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Showbiz Tonight
The Big Burning "Idol" Question; Sandra Bullock`s Return to the Spotlight; Brand-New Jon and Kate Outrage; The Other Side of Simon Cowell; The Most Provocative Celebrity of the Week
Aired May 27, 2010 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
A.J. HAMMER, CO-HOST: Big news breaking today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - the big, burning "Idol" questions today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RYAN SEACREST, HOST, "AMERICAN IDOL": The winner of "American Idol" is - Lee DeWyze.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Lee DeWyze`s stunning upset over Crystal on "American Idol." But will he be a bigger star than Crystal? Plus, the great debate over who should replace Simon Cowell.
But wait, there`s more. Simon unmasked as SHOWBIZ TONIGHT blows Simon`s cover.
Big Sandra Bullock developments breaking today. Sandra`s startling return to the spotlight just revealed and why her cheating husband`s confessions -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JESSE JAMES, SANDRA BULLOCK`S HUSBAND: I do things to sabotage my life.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Are apparently backfiring on him. Will Jesse James be named SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the week? Or will it be Lindsay Lohan for her courtroom caper? Or Fergie for her cash-for-access caught-on-tape scandal?
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from New York City.
BROOKE ANDERSON, CO-HOST: Hi there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood with big news breaking today about the big, burning "American Idol" questions.
There were so many explosive questions after the "American Idol" finale last night that it`s really hard to keep count. But let`s begin with the biggest one - Lee DeWyze`s jaw-dropping upset, named "American Idol" over Crystal Bowersox.
Both incredible talents, both great performers, which led to a great debate today over whether Lee will be a bigger star than Crystal.
Then, there was Simon Cowell`s emotional goodbye on his very last "American Idol," which only intensified the arguments over who should replace Simon.
And there were disturbing new questions about the health of Bret Michaels after his surprise appearance performing on "American Idol" not long after getting out of the hospital. Bret reveals tonight that not even his doctors knew he was going to do it.
Right now in Hollywood, Kim Serafin who is a senior editor of "In Touch Weekly." And right now, in New York, Joe Levy who is the editor-in- chief of "Maxim" magazine.
Kim, Joe, it was a tight race between Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox. In fact, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT learned today that there was only a two percent voting difference between them heading into the finale where Lee was ultimately crowned the "American Idol," which led to the big burning question today - will Lee be a bigger star than Crystal? Joe, off to you first. What do you think?
JOE LEVY, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, "MAXIM": Well, we`re talking about which of these people are going to be bigger stars. I`m not sure we`re talking about a battle of the giants here. I`m not sure that either of these are going to be as big stars as we`ve seen from "Idol" in the past. But I have to tell you, I think Crystal`s got it. And I think she`s got more of it than Lee does.
ANDERSON: Do you not think that Lee maybe has a little bit more commercial appeal, though? A lot of people have been saying that.
LEVY: I do think the commercial appeal is also the downside for him. He`s a little safe. He`s a little boring for me, for the "Idol" audience. I think that`s why he won. It was a close battle. It was a close battle. It was a two percent difference.
ANDERSON: Yes.
LEVY: So let`s remember, people really do like Crystal, too. She has more personality when she sings. I can see what kind of artist she would be.
ANDERSON: She`s a little bit Janis Joplin -
LEVY: Yes.
ANDERSON: A little bit Jewel. I love her, too. She`s fantastic. And speaking of Lee, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there after "American Idol." And we talked to Lee about his big win. Let`s say that he was really overwhelmed. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEE DEWYZE, "AMERICAN IDOL" WINNER: Right now, I`m kind of mixed emotions, like - it`s just - everything - it`s been a lot. It`s been a lot to take in, in the last hour or so. I can`t wait to make an album and do what it is that I`ve always wanted to do. And that`s write music, make music, tour, and just be out there doing my thing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: I think he was a little stunned. What do you think? Crystal, on the other hand, her normal, cool, collected self. And shockingly, she tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that she knew Lee was going to win. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CRYSTAL BOWERSOX, "AMERICAN IDOL" RUNNER-UP: I knew he was going to win. I just did. I don`t know what it was. I just woke up this morning and had breakfast with my kid. And I was just like, today is an amazing day. And I`m going to have fun through the whole thing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: How Zen is she? Kim, let`s throw the burning question to you. What do you think? Is Lee going to be a bigger star than Crystal?
KIM SERAFIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": You know, it is hard and I definitely agree. Neither of these guys are the next Carrie Underwood for sure. I think Lee had the better story for the show.
He was the guy that definitely would not have made it without this show. He had the better narrative. You saw him grow throughout the whole show.
