Return to Transcripts main page
Showbiz Tonight
Michael Jackson`s Kids Overexposed?; Jesse James` Big Move; Breaking "American Idol" News; Blaming Miley Cyrus; Lady Gaga Outrage at a Baseball Game; Alexa Ray Joel Sets the Record Straight
Aired June 21, 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, HOST: Big news breaking today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - Michael Jackson`s kids overexposed. Today, for the first time, Michael`s mom, Katherine, breaks her silence about raising M.J.`s kids. But does the world know too much about Prince, Paris and Blanket? Would Michael be outraged?
Jesse James` big move revealed today. Is Sandra Bullock`s ex really moving near her? And could that actually be good for Sandra?
Big "American Idol" news breaking today. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT reveals a dramatic change for the show. But could it mean bad news for future idols?
Blaming Miley Cyrus? Her latest provocative outfit sparks new controversy today.
Plus, the explosive results to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s exclusive poll - is Miley inviting negative attention?
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Hello, I`m A.J. Hammer coming from New York City with big news breaking today - Michael Jackson`s kids overexposed?
Yes, today we`re hearing dramatic new revelations about how Michael`s kids are coping since his death a year ago this week. And the part that`s really the toughest for me to believe is that it`s actually Michael`s usually-reserved mother who is spilling these secrets.
She did an interview with the British tabloid really putting it all out there and saying Michael`s kids are isolated. They have no friends. Michael`s daughter Paris has even turned her bedroom into a shrine to her late father.
The more we find out the more we wonder, is this something Michael would have wanted for his kids? His kids in the spotlight, their personal struggles laid out for the whole world to see? Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you the latest Jackson tell-all is sparking brand new outrage today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PARIS KATHERINE JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S DAUGHTER: Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine.
HAMMER (voice-over): Even after a year, we still can`t forget the heartbreak in the voice of Michael Jackson`s daughter, Paris, as she paid tribute to her dad at his memorial service.
K. JACKSON: And I just wanted to say I love him so much.
HAMMER: Now, as we approach the one-year anniversary of Jackson`s still- shocking death, his mother, Katherine, is giving us a startling new look at Michael`s three children.
LINDSAY POWERS, "US MAGAZINE": Katherine Jackson gave an interview to a U.K. newspaper this weekend. She said that they`re bouncing back to a certain extent.
HAMMER: But the most shocking thing Katherine Jackson revealed to the U.K.`s "Daily Mail" that Jackson`s three kids, 12-year-old Paris, 13-year- old Prince, and eight-year-old Blanket are home schooled and have no friends.
POWERS: Katherine says that the kids are isolated in the estate in which they are living now with the family.
HAMMER: Katherine Jackson, who is now the kids` guardian, tells "The Daily Mail" quote, "I`d say I`m a little less strict but I try to follow the way Michael was raising them. But they don`t have friends. They don`t go to school. They have private lessons at home."
"Us Weekly`s" Lindsay Powers tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Katherine plans to end that isolation this fall.
POWERS: On thing that she says she`s going to do is enroll them in a private school.
HAMMER: But with Michael`s mother talking to the media about the kids, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you she`s slowly peeling away the layers of privacy that Michael obsessively kept around his children.
POWERS: Here are kids that have been largely isolated for their entire childhood. When you saw them step out, they had covered faces. And now, after his death, you`re really starting to see more of them and see them grow up.
HAMMER: Katherine Jackson says the kids miss their father dearly, especially his daughter, Paris, who`s built a shrine to her late father in her room.
POWERS: Katherine said she tried to redecorate her room with ballerinas and make it kind of girly. But Paris would have none of it. She wanted to build a shrine to Michael and have posters and a lot of things that really kept his memory there.
HAMMER: Katherine Jackson tells "The Daily Mail," quote, "Paris goes to bed looking at him and wakes up looking at him. Paris has that lovely way like Michael and I see his talent in her." In fact, Katherine Jackson says all of Michael`s kids seem to have inherited the Jackson show business gene.
POWERS: The kids are very artistic just like their father. Prince is really artistic and is thinking about going into movie producing. Paris plays the piano and says she wants to be an actress. And Blanket is really funny and he really shares his dad`s playful side.
HAMMER: On Friday, the one-year anniversary of Jackson`s death, TMZ reports that Katherine is taking the kids far away from the Michael Jackson hoopla they`ll likely see her home in Los Angeles. Instead, TMZ reports they`ll mark the occasion in Michael`s birth place of Gary, Indiana, along with relatives to whom the children have become so close.
POWERS: Katherine also says not a day goes by without a member of the extended family coming to see them. They have a large number of nieces and nephews that are around. So she is working to help make sure they`re not isolated.
