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Showbiz Tonight
Brand-New Courteney Cox-David Arquette Split Shocker; Jessica Simpson`s Love Mistake?; Paula Abdul`s New "Idol" Revelations; "South Park" Takes on Snooki; Angelina Jolie Booted Out of Bosnia?; Weightless with James Cameron; Gloria Allred`s Beef with Hilary Swank
Aired October 14, 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 - a brand-new Courteney Cox-David Arquette split shocker. Startling reports today that Courteney knew David was going to blab on the radio about their sex life and having sex with another woman. Was Courteney really fine with that?
Jessica`s love mistake? Big news today that Jessica Simpson`s brand- new boyfriend is now officially divorced. The SHOWBIZ Flashpoint today - is Jessica setting herself up for another love disaster?
Paula Abdul`s new "Idol" revelations. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT one-on-one today with Paula on the new "American Idol" judges.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera): Of course, I need to know if you were surprised by the choices of Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler as the new judges on "American Idol."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Paula Abdul in the blockbuster interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
"South Park" takes on Snooki.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Your tactics don`t work on me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Today, Snooki responds.
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 - what did Courteney know and when did she know it?
HAMMER: Yes, Brooke. That is the big burning question today following shocking reports that Courteney Cox knew her husband David Arquette would be revealing in excruciating detail why they were splitting up, including embarrassing revelations about their sex life or lack of a sex life.
Now, Arquette has since apologized for going on the radio and going public with the kinds of things that are sometimes, quite frankly, better left unsaid, or at least left behind closed doors.
But if Courteney did know David was going to do it, why would she not try to stop him? And is it even possible she wanted it all out there?
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) It`s official.
DAVID ARQUETTE, ACTOR (through telephone): Everybody`s so full of (EXPLETIVE DELETED), I can`t stand it.
HAMMER: David Arquette`s TMI rant on "The Howard Stern Show" about his split from Courteney Cox has definitely put Arquette on the list of the most shockingly inappropriate rants by jilted exes.
ARQUETTE: My sex with Courteney is kind of - you know, it`s scheduled to a certain degree.
HAMMER: Arquette`s post-separation radio rant may be more bizarre than Heather Mills McCartney`s blubbering.
HEATHER MILLS, EX-WIFE OF PAUL MCCARTNEY: I`ve had worse press than a pedophile or a murderer.
HAMMER: More intriguing than that wide-eyed Internet sensation, Tricia Walsh-Smith, who bashed her rich ex on YouTube after he kicked her out of his New York apartment.
TRICIA WALSH-SMITH, ANGRY WIFE: I will let you know that you know we never had sex.
HAMMER: And ironically, more than annoying than Courteney Cox`s TV brother, Ross, on "Friends."
DAVID SCHWIMMER, ACTOR (as Ross Geller): We were on a break!
HAMMER: Now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you, today, we`re hearing something about David Arquette`s radio rant that may even be more shocking than the rant itself, that Courteney Cox may have known about it beforehand.
NINA PARKER, PRODUCER, TMZ: We`re told that she was fine with that and that she was fully aware of everything that he was going to say.
HAMMER: TMZ`s Nina Parker tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT David cleared his super- confessional interview with Cox.
PARKER: Now, we find out that he actually talked to Courteney right before he called in to Howard Stern and that he told her the things that he was going to discuss.
HAMMER: And "People.com" is reporting today that Cox was anything but surprised by Arquette`s super-personal radio confession. A source tells "People," quote, "She knows who David is and what he`s like. Does she wish she could edit what comes out of his mouth? Sure. But nothing surprises her at this point."
ELISABETH HASSELBECK, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": I really felt for her, because he went and started talking about, you know, not having sex. Why does anybody need to know that?
HAMMER: The hosts of "The View" and lots of others are slamming Arquette for telling too much in that tell-all interview with Howard Stern. Details like the reasons for the separation -
ARQUETTE: She said to me, I don`t want to be your mother anymore.
HAMMER: And their lack of a sex life in the months before their separation.
ARQUETTE: We have not had sex in quite a - like, at that time, a month or so. Since then, it`s been like four months or so.
HAMMER: Plus, Arquette admitted that he`s already had a post-separation fling with someone else.
ARQUETTE: I had sex with a girl once, maybe twice.
HAMMER: All with Courteney`s blessing, of course.
ARQUETTE: She`s like, "Listen, I want you to be able to, you know, do whatever you have to do, you know, essentially free to see people.
PARKER: A lot of people were mystified as to why he would divulge so much information about his relationship with Courteney.
