to golf but he says he is going back to his in-patient therapy.
WOODS: I have a long way to go, but I`ve taken my first steps in the right direction.
ANDERSON: Now, the big question is, was this statement the right step?
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Tiger Woods also said today he doesn`t know when he will play golf again and revealed he is going back into therapy immediately. And at the heart of the big debate that raged today were these questions - was his apology sincere and did anyone buy it?
With me in Hollywood tonight, Tanika Ray, who is an entertainment journalist. And in Atlanta, Vinnie Politan who is a host for "In Session" on our sister network, Tru TV.
All right, guys. I thought Tiger did a fine job. I thought he was effective, even though I did think he read every single word of his apology off a piece of paper. But I feel like he truly meant every word of what he read. Tanika, are you buying what he had to say?
TANIKA RAY, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST: Now, you know, I`ve come in here many times and I`ve been the biggest critic for Tiger but - go Tiger! Team Tiger. I think he redeemed himself. I thought he was honest. I thought it was a man who really looked inward to see what his problems were. He knows he has a long way to go. And he`s willing to do the work and I applaud that - I applaud him for that.
ANDERSON: After the show, we`re going to make you a team Tiger t-shirt, Tanika.
RAY: I`m telling you - cheerleader. Woohoo!
ANDERSON: Hey, Vinnie. Do you agree? Do you think Tiger was sincere? Because personally, I wish that I had seen him go off the page just a little bit.
VINNIE POLITAN, HOST, "IN SESSION": Well, let me jut say, Brooke, that I believe Tiger was very sincere in the way that he spoke to the people today.
RAY: Oh, come on.
POLITAN: And I believe every word he said was from the bottom of his heart.
RAY: That`s not nice.
POLITAN: Come on, Tiger. Give me some of this. Give me some of this, Tiger. Give me some of this. You know the story. You lived it. You don`t need to read it. If he wants to put a couple notes on his hand, I`m fine with that. But come on, you have to read every single word -
RAY: Absolutely not. Do you understand how much money is riding on this? He would have picked the part -
POLITAN: It shouldn`t be about the money though.
RAY: Every single word that came of him.
POLITAN: It shouldn`t be about the money.
RAY: It shouldn`t be about the money. It should be about the feelings of his wife, his children - his wife, and the fact that - and his mother - and the fact that, you know, unfortunately, he has all of these fans are going to be riding on every single one of his words. So I thought it was a very smart -
POLITAN: It could be a sincere apology -
RAY: He`s a spiritual. He`s back to his base. I think it was a sincere apology.
POLITAN: It`s not sincere when he`s reading - who wrote the words?
RAY: I don`t agree with you.
POLITAN: Who wrote the words? Did he write the words? Did a scriptwriter write it?
ANDERSON: Yes. Well, you make a good point there, Vinnie -
POLITAN: His producer?
ANDERSON: Because there is no telling how many people had a hand in crafting that statement. I do wish there had been a little bit of adlibbing because that would have made (UNINTELLIGIBLE)-
RAY: In a world -
ANDERSON: And I know he is very controlling.
RAY: Yes.
ANDERSON: And this is the person Tiger is. But the person Tiger is, is what got him into trouble to begin with.
RAY: You`re right. I know you think it`s controlling, but for me, I thought it is really smart because he mentioned his Buddhist upbringing. Buddhist is - a lot of that is about discipline. It`s about being focused.
And I think he was right to mention that and that when he fell off- course his life kind of went wayward. And I think that`s a real big part of this discussion. And yes, he is a focused man. That is why he is so successful in golf. That`s why he`s been so successful in life. So he hit a bump in the road. Now, mind you - that was all 17 bumps at that.
ANDERSON: I know.
RAY: Those little speed bumps. Who thought I would be on Tiger`s side? But I really believe he made such a beautiful speech today. Yes, it was right off the page -
POLITAN: Beautiful?
RAY: But I do think he had all the right words.
POLITAN: It was robotic. It was cold. It was distant.
ANDERSON: I want to talk about -
RAY: It lacked a little soul, Vinnie. What do you want from the guy?
ANDERSON: I want soul next time. Tanika, I want soul. And I do want to talk about Tiger`s wife, Elin, because just like everybody else, I was waiting to see if she would show up. She did not. But Tiger did make brand-new revelations about Elin. He confirms he`s trying to save his marriage.