You know, Crystal came in. We all kind of anointed her the winner from day one. We all thought that she would be great. I do think Lee has more commercial appeal. And he definitely is more like a Chris Allen, more like David Cook, more like what we`ve seen. And if all those tween girls, who texted his win in, buy his album, then he`ll certainly have a good career.
ANDERSON: Yes, bright futures ahead for both of them, no question. And you guys, as great as I think the finale was, the "Idol" finale ratings did come in late today, and they are not so great.
In fact, they are down 16 percent from last year. And that`s not a good sign, especially since Simon Cowell is leaving. Last night was his last appearance on "Idol." Paula - we see her right there. She returned to the show for the first time she was replaced by Ellen. It was a surprise visit. And she gave Simon a fitting tribute. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PAULA ABDUL, FORMER "AMERICAN IDOL" JUDGE: I`ve loved all the fun we`ve had together. I`ve loved all the laughter we`ve shared together. No, "American Idol" is not going to be the same without you. But only as I can tell you, it will go on.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: She speaks from experience, which leads to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s next big burning "Idol" question today. Can "Idol" survive without Simon? Joe Levy, what do you think?
LEVY: Can it survive? Yes, absolutely. We know it`s going to survive. Can it thrive, is really the question. And it`s already not thriving. Ratings are down this year. This is the moment when people decided - you know what? I`ve seen it before.
In fact, they`ve seen it for eight years. We`re talking about contestants who grew up on "American Idol." They know how the game is played. And you know, it`s just not full of the twists, turns, and surprises. I will also say I thought Ellen DeGeneres was going to be a great replacement for Paula. I miss Paula.
ANDERSON: Yes. Paula was missed. And you know, I think "Idol" will survive but for how long? A.J., I want to bring you in here on that. What do you think? Can it survive without Simon?
HAMMER: I`m very much with my friend, Joe Levy. I think, yes, it will survive. It will go on for another season, maybe even more. But it`s not going to see anywhere near the ratings that it had.
And you know, I, quite frankly, didn`t think Paula`s leaving would have the impact that it did on the show. But it had tremendous impact on the show. So now, with Simon leaving, it`s a whole new ball game. People who were looking for an excuse to maybe say, "This is my last year watching `Idol,` I think they just got it.
ANDERSON: And you know, Simon surprisingly emotional though when he got up on stage to say his good-bye last night after nine amazing seasons of the show that he really built from scratch. I was a little caught off guard to see him so emotional. Let`s watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SIMON COWELL, "AMERICAN IDOL": I didn`t think I was going to be this emotional, but I genuinely am. I just want to say it`s great to have this little one back. But you know what Paula said is true. You know, the show goes on. It will be different. But I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Our next big burning question - who should replace Simon? Joe, quickly, who should it be?
LEVY: You know, I am available. It`s a difficult negotiation but I`m willing to listen what they have to say. It`s going to be hard to find someone who believes in the show as much as he did.
ANDERSON: Yes. And I think he`s kind of irreplaceable. But you know what? It`s good you that threw your hat into the ring because I think you would be a really great candidate.
LEVY: Well, thanks.
ANDERSON: And you know, another big surprise last night was when Bret Michaels took the stage. I mean, here`s a guy that just had a brain hemorrhage, just had a stroke, just had an appendectomy.
And there he was, looking great, sounding incredible. And he told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT how important and special this performance was to him. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRET MICHAELS, SINGER: We talked about this a while ago. And then, I got sick. I didn`t think I was going to be able to do any of this. I didn`t even think I was going to go back to "Celebrity Apprentice" after I had worked so hard, you know what I mean?
And I`ve got to tell you something. I needed to come on "Idol" and do this, my first musical performance back. It was just great for my soul.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: It was a special night for him but the guy might need to take it easy. He`s been through a lot. We`re going to leave it there for now. Kim Serafin, Joe Levy, great talking on "Idol" with you. Thanks, guys.
And now, here is something that is really surprising I want to move to. Showbiz has learned a shocking new revelation today about Simon Cowell. There is a chance that this guy might not be at all who we think he is.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHAEL YO, "E!" CELEBRITY CORRESPONDENT: I think America got to see him in a different light. And I think that they are probably very shocked.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: It is Simon Cowell unmasked. Hey, Joe, Kim, don`t go anywhere. And now, we want to hear from you. What do you think about Lee as the new "Idol?"? Vote in our exclusive SHOWBIZ TONIGHT poll - "Lee DeWyze: Did he deserve to win `American Idol`?" Vote CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. E-mail us, the address - showbiztonight@cnn.com.
HAMMER: Moving on to Sandra in the spotlight. The unbelievable details revealed today about Sandra Bullock`s brave return to Hollywood.