HAMMER: So with today`s reports that Courteney may have gotten an early heads-up that Arquette was about to air their dirty laundry, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is asking, why does Arquette feel the need to apologize for it?
In a Twitter posting the day after his appearance on the Stern show, Arquette writes, quote, "I shared too much. It`s all right for me to be honest about my own feelings. But in retrospect, some of the information I provided involved others and for that I am sorry and humbled."
PARKER: A lot of people were wondering, why would he put out this kind of apology, it seems like, if Courteney knew everything that he was going to say.
HAMMER: TMZ`s Nina Parker tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT whether or not Cox knew it was coming, Arquette may be afraid his over-sharing embarrassed his wife.
PARKER: Maybe he thought he shed a bad light on Courteney and he issued this on Twitter kind of as, you know, an apology to her.
HAMMER: And with David telling everyone that he hopes to work things out with Cox -
ARQUETTE: I`ve been begging Courteney to get back with me.
HAMMER: Maybe he`s realizing now it would be smart for him to leave the post-breakup ranting to the professionals.
SCHWIMMER: We were on a break!
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Courteney and David`s over-sharing sex revelations are making this Hollywood marriage meltdown really one of the most bizarre splits that I can remember.
And that brings us to our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint today - Courteney reportedly signs off on David`s sex tell-all -brilliant or nuts?
Right now, in Hollywood, is Hyla. He is an entertainment journalist from "5DollarPrep.com." Also in Hollywood, Rachel Zalis, who is a contributing editor for "Life and Style Weekly."
So here`s what I think. Courteney may have signed off on David going on the radio to set the record straight, and what he had planned to say, but I think even David probably went beyond that plan and didn`t intend to say a lot of what ended up being said, which is why he ended up apologizing.
I could be wrong. Courteney may have been in on all of it. So, Hyla, if she was, to our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, brilliant or nuts?
HYLA, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST, "5DOLLARPREP.COM": Fantastic. Absolutely brilliant. I mean, here`s a woman who`s basically saying, "Yes. You know what? I`m going to take all my insecurities and put them aside so we can work on our relationship."
"You want to be with other women? Fine, go ahead. You want to blab to Howard Stern? All right, fine. That`s me showing I`m committed to this relationship and I`m going to let you do what you need to do to make this work." She`s a phenomenal example and I admire both of them for dealing with this the way they are.
HAMMER: And again, that is also assuming that Courteney was in on all of what he said. Because, again, David really spilled a bunch more than I think he had intended to, even more than Courteney may have known about.
And one thing he was very passionate about in his tell-all was that he still loves Courteney. He doesn`t want to get divorced, and that`s not stopping people from taking sides, of course.
We`re asking today in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll - "Courteney Cox and David Arquette`s Split: Whose side are you on? Team Courteney? Team David?" Let us know at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
All right. I must move on to the huge fireworks and the massive outrage on "The View" today. Brooke Anderson, I cannot believe what happened this morning on their set. It was unbelievable.
ANDERSON: Nor can I. It was explosive, A.J. And listen, yes, I know the ladies of "The View" love a good debate. But today, Bill O`Reilly really got under their skin.
O`Reilly was explaining why he is against plans to build a Muslim cultural center just blocks from Ground Zero in New York City. So what started with shouting and finger-pointing ended with Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg storming off the set. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BILL O`REILLY, HOST, "THE O`REILLY FACTOR": Let me break this to you. Seventy percent of Americans don`t want that mosque down there, so don`t give me the "we" business.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
JOY BEHAR, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": Where`s that poll? I want to see that poll.
O`REILLY: You want to bet on that? You want to bet? I`ll show you that poll in a minute.
BEHAR: All I`m saying is I`m American too.
(CROSS TALK)
O`REILLY: Seventy percent don`t want it down there.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": But why is that? Why are we saying -
O`REILLY: Because it`s inappropriate.
GOLDBERG: Why is it inappropriate when 70 families died? What are you talking about?
O`REILLY: Because Muslims killed us on 9/11.
GOLDBERG: No! Oh, my god. That is such (EXPLETIVE DELETED).
O`REILLY: Muslims didn`t kill us on 9/11? Is that what you`re saying?
(CROSS TALK)
GOLDBERG: Extremists did that. What religion was Mr. McVeigh? Mr. McVeigh was an extremist and he killed people -
(CROSS TALK)
O`REILLY: I`m telling you, 70 percent of the country -
BEHAR: I don`t want to sit here now. I don`t. I`m outraged by that statement.
O`REILLY: You`re outraged about Muslims killing us on 9/11?