RAY: Yes.
ANDERSON: He says details of his affairs will remain between him and his wife.
RAY: Loved that.
ANDERSON: He also set the record straight about, you know, Elin and has she ever hit him. He adamantly says no way, there`s never been any abuse in their marriage, because there has been speculation she went after the guy with a golf club on that fateful Thanksgiving night. I think he had no choice but to address all of this.
RAY: Exactly.
ANDERSON: Tanika, what do you think? Did he have to address it?
RAY: Absolutely. The man has been quiet since this happened Thanksgiving Day. It could have gotten really ugly if he had just gone to the golf course and never said anything. I think he would have lost a lot of fans.
I think he gained so many people`s respect today by going down the line and addressing each issue we`ve had over the last couple of months.
ANDERSON: Yes, we did.
RAY: He had to do it.
ANDERSON: He was very comprehensive. And right after his very public apology to his wife, she got another apology from one of his supposed ex- mistresses -
RAY: Oh, goodness.
ANDERSON: Former porn star, Joslyn James, on the news conference to say she was sorry for her alleged affair with Tiger. But her attorney said they are still looking for a personal apology from Tiger. You`ve got to check it out. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GLORIA ALLRED, ATTORNEY FOR JOSLYN JAMES: He did not apologize by name to my client, Veronica. And I ask why no apology. He must call her and better yet meet with her in person to apologize to her and explain why he lied to her over and over again.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Vinnie, very quickly. Is this just nuts?
POLITAN: This is ridiculous. "Elin, hold on for a second. I`m speaking with Joslyn James. Joslyn, I`m so sorry. Elin, will you just leave me alone for a minute? I`ve got to talk to Joslyn here." Come on, it`s not going to happen. That would have to bring you down (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
ANDERSON: Yes. I`m thinking the chances that Tiger is going to apologize to this former porn star - the chance is slim and none.
RAY: Get over it, sister.
ANDERSON: And Tiger`s unbelievable public apology today definitely makes him a nominee to be named SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the week?
But will Tiger take the top honor for what he did today? Or will it be Jessica Simpson for her dramatic revenge on people who slammed her for her weight? How about director Kevin Smith for his too-fat-to-fly controversy?
Tanika Ray, Vinnie Politan, stay right there. We will be naming SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the week.
All right. We`ve got so much more Tiger Woods coverage tonight. But there are a lot of other big Hollywood stories just in today.
Simon Cowell speaks out about who could replace him on "American Idol." I just asked Simon directly who he thinks it should be.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera): If you could choose, if you had your pick, who would be your dream replacement?
SIMON COWELL, "AMERICAN IDOL" JUDGE (through telephone): Well, you`re never going to pick anyone as good as you, are you?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: You`ve got to love him, right? Tonight, what he told me. His pick will shock you. Plus, what Simon says about all that talk that Howard Stern may replace him.
And in the SHOWBIZ buzz today, big news for Lindsay Lohan and her DUI case, what kind of report card did she get from the judge? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Sean Penn charged with criminal battery, tied into a run-in with a paparazzo. Leonardo DiCaprio to play Frank Sinatra in a movie by Martin Scorsese, but Leo won`t sing.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WOODS: I am so sorry. I have a lot to atone for.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Yes, Tiger. You can sure say that again. But will it be enough for Tiger`s wife, his family, his fans? You`re watching SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s continuing coverage of Tiger Woods` dramatic apology today.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. I`ve got so much more on this Tiger Woods apology, coming up. And tonight, we are debating whether Tiger Woods put his foot in his mouth with his unbelievable public statement today.
But I can tell you, there had been a surprising amount of big-time foot-in-mouth fiascos caught on tape in the last week or so. Yes, even Oprah, too. They said what? Here`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Sometimes, it`s the little things you can`t get out of your head.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What happened to his head? I`m sure that`s what everybody is asking alone.
MOOS: British sky news anchor was asking the network`s Washington correspondent -
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don`t know is the simple answer.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: OK. Looks like he`s walked into a door.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Maybe we`ll get the chance to find out a little later.
MOOS: And with that she walked into the Austin Powers trap.