Explosive new Lindsay Lohan drama to talk about. Lindsay says she had a plane ticket. It would have gotten her to court on time. But not so fast, Lindsay. What SHOWBIZ TONIGHT turned up today may prove otherwise.
New Jon and Kate Gosselin outrage today. Is Kate really complaining to her kids because she`s had a tough year? And Jon reportedly introduces his new 23-year-old girlfriend to the kids. Bad idea, Jon. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: "Idol" alum Adam Lambert tweets he was not invited to "Idol" finale. Lady Gaga named most creative person of the year.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.
ANDERSON: A.J., there have been all kinds of reports that Mariah Carey is pregnant. So is Mariah Carey about to be a mommy? And Oprah says adios to her angel. It`s all making big news in "The Buzz" today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): Oprah`s departing angel. Oprah Winfrey`s "Angel Network" is packing up its wings and closing down. Oprah has just revealed she is winding down the charitable operation as she prepares to end her talk show in 2011.
The network was created in 1988 and has given out more than $80 million in charitable donations over the last 12 years. Oprah won`t be a fallen angel for long. When she starts up her new cable network, she plans to continue to highlight charitable efforts.
Heather Locklear dodges a hit-and-run charge. Locklear won`t be charged in an April hit-and-run incident. Locklear was accused of running over a no parking sign and leaving the scene.
While police say they can tie the accident to Locklear`s car, prosecutors say they can`t prove she was behind the wheel at the time of the accident.
Will Mariah Carey become mama? "People" magazine reports that Mariah has surprisingly pulled out of a major role in a Tyler Perry movie. And that is now fueling the speculation she`s pregnant. The 41-year-old Carey and husband Nick Cannon have made it clear in the past it`s just a matter of time before they have children.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: More big news make breaking today about Lindsay Lohan. Did she or didn`t she buy a plane ticket to get to her probation hearing in time. Passengers, please fasten your seatbelts.
With me, right now, from Atlanta, Vinnie Politan. He is a host for "In Session" on Tru TV. Excuse me - Vinnie is also a host for Sirius XM Satellite Radio. I almost lost it there, Vinnie.
Well, as we know, Lindsay Lohan missed her first court hearing, claiming she lost her passport. But she did insist that she had a plane ticket she could get home from the Cannes Film Festival.
Now, a lot of people didn`t believe at all. Well, today, let`s take a look at this. TMZ posted a copy of Lindsay`s ticket, her Swiss International Airlines flight. It would have gotten her to the hearing in time, as it turns out.
This ticket - look at that - it cost a whopping $6,860.50. I was bought just two days before her scheduled hearing.
Vinnie, here`s that thing - this is a one-way ticket. It was bought after the whole lost passport claim. And it kind of makes me wonder, if she really was planning to be in court, why she didn`t buy a round trip ticket when she went to Cannes in the first place, given a jail sentence was hanging over her head if she didn`t make it back in time. Something smells fishy here.
VINNIE POLITAN, HOST, "IN SESSION" ON TRU TV: Well, it does smell a little fishy to me. It may have something to do with some of her financial problems if she`s buying these one-way tickets.
But at the end of the day, A.J., this is big for her if she`s able to prove to this judge and this court that she was, in fact, telling the truth. Because there`s two things judges hate. One, when you don`t show up. She already did that. Second, if you get into court and you lie to the judge.
HAMMER: Yes.
POLITAN: So she needs to build up her credibility and maybe this does it. It does smell a little fishy but you know what? Her whole life is out of control.
HAMMER: Yes. It`s fishy but it`s also consistent.
POLITAN: Yes.
HAMMER: So at least we can say that. And as we know, Lindsay paying the price. The judge ordered her to wear that alcohol-monitoring bracelet. Dr. Drew Pinsky, by the way, told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT he wants her on the new season of "Celebrity Rehab." You`ve got to watch what Dr. Drew told us at the "American Idol" finale last night.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DR. DREW PINSKY, HOST, "CELEBRITY REHAB": Lindsay doesn`t want treatment right now. It`s more important to her to go out and party. And God bless her - go do it. But come on in, Lindsay. The water`s fine. One day, she will make a great recovering person. I guarantee it. (INAUDIBLE) in the mean time.
HAMMER: Yes. Quickly, Vinnie - I mean, do you think hell would have to freeze over before Lindsay takes Dr. Drew up on his offer?
POLITAN: Yes. She`s not going to be on the show. But hopefully, she gets treatment. Hopefully, she gets better and she`s able to fulfill all of the requirements of probation.
HAMMER: You know, I haven`t said this before. I think it actually would be the best thing for her career if she did go on the show. Vinnie Politan, I thank you as always, my friend.
POLITAN: All right.
HAMMER: As we move on, Brooke, there are plenty of brand-new reactions today. Jesse James, of course, had his big television confession. And the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines haven`t stopped ringing.
