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Showbiz Tonight
New Stars Baby Secret Revealed; Charlie Sheen Under Attack by His Own Show and Kirstie Alley; Howard Stern`s Attack on Jay Leno; Reg Out and Ryan In?; Playtime for Octomom
Aired January 19, 2011 - 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: We`ve got big news breaking today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - new star baby secrets revealed.
The Travoltas. Their very first interview today since their son, Benjamin, was born. Kelly Preston`s revelations about her controversial silent birth.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KELLY PRESTON, ACTRESS: Just no words. If you need to moan, if cry out, of course, that`s normal.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Nicole`s baby shocker. Nicole Kidman stuns the world by revealing she just had a baby by surrogate.
Explosive SHOWBIZ showdowns today. Howard Stern`s startling new attack on Jay Leno.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HOWARD STERN, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: Jay is insane and Jay is a crook.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Charlie Sheen under attack by his own show, and Kirstie Alley, too.
And Reg is out. Should Ryan be in? Our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint today - could Ryan Seacrest replace Regis Philbin?
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC)
Hello, I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from New York City with big news breaking - shocking star baby secrets revealed today, including the remarkable inside story of Nicole Kidman`s startling announcement. She and Keith Urban just had a baby with a surrogate.
But first Kelly Preston and John Travolta. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that Kelly revealed incredible new information today about the baby she gave birth to at the age of 48 and exactly two years after the tragic death of Kelly and John`s teenage son.
Kelly also opened up about the role of Scientology during the birth. And she dropped a bombshell about when she and John first started trying to have another child.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the brand-new revelations today about the baby that may help bring at least a little closure to their pain from the terrible, heartbreaking loss of their son.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PRESTON: It`s just peaceful and gentle and very present.
HAMMER: A beaming Kelly Preston is sharing with the world her joy of having a miracle baby at 48, two years after suffering the nightmare of losing her oldest son.
PRESTON: It`s been wonderfully healing. Of course, you know, it`s still every day.
HAMMER: In an interview that aired this morning on the "Today" show, Preston spoke on TV for the first time since she and husband John Travolta announced the birth of their new baby boy.
PRESTON: I just think any time that you get pregnant at this age, it is a miracle.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you today`s interview was the biggest indication yet that though they are still grieving, Travolta and Preston`s family continues to heal.
MARVET BRITTO, CELEBRITY PUBLICIST, THE BRITTO AGENCY: I think the interview really personified a personal Travolta thank you to the fans that supported them through a very public tragedy.
HAMMER: Travolta, Preston and their two children, Jet and Ella Bleu, were a picture perfect Hollywood family until tragedy struck in January 2009.
Jet, who was 16, suffered a seizure and died during family vacation in the Bahamas. In the interviewed that aired this morning on the "Today" show, Preston revealed that even before Jet died, she and Travolta had been trying to conceive another child.
PRESTON: With both of our ages and that we did try for so long and we had tried earlier as well, you know, it was off and on for a while, but really for quite a few years.
HAMMER: Preston, who is 48, says that once she got pregnant, the risk of having a baby at her age did not diminish her joy.
PRESTON: I didn`t, not the risks. I just considered that it was difficult. I never thought that would be me at all. So I think we just are really happy that we`re so fortunate.
HAMMER: Travolta and Preston`s new son, Benjamin, was born this past November. In the "Today" show interview, Preston revealed she and Travolta, who are long-time Scientologists, had what`s called a silent birth in keeping with their church`s teachings.
PRESTON: It`s just no words as much as possible. If you need to moan, if cry out or, you know, all of that - of course, that`s normal, but just to bring them in as peaceful and gentle way as possible.
I`m blessed with three - you know, my kids have always been amazing, just very calm and very peaceful, happy. And I absolutely know that it`s very much because of that.
HAMMER: And Preston says baby Benjamin is definitely a Travolta.