HAMMER: But as the children get used to life without their father, it seems Katherine is starting to let them explore the world for themselves. It may be a life that`s far different from what Michael may have given them or approved of.
POWERS: Katherine is really trying to give them this childhood and it remains to be seen if it`s maybe the childhood that Michael never had.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: You know, this is the most that we`ve heard from Katherine Jackson since Michael died a year ago and it`s hard to believe a year ago this week.
Well, that brings us to today`s "SHOWBIZ Flashpoint" - would Michael Jackson be outraged that his kids` lives are on display like this?
With me right now in New York, Jane Velez-Mitchell host, of course, of "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL" here on HLN. Also New York, April Woodard, who is a correspondent for "BET."
Jane, no denying in my mind Katherine Jackson was the right choice to be these kids` guardian. And as the guardian, she`s loving towards them and she has to make decisions.
However, and you have been working the Michael Jackson vortex for decades now. Would you agree with me that Michael would be mortified to see his kids` lives being put on display like this?
JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, HOST, "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL": A.J., I agree. Michael Jackson would be mortified. But does it mean it`s the wrong thing? Let`s face it, A.J., Michael Jackson`s death changed the equation for these kids.
All the secrecy and the wearing of masks - that was really part of his world. They were an extension of his flamboyant and eccentric lifestyle.
HAMMER: Right.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: And now, they really do need to transition to the real world, the sooner the better. I think this is part of a big plan by Katherine Jackson to make that transition for them. I think it`s very healthy.
HAMMER: Yes. I mean, you bring up those masks. Let`s face it. We didn`t even know what these kids looked like before a year ago, basically. Michael did his best to shield them from the world all the time.
What do you think, April? Would Michael be furious seeing his kids in the spotlight like this?
APRIL WOODARD, CORRESPONDENT, "BET": I think Michael would be upset about it. But like Jane said, it doesn`t mean that it`s the wrong thing to do. I mean, I`m no psychologist but I am a parent. And I think normal kids need to be exposed to other children their age.
They need to have normal activities. They need to go to school. I mean, even President Obama`s children go to school. So I just think that it`s a good thing for them to get out and to experience life as a real child, especially if they have aspirations to be performers or entertainers.
If you want to be an actress, if Paris wants to be an actress she`s going to have to be able to relate to everyday people.
HAMMER: Yes. And to that end - and we didn`t really know for sure what was going on with Michael`s kids and their education. But no surprise, they have been home-schooled now, according to Katherine. And she is planning to send them to private school in the fall.
Again, I think Michael would be mortified to know that his kids will go to school, be exposed to who-knows-what kind of scrutiny. But Jane, I have to say, this is such a great idea in my mind and exactly what Katherine should be doing. And I`m sure it`s being done very delicately. But yes, these kids need to be around other kids.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: They need to go to regular school. But I am a little bit worried about that transition.
HAMMER: Yes.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: I mean, look, they have lived this wild life. How are they going to relate to average kids in the schoolyard? They`re entering puberty. Paris is 12. Prince is 13. That`s a very tough time for any kid under the best of circumstances.
Imagine having to go from this world where you have no friends, no outside connections, suddenly being thrown into that environment.
HAMMER: Right.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: I think they`re going to need some outside help. Therapy - that`s what I recommend.
HAMMER: Well, hopefully it will be delicate transition.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Yes.
HAMMER: And it won`t just be throwing them into that environment. We can only hope.
All right. I do want to move on to another story that is making big news today - Tiger woods badgered by banners. Yes, Tiger was trying to focus on his golf game. And while he was doing that, planes were flying overhead at the U.S. Open sporting brand-new messages to Tiger including this one - "Tiger, are you my daddy?"
All right. I personally don`t think Tiger is very amused by all this but the rest of us sure are. I though it was pretty great. April, this is clearly proof that all is not forgotten and none of this is going away any time soon.
WOODARD: No, definitely not going away. But you know, to be honest, if I was working in an environment going to my job and someone was flying a banner about some indiscretions I had - sure, huge mistake.
But do you need to be flying a banner above him and then not even have the cojones to say what your name is? I don`t know if I agree with this because I think there`s so many other people that have made mistakes, celebrities included, and you don`t see people on the red carpet holding up signs or planes flying around saying, "Why did you cheat on your wife?" "Why did you wield a knife at your wife?"
I don`t see that. So I`m not really in favor with the person who will not tell us their names who decide to fly these banners.
HAMMER: Yes. I hear where you`re coming from. I can`t - listen, I`m amused by it. I think it`s kind of funny. But sure, he`s trying to do his job. You know, there`s another banner that did fly over his head while he was trying to play golf reading "Happy Father`s Day Tiger, LOL."
So Jane, are you laughing at this? Or do you think it`s in all in poor taste?