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: They just could not even handle it. OK, so right after Joy and Whoopi stormed off the set, Barbara Walters basically said that should not have happened. And she demanded O`Reilly apologize for suggesting that all Muslims were responsible for 9/11 instead of Muslim extremists, so he did apologize.
Rachel, I agree with Barbara. We should be able to debate, to disagree, but at the same time, be tolerant, be respectful of one another. Did Bill deserve what he got there?
RACHEL ZALIS, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, "LIFE AND STYLE WEEKLY": First of all, my ears hurt from all that screaming.
ANDERSON: It was really high-pitched there, the screaming.
ZALIS: Honestly, if every time a host stormed off during one of those heated debates, there would be no ladies left on that couch. I was actually hoping for the split screen - remember the Rosie-Elisabeth thing?
ANDERSON: Oh, the Rosie-Elisabeth thing - classic.
ZALIS: That would have been brilliant. But I agree, Barbara handled it brilliantly. Neither side was right in this situation.
ANDERSON: Hyla, what do you think? Did Bill deserve what he got there?
HYLA: The problem is, Whoopi and Joy lost the argument. Bill absolutely instigated it by even turning and saying, "Hey, I`m going to teach you something here." And they just walk off.
Whoopi was on the right path with the line of questioning to corner him and basically make him look like a jackass, which he is on this position, had an opportunity to educate people. But when you get up and leave and when something gets under your skin, you lose the argument. It doesn`t matter what happened. I am so disappointed.
ANDERSON: Yes. Obviously, they all let their emotions get the best of them. All right. We`ll leave it there. Hyla, Rachel Zalis, thanks.
HAMMER: Moving on, Paula Abdul`s new "Idol" revelations to me today. Paula`s breaking her silence. I go one-on-one with Paula Abdul.
And of course, I have to ask her what she thinks about the new "American Idol" judges, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera) There was obviously a lot of speculation back then as to exactly why you left. And I just wanted to know if you wanted to set the record straight as to exactly why you chose your own path and decided to move along?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
It`s my headline-making interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Big news today that Jessica Simpson`s brand-new boyfriend is now officially divorced. You know, there was Tony Romo, John Mayer, Nick Lachey, and now, this guy. The SHOWBIZ Flashpoint today, is Jessica setting herself up for another love disaster?
ANDERSON: And my unforgettable exclusive with "Avatar" director, James Cameron. I was the only TV reporter to go up with Cameron in an airplane and experience what it`s like to be weightless in outer space.
So why the heck is James doing this? I`m going to tell you. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
HAMMER: Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Reality TV series about West Virginia miners to air on Spike TV in spring 2011. Rihanna debuts music video for her song "Only Girl (in the World)."
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.
ANDERSON: A.J., big news breaking in "The Buzz" today. A brand-new divorce shocker surrounding Jessica Simpson. Also, Heidi Klum`s new modeling gig. And Adam Lambert fights back against an anti-gay law.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) Former "American Idol" contestant Adam Lambert is now fighting back against angry religious purists in Malaysia who are trying to stop his concert there. They accuse the openly gay Lambert of promoting gay culture.
Lambert has promised he won`t do any onstage kissing, but has just vowed not to tone down the rest of his flamboyant act, saying, "There will be lots of leather and some sequins and spikes and studs and fur. It will be exciting." Homosexual sex is against the law in Malaysia.
Heidi`s secret switch. Heidi Klum hung up her Victoria`s Secret angel wings, but has just landed a brand-new modeling gig. The "Project Runway" star has just announced she`ll become the face of clothing brand Ann Taylor, replacing Naomi Watts.
Jessica Simpson`s divorce news. No, no, not about her, but about her latest boyfriend, Eric Johnson. The former NFL star has just finalized his divorce from his wife of five years.
Jessica and Eric Johnson hooked up just after he separated with his wife. They went public in the summer and celebrated Jessica`s 30th birthday together. Jessica`s been tweeting pictures of them together, so hopefully this all goes better than her last relationship with another NFL star, Tony Romo.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
So now that Jessica Simpson`s boyfriend, Eric Johnson, is officially off the hook, divorce-drama free, another SHOWBIZ Flashpoint today - is Jessica setting herself up for another love disaster?
With me right now, in New York, Matt Titus, who is a matchmaker and dating expert.
Matt, you wrote two books on dating and relationships, including, "Why Hasn`t He Called?"
MATT TITUS, MATCHMAKER, DATING EXPERT AND AUTHOR: that`s right.
ANDERSON: To our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, is Jessica setting herself up for another love disaster? Or is this a match made in heaven?
TITUS: This is a match made in heaven. This is purely organic. It`s a whole different story. Eric Johnson isn`t looking for fame. He`s a down- to-earth, real intelligent guy. They were even set up perfectly by a mutual friend that has no Hollywood kind of connotation. I`m absolutely loving this setup. I love this match.