ANDERSON: You`re right, A.J. Linda from Indiana says that Sandra should have known what she was getting into when she married Jesse.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: Everything is always about what Jesse did but what about her? She already knew the kind of man that he was. She knew that he was involved in this kind of stuff. Why wouldn`t she search for somebody who was just a little bit different?
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Thank you, Linda.
ANDERSON: A.J., there are Jesse supporters out there. Check out Chris from Illinois.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: I just think everybody needs to maybe back off of Jesse a little bit. He`s not as bad as everybody thinks that he is. He was unfaithful to his wife. That`s a terrible thing.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you, Chris, and everybody who called in today. Call us at "Showbiz on Call" and let us know what you think about this or anything else that is on your mind. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are open 24/7. Here`s the number - mark it down- 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899.
HAMMER: Brand-new Sandra revelations today. Sandra Bullock, get ready to step out for a big night. The new signs that Sandra is moving full steam ahead without her cheating, self-sabotaging husband, Jesse.
Jesse James made big news this week, but will he be named SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the week? What about Lindsay Lohan and her court disaster? Or how about Fergie and her embarrassing caught- on-tape cash-for-access scandal?
New Jon and Kate Gosselin outrage today. Is Kate having a mommy meltdown, telling eight kids to scram because she`s had a rough year? Jon reportedly introduces his latest 20-something girlfriend to the kids. Jon, it was a bad idea before and it`s a bad idea now. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Wyclef Jean pleads with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to adopt a child from Haiti. Sarah Ferguson to discuss alleged fraud scandal on "Oprah" Tuesday, June 1st.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Heidi Montag, the new Megan Fox? OK. So Megan`s out of "Transformers 3." And the search is on for a new Mikaela Banes, Shia LaBeouf`s love interest. All sorts of names have been tossed around. Hotties like Sarah Wright, "Sports Illustrated" cover girl, Brooklyn Decker, and Victoria Secret models.
But today, I can tell you that Heidi Montag wants the gig. Really? And she made a brand-new video to show off her skills to director Michael Bay at a shooting range. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is American fence enterprises. We`re training Heidi Montag up for her "Transformers 3" audition.
HEIDI MONTAG, REALITY TV STAR: This is for you, Michael Bay.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ready, fire.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK. Well, Heidi certainly has transformed herself with 10 plastic surgeries. If she doesn`t get the Megan Fox role, maybe she can star as a transformer named "Plastic is Fun"(ph).
HAMMER: I don`t think she should have a gun. Lots of fired-up fans on the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page today. Just checked our wall as a matter of fact. Tons of posts on this thing.
Fans reacting to Sandra Bullock`s cheating husband, Jesse James and his stunning TV tell-all where he says that being abused as a child was partly to blame for his cheating on Sandra. Let`s see who`s not buying the excuse. Let`s take a look at a couple.
Cathy G. writing, "People always have an excuse for cheating - blame it on something or someone, instead of taking responsibility."
But Valerie G. does say cut Jesse some slack, writing, "His comment about self-sabotaging behavior was very insightful and true. He is the one that will have to live with what has happened and it is not our place to judge him."
We`d love for you to join the debate on Facebook. Go behind the scenes of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and get breaking entertainment news alerts on Twitter. You can call us on "Showbiz on Call" and there`s always E-mail, of course. It`s all found at "SHOWBIZ Connects" - CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
ANDERSON: And now, the SHOWBIZ lineup - here`s what is coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COWELL: You know, I didn`t think I was going to be this emotional but I genuinely am.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: It is Simon like you`ve never seen him before today. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is unmasking the new Simon Cowell.
There are brand-new breaking Sandra Bullock developments just revealed today. Sandra planning a big return to the spotlight and I can`t wait.
And I`ve got a little role in the super-funny brand-new Judd Apatow movie, "Get Him to the Greek." It`s with the outrageous Russell Brand. It`s the exclusive first look at my scene. You`ll see it only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I love my job. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
HAMMER: Wait until you see her. She is so good. And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Jack Nicholson will wave the green flag at this year`s Indy 500. Disney to shut down Soapnet for new Disney Junior Channel launching 2012.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Now on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Simon unmasked on the "American Idol" finale. Simon, emotional. Simon, nice. Simon, a sweetheart. Deep down is Simon Cowell really a softie? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT reveals the shocking new face of Simon today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COWELL: You know, I didn`t think I was going to be this emotional, but I genuinely am.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Sandra`s return to the spotlight revealed. Big news breaking today about Sandra Bullock and her amazing return to Hollywood.
Plus, why her cheating husband`s brand-new confessions maybe backfiring on him today.