VELEZ-MITCHELL: I think it`s tacky and it`s tasteless. But I also believe Tiger brought it on himself by not facing the tough questions when he had that opportunity -
HAMMER: Yes.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: And trying to control the world. This is a life lesson for him, A.J. You cannot control the world and toxic secrets will explode in your face. Be honest and deal with it and get it over with.
HAMMER: He made his bed, so to speak.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Yes, exactly.
HAMMER: Let`s leave it at that. Jane Velez-Mitchell, April Woodard, thanks, guys.
As we move on today, a big new "American Idol" shocker today. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is revealing dramatic new change for this gang-buster show. I tell you, this could mean bad news for future "Idol" contestants.
Jesse James` big move revealed today. Is Sandra Bullock`s soon-to-be ex really moving near her? Could this actually be a good thing for Sandy?
And a Betty White sex tape? Please, please no. Betty`s career red hot right now and she is one sexy senior to be sure. But are there really naked pictures of an 88-year-old Betty White out there today? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Anna Nicole Smith judge Larry Seidlin calls for new investigation into her death. "American Pie" actor Chris Klein checks in to rehab after drunk-driving arrest.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. And it`s Levi Johnston`s blog battle. Yes, Levi`s attorney is speaking out today. He just slammed Levi`s sister and her new blog.
Now, Levi`s sister, Mercedes, claims to know what`s really going on with Sarah Palin and her family and says she has new details about how Levi is working on his relationship with Bristol Palin.
Well, Levi`s attorney says Levi`s sister is free to write whatever she wants but just don`t buy what she`s selling because she`s not a member of team Levi. There`s a team Levi? Who knew? Don`t forget the t-shirt.
There is big news breaking in "The Buzz" today. Are there really triple X photos of 88-year-old Betty White out there today?
And Oprah`s unbelievable new connection to Seinfeld and "Lost." All that making big news in "The Buzz" today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): Oprah`s finale windfall. Oprah Winfrey`s talk show is making even more money as it moves into its final season.
OPRAH WINFREY, HOST, "THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW": This is a show that you would be interested in to help you for your future.
HAMMER: The show is reportedly charging advertisers up to $1 million dollars in ads for its final episode. Those near-record rates rival the costs of ads in the finales of primetime shows like "Lost" and "Seinfeld."
Amanda Bynes retires. The "Hairspray" star decided to call it quits at the ripe old age of 24. She broke the news to her fans via her Twitter page telling everyone, "I know 24 is a young age to retire, but you heard it here first. I`ve retired."
She explains, "I don`t love acting anymore so I`ve stopped doing it." Bynes just finished her last role in the new film, "Easy A," due out in September.
Betty White has a sex tape? The 88-year-old former golden girl who just launched another hit sitcom is laughing off reports that a sex tape of her and her late husband has been found.
The story making the rounds online is that the tape was found in White`s old house. But her agent tells "ABCNews.com" that the story is false.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
Eighty-eight-year-old Betty White and a sex tape scandal, while a 24-year- old says she`s had enough of acting? Has Hollywood finally lost its mind?
Right now, from Hollywood, Kim Serafin who is a senior editor with "In Touch Weekly."
So Kim, I love this combination. You`ve got the former "Golden Girl," Betty White, shooting down reports of a sex tape. You`ve got the young star of "Hairspray" retiring from acting.
Quite frankly, I think these Hollywood stars are messing with our heads. Kim, are you with me that perhaps we`re involved in some elaborate reality show? We`re all the unwilling participants and they`re playing a huge joke on us.
KIM SERAFIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": Yes, I think we`re all getting punked here. This is crazy. I mean, obviously with Amanda Bynes - she`s 24. I don`t really think she`s really retiring from acting.
She, of course, announced this on her Twitter page. I mean, the beauty of twitter is that for us, who follow celebrities, is great because we get to hear from celebrities unfiltered.
It`s not through their publicist. It`s whatever they feel at 7:00 in the morning or whenever Amanda was twittering this. You know, but on the other hand, if you`re a celebrity, you have to be really careful about what you say. Now, of course, Amanda has gotten more publicity now than she`s gotten in a while.
HAMMER: Of course.
SERAFIN: Maybe she`s - you know, who knows? Maybe she didn`t get a part. Maybe she saw Miley Cyrus or something and was wondering why she doesn`t have the career of Miley Cyrus. She had a great show, "The Amanda Show" -
HAMMER: Hey, listen, she tweeted she`s out of the game. SHE`S out of the game.
Let`s move on because Betty White`s agent says there was no truth of this tale of the sex tape. Betty laughed off the reports. I`ve got to tell you I`ve been very excited to see Betty having her big resurgence in popularity. But I know I don`t want to see a Betty White sex tape. And Kim, I`m guessing I`m not the only one.