ANDERSON: I love it, too. And I think I got the title of your book wrong. It`s "Why Hasn`t He Proposed?" right?
TITUS: Yes. "Why Hasn`t He Called?" and "Why Hasn`t He Proposed?" both books, actually.
ANDERSON: Oh, fantastic. OK. All right. And I`ve got to say, you know, Jessica and her new beau, Eric Johnson, do seem really smitten. And I think if they`re in love, if they treat each other well, go for it.
But you know, there`s always been this fascination with her love life and all of its drama. Look at the trail of tears. You know, she was with her first love, Nick Lachey, for six years, married for three.
Then, there was John Mayer. Of course, that ended with his crude comments about her in "Playboy." Then it was Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Tony Romo.
I think, Matt, that if we are right in our predictions, millions of people are going to be cheering for Jessica Simpson to finally make it last, finally be happy. A lot of people are rooting for her. Matt Titus, good to see you. Thank you.
TITUS: Thank you.
HAMMER: All right. Here`s a match made in comedy heaven. "South Park" takes on "Jersey Shore`s" Snooki.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What is it?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It`s called a Snooki. It`s very famous.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That thing is famous? Why?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: So funny. The real Snooki speaks out today. Did she love it or hate it?
Gloria Allred taking on Hilary Swank today. Gloria`s the lawyer who represents some of Tiger Woods` alleged mistresses. And she`s furious with Hilary and her new movie.
ANDERSON: And my unbelievable exclusive with "Avatar" director, James Cameron. We went up in a plane to experience what it`s like to be weightless in space.
It was thrilling! So why did Cameron do all of this? Lots of reasons, and I`m going to tell you. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
HAMMER: It`s time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Rapper T.I. helps talk down a suicidal jumper from a building in Atlanta. Paramount Pictures planning a sequel of 1986 Tom Cruise movie, "Top Gun."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TOM SKERRITT, ACTOR (as Viper): I flew with your old man. VF-51, the Oriskany. You`re a lot like he was. You`re better.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC PLAYING)
ANDERSON: Justin Bieber, New England Patriots quarterback, Tom Brady, in a battle over their mop tops. Oh, it is on today. This is the Biebs free- styling over Camron n Vado`s "Speaking in Tongues."
Now, the Biebs throws it down on Mr. Gisele Bundchen, rapping, "Call up Mr. Brady, tell him to leave his hair to the guy who sings `Baby.`"
Now, we know some have ripped Tom Brady for his Bieber-like do. I personally think it`s pretty hot. And I`ve got to say, the Biebs` rap, not so bad. Hey, maybe the Biebs can dance too and show The Situation some moves.
The Sitch was voted off "Dancing with the Stars" this week. It was time for him to go. And today, he did his last dance on "The View" with partner Karina Smirnoff with no shoes. Watch.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
ANDERSON: All right, A.J. I give The Sitch credit for trying.
HAMMER: I don`t know if you saw it. Karina`s shirt said "gym, tan, dance." Perfect.
Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is going to name the most provocative celebrity of the week on Friday. Here are the nominees, David Arquette, of course, for blabbing about his split with Courteney Cox, his sex life with her, and another woman. Minnesota Vikings` quarterback Brett Favre and his sexting scandal. How about Miley Cyrus? She got slammed by the Parents Television Council. They say she`s way too sexy in her new music video.
Who do you think is the most provocative celebrity of the week? Well, send a text to 45688 and write "SBT1" if you want to vote for David Arquette. Text SBT2 to vote for Miley Cyrus. Or text SBT3 for Brett Favre.
Remember, standard text message rates apply. And we will reveal who we name on Friday along with your pick.
Time now for the SHOWBIZ lineup - here`s what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Paula Abdul`s new "Idol" revelations to me. I`m one-on-one with Paula today. So what does she really think of new judges, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, of course?
Angelina Jolie reportedly booted out of Bosnia while shooting her new movie.
ANDERSON: An unbelievable exclusive with James Cameron. We go for a ride in a plane and get a chance to feel what it`s like to be weightless in space. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
HAMMER: It`s time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: "The Biggest Loser`s" Jillian Michaels threatens to sue "L.A. Times" for calling her a fraud. VH1 Divas Katy Perry, Sugarland, Nicki Minaj to honor troops with concert December 5th.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Big news breaking today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - Paula Abdul`s explosive new "Idol" revelations. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT one-on-one today with Paula on the new "American Idol" judges and more.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera) There was obviously a lot of speculation back then as to exactly why you left. And I just wanted to know if you wanted to set the record straight as to exactly why you chose your own path and decided to move along?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Paula Abdul in the blockbuster interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Angelina Jolie, banned from Bosnia? The shocking new report that the globe-trotting Angelina got kicked out of the country.
A SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive with "Avatar" director James Cameron. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Brooke Anderson, the only TV reporter invited to go up with Cameron in an airplane to experience what it`s like to be weightless in outer space.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Beautiful!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: It looks like fun to me. But why is James doing all this?
Plus breaking today from the SHOWBIZ News Ticker - is Dina Lohan looking to sell Lindsay`s rehab story? And Katy Perry`s Victoria`s Secret is out in the open.
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from New York City.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood with big news breaking today - Paula Abdul breaks her silence today about "American Idol."
HAMMER: Yes, Brooke, I have got Paula`s unbelievable "Idol" revelations to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I was right there with Paula this morning here in New York City where she was beginning auditions for her upcoming new show on CBS called "Live to Dance."
Now, when I sat down with her for the full interview that you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, she really opened up to me about what she truly thinks of Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler joining up with "American Idol" and sitting at that judges` table where she used to be.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera) I need to know if you were surprised by the choices of Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler as the new judges on "American Idol." I know you think they`re terrific, but as judges, did the choices surprise you?
PAULA ABDUL, FORMER "AMERICAN IDOL" JUDGE: I`ve got to tell you, it was not a well-kept secret. We all knew about it.
HAMMER: But in terms of - OK, this is who it`s going to be, and they`re looking to turn the show around, obviously. Do you think that`s going to happen with these guys?
ABDUL: This is the thing, A.J. There`s never a shortage of raw, untapped talent. And that`s what`s beautiful about "American Idol" and every other performance show and even with "Live to Dance" coming.
As long as they go out there and look for the talent - I think they`re great choices. I mean, they`re both seasoned veterans and performers. They`ll be fine. If they get to experience half of what I got to experience in 8 1/2 years, you know, they`re going to come out of this way more inspired and passionate about what they`re doing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I had to say, I really got the true sense that Paula is simply at peace after all that drama over her leaving "American Idol."
Right now, in Hollywood, Laura Saltman, who is a correspondent for "AccessHollywood.com." Right now, in New York, Rachel Zalis, who is a contributing editor for "Life and Style Weekly."
Got to tell you, I`ve known Paula for some 22 years now and she is as confident and focused as I have ever seen her. Rachel, do you get the idea that she really is over all that "Idol" drama that dragged on for so long?
ZALIS: Yes. I think Paula is being straight up. I mean, she`s in the best place of her life right now. She`s having the last laugh. That show completely fell apart when she left. I mean, Kara, who they brought in as her replacement, gone. Simon left. The ratings tanked.
And here she has a huge new show on CBS. So she`s in a great place.
HAMMER: Yes. And sitting face to face with her today, I really did think Paula knows in her heart of hearts she made the right choice for herself in the end to move on. Of course, that turned out to be the wrong move for "American Idol," as we still know.
But there is some mystery that still kind of hangs around the circumstances of exactly why she left "Idol" in the first place. And I asked her about that today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera) There was a lot of speculation back then as to exactly why you left. And I just wanted to know if you wanted to set the record straight as to exactly why you chose your own path and decided to move along.
ABDUL: It`s not what everyone expected or thought or speculated. I`ve never, quite honestly, stayed in one job for almost nine years. I had a wonderful experience and it was time for me to kind of go and do things that would allow me to have the ability to produce.
And you know, I started this business in television working alongside James L. Brooks and Jerry Belson and Sam Simon and people that created "Taxi," "Mary Tyler Moore," and "The Simpsons."
For me, I love television. I wanted to go have my own ability to do a show that I would be really proud of.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right, Laura Saltman from AccessHollywood.com, are you buying her explanation? Does it make sense to you?
LAURA SALTMAN, CORRESPONDENT, "ACCESSHOLLYWOOD.COM": Well, she`s never really explained why she left. She`s like the ultimate dancer. She dances around every question, but that was a great way to ask it to her.
I truly believe, A.J., it came down to two things for her. I`ll always maintain this - respect and money. She wasn`t getting the respect she deserved for the show. Simon was getting all the money, and she asked for more money.
I think she deserved the money, and they didn`t think that she did. And so she said, "You know what? You guys don`t think you don`t need me but you really do, and I`m leaving." And good for her for walking away because we all know what happened to the show after she left.
HAMMER: Yes. And it`s history for her. I think she`s moved on. She`s doing this new dance competition and this is something she is just simply passionate about. It`s a reality show basically for all ages.