And will SHOWBIZ TONIGHT name Jesse James the most provocative celebrity of the week? How about Lindsay Lohan for her courtroom nightmare? Or Sarah, "The Royal Family is for Sale" Ferguson and her caught-on-tape shocker.
Plus, more stories breaking today from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - 50 Cent`s dramatic weight loss. And are John Travolta and Kelly Preston really expecting twins?
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It`s 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from New York City.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood with big news breaking today - Simon unmasked.
HAMMER: Yes. Here we are. It is the day after Simon Cowell`s very last appearance on "American Idol" as a judge. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT uncovered something about Simon today that is truly shocking, something no one could ever have predicted.
You know, the mean Simon that we`ve all been seeing for the past nine seasons on "American Idol?" Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is revealing today that we have uncovered some incredible evidence that may be hard to believe, which is why we are unmasking Simon as the king of nice.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COWELL: It`s been a blast. Thank you.
HAMMER (voice-over): When Simon Cowell took his bow on "American Idol" last night, America saw something we hardly ever saw from the judge during his nine years of insulting people on the show.
COWELL: There are only so many words that I can drag out of my vocabulary to say how awful that was.
HAMMER: Last night, we actually saw emotion.
COWELL: I didn`t think I was going to be this emotional but I genuinely am.
HAMMER: Like the Grinch who stole Christmas.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The Grinch`s small heart grew three sizes that day.
HAMMER: We actually saw Simon Cowell`s heart grow a few sizes last night.
YO: I think America got to see him in a different light and I think - and I think they are probably very shocked.
HAMMER: Well, America, prepare to be even more shocked, because Simon Cowell`s emotional goodbye last night has uncovered a shocking secret, a secret that today, Hollywood insiders are finally revealing right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. And that secret is -
JENNIFER ARMSTRONG, SENIOR WRITER, "ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY": Simon Cowell is a nice man.
YO: I`ve actually interviewed him several times and he`s very pleasant.
HAMMER: Yes, it`s true. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you the mean, sometimes heartless "American Idol" judge -
COWELL: Are you taking singing lessons?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, I do.
COWELL: Do you have a lawyer.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No, I don`t have a lawyer.
COWELL: Have a lawyer and sue her.
HAMMER: May have been secretly harboring a nice, soft side, a side that, as we saw on this "American Idol" finale last night, he is finally showing to America.
COWELL: I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
ARMSTRONG: It is a little shocking to find out that Simon Cowell is a great guy.
HAMMER: Check out the way Simon cozied up to former judge Paula Abdul who returned to "American Idol" for his goodbye tribute. It`s quite a switch from the mean back-and-forth we used to see from these two.
ABDUL: I don`t have a problem saying anything in front of your face.
ARMSTRONG: Now, we find out also, by the way, that Paula and Simon love each other. I mean, it`s crazy.
HAMMER: Yes, there were some clues of Simon`s hidden humanity. But they were hidden overseas.
(CHILD SOBBING)
COWELL: Listen to me -
HAMMER: Last year on "Britain`s Got Talent," British audiences saw Simon being kind to a sad child performer.
COWELL: We haven`t finished with you. Come on.
HAMMER: And Simon was amazingly nice to another sobbing little girl who was told that she couldn`t redo her botched performance.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I just found out (INAUDIBLE) that we don`t have time to do it again, I`m afraid.
(CHILD SOBBING)
COWELL: Holly, I don`t care how we find it, but we will find the time somewhere, OK?
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
HAMMER: We saw how well mean Simon worked on "American Idol."
COWELL: What the hell was that?
HAMMER: Now, the big question is how will the newly-revealed nice Simon play in his next project, an American version of his other British talent show, "The X Factor?" "E`s" Michael Yo tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT America definitely has not seen the last of mean Simon.
YO: I`m here to tell you, as soon as "X Factor" comes on, all the promos is going to have Simon saying the nastiest things to all these contestants.
HAMMER: But "Entertainment Weekly`s" Jennifer Armstrong tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, nice Simon may translate well to his new show.
ARMSTRONG: Maybe there is an upside to being nice, too. I mean, Oprah does it all the time. So it could happen.
HAMMER: Simon Cowell compared to Oprah? Sure beats being compared to the Grinch.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: I always knew he was a nice guy. But nice Simon, mean Simon - we don`t know which one. But one of them will show up on TV next year when Simon`s show, "The X Factor," makes its U.S. debut on Fox.
Moving on now to big breaking Sandra Bullock news today, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has the startling details about Sandra`s return to the spotlight, this just months, of course, after her husband Jesse James` cheating scandal first broke.
And speaking of Jesse James, we have big breaking news to tell you today about his explosive "Nightline" tell-all in which he claimed that he was the victim of child abuse.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JAMES: I was always scared. My whole childhood - I never had a chance to be a kid.