SERAFIN: Oh, gosh. No. No sex tape, no pictures of Betty White. And Betty White comes from the era where you did not need a sex tape or sex photos to be famous. You actually got famous on talent.
And that`s how she`s there. She got the best ratings on "Saturday Night Live" that they had in a long time without a sex tape.
HAMMER: Yes.
SERAFIN: She got great ratings for her new sitcom without sex photos. So let`s just leave it at that. And I`m glad that she`s laughing and often having fun with this.
HAMMER: Also making big news today - we`ve got to get to this Oprah in the same arena as other big shows who wrapped it up.
Let me run a couple down. As she wraps up, she`s looking to get nearly $1 million per ad like "Lost." They did the same thing, "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Friends" - upwards of $2 million.
But Kim, this is Oprah. She`s going to get this money. She deserves it. Bring it on.
SERAFIN: Absolutely. I mean, this is the end of an era. "Oprah" ending? I mean, a bigger deal than the end of "Lost," a bigger deal than the end of "Seinfeld." What are we going to do without Oprah? Where are celebrities going to go when they have a confession to make, when they want to clear up a story?
HAMMER: Yes.
SERAFIN: This is a huge deal and she should be getting at least $1 million per commercial.
HAMMER: Send Oprah your money now. Kim Serafin, thank you so much.
Moving on, all I have to say is oh, Miley, Miley, Miley. Take a look at this - the brand-new Miley photo that everybody`s talking about today. Miley, we get it. You`re like so over being Hannah Montana.
But Miley, with this outrageous outfit, now, I think you`re trying a little too hard to be a little too provocative. We have the surprising results of our exclusive SHOWBIZ TONIGHT poll revealed today - "Is Miley inviting negative attention?"
Jesse James` big move revealed today. Sensational new reports that Sandra Bullock`s cheating ex could be moving closer to her. Could this actually be a good thing for Sandra?
And Travolta sings "soccer." Yes, John Travolta tapping his inner "Grease," Danny Zuko, who won awesome Aussie experience. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: "True Blood" executive producer "beyond thrilled" HBO renews show for fourth season. "Toy Story 3" is the new number one movie in America, taking in $109 million at the box office.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Can you tell me where I am.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The guy is just asking you a question.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, excuse me. I`m trying to stay in character. My name is Buttercup. You`ve met Baron Von Shush(ph).
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hello. I`m Trixie.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, guys. Look, I don`t know where I am.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We`re either in a cafe in Paris or a coffee shop in New Jersey.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(SINGING)
HAMMER: No vuvuzela for Danny Zuko. Danny, a.k.a. John Travolta is kicking it there with the Australian soccer team, the Socceroos.
Did you see this? John going way back to his "Grease" days to keep a promise that he made to the team four years ago. Now, he told the Socceroos back then he would show up for them at the World Cup to cheer them on and sing them on.
A big shout-out right now to my good friend and fellow HLN-er, Robin Meade. Robin, of course, hosts "Morning Express" here on HLN. She`s a huge NASCAR fan and I know she must have been so psyched to take part in the Toyota/Save Mart 350 in Sonoma, California over the weekend.
Robin was right there at the big race to sing the national anthem. And of course, like everything Robin does, she nailed it.
(SINGING)
HAMMER: Holy Molly. Nice going, Robin Meade.
All right. There`s a heated debate happening right now on the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook wall. Brand-new reaction today to the big Kardashian news that Kim, Khloe and Kourtney are writing an advice book. Oh, goody.
Lisa R. just posted that a Kardashian advice book is just plain crazy, "The only thing we can learn from the Kardashians is how to swear, fight and, of course, how to make a sex tape work in your favor."
Now, we checked again and again. And I`ve got to tell you, there`s not a whole lot of support for this book out there. We kept digging, though, as we are wont to do. Finally, we got this message from Andrea, "I would buy the book. They`re cool. I love them." All right, Andrea.
You can join the debate on Facebook. Go behind the scenes of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and get breaking entertainment news alerts on Twitter. Call us at "Showbiz on Call." You can always E-mail us. You can find it all at "SHOWBIZ Connects," CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Now, it`s the SHOWBIZ lineup. Here`s what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Big "Idol" news developing today. A stunning change for the show. Could it be good or bad for future "Idol" contestants?
Now, I love lady Gaga. She is awesome. But what`s up with Gaga at a baseball game? She gave the finger at a Mets game. But what she just did - could it possibly get her banned from those games for life?