It`s called "Live to Dance." It`s going to make its debut on CBS in January, which is really interesting, because that`s about the same time "American Idol" will come back. I asked Paula today what will surprise people most about her new show.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ABDUL: This is a show that`s about celebration, in the sense that when you get to the semifinalist stage, there will be 18 acts that hit the semifinalist. And each week, there`ll be six diverse acts that go up against each other.
When you hit that stage, those six acts each week will have a transformation that`s unlike anything you`ve ever seen on television.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I think it`s going to be pretty cool and I think Paula has no regrets. And now that time has passed, this is really evolved into a great move for her.
Brooke Anderson, I should point out, as soon as I sat down with Paula today, the very first thing she said after saying hello to me was, "Please tell Brooke Anderson I say hello." So hello from Paula.
ANDERSON: Aww. Thanks for letting me know that, A.J. You know, I was recently with her. I saw her at the Emmys. So hi right back, Paula. Good luck with your new show. It really looks like it`s going to be great.
But you guys, not so great - Snooki slammed by "South Park." The star of "Jersey Shore" got absolutely hammered on "South Park" last night. And I don`t mean the kind of hammered that got her arrested. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What is it?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It`s called a Snooki. It`s very famous.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That thing is famous? Why?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don`t know!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Your tactics don`t work on me.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Snooki want smoosh smoosh.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Dude, what the (EXPLETIVE DELETED) is that thing behind me?
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ANDERSON: Rachel, they made her look like an idiot, look absolutely ridiculous. But when you`re Snooki, is that such a bad thing?
ZALIS: Oh, it was genius. Absolutely amazing. And I think - I can`t believe I`m saying this, but Snooki is smart, because she actually twittered that she loved it. And she`s smart enough to know that once you get spoofed, you are part of pop culture. And you know, she`s riding that all the way to the bank right now.
ANDERSON: Yes, I want to get to that tweet, what she exactly thought about this whole thing. Here is what she wrote, word for word, on Twitter today, "Snooki want smoosh smoosh. I`m going to have nightmares tonight, LMAO! We`ve officially made it. Good night my (EXPLETIVE DELETED)."
OK. So she`s not offended at all. In fact, she does think it`s a sign that she and "the Jersey Shore" gang are more famous than ever. Laura, she`s right, isn`t she, though they are famous for all the wrong reasons.
SALTMAN: Oh, Brooke. You don`t want to get me started down the path of the "Jersey Shore" being famous for all the right reasons. We could go on for hours about how they`re destroying our 20-somethings and society.
But other than that, yes, their 15 minutes still continue, but it`s ticking, ticking, ticking time bomb. And I`m pretty sure, after the next season, I think, eventually, we`re going to start to see them become more of a Heidi and Spencer, where we hopefully will forget about them very soon.
ANDERSON: Rachel, quickly, do you think it`s almost the end of "The Jersey Shore"?
ZALIS: No way. She`s getting a spin-off with J-Woww. They should probably call it "Dumber and Dumber." But it`s going to be a huge hit. They`re so amusing together.
ANDERSON: Rachel Zalis, Laura Saltman, thanks, Ladies.
HAMMER: Smoosh smoosh to all of you. All right. Access denied for Angelina? Could it be? Angelina Jolie hops continents - I don`t know - faster than most people cross the street, right?
But I`m here to tell you Jolie just got the boot from Bosnia. Are you kidding me about this?
ANDERSON: And my SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive. I was the only TV reporter onboard an airplane with "Avatar" director James Cameron as we experienced what it`s like to be weightless in outer space.
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ANDERSON: Whoo! Gosh!
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It was a blast. Wait until you hear why Cameron is doing all this.
HAMMER: And attorney Gloria Allred takes on Hilary Swank of all people today. Gloria repped some of those alleged Tiger Woods mistresses. Today, she`s furious with Hilary. But why? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time now to roll out the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Dina Lohan looking for a reality TV deal about daughter Lindsay`s stay in rehab. Jay-Z, Bon Jovi, Whoopi Goldberg, Beyonce top Obama`s White House visitors list.
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ANDERSON (on camera): Whoo! Beautiful! Whoo! Oh, wow! This is so cool!
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Yes, that`s me as a human ball. And who`s that tossing me around? Well, that`s the one, the only "Avatar" director James Cameron.
In a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive, James Cameron invites SHOWBIZ TONIGHT to experience what it`s like to be weightless.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.
And right now, a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive, my high-flying adventure with "Avatar" director James Cameron. I was the only TV reporter invited to go up in an airplane with James Cameron on what`s called a "zero gravity flight."