MIKE MYERS, ACTOR (as Austin Powers): My mole-stake.
MOOS: The British journalist mistake was forgetting THAT it was Ash Wednesday and that VP Joe Biden is catholic.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He`s been up in Vancouver for the winter Olympics. So whether that was some accident on the little ice there`s been up in Vancouver, we don`t know.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It`s something to do with having to go on those ski trails or the luge or something. Certainly looks like quite a bruise. Does anybody - never mind.
MOOS: But Ash Wednesday crossed someone`s mind in time for Kay Burley to make amends.
KAY BURLEY, NEWS ANCHOR: OK. I know I`m a very bad catholic. I know now that it is Ash Wednesday. And I know that those are ashes on his forehead. I hang my head in shame.
MOOS: The vice president probably didn`t mind. He had his own problems when he was trying to praise a state senator in a wheelchair.
JOE BIDEN, UNITED STATES VICE PRESIDENT: Chuck, stand up. Chuck, let me see you - oh, God love you. What am I talking about?
MOOS: Now, normally, Oprah knows what she`s talking about.
OPRAH WINFREY, HOST, "THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW": Wow, wow, wow, wow.
MOOS: But the other day, she evidently didn`t know about the birth mark quarterback Drew Brees has on his cheek.
WINFREY: All right. Who just kissed you - there`s a big old -
MOOS: Posted one person, let`s pray she never has Mikhail Gorbachev on the show.
(on camera): But come on, who hasn`t embarrassed themselves making an innocent mistake like that? Sometimes we don`t see things for what they are.
GEORGE W. BUSH, FORMER UNITED STATES PRESIDENT: Peter, are you going to ask that question with shades on?
MOOS (voice over): It turns out the reporter has macular degeneration.
BUSH: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the shades.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I`ll keep it then.
BUSH: For the viewers, there`s no sun.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It depends on your perspective.
MOOS: From Oprah`s perspective, sure looked like a lipstick kiss. Why don`t you just kiss birthmarks good-bye with a (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
WINFREY: All right. Who just kissed you?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What`s happened to his head?
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Oh, can you say awkward? That was CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
We have been getting calls all day long into our "Showbiz on Call" phone lines about Tiger Woods` dramatic TV apology this morning. And you know, most of the callers are supporting Tiger and saying he did OK. Check out this call into "Showbiz on Call" from Jamecia from South Carolina.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
JAMECIA, CALLER FROM SOUTH CAROLINA: His apology was pretty OK. He could have showed he was going to be a little bit more humble. But I do believe that he really meant that he was sorry.
And I`m pretty glad that Elin didn`t show up. She shouldn`t have been there because he should still be apologizing to her.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you so much, Jamecia. We also heard from Bettie calling in to "Showbiz on Call" from Kentucky. Bettie thinks it`s time for everybody to just move on.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
BETTIE, CALLER FROM KENTUCKY: I think that people need to leave Tiger and his wife alone so they can work out their problems between themselves. It is not the public`s business.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you, Bettie. 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 always open. Here`s the number - 1-888- SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899.
I am so blown away by Tiger Woods` dramatic TV apology this morning. So what were the hits and what were his misses.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WOODS: Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout this ordeal.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Tonight, we`re getting to the bottom of the unanswered questions. What did Tiger`s cheated-on wife Elin think of this apology? Will people buy it? And has Tiger saved his marriage?
And tonight, will Tiger Woods be named SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the week? Or will it be Jessica Simpson for her dramatic revenge on people who slammed her for her weight? Or director Kevin Smith for his too-fat-to-fly controversy.
Also making news today, there have been all kinds of reports that Jon Gosselin may be back on "Jon and Kate Plus 8." Well, today, we found out once and for all if that`s happening. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Lisa Rinna apologizes to Heidi Montag for criticizing her plastic surgery. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are close to signing a producing deal with Warner Bros.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Jon Gosselin and TLC may have kissed and made up. But tonight, I can tell you, you won`t be seeing Jon on the network ever again. TLC, the channel that put "Jon and Kate Plus 8" on the air settled its breach of contract lawsuit with Jon this week.
But according to radar online, TLC doesn`t want his blue tooth- wearing, Ed Hardy shirt-sporting face on its network ever again. There is still talk that "Jon and Kate Plus 8" may come back but not with Jon.