Also, Alexa Ray Joel setting the record straight today. Did a bad breakup really lead her to try and kill herself?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALEXA RAY JOEL, BILLY JOEL`S DAUGHTER: He wanted me, you know, out of the apartment. He basically kicked me out, OK? You never really get over that experience, being kicked out of your home.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views. Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Production is now underway on the next "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie. Orlando Bloom and Victoria Secret supermodel, Amanda Kerr, are now engaged.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - blaming Miley? Another unbelievable photo of 17-year-old Miley Cyrus in a provocative outfit revealed today. The surprising results of our exclusive SHOWBIZ TONIGHT poll. Is Miley inviting negative attention?
An "American Idol" shocker today. A stunning change for the show. Will this be good or bad for future "Idols?"
And Jesse`s big move. Jesse James says he`s moving near Sandra Bullock. Could this actually be good news for Sandy?
Plus, breaking today from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker," a first look at Lady Gaga`s new, nearly-nude cover. And big news for "American Idol" runner-up, Crystal Bowersox.
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 coming to you from New York City with big news breaking today - blaming Miley.
Brand-new provocative pictures of Miley performing over the weekend are fueling a brand-new controversy today. Now, take a look at this brand-new video of Cyrus performing on stage at the Much Music Video Awards Sunday night in Canada.
Today, brand-new questions are being raised about 17-year-old Miley and whether her new provocative image is adding to all the negative attention she`s been receiving. We have the exclusive SHOWBIZ TONIGHT poll results right here.
And joining me right now from Hollywood, Michael Yo, who is a celebrity correspondent for "E!" Also, in Hollywood, Lauren Sanchez, a weekend co- host for "Extra."
So Miley Cyrus, 17 years old still, performed her hit song "Party in the USA." There is no doubt she was dressed provocatively, even dancing provocatively on stage.
Michael, do you think it is Miley who is inviting all the negative attention she has been receiving?
MICHAEL YO, CELEBRITY CORRESPONDENT, "E!": You know what? Miley gets negative attention whatever she does. Yes, she`s dressing provocatively. But that`s the song. She`s having fun on stage.
I think people can`t separate "Hannah Montana" and Miley Cyrus. Every time they look at Miley Cyrus, they think, "Hannah Montana - she has to be so innocent." She`s just supporting her album. And it`s on stage. It`s not real-life, people. It`s an act up there. Don`t get too caught up into it.
HAMMER: Yes. You know, when you have a lot of people in the foundation of your audience that are very, very young, it`s understandable to me why people get so upset about this. I`m not saying whether I think it`s right or wrong how she`s dressing, but I get it.
Now, celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton, got slammed last week because he posted a link to an inappropriate picture of Miley while she was getting out of a car. Let me just say she was a little overexposed in this picture.
Perez explained to HLN`s Joy Behar why he thought he didn`t do anything wrong by posting the photo. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PEREZ HILTON, CELEBRITY BLOGGER: It`s not actually doing anything worse than Miley herself has been doing recently from grinding up on her 40- something-year-old director to pole-dancing, to all the over-sexualized things that she had been doing and turning herself into this creature.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Well, Perez caught even more heat for saying that. But you know, he`s not the only one who sees it that way. I want you to take a look at the shocking results of our exclusive SHOWBIZ TONIGHT news poll. We asked the question, "Miley Versus Perez Hilton Photo Scandal: Does Miley new image provoke negative attention?"
Look at this - a whopping 70 percent said, yes, it does. Only 30 percent said no. Lauren Sanchez, do you think Miley is bringing all these negative attention on herself?
LAUREN SANCHEZ, WEEKEND CO-HOST, "EXTRA": Well, A.J., I definitely think she`s bringing attention to herself. But I don`t think it`s all negative. I mean, listen. This is a smart girl. She has a team behind her that is calculating every single step. And she`s trying to sell an album that just happens to come out today, by the way.
HAMMER: Yes.
SANCHEZ: And what are we talking about? We`re talking about Miley Cyrus. And the title of that album is "I Can`t Be Tamed."
So she`s basically saying, "Hey, you guys, Hannah Montana is no longer." This is Miley Cyrus and she`s going to sell her album. She`s doing exactly what I think she`s supposed to be doing.
Yes, she`s young. She`s 17, but she`s on stage. I mean, is it negative? I think it`s all those parents that are a little upset and that`s probably it.
HAMMER: Well, and here`s the thing. You know, Miley knows people are watching her every move, whether it`s on stage or getting out of a limousine with paparazzi waiting. And any celebrity who behaves in any way outside of what people expect from them is asking for trouble. For better or worse, that`s just the way it is.
Now, Staci from Wisconsin called in to our "Showbiz on Call" phone line. And she agrees that Miley needs to be held accountable to her own actions. Listen to Staci.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
STACI, CALLER FROM WISCONSIN: I`m really sick and tired of hearing about how Miley Cyrus is only 17 years old. You know, she may be only 17 years old but she doesn`t act it nor does she dress it and her performance is disgusting.