VICKI MABREY, ABC CORRESPONDENT: Did he beat you?
JAMES: He beat my (EXPLETIVE DELETED) pretty good a bunch of times, you know.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: With me, right now, from Hollywood, Kim Serafin, who is a senior editor for "In Touch Weekly." With me in New York, Jane Velez-Mitchell who is the host, of course, of "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL." Jane, also the author of this excellent book "I Want."
Let`s begin with Sandra Bullocks`s return to the spotlight. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT did confirm today Sandra will be appearing at the MTV Movie Awards that happens on Sunday, June 6th. She`s going to be honored with the MTV Generation Award.
Now, Sandra`s reps also tell us she`s not going to be doing any interviews that day. Jane, my friend, to you first. I actually think that is a smart move, a terrific idea. Just let her enjoy the moment.
JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, HOST, "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL": Absolutely. She deserves to have fun, A.J., although I think it might be a smart idea for her to crack some kind of joke that obliquely refers to the whole sexual soap opera, just to relieve the tension and kind of acknowledge the big elephant in the room.
Other than that, she doesn`t need to say anything. She doesn`t need to explain herself. She`s the victim here. Anyway, she already did a brilliant job of explaining herself in that "People" magazine cover story that made her look like a total saint.
HAMMER: Yes. I`m with you on that. You know, she, in the aftermath of it all, lost that great moment that she had at the Oscars. So at least, let her have a great night at this awards ceremony coming up.
And her soon-to-be ex, Jesse James, did tell his side of the story in that explosive interview with "Nightline." Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT learned today why Jesse`s mea culpa may actually have backfired on him.
You`ve got to take a look at what I think pretty shocking results. We got them in late today to our exclusive SHOWBIZ TONIGHT poll.
Here`s a question we ask - "Jesse James` New Sandra Bullock Confessions: Do you feel any sympathy for him?" Put up the results, Charles. Look at that. Eighty-eight percent of you said, no. Wow. Only 12 percent had some sympathy. Kim, it does not surprise me at all. What about you?
SERAFIN: No, not at all. I mean, I think people knew that he was going to go into this interview and look for some excuse. And he really didn`t have anyplace to go but up but it doesn`t even seem like he`s able to go up in this. He said he was the most hated man in America.
It doesn`t seem like it`s really helping him. I mean, there might be a few people - like you said, you have that 12 percent who understand that maybe he had a rough childhood. Maybe there were things in his past.
He can come back. We`ve seen people like Tiger Woods start to come back. But you know, right now, is not really the time. Let Sandra have this moment. Let her really be in the spotlight. And I don`t think we need to hear from him again for a while.
HAMMER: Yes. You know, we talk a lot about him coming back. And really, it`s coming back to what? I mean, obviously, he was a reality TV star but his motorcycle business will remain his motorcycle business.
You know, now that he and Sandra won`t be together, we don`t really need him in the spotlight anymore anyway. The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines, no surprise, were fired-up today with a lot of calls about Jesse`s "Nightline" interview.
Jim from California called in to say he`s not buying any of Jesse`s story, including those claims of child abuse. Watch this.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CALLER: This Jesse James - I don`t have any sympathy for him at all. You know, he`s a grown man. I`m a grown man. My childhood wasn`t perfect by any means.
But you know what? When you get a little older and you have a little more maturity, there are things that you just don`t do, regardless of what happened in your childhood. And I just don`t buy it.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. That`s the sentiment of a lot of people. Thanks for that call. Jane, the people have spoken. Do you see Jesse James getting any kind of sympathy anytime soon?
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Absolutely not, A.J. And unfortunately, I`m not as nice as Sandra Bullock who is close to sainthood telling him that she was proud of him when she went off to sex rehab.
I think he`s toast as far as public popularity. I think his 15 minutes of fame is over. And I think he has jumped the shark. And my suggestion to him is go away and do a little work on yourself and figure out who you are. And then, when you`re a little more mature, you might come and rejoin the world stage.
HAMMER: Yes. Jane, I`m going to up you one. He jumped six sharks in my opinion. Jane Velez-Mitchell, Kim Serafin, thanks, guys.
ANDERSON: All right. Speaking of Jesse James, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT names the most provocative celebrity of the week today. So should we name Sandra`s cheating hubby, Jesse James, the most provocative celebrity of the week? Or how about Lindsay Lohan for her outrageous behavior in the courtroom? Maybe we should go for Sarah Ferguson and her caught-on-tape cash-for- royal-access scandal. It`s going to be a tough decision.
And there`s new Jon and Kate Gosselin outrage today. Did Kate really tell her kids to leave her alone because she`s had a rough year? And Jon introduces his new 20-something girlfriend to his kids. Dude, bad idea.