We reached out to TLC about all this, about these reports. All they told us, quote, "We are working on Kate Gosselin`s show."
As soon as Tiger Woods opened his mouth this morning, our Facebook page lit up with hundreds of posts. Tiger is speaking out for the very first time since his cheating scandal rocked Hollywood.
I just checked our wall and I`ve got to say still really surprised. Majority of you totally supporting Tiger.
Elsa F. writes, "Thank you, Tiger. You just made a huge step to a life of change. Anyone who is not satisfied will get over it."
Nicki M. doesn`t think Tiger needed to go public, "This is crazy. There`s no need for a public apology. Only person who needs this or should hear this should be his wife and children."
But Elaine W. wasn`t buying any of it. She thinks Tiger`s wife should pack her bags, "Elin is a complete fool if she stays with the pig."
The same thing going on over at "Showbiz on Call." Our operators tell me that most of the calls are coming in with sympathy for Tiger. Check out Larissa from Alabama.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
LARISSA, CALLER FROM ALABAMA: Tiger should have gotten down on both knees and begged and cried and asked for forgiveness. But none of anybody that was watching would have forgiven him because everybody wants to tear him down.
Nobody wants to stand behind him and try to build him back up. We`re not the ones to forgive him. It`s his wife and his god that need to forgive him.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you, Larissa. And Donna from Pennsylvania thinks Tiger`s apology was spot on.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
DONNA, CALLER FROM PENNSYLVANIA: Come on, people. Forgive Tiger. A lot of people have skeletons in their closet and God wants you to are forgive. Now, if he does it again, I can see people turning their backs on him. But I think he did a fantastic job apologizing to everyone and his wife.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you for your calls. Keep them coming. And now, the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Tiger`s hits and misses. Did Tiger`s unbelievable TV apology save his marriage? Was it a hole in one for Tiger? Or did he totally mess this thing up?
Simon speaks. I asked Simon Cowell directly about who he thinks should take over for him on "American Idol." Wait until you hear his surprising pick.
And big news today for Lindsay Lohan and her DUI case. What kind of report card did she get from the judge? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Ashanti fan gets jail time for text-stalking Ashanti`s mom. There`s an online movement to draft John Mellencamp to run for Indiana U.S. Senate seat.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WOODS: I want to say to each of you simply and directly, I am deeply sorry.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Now on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Tiger Woods hits and misses. Tiger`s unbelievable big TV apology today. Was it right on? Did it miss the mark?
Plus, the burning unanswered Tiger questions. Did Tiger save his marriage? And will he go back into hiding?
Tiger is definitely a nominee as SHOWBIZ TONIGHT names the most provocative celebrity of the week. Or will it be Jessica Simpson for her dramatic weight revenge? Or how about director Kevin Smith for his too- fat-to-fly controversy?
Simon says. Simon Cowell`s stunning revelation to me about his "American Idol" replacement.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera): If you could choose, if you had your pick, who would be your dream replacement?
COWELL (through telephone): Well, you`re never going to pick anyone as good as you are you?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: And Simon sounds off on Howard Stern. Plus, more stories breaking from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker."
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
ANDERSON: We welcome you back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m Brooke Anderson coming to you tonight from Hollywood.
And tonight, Tiger Woods hits and misses. Tiger Woods breaks his silence for the very first time today. So did he miss his big chance or did he hit a hole in one?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WOODS: For all that I have done, I am so sorry.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: An outrageous debate broke out today - everybody talking and everyone`s divided over Tiger Woods` incredible 13-and-a-half minute apology televised live around the world.
It is raw. It was emotional, but did people buy it? Did his wife, Elin, buy it? Tiger apologized to Elin, his kids, his mom, all his colleagues. He demanded privacy today and slammed the paparazzi for not leaving his young kids alone.
Now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is rating it all. It`s the Tiger Woods hits and misses. Let the great debate again.
Joining me tonight in Hollywood, Tanika Ray who is an entertainment journalist. And tonight, in Atlanta, Vinnie Politan who is a host for Tru TV`s "In Session."