Cameron and I actually experienced weightlessness like astronauts do in orbit. And during my exclusive interview with James Cameron, I asked him if an "Avatar" sequel is in the works.
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(voice-over) It was a once in a lifetime experience, flying more than 30,000 feet above earth in total weightlessness. Celebrities, including the Osbournes, Martha Stewart, and paralyzed astrophysicist Steven Hawking have done it.
But before my feet left the ground for this SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive adventure, I had to suit up and smarten up.
JAMES CAMERON, DIRECTOR, "AVATAR": Are you flying?
ANDERSON: I am flying.
CAMERON: Where`s your suit?
ANDERSON: I`ve got my suit here. I`m about to go put it on. I`m really excited. Are you going to be my flying buddy?
CAMERON: Oh, absolutely. Yes, sure. We`ll do some acrobatics.
ANDERSON: I can`t wait.
CAMERON: Yes.
ANDERSON (voice-over): Once suited in style, I joined Cameron and a team from the Zero G corporation and X Prize Foundation to learn more about the flight we were about to embark on.
CAMERON: It`s a beautiful, magical experience.
ANDERSON: And movie magic is something Cameron carried to new heights in his blockbuster hit, "Avatar." The director teamed up with Zero G to promote the upcoming Blu-Ray box set release of "Avatar" in November and also to promote scientific innovation and exploration.
PETER DIAMANDIS, CEO, ZERO GRAVITY CORPORATION: "Avatar" is about envisioning the future. And X Prize is about making that future a reality.
ANDERSON: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was the only TV team on board. Cameron and his wife, Susie, spoke exclusively to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on a very noisy tarmac and I got the scoop on the "Avatar" sequel.
CAMERON: I`ve always loved exploration and space exploration so, you know, "Avatar" was a way to see what that would look like.
And of course, it`s also about, you know, saving the planet and reconnecting with nature. And a lot of the X Prize initiatives are about stimulating innovation in energy.
ANDERSON (on camera): "Avatar" grossed $2.7 billion worldwide -
CAMERON: $2.75 billion, but who`s counting?
ANDERSON: Who`s counting? Right. How are you going to top that?
CAMERON: Thank you for pointing that out. I don`t know, we`re going to be flying pretty high today. But yes, you know, I`m going to do another "Avatar" film. Probably two, actually. I don`t know whether it will top it. That`s up to the audience to decide.
ANDERSON (voice-over): SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you the "Avatar" sequels are still about three years in the future, but our pilot was calling for immediate departure.
(on camera) Who says astronauts get to have all the fun? Here we are, about to experience weightlessness, just like the astronauts in orbit. This plane, it`s a Boeing 727, is the same plane NASA uses to train its astronauts. It`s going to be a complete thrill. Let`s go.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Welcome aboard!
ANDERSON: Thank you. Here we go.
(voice-over) The Zero G flight rose to an altitude of 32,000 feet. Then the pilot executed more than a dozen lifts and drops to create the weightless experience.
ANDERSON: My number one goal? Not to lose my lunch. After that, fun, fun, fun. On each ascent, I felt a force of gravity twice my body weight. We were all directed to assume a protective position on our backs to balance the powerful pull. But on each 30-second rapid descent -
(on camera) This is really cool!
(voice-over) I felt as light as a feather.
(on camera) We`re going to play a game of catch with me. Be the ball! Whoo! Oh, wow. This is so cool! Completely exhilarating. How does it feel?
CAMERON: It`s great. It`s great.
ANDERSON: My time with James Cameron on the G Force One was unforgettable. I can`t wait to do it again.
(voice-over) My feet back on the ground but still feeling high, I loved every weightless minute of this SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive adventure.
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All right. A.J., I want to mention the remarkable young people who have experienced illnesses and hardships who were also on the flight. They got the opportunity to go on this trip, thanks to Fox Home Entertainment and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
HAMMER: That is great. Looks like you had so much fun. Was that James Cameron`s first time doing it? Because he didn`t look nervous at all.
ANDERSON: Yes, he wasn`t. He had actually done something similar about 10 years ago overseas, so he knew what to expect. And his wife, Susie, just lovely. My thanks to James, Susie, Zero G CEO and X Prize Chairman, Peter Diamandis and everybody at Fox Home Entertainment, Jim, Warren, James. It was fantastic.
HAMMER: I rarely get jealous. I`m a little jealous. All right. Moving on, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is going to name the most provocative celebrity of the week on Friday.
Here are the nominees, David Arquette for blabbing after his split with Courteney Cox. Minnesota Vikings QB Brett Favre and his sexting scandal. Or will it be Miley Cyrus who got slammed by the Parents` Television Council? They say she`s way too sexy in her new music video.