PRESTON: We just saw a picture of John when he was an infant, the same age. And in fact, Jet, too, and they`re exactly the three same pictures.
HAMMER: Still, Preston says she, Travolta and their daughter Ella Bleu, who is now 10, deal with the loss of Jet every day. But Preston tells "Today" love from fans has helped them through the ordeal.
PRESTON: We`ve gotten the most beautiful letters and most beautiful notes of happiness. And I think just sort of a sigh of relief and that`s been really nice to share that with people.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you with the new interview on "Today" and the cover story in "People" magazine, Kelly Preston and John Travolta are reentering the limelight they had shunned in order to deal with their heartbreaking loss.
BRITTO: I think the loss of Jet was really traumatic for the family and they really wanted to thank the public by sharing in the new joy of the new birth of their new son.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Yes. And you see that picture right there and you cannot help but feel so much joy for Kelly and John Travolta, especially now that we`re hearing such intimate details for the very first time about their agony to conceive and how their son has really given them a new sense of purpose.
Right now, in New York, Bonnie Fuller, who is the president and editor-in- chief of "HollywoodLife.com." In Hollywood, Pat Lalama, who is an investigative journalist.
Got to start with Kelly`s candid revelations about her silent birth. We really have known so little about the controversial Scientology practice until now as Kelly described it this morning on the "Today" show. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PRESTON: Silent birth is basically just no words as much as possible. If you need to moan, if you cry out, or, you know, all of that, of course, that`s normal, but just bringing them in as peaceful and gentle way as possible.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: People have called this strange. They`ve called it controversial. But I`ve got to tell you, I think Kelly talking about it this way took away a whole lot of the mystery.
Pat, are you surprised Kelly was so open about it considering how controversial it has been in the past, this silent birth?
PAT LALAMA, INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST: A.J., you cannot be a Hollywood Scientologist and be worried about public opinion. There are controversies that are immersed in that faith as there are in any faith.
And I think, in particular, the Scientologists that I`ve dealt with in the course of being a journalist are very open and very strong in their convictions and in fact are hopeful to recruit others.
And so she said what she believes. And who really cares? If this gives her a sense of ease and if she feels her children are better for it, more power to her.
HAMMER: Yes. She says her kids are quite calm. I`ve got to say, more power to her if this is what works for her.
LALAMA: Exactly.
HAMMER: In her interview this morning, Kelly also revealed that she never worried about the risks of having a baby at 48 years old. That is something a lot of moms worry about.
Bonnie, as a mom yourself, were you surprised Kelly says she was never worried about the dangers she and her baby could have been in?
BONNIE FULLER, PRESIDENT AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, "HOLLYWOODLIFE.COM": I think, actually, that that`s normal. I mean, if you`re going to go ahead and have a baby, any woman only wants to think about the positive results.
HAMMER: Sure.
FULLER: And you know, she was so looking forward to this baby after the tragic loss of her other son. And so I`m sure she and her doctor discussed all of the details and what the concerns could be. But you`ve got to go forward as she did.
HAMMER: Right. Why create additional anxiety?
FULLER: Exactly.
HAMMER: You`ve got enough on your plate right there. Here`s something I`m happy she talked about. Kelly also revealed today she and John were trying for another child before their son Jet`s tragic death.
The pregnancy was not in response to his death as some people have surmised. Pat, either way, you have to hope this brings them some kind of closure.
LALAMA: You know, I get a real ethereal, spiritual sense that she exudes when she speaks. And she just seems to have a certain peace that a lot of us strive for every day in our stressful lives. And so, all I can say is more blessings to them.
HAMMER: More blessings indeed. Well, more breaking baby news we have got to talk about today. Nicole Kidman`s secret baby. This is amazing that she pulled this off.
Nicole just stunned the world, Monday, announcing the birth of her second child with Keith Urban delivered by a surrogate mother. Now, "People" magazine has the inside story in its upcoming new issue.