Let`s get right to it. There`s no doubt the biggest mystery of all in the Tiger Woods sex scandal is how he and his wife Elin are doing after he reportedly cheated on her, not once, not twice, numerous, numerous, numerous times. So today, we heard his apology to her loud and clear. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WOODS: Elin and I have started the process of discussing the damage caused by my behavior. As Elin pointed out to me, my real apology to her will not come in the form of words. It will come from my behavior over time. We have a lot to discuss. However, what we say to each other will remain between the two of us.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Boy, do you have a lot to discuss, Tiger. Vinnie, he made the heavy apology to his wife, acknowledged just how far they have to go. So on a scale of one to five golf balls with one being the worst, how are you rating his apology to Elin?
POLITAN: Well, I`ll start him off with two. And the reason I`m doing - he`s showing the same emotion when talked about Elin and as he is when he`s talking about his corporate partners. So I didn`t see it. I didn`t feel it. But I`ll give him two for effort.
ANDERSON: Two for effort. OK. Well, Tiger also defended Elin`s good name today and for the very first time cleared the air about all those reports that his wife had chased him down with a golf club on that dramatic night back in November when he crashed his car. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WOODS: Elin never hit me that night or any other night. There has never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage, ever. Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout this ordeal. Elin deserves praise not blame.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: All right. So Tanika, imagine this. Imagine you`re Elin sitting at home watching your husband apologize to you, watching him clear your name on television where everybody around the world is watching. How are you rating him?
RAY: Five balls. You know, you are right on one thing, Vinnie that you gave him two balls. It took two big ones for him to make this announcement today and to be humbled and to be sincere.
And I think Elin is probably very proud of the man that she married today. Because yes, he could have said, "Oh, yes. Elin -she`s good. We`re fine. I went to therapy for a month and everything`s great. I`m ready to go back on the golf course." He admitted he has more work to do. He has admitted he has to prove to his wife in actions not just words.
ANDERSON: Yes.
RAY: And I just find that really -
ANDERSON: It would take a lot more for me to be very proud of him, Tanika. It`s going to take a while.
RAY: Baby steps. Baby steps.
ANDERSON: Baby steps. It`s going to take a while. Vinnie, how do you rate him for what he said about Elin there?
POLITAN: Well, here`s the thing. It sounded a lot like I did not have sex with that woman, Ms. Lewinsky. That`s what the denial sounded like when he was talking about what happened that night. You really believed every word he said? My goodness -
ANDERSON: Yes.
RAY: Compared to Bill Clinton -
POLITAN: I`ve got a (UNINTELLIGIBLE) for sale. I`d book you if you want to buy it.
RAY: Compared to Bill Clinton and Chris Brown - Oscar worthy then. It is a wonderful performance. And no, he`s not an actor. He`s never acted before. I thought he spoke from his heart 100 percent.
ANDERSON: He`s good reader.
POLITAN: He read from a paper.
RAY: He`s a good reader. He`s been educated. Big deal.
POLITAN: He should watch our president more. He`d be a better reader.
RAY: It seemed like it was very personal.
ANDERSON: He`s literate. OK. Well, Tiger did not take any questions today as we know and also made it absolutely clear that he wasn`t going to answer any questions now or in the future about his marriage because it is a private matter. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WOODS: I understand people have questions. I understand the press wants me to - wants to ask me for the details and times I was unfaithful. I understand people want to know whether Elin and I will remain together.
Please know that as far as I`m concerned, every one of these questions and answers is a matter between Elin and me. These are issues between a husband and a wife.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Let`s not forget Tiger is a very public figure with an entire career based on the image of being a family man, a really clean-cut family man. Vinnie, again, on a scale of one to five golf balls, one being the worst, how would you rate Tiger`s right to even demand privacy right now?
POLITAN: Here, I`m giving him four. I`ll give him four here because it is between him and his wife. He also mentioned his kids today. And I thought he was effective when he talked about how his kids were staked out and they followed his two-and-a-half-year-old to that school that the child went to.
ANDERSON: Yes.
RAY: Terrible.
ANDERSON: Yes.
POLITAN: So I think there he gets some points. He would get a five out of five if he decided to live a life like Jack Nicholas, a life where he`s the superstar in the golf course and we don`t know and we don`t care about the rest of his life.
But because he made himself into the billion dollar pitchman, we`re a little bit more interested.