Oh, I cannot wait to show you this. Your exclusive, very first look at the hysterical new movie "Get into the Greek," starring Russell Brand and I`m in it. I`m going to show you my scene today. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
HAMMER: And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: John Travolta and Kelly Preston`s rep denies the couple is expecting twins. Willie Nelson chops off his trademark hair!
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. And Brooke, there is brand-new Jon and Kate outrage today.
ANDERSON: Yes, A.J. Did Kate Gosselin really beg her eight kids to lay off of her because she had a rough year? And did Jon really introduce his kids to his new 23-year-old girlfriend?
Right now, in New York, Taryn Winter Brill, who is a TV journalist. And from Atlanta is Vinnie Politan, who is a host for "In Session" on Tru TV. He`s also a host on Sirius and XM radio.
All right. Taryn, Vinnie, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT obtained the advanced issue of "People" magazine today. And in it, Kate revealed her recent frustration with her kids.
Here`s what she said, "My 9-year-old daughter, Cara, was upset with me because I forgot to sign them up for something at school. I said, `Cara, I had a really rough year. This is a new year. You`ve got to give me that. Let`s start over.`"
As a mom myself, I think that Kate was being honest. She was being upfront here. I mean, who has not said, "I`ve had a rough day" at some point? But some people are slamming Kate, calling her selfish, calling her insensitive to her kids. But Vinnie, isn`t that a little harsh?
POLITAN: I think it`s a little harsh on with you. And as a parent - you know, she`s got all those kids. And now, she`s a single mom. I`m going to give her a break here because, as a parent, you`ve got kids. You`ve had a rough day. And you know how children are very needy and you`ve got to give them everything you can.
But sometimes, the fuse is a little shorter than other times. I`m sure she took a step back, she probably would give that child a hug.
ANDERSON: Absolutely. And you never want to unload your stress or your worries onto your kids. But I think that she was simply providing her explanation. OK. And it has been a big week for those Gosselin kids.
Because in another new development today, Kate`s ex, Jon, reportedly introduced his new 23-year-old flavor of the month to their eight kids. Another one? Seriously, Jon? I mean, the kids are going to start thinking their dad is Hugh Hefner. Taryn, talk about having a bad year. How much can these kids take?
TARYN WINTER BRILL, TV JOURNALIST: Yes. I think that - normally, I would say who are we to judge what goes on behind closed doors. But come on, I think this is pretty unacceptable. Twenty-three years old. One month? I mean, is that how long does he know this girl?
These kids are so vulnerable. They`re so impressionable under the glare of the media spotlight. It`s like, come on, dude, what do you think? I mean, it`s like, again, how well does he even know her? I don`t agree at all.
ANDERSON: Right.
BRILL: Bad idea.
ANDERSON: Luckily, kids are very, very resilient. And hopefully, you know, these actions and the turmoil their parents are experiencing - hopefully, that won`t affect them negatively in the long term.
And you know, this is all pretty scandalous, but it`s got nothing on the special that we`ve got for you on Friday. We want you to watch a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "Stars and Scandal." So what`s the secret to surviving scandal in Hollywood?
Watch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, 5:00 p.m. Eastern and 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific on Friday. And since you will be watching that special - I know you will - SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is naming the most provocative celebrity of the week today.
So will it be Jesse James for using abuse as an excuse for cheating on Sandra Bullock? Or is it Lindsay Lohan for her courtroom shenanigans? Or is it the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, for her unbelievable caught-on- tape royal money mess? Vinnie -
POLITAN: It`s a little close call.
ANDERSON: Who do you think deserves to walk away with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most provocative celebrity of the week title?
POLITAN: It`s a close call for me - one, looking at Lindsay in her provocative blouse in the courtroom. Completely inappropriate, but she comes in second.
Number one, Jesse James. I mean, no child should ever be abused. But my goodness gracious, is that really why he was having sex with other women? Come on, no one is buying it. The only way he can salvage his career, I think, is by winning "Celebrity Apprentice."
BRILL: Good idea.
ANDERSON: OK. It`s time now to name SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s most celebrity of the week. Drum roll, please, Charles. It is - Vinnie, we agree with you. It is Jesse James.
BRILL: Whoa.
ANDERSON: I think it was ridiculous that Jesse would blame his cheating on alleged childhood abuse. There are no excuses for what he did to Sandra Bullock. Taryn, what do you think? Do you agree with our choice?
BRILL: I don`t, Brooke.
ANDERSON: And that`s fine.
BRILL: I think that Sarah Ferguson is in a league of her own. And this is so salacious, this hidden camera shot. I mean, when did this happen? And the Jesse James` situation - I mean, I think it`s a dime a dozen.