I think she should be held accountable for her own action and not blame anybody else except herself and her parents who are allowing this.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Now, Staci, I appreciate your call. And Staci definitely has a point. But here`s the thing. Obviously, Miley is getting something from this.
So Michael, are you with me that Miley is probably loving the attention and it kind of just feeds on itself which will, perhaps, despite whatever team she has, cause her to be even more provocative?
YO: Well, I don`t know if she`s loving the negative attention but she`s loving the buzz for the album because when it comes down to it, it`s all about selling the albums.
And I think it`s more the parents` fault for having their kids follow Hannah Montana and thinking that`s Miley Cyrus when Miley Cyrus is growing up in front of them. Now, the parents are like, "Oh, my god. This is not Hannah Montana." They`re trying to reel their kids back in and it`s the parents` fault.
HAMMER: Well, let`s move on now from 17-year-old Miley`s risque new look to "American Idol`s" brand-new announcement today that for the very first time, the show is actually going to allow 15-year-olds to audition.
Now, personally, I think this kind of instant fame for a 15-year-old can be a very difficult thing to maneuver. I think that`s pretty obvious. However, I do think it can work. You got to have at least these two things in place. You`ve got to have at least these two things in please.
You`ve got to have a kid with a strong family or support system to lean on. Who knows this is a tough road to go down. Also, "American Idol" has got to have experts on hand, not just to be there as, you know, some kind of dressing, but to genuinely be able to help the parents and the 15 year old contestant get - you know, how to deal with all that instant fame.
If that happens, I think it could be fine. Michael, a lot of people think that 15 is simply too young no matter what. What do you think?
YO: I think it`s a great age. If it`s 15 or 16, not much of a difference. With all of the explosions of Justin Bieber and all the young acts getting attention now and selling lots of albums, I can see "idol" wants to take advantage of that.
And every couple years, they a change in the rules. A couple of years ago, it was - hey, now you can play instruments. This year is, we`re bringing the age down to 15. So I think it`s a great move for "Idol."
HAMMER: Yes. But let`s keep in mind, you know, "American Idol" is not always, you know, touchy-feely encouragement. That`s not always what these contestants are getting. They are exposed to some pretty harsh criticism. Remember how it goes? Let me remind you.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SIMON COWELL, FORMER JUDGE, "AMERICAN IDOL": Let me say what Paula was trying to say.
RANDY JACKSON, JUDGE, "AMERICAN IDOL": Oh, please.
COWELL: It was a complete and utter mess.
PAULA ABDUL, FORMER JUDGE, "AMERICAN IDOL": I don`t think it was a mess, Simon. I did not say that.
COWELL: That`s what you implied.
ABDUL: No, I did not.
COWELL: That`s what you`re thinking.
ABDUL: I did not say that.
R. JACKSON: It wasn`t great, though. It wasn`t great.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. There - of course, Simon is not going to be there next season. But you know, Randy calls it like he sees it. And like I said, it`s not always light and fluffy.
The criticism also doesn`t just come from the judges. Viewers can be nasty about what they say about "Idol" contestants. Lauren, adults are barely able to handle it sometimes. What do you think? Can a 15-year-old possibly be prepared for the toll that it could take?
SANCHEZ: Well, that`s a really good question. But I think it`s a brilliant move for "American Idol." I mean, this is their plan B you have to remember, A.J., and it stands for Bieber. And the show is losing steam, already down 15 percent this season.
And producers are finally saying, "You know what? We need to wake up and kind of bring in a really young audience, superstars like Justin Bieber. So that`s what they`re doing.
HAMMER: Yes.
SANCHEZ: I also think teens can handle the success. I mean, you have to look at Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, I mean, they can - Dakota Fanning - I mean, the bottom line is if their parents can handle it, that`s what the big question is.
But as far like those comments, I think they might have to tame it down for a 15 year old because it can last forever. You know how impressionable they are.
HAMMER: Yes. Well, that`s the point, you know. And as soon as the "American Idol" news broke today, we put it instantly our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page. Our wall lit up like the first day of summer, I`m telling you.
Look at what Debbie H. wrote on our wall, "I think that 15 is too young. We have too many kids who experience fame at a young age and look what happens. I think 18 should be the minimum age and they should increase the maximum to 33."
Michael, quickly, what about that though? You know, we do see what happens to kids who get fame too young and it doesn`t always go well.
YO: Yes, that is absolutely true. But I think if your parents are along for the ride when you`re 15 years old on "American Idol," you`ll be able to handle it. I think it`s a great decision. I think it`s perfect for "Idol." I really do.
SANCHEZ: I agree. I agree.