RAY: That`s the matter of when Tiger was born and when Jack was born. It is a generational thing.
ANDERSON: And he was very defensive about his family and right to be defensive. It`s very admirable.
RAY: Absolutely.
ANDERSON: Nobody should be hounding them or following them around. And I want to say that it was amazing how many times Tiger used a variety of words today to try to convey how sorry he says he is.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, of course, didn`t waste any time doing some digging to find the words Tiger used repeatedly to describe his behavior. Check this out - foolish, selfish, irresponsible -
RAY: Check.
ANDERSON: Pain, check, mistake, check, disappointed, check, embarrassed, of course, check, wrong. And one of the most impassioned and even angry parts of Tiger`s apology came when he did demand that the paparazzi leave those kids alone. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WOODS: I have always tried to maintain a private space for my wife and children. However, my behavior doesn`t make it right for the media to follow my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter to school and report the school`s location. They staked out my wife and they pursued my mom. Whatever my wrongdoings, for the sake of my family, please leave my wife and kids alone.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK, some were saying he came off too angry there. But Tanika, you know, he has a right to be angry about that. Leave his family alone. How do you rate him for this?
RAY: Five balls. He`s scoring five balls across the board with me. You know what? He`s absolutely right. He`s been so great at keeping his family life private. He messed up - that opened the floodgates. But I think he`s allowed to go backwards and say, "You know what? I`m coming clean with you, America, and the world to apologize publicly so you can leave my family alone again."
ANDERSON: It will be interesting to see what his next is. All right, we`ve got a bunch of hole in ones from Tanika. Birdie, a couple of double bogeys from Vinnie there. Tanika Ray, Vinnie Politan, thanks, you guys.
POLITAN: Thank you.
RAY: Team Tiger!
ANDERSON: And will SHOWBIZ TONIGHT name Tiger Woods as the most provocative celebrity of the week? Or will it be Jessica Simpson for her mighty revenge against her weight critics? Or will we name the too-fat-to- fly guy, Kevin Smith, as our most provocative celebrity of the week? We will make the big announcement, coming up very shortly.
And hey, as you know, provocative is Simon Cowell`s middle name, right? Tonight, I get the "American Idol" judge to sound off on future of "Idol." Tonight, Simon`s stunning revelation to me about who he would like to see in his place when he leaves "Idol."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera): If you could choose, if you had your pick, who would be your dream replacement?
COWELL: Well, you`re never going to pick anyone as good as you, are you?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: I`m telling you, you will not believe what Simon says. Plus, Simon sounds off on all the talk that Howard Stern might replace him.
Lindsay Lohan`s big thumbs up. Tonight, find out why a judge is praising Lindsay for not partying and keeping out of trouble. Huh? Doesn`t this guy read TMZ? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Hulk Hogan settles suit filed by family of man seriously injured in crash caused by son, Nick. "Twilight" stars Kirsten Stewart and Taylor Lautner named presenters at Academy Awards.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. And tonight, breaking legal drama for Lindsay Lohan and Chris Brown. "American Idol" takes a big hit. And Simon Cowell`s shocking revelations to me about who should replace him on "Idol." It`s all making news in the buzz today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice over): Stars on probation. A judge has just determined that Lindsay Lohan is fully complying with the terms of her probation from her 2007 drunk-driving and drug arrest.
The judge said Lohan must complete a court ordered drug and alcohol education program by July. While Lohan did not appear in court, Chris Brown did appear for his probation hearing. A judge praised Brown`s progress on his probation for beating his ex-girlfriend, Rihanna.
An "American Idol" shocker. Ratings just in. For first time in six years, "American Idol" got beat. The Olympics knocked "Idol" from the top spot Wednesday night with 30 million viewers to "Idol`s" 18 million.
Another "Idol" bombshell from Simon Cowell. Simon is speaking out for the first time about who he thinks could replace him when he leaves after this season. And Simon suggested controversial celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton, might be right. Simon tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the most important thing in a replacement is how they do the job.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
COWELL: You`ve just got to find somebody who can actually make a difference to the contestants, who is not afraid to speak their mind, who`s prepared to be honest and occasionally blunt, but not to be gratuitously rude.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Cowell also says that despite the speculation, he doesn`t think Howard Stern has even been approached to replace him.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
Well, maybe not Howard, but I was surprised when Simon said Perez Hilton could actually be a good replacement for him on "American Idol." But it`s what Simon said about Howard Stern that really has people buzzing today.