Next week, we`re going to be talking about another celebrity who has cheated on his spouse, gone through abuse. And come on, Lindsay Lohan`s yesterday`s news. But come on, this Sarah Ferguson stuff - this is good stuff. I think she takes the cake. I disagree wholeheartedly, Brooke.
ANDERSON: Yes. Vinnie, Sarah Ferguson was pretty provocative, huh?
POLITAN: Yes, she was. But we see it all the time. Politicians getting in trouble. And she`s just sort of another form of a politician over there, selling access. So yes -
(CROSS TALK)
BRILL: She`s a mob.
POLITAN: I give her - I give her - you know, she came in third, you know.
ANDERSON: Yes. She came in third with me. And I think Jesse James trying to rationalize it.
BRILL: No, all you guys -
ANDERSON: And he just can`t do it. Taryn Winter Brill, Vinnie Politan, thanks, guys.
All right. I`m so psyched to show you this today. It is your exclusive first look at my starring role in Judd Apatow`s hysterical new film, "Get Him to the Greek." It stars Russell Brand and me. Just kidding. My part is very small.
But I could not stop laughing on the set because Russell had me and everybody on the set cracking up. You can only see me in "Get Him to the Greek" right now on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
HAMMER: Here comes the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: TBS to air Conan O`Brien comedy special on June 27th. Rapper 50 Cent loses 50 pounds for his role as a cancer patient in "Things Fall Apart."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: It is your exclusive first look at my starring role in Judd Apatow`s hysterical new film, "Get Him to the Greek." It stars Russell Brand and me. I can confirm for you Russell is hilarious and absolutely outrageous.
Seriously, my cheeks hurt because I was laughing so much. It was really an honor and so cool to represent SHOWBIZ TONIGHT in "Get Him to the Greek." Take a look at my scene with Russell Brand and Rose Byrne.
Now, get a good look because you will only see me in this exclusive first look of "Get Him to the Greek" right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`ve got a little starring role in the movie and I can honestly tell you it is deliciously funny, especially because of my super funny co-star, Russell.
I`m not kidding. It was a challenge, trying to get keep a straight face while doing my scene. But check out what Rose Byrne told me. She was able to pull a fast one on Russell during filming.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROSE BYRNE, ACTRESS: I made Russell laugh once. That was pretty cool to make him crack.
ANDERSON: How did you do that?
BYRNE: We were talking about "African Child." I was, like, it was really beautiful. I loved filming that. I actually thought we were in Africa at one stage. He laughed. He lost it. It was awesome.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: And let me show you what happened when I tried to talk to Russell about the movie.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera): Did you just loosely pay attention to the script, the entire movie where you had adlibbing (INAUDIBLE)?
RUSSELL BRAND, COMEDIAN: I never looked at the script. I refused to. They sent it in the post. I didn`t even open the envelope. I threw it away.
And they said, "Will you please read the script?" I said, "Just give me the gist. Give me the gist."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: A.J., he`s being honest. I mean, before we started filming, we were basically told, "Oh, don`t worry about the script. Just kind of go with the flow. And honestly, I do not think Russell had even read it. I don`t think - I don`t think he had looked at it once.
It was terrifying but exhilarating. It was a lot of fun. It was a blast working with everybody on "Get Him to the Greek." Russell Brand a hoof and a half. It was a thrill working with him.
HAMMER: Well, we`re all very proud of you. I mean, you just look fantastic. I, for one, can`t wait to see the movie, although I have to tell you, Brooke, it is my sincerest hope, having caught a little bit of the filming in action, that some of the outtakes will make the DVD when that comes out. I want to see the film first, of course. But wow, it`s pretty nutty.
ANDERSON: I know. It gets pretty nutty, pretty darn racy. All right. "Get Him to the Greek," starring Russell Brand and Rose Byrne and, yes, me, too, will be in theaters, June 4.
HAMMER: I believe Brooke gets top billing. All right. Wednesday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll. Right now, I will reveal the surprising final results. "Jesse James` New Sandra Bullock Confessions: Do you feel sympathy for him?"
Apparently not. Only 12 percent of you voted yes, you feel sorry for Jesse. A whopping 88 percent of you said no sympathy.
Look at this E-mail. It`s Brian in Alabama writing, "It`s easy to say Jesse is a bad boy, but Sandra knew that when she met him."
We also heard from Gifty in Maryland who writes, "My heart goes out to Jesse."
So we did se it on both sides. We just saw a whole lot more, Brooke, on the non-sympathy side.
ANDERSON: Yes, exactly.
HAMMER: Well, that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thanks a lot for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
ANDERSON: I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT now live at 5:00 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday.
HAMMER: And we are still TV`s most provocative entertainment news show seven days a week at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific.
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