Today, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT obtained an advanced copy of this truly remarkable story. Here now, for our SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview, "People" magazine staff writer, Blaine Zuckerman, joining me from Hollywood right now.
So Nicole and Keith Urban`s daughter, Faith Margaret, was born in December. But I don`t get how they did this. They managed to keep it a secret until just this week.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there with Nicole at the Golden Globes on Sunday and we certainly had no clue. Blaine, what has "People" magazine learned about Nicole and Keith`s mission to pull off this secret?
BLAINE ZUCKERMAN, STAFF WRITER, "PEOPLE MAGAZINE": Well, I`ve got to be honest, it wasn`t a huge effort to keep it secret. The idea was just don`t tell people. They didn`t tell a lot of friends. They didn`t tell a lot of family.
And I think the biggest issue was that people weren`t expecting it. No one had their radars up to see if they were going to be pulling off some big ruse. They just kept it on the D.L. and it worked out great.
HAMMER: Yes. But it`s stunning to me because stuff leaks out. People talk. It`s a just sort of a matter of course when Hollywood stars, and particularly A-list Hollywood stars, are involved.
But we also learned that this is Nicole and Keith`s biological baby. So Blaine, what did "People" magazine learn about why they chose a surrogate mom to carry the baby instead of Nicole doing it herself?
ZUCKERMAN: Well, I think it`s really notable that Nicole has been very honest in the past about her - some difficulties she`s had with pregnancies.
So essentially, while she doesn`t get into specifics too much, they were not able to conceive in the traditional, natural method. So they were just thrilled to be able to use a surrogate or a gestational carrier and had their own biological child.
So they had always said it`s all going to work out however God would like it to. And they are just thrilled with having this beautiful baby now.
HAMMER: Yes. And while not their intention, I think it brings a great message to people who are having the same kind of difficulties about the possibility of using a surrogate mother instead of, you know, having a natural childbirth.
And you also learn the story behind the baby`s name. I love this name - Faith Margaret. Why did they choose that name?
ZUCKERMAN: Well, there`s a couple of things there. First of all, Margaret is the grandmother of Nicole. So that`s where that came from. And Faith, they sort of described as what kept them through this process.
They were trying for a long time. Again, she was very honest. They wanted another child for some time and it was really faith that kept them going. And then, another little clue is at the end of the liner notes at Keith`s newest album, he sort of talks about how Sunday Rose and Nicole have really kept him strong for so long.
HAMMER: Right.
ZUCKERMAN: But all they need is a little faith. That might be the indication.
HAMMER: They just kind of slid that in there. Well, now, we know. Blaine Zuckerman, thanks so much, man. And you can pick up the new issue of "People" magazine. There`s the cover. It`s on newsstands, Friday.
All right. I want to move on to big, brand-new SHOWBIZ showdowns today. Howard Stern`s startling in new attack on Jay Leno to CNN`s Piers Morgan.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STERN: Jay is insane and Jay is a crook and the whole world knows exactly what he`s up to.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Howard never shy about telling us exactly how he feels. But is this going to lead to an all-out war today?
Oh, my eyes. Do we really need to show this? Brand-new freaky fetish photos of the octomom revealed today. I really hope this is not how she decided to pay her bills.
All right. You want to work for Jennifer Lopez? You may want to think twice about that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ELLEN DEGENERES, HOST, "THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW": Some celebrities ask you to do crazy things. I`m not going to do that.
JENNIFER LOPEZ, SINGER AND ACTRESS: Some celebrities ask you to do things. I wouldn`t do that.
DEGENERES: Have you ever shaved a woman`s legs?
LOPEZ: Have you ever shaved a woman`s legs?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ did you see this? Ellen helps J. Lo interview people who want to be her personal assistant. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And this is the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Hilary Duff denies report via Twitter that she is pregnant. Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom reveal first photo of their son, Flynn.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JENNI "J-WOWW" FARLEY, REALITY TV STAR, "JERSEY SHORE": How was your day?