With me tonight from New York, Ben Widdicombe, who is a celebrity journalist. And from Hollywood, Kim Serafin, who is a senior editor for "In Touch Weekly."
Ben, Kim, I was right there on the conference call with Simon Cowell when he delivered a one-two punch. Listen to what Simon said about Perez Hilton being a good replacement for him on the show.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
COWELL: Perez - Perez would be funny. You know, he`s got a good taste in music. He`s a personality - I mean, that could work.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Simon says Perez could be a good fit. I`m not so sure. But Ben, what do you think? Perez Hilton, the next Simon Cowell? ?
BEN WIDDICOMBE, CELEBRITY JOURNALIST: Sure, why not? I`ve been friends with Perez for almost 10 years and I know that he`s passionate about music. He loves supporting the work of new artists. He was instrumental in breaking acts like Lily Allen and Mika in America.
And he loves the business so I think he would be perfect for it. Of course, he`s very feisty. They might have to keep him on a tight leash because he loves getting into fights. But I think he would be the perfect replacement.
ANDERSON: Yes. He certainly does have a very strong personality. He`s a colorful guy. I think he would be a controversial choice, no doubt. But I had to ask Simon who his dream replacement would be. Listen to what he told me.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COWELL: You`ve got to find somebody who can actually make a difference to the contestants, who`s not afraid to speak their mind, who`s prepared to be honest and occasionally blunt, but not being gratuitously rude. I`m really getting tired of all of that now.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Hey, Kim, does Simon`s dream replacement idea match up to Perez Hilton in your mind?
KIM SERAFIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": You know, Perez would be a good choice in the sense that he understands pop culture. And now, probably more than ever, the music industry has to know how to market yourself as well as be good musical talent like Adam Lambert, like Lady Gaga.
So in that sense, it makes sense. But I think Simon was right when he said you need someone who understands the music industry, has had success in the music business. And you can`t look for someone to just replicate Simon. You can`t just look for someone to be gratuitously mean, who has a British accent because that`s not going to work. You need someone who has his own personality.
WIDDICOMBE: How about an Australian accent?
ANDERSON: Simon is going to be really hard to replace. And during that same phone call, Simon addressed the reports that shock-talk Howard Stern was a leading contender to replace him. Listen to what Simon said about that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COWELL: I know Howard`s name has been in there for a while. But I`m fairly certain that there hasn`t been an approach to whoever replaces me. My advice has always been find somebody who actually knows what they are talking about and has actually experienced success in the music business.
How does that apply to Howard? As I was saying that, I thought, this doesn`t seem to fit any of these criteria. He obviously wants the job. Good luck to him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Simon says, raise your right hand, repeat after me, Howard a no- go on "American Idol," at least for now. But it seems to me Howard`s got a pretty strong following. He seems to kind of want the gig at times.
Ben, could Simon just be playing the - you`ve got to watch. You`ve got to watch to find out, Ben. Or do you think that Howard is truly out.
WIDDICOMBE: Well, you know, I don`t think Howard Stern is the right choice for "American Idol." It would be, at best, a stunt casting if he would be one of the judges. He doesn`t have the rungs on the board or the record. But he hasn`t created any stars or any hits. I just don`t think he`s the right personality for that panel.
ANDERSON: Kim, what do you think about that? Do you think Howard would be a good fit or do you think, like Simon said, maybe not so much?
SERAFIN: I mean, obviously, a personality. He would definitely get people to tune in. But I always thought that, you know, if you though one bikini girl was bad last season, can you imagine how many bikini girls would show up if Howard Stern was the judge?
ANDERSON: Oh, we would have to tone it down a whole lot. But wait. There`s more tonight, you guys, because SHOWBIZ TONIGHT names the most provocative celebrity of the week. Will it be Tiger Woods for his emotional apology today to his wife, his family, his fans for letting them down?
Will it be Jessica Simpson for her dramatic counterattack against people who have been slamming her for her weight? Or director Kevin Smith for his too-fat-to-fly controversy?