ANDERSON: Plan B for Bieber as Lauren says. All right. Michael Yo, Lauren Sanchez, thanks so much, guys.
Well, what do you think? Let me turn it over to you for our exclusive SHOWBIZ TONIGHT poll - "`American Idol` Drops Minimum Age: Is 15 too young for instant fame?" Vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. You can E-mail us, too at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
All right. I`m a huge Lady Gaga fan. But people may be getting really tired of her shtick today. She flipped the bird at a New York Met`s game. And now, she`s been banned by the New York Yankees? Could that be? Is Gaga getting too out of control?
I don`t know this is a good idea. Jesse James is moving so he can be near Sandra Bullock. But could this actually be a good thing for Sandy today?
And Alexa Ray Joel finally setting the record straight. Did she really try to commit suicide after a devastating breakup?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOEL: He wanted me, you know, out of the apartment. He basically kicked me out, OK? You never get over that experience, being kicked out of your home.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley`s daughter in a brand new interview today. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Here comes the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: LeAnn Rimes and Dean Sheremet finalize their divorce. Lady Gaga nearly nude in the new issue of "Rolling Stone."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Brand-new Lady Gaga controversy today. First, Gaga flips the bird at a New York Mets game. And now, there`s outrage today after she showed up at a New York Yankees game in her underwear and reportedly drunk. Have the Yankees banned her? And has Gaga finally gone too far?
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. And we`re going to get to Gaga gone wild in just a moment.
But first, Jesse`s big move. Big news just in today that Jesse James is reportedly moving from California to Austin, Texas so he can be closer to Sandra Bullock. But it`s not what you might think.
Jesse is reportedly moving closer to Sandra so his kids can continue a close relationship with her. But could this be the beginning of a Jesse- Sandra romantic reunion?
Right now in Hollywood is Kim Serafin. Kim is a senior editor with "In Touch Weekly." With me in New York is April Woodard who is a correspondent for "BET."
So both Sandra and Jesse have talked very openly about co-parenting. And if Jesse is moving to Austin in a way to help the kids and that helps them co-parent, I say, whatever is best for the kids here.
Sandra has been close to the kids from the very beginning of her relationship with Jesse. She clearly takes her role as stepmom very seriously. April, do you think that it could actually be a good thing for Sandra, having Jesse move closer to her at this point?
WOODARD: Well, I think it`s good for the kids. Sandra, I don`t know. It depends on if, you know, she wants him back, if she wants him close or not.
I mean, whatever decision Sandra makes is going to be the right decision whether she decides to reunite with Jesse or not. But I guess the priority is Louis, the priority are the kids.
HAMMER: Yes.
WOODARD: She really bonded with Sunny and they said that they wanted to be near her. They wanted to continue the relationship. And because their biological mom is not, you know, able at this point because of allegations of substance abuse -
HAMMER: Right.
WOODARD: To be there, then they need somebody to be that motherly figure.
HAMMER: Yes. And of course, the conversation always goes back to a possible reconciliation. Is that going to happen? Now, Jesse just told TMZ when that it comes to his future with Sandra, he says whatever happens, happens.
I think he wants it to happen, though, Kim. Clearly he`s open to reconciling with Sandra. Do you think the kids maybe - yes, that`s the way in for him?
SERAFIN: Yes. I mean, I really don`t think he`s using the kids. The kids really do have a close relationship with Sandra. But the fact that he`s leaving this open as a possibility that, you know, first and foremost, she`s going there for the kids.
But whatever happens, it sounds like he really does want to reconcile. It doesn`t appear that Sandra wants to at this point. But if the kids are really the first and foremost priority, then that`s great. And finally, Jesse`s doing something good.
HAMMER: And at the end of the day, look, they`re the only two people who know exactly what is going on in their minds with the kids. So as I said at the very beginning, whatever is the best for them, that`s what they should be doing.
Let me move on now because I love this story. It is new Lady Gaga outrage just in today. Lady Gaga - oh, there you go, making a spectacle of yourself at a Yankees` game. She showed up in what appears to be a bra and panties, barely covered by a Yankees jersey.
Are you even allowed to do that? Now, Gaga was reportedly banned from the Yankees` clubhouse after reportedly crashing the clubhouse, drunk and fondling herself.
Well, today the Yankees general manager said, "No, Gaga is not banned but the clubhouse is off limits when the team loses." Now, I`m all for Lady Gaga doing her own thing. That`s one of the reasons we love Lady Gaga. But April, do you think she crossed the line here?
WOODARD: Well, I think she crossed the Gaga line. I mean, she`s no lady, I mean, let`s face it, OK? But I just think, you know, it`s just bad taste to show up in your panties and your bra with, you know, the stripes on. And bad taste to get drunk and then bad taste to just kind of bully your way in and give people the finger.