TOM LIPPOLIS, FARLEY`S EX-BOYFRIEND: I got a new girlfriend because mine doesn`t call me anymore.
FARLEY: I call you.
LIPPOLIS: Right.
FARLEY: Me and Tom are on rocky conditions right now. I forgot our anniversary. The conversation isn`t really going well.
Hey, will call and I (EXPLETIVE DELETED).
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: J-Woww and her boyfriend end up breaking up. And today, her ex is saying some shocking things that are making us say wow. This guy says J- Woww`s new dating book is a big joke, because he says she`s a big old cheater.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
So here`s the deal with this. "Jersey Shore`s" Jenni "J-Woww" Farley has written a book about dating. She`s calling it "The Rules According to J- Woww." But today, her ex, whose name is Tom Lippolis, tells "Radar Online" how the heck can she give out dating advice when she`s done nothing but cheat on him?
J-Woww was reportedly caught cheating on Tom. A fan allegedly took a picture of her kissing another guy. That sent Tom packing saying this, "If they are dating book is about infidelity, disrespect and/or lack of self- respect in a relationship, then I think it will do well. Definitely her expertise."
J-Woww`s book is due out in February. And Tom and j-Woww have actually been battling out in court, too. She`s been trying to stop him from selling nude pictures of her.
Round one goes to J-Woww. Late today, a court ruled Tom cannot sell the pictures yet. The case is scheduled for arbitration and that`s where all of this will be settled once and for all.
Right now it is time for SHOWBIZ at Sundance. Yes, once again, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is covering the Sundance Film Festival like no other entertainment news show. All of Hollywood`s biggest movers and shakers head to this annual schmooze fest and to showcase indie films. Hopefully, there are some deals over there.
So who are the big stars wheeling and dealing in Park City, Utah this year? Here`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Brooke Anderson.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JENNIFER ANISTON, ACTRESS: Hi. How are you?
BROOKE ANDERSON, CO-HOST, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT (voice-over): Jennifer Aniston has done Sundance.
ANISTON: It`s exciting.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is for you.
ANDERSON: Robert Downey, Jr., too.
ROBERT DOWNEY, JR., ACTOR: It`s super-important. Yes, believe me.
ANDERSON: James Franco came last year and he`s coming back again.
JAMES FRANCO, ACTOR: It`s just an honor.
ANDERSON: Some major stars will be joining him in snowy Park City, Utah. Pierce Brosnan returns to the festival playing a charismatic creature in "Salvation Boulevard."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The whole place smells like chlorine. It`s like I`m in Barbados or somewhere.
ANDERSON: Ed Helms premieres his new comedy, "Cedar Rapids" with John C. Reilly.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Overstock my mini-bar, please. Get some honey on your (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
ANDERSON: Demi Moore has got two films in the festival, so does Elizabeth Banks.
ELIZABETH BANKS, ACTRESS: Please don`t use that tone with me.
TOBY MAGUIRE, ACTOR: I didn`t use any tone with you?
ANDERSON: In "The Details," she stars opposite, Toby Maguire and Laura Linney.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Come on in.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: I`ll faint.
ANDERSON: The cast hopes someone fights on their film. It`s up for sale at Sundance along with dozens of other movies.
Oprah Winfrey could be one of the buyers. She`s looking for product for her new OWN network.
CHAZ BONO, SON OF CHER: I was thinking about the same Cher show. I`m not thinking about reality.
ANDERSON: Oprah already snapped up the documentary, "Becoming Chaz," before it premieres at Sundance. The movie follows Chaz Bono, whose mom is Cher, has he transitions from female to male.
And there are hints Oprah may fly to Sundance to check out another documentary -
(SINGING)
About singer and civil rights activist, Harry Belafonte. Celebrities do flock to Sundance, but when all is said and done, the festival`s really about finding and nurturing unknown films and undiscovered talent.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: A hundred bucks here says me and my nephew can beat anybody in here.