Who`s your choice? Well, send a text to 45688. Write SBT1 to vote for David Arquette. Text SBT2 for Miley Cyrus, or text SBT3 for Brett Favre. Remember, standard text message rates apply. And we`re going to reveal the winner Friday along with your pick.
Well, Angelina Jolie is obviously one globe-trotting diva. Angelina travels the world on humanitarian missions. She`s adopted kids from all over the world. So why was Angelina reportedly booted from Bosnia? 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: Robert Downey, Jr. says it feels like a "lifetime" since he`s used drugs. Akon, Katy Perry to perform at this year`s Victoria`s Secret fashion show.
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ANDERSON: And now, the "SHOWBIZ Buzz List." Here`s what the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT staff is buzzing about this week. Book them, Dano. "Hawaii Five-O 2010" is one of our favorite shows of the new fall season. We`re buzzing about Robert B. Parker`s new book, "Painted Ladies." Parker is the author of "Spenser: For Hire" books and TV series.
Yoko Ono and John Lennon`s albums remastered. We`re totally digging this. And show off your poker face this Halloween. Lady, Snooki and Justin Bieber costumes are going to be big.
And we cannot wait for the season finale of AMC`s "Mad Men." We are hearing big changes are in store for Peggy and Don. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
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UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: What Don needs to know is - what exactly is your concern?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Well, I must say I`m getting tired of saying this today.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Next time, stay at one meeting.
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HAMMER: It`s a Gloria-Hilary feud. Celebrity attorney, Gloria Allred, is spitting mad and she`s not going to take it anymore.
Now, Gloria`s got a major beef with Oscar winner, Hilary Swank over Swank`s new movie, "Conviction." And wait until you hear why.
Right now, from Hollywood is Hyla who is an entertainment journalist from "5DollarPrep.com."
So Hyla, Gloria Allred says Hilary Swank had a lot of nerve to produce and star in a movie about a woman who works tirelessly to overturn her brother`s murder conviction.
And Hilary apparently never reached out to the children of the murder victim. Gloria held a press conference just hours ago railing against Hilary Swank. Watch this.
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GLORIA ALLRED, CELEBRITY ATTORNEY: The film`s producers, including Ms. Swank, have never bothered to contact the victim`s family during the 10 years that this film was being made. We believe that a proper respect for the murder victim`s family should have been shown.
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HAMMER: Now, the point of the movie is that this guy is accused of murdering their mother, and was found innocent. But Hyla, does Hilary owe the family of the victim a phone call or even more, in your mind?
HYLA: Yes, Hilary and maybe the producers of the film. I mean, I understand the message that Gloria is trying to send, but the problem is, it`s being sent by Gloria Allred. That`s my problem.
I mean, here`s a woman who is more of an entertainment figure, representing prostitutes and porn stars. And for me, Gloria is a lawyer the same way McDreamy is a doctor. So it`s just unfortunate the message is coming through her.
HAMMER: So you think the message kind of gets lost a little bit because of who`s sending isn`t it?
HYLA: Absolutely.
HAMMER: All right.
HYLA: I don`t take her seriously. Do you?
HAMMER: Well, you know, sometimes I do. And sometimes, we have to take everything she says in a greater context. But let me move on to this other story that`s making big news right now.
Angelina Jolie booted, kicked out of Bosnia. It looks like there`s a major snag for Angelina as she tries to shoot a brand-new wartime love story in Bosnia. Now, the Bosnian government claims there was a snafu with her paperwork and that she was using to request a shoot there.
I`m not looking for her to get special treatment. But the word is - the real problem is that the movie`s reportedly about a Muslim woman and her love relationship with a Serbian soldier who raped her.
Angelina`s requesting a meeting with government officials there. She`s hoping to change their minds. Hyla, let`s face it. Angelina is pretty charismatic. I`m pretty thinking if anyone can sway the Bosnian government, it`s probably Angelina Jolie, wouldn`t you think?
HYLA: Bosnian government - just another day in the life. I mean, she`s a mother of 36 kids. She can handle a little Bosnian government. So she`ll be fine with this. This is what she does.
And if Angelina is sitting across the table from you, are you going say no on anything that she asks?
HAMMER: No. Just thinking about it, I`m not going to say no. Hyla, thanks so much, man. I appreciate it. Thank
And you for watching. That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
ANDERSON: I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is now live at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Monday through Friday at 5:00 p.m.
HAMMER: And we are TV`s most provocative entertainment news show seven days a week at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific right here on HLN.
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