But you know, what else do we expect? This is Lady Gaga. She has antics. She does a lot of interesting and very funny things. So, you know -
HAMMER: Yes. But why? You know, I understand some of it and some of it - you got to wonder why. And of course, we don`t know for sure whether or not she was drunk.
But this is the second time that she has caused a ruckus at a baseball game. You remember she gave the finger at a Mets game just a week ago to the fans or at least it appeared that way.
Look, I say if Lady Gaga is doing this for publicity, I don`t get it because I don`t think she`s somebody who needs the attention. This morning on the "Today" show, Kathie Lee Gifford said it is plain disrespectful. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KATHIE LEE GIFFORD, CO-HOST, "TODAY" SHOW: I`m starting to like her less because she keeps grabbing attention away from people. It`s their day. It`s their day. It`s not her day. The sun does not rise and set on Lady Gaga, OK?
We like her. God bless her. You could go make a living and all of that. But be respectful of other people in the world.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Well, what do you think, Kim? I mean, Gaga, as cool as she is for doing her own thing, she has got to follow the rules at some point.
SERAFIN: Sure. And they said she actually - it was their fault that they let her into the clubhouse. It wasn`t her fault. They`re saying she`s not the one to blame.
And I really disagree. I think she is a lifelong Yankee fan. She`s not someone that`s just showing up at the World Series to get her picture on TV.
HAMMER: Yes.
SERAFIN: She really has been a fan of the Yankees her whole life. Now, they did lose that game. So, as a Yankee fan myself, I`m going to suggest she stay home when the Yankees are in the World Series again this year -
HAMMER: Yes.
SERAFIN: Because maybe she`s bringing bad luck. But no, I think she really truly loves the Yankees. The Yankees certainly attract star power. They`ve got two stars on their team, A-Rod and Jeter. You know, it`s not a big deal. I think this is Lady Gaga. This is who she is.
HAMMER: Got it. And speaking of her being her, let`s put up the picture, Charles. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT just obtained this - the new issue of "Rolling Stones" magazine today. There she is on the cover, exposed and guns blazing. You know, I think this is just part of her deal, her rebellious antics. It is what she does. April Woodard, Kim Serafin, I thank you both.
Well, as we move on today, Alexa Ray Joel finally setting the record straight. Was she really trying to kill herself when she overdosed after a devastating breakup?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOEL: He wanted me, you know, out of the apartment. He basically kicked me out, OK? You never get over that experience being kicked out of your home.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley`s daughter reveals what really happened. It`s a brand-new interview making news today. We`re going to show it to you. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Simon and Garfunkel postpone tour indefinitely while Garfunkel battles vocal problem. "American Idol" runner-up, Crystal Bowersox, signs a record deal.
(MUSIC)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Alexa Ray Joel says she wasn`t suicidal. In brand-new "20/20" interview making news today, the daughter of Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley finally sets the record straight. She says she wasn`t trying to kill herself when she overdosed on homeopathic aspirin while dealing with the pain of a bad breakup. She says it was an accident.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOEL: I wasn`t trying to kill myself. I was panicked. I was not thinking clearly at all. So when he left, I didn`t know what I was supposed to do. I didn`t know who I was. He wanted me out of the apartment. He basically kicked me out, OK? And I don`t even want to really revisit it because it was just so painful.
And this was a few years ago. But I never got - you never get over that experience being kicked out of your home. It still hurts. I was crying every day for two years straight after that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, Alexa also reveals that her parents really helped her get through this very tough time.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOEL: Because he`s so like not drama. Like mom is, "I know you`re going through this." And you know, it`s like so much estrogen. It`s like we`re both like going through it together. But with Dad, he`s like, "Oh, you can get over that guy in two seconds.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, Alexa is doing really well right now. I think she`s a lovely young woman. And we wish her all the best.
All right. Did you see this? It`s a really cool remake of the famous "Cantina" scene from "Star Wars." It`s an Adidas ad airing during the World Cup soccer game. It stars Snoop Dog, Ciara, David Beckham, music duo Daft Punk and Oasis` Noel Gallagher. Check this out.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bartend.
SNOOP DOGG, RAP ARTIST: What`s your problem?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He doesn`t like you.
SNOOP DOGG: I don`t like him.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This little one is not worth the effort.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don`t like you either.
SNOOP DOGG: Well, I don`t like you either, fool.
SNOOP DOGG: Are you all set? Step up.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You`ve never heard of the Millennium Falcon? OK, you guys got yourselves a ship.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It wasn`t me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I love it. Great update to a classic scene. Well, that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you so much for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
Don`t forget, we are live at 5:00 Eastern and we`re still TV`s most provocative entertainment news show seven days a week, 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific. Of course, that`s here on HLN.
END