Ben Widdicombe, Kim Serafin, don`t move a muscle. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT names our most provocative celebrity of the week in just moments.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Conan O`Brien finalizing plans to do comedy tour. Sean Penn launches a campaign to help relocate displaced Haitians before rainy season.
ANDERSON: It is time now for "Making It Work." This is where stars reveal how they make their relationships work in Hollywood and beyond.
Tonight, Alyson Hannigan. The "How I Met Your Mother" star is married to actor Alexis Denisof. And they have a nearly one-year-old daughter. Hey, I know how tough juggling motherhood, married life and work that can be.
So when SHOWBIZ TONIGHT caught up with Alyson, we just had to ask how she makes it all work while starring on a hit TV show.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALYSON HANNIGAN, ACTRESS: You know, go home and like say, "Hey, we`re in the public eye." You know, we`re just two normal people and that just have a lot of fun and respect for each other -
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Alyson also tells "People" magazine that her husband and daughter hang out a lot on set in her custom-built nursery. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Tiger Woods broke his silence today making his first public appearance since the sex scandal that sent him into hiding for nearly three months. Woods read a carefully scripted statement apologizing to his wife, his family, and his fans.
No doubt Tiger hit rock bottom. But was today`s big statement enough to put him over the top for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the week? Or will it be Jessica Simpson for her counterattack against people who have been slamming her for her weight? Or director Kevin Smith for his too-fat-to-fly controversy?
Joining me tonight from New York, Ben Widdicombe, who is a celebrity journalist. And in Hollywood, Kim Serafin, who is a senior editor for "In Touch Weekly."
All right, guys. Drum roll, please. Without further ado, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT names the most provocative celebrity of the weekend and it is - Tiger Woods. Kim, did we get it right here?
SERAFIN: You know, you have to say Tiger. That`s the obvious choice. Everyone`s stopped what they were doing to watch every network this morning go live to his press conference. Nobody`s heard from him or seen him for three months.
We`ve been waiting to see what the outcome would be. Certainly, it`s an obvious choice. Though I have to say I think Kevin Smith is a very close second because really, his too-fat-to-fly incident affects a lot more people than Tiger Woods.
You know, a lot of people, if you`re overweight or if you`re sitting next to someone overweight or just general comfort on an airline. You know, it affects more people. It sparked a whole debate. It sparked debate about Twitter versus the millions of dollars of marketing and PR for Southwest Airlines. So a very close second, but Tiger is the obvious choice.
ANDERSON: Close runner up there.
SERAFIN: Yes.
ANDERSON: Well, Ben, what do you think? Do you agree with our pick of Tiger Woods? Because, you know, Kim`s right. Everybody was glued to their television sets today as he read his public apology.
WIDDICOMBE: I absolutely agree with that choice as most provocative celebrity of the week. His speech this morning was the state of the union address for celebrity news today.
And I think it will be the benchmark apology by which all future apologies will be compared. I think Tiger was utterly sincere. And I think that people are ready to forgive him. I think this is the first step in a long comeback road.
And I agree with your choice. He is definitely the most provocative celebrity this week.
ANDERSON: Yes. He did an effective job. This is a great first step for Tiger Woods. Well, when we asked on the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page who we should name the most provocative celebrity of the week, Andrew S. wrote this on our wall, "Tiger Woods is old news brought back into circulation. The most provocative celebrity of the week this week, I think, would have to be Kevin Smith and his whining about being kicked from a Southwest flight.
Now, Kim, you say that his flight fiasco does affect more people directly. Do you think maybe that if Tiger had not made his public apology this week, it would have been Kevin Smith? Very quickly.
SERAFIN: Oh, absolutely. Kevin Smith - again, people are talking about the whole issue. He, just through one person on Twitter, has started this entire debate about - among the airline industry that spends millions of dollars on P.R., marketing -
ANDERSON: He certainly has.
SERAFIN: You know, you`ve got to give it to Kevin Smith.
ANDERSON: He`s got tons of followers and he`s been communicating with them directly and very often about that. Kim Serafin, Ben Widdicombe, thank you both.
Now, this has been an unbelievable day of Tiger Woods news. To see Tiger`s press conference in its entirety, go to CNN.com/video.
And that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thanks so much for watching. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Take care.
END