ANDERSON: Talent like Mark Ruffalo. He got his big break in the Sundance movie, "You Can Count on Me" in 2000.
MARK RUFFALO, ACTOR: My career started at Sundance. Just a huge support for us. We would be lost without it. It would be really sad if we didn`t have Sundance.
ANDERSON: Not to worry, Mark. It looks like Sundance will be around for a while. This year`s festival gets underway Thursday night.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Brooke Anderson is staying there at the Sundance Film Festival through next week. So be sure to stay with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT for all of her great coverage.
Well, I`ve got to tell you I was one of the many, many people shocked by Regis Philbin`s shocking announcement that he was leaving "Live with Regis and Kelly." I quizzed it on our Facebook page. Can the show go on without Reg?
A lot of you writing on our wall today, "This is what Sondra B. had to say, "Nobody can replace Regis. Don`t even try it. Simply won`t work."
This is from Monk P., "It will go on but won`t be the same. I only watched when Regis was on. Won`t be tuning in after he departs his show."
HAMMER: What do you think? Connect with me. Join our debate on Facebook. We are ShowbizTonightHLN there. Follow @showbiztonight on Twitter for breaking entertainment news alerts. You can always call us at "Showbiz on Call." That number is 1-888-SBT-BUZZ. And of course, our E-mail, it still works - showbiztonight@cnn.com is where you reach us.
All right. So if the show does go on without Reg, and it`s expected to, who should replace him? How about Ryan Seacrest? I know he`s very super, super busy, but it`s our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint today. Should Ryan replace Reg?
Well, Kara DioGuardi is speaking out today, saying she wasn`t fired from "American Idol." But would anyone buy that?
And stunning new showdown revealed today involving Camille Grammer and "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You`ve never been honest.
CAMILLE GRAMMER, REALITY TV STAR, "THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS": You bully me all the time.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) buzz of the moment, Camille, OK?
(CROSS TALK)
C. GRAMMER: I`m not a liar. I don`t lie.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Bullies, liars - ladies, ladies, come on. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
It`s time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Anne Hathaway to play Cat Woman in next Batman movie. Sherri Shepherd says her six-year-old son will walk her down the aisle at her wedding.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(SINGING)
HAMMER: Well, that`s former "American Idol" judge, Kara DioGuardi, strutting her bikini stuff as part of a dare when she was still a judge on "American Idol." And "American Idol" is back. Today, of course, is the big debut for the show`s brand-new judges, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.
And today, former "Idol" judge, Kara DioGuardi, is making a brand-new claim about why she isn`t sitting at that table with the judges anymore.
Right now, from Hollywood, Kim Serafin, who is a senior editor with "In Touch Weekly."
So in a brand-new interview with the "New York Post," Kara, who was reportedly dumped by the producers of "Idol" as a judge after two seasons on the show - she`s now saying she wasn`t fired from "American Idol." She quit.
Here`s what Kara said, "The show was in transition, and for me, it`s complicated. It complicated a lot of things in my own life."
"I don`t think people realize how many jobs I had and the things I was doing outside the show. And when it looked like the show was in transition, I decided it was time for me to go. It was my decision."
Look, I never got the sense that Kara ever really thought that the show was a truly great fit for her, so I`m not surprised to hear her saying all this now. But Kim Serafin, do you think people will actually believe Kara that it was her choice to leave the show?
KIM SERAFIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": You know, it might be true, but no, I think people are going to assume that she was either pushed out or that she saw the writing on the wall and saw that with Steven Tyler coming in, with Jennifer Lopez coming in, with Simon Cowell leaving, that there was probably not going to be a space for her, so she maybe made the decision "let me leave before it gets ugly, before the story out that I`m being pushed out."
HAMMER: Yes. And she wanted to be in control there. Let me ask you quickly, Kim. An author of a new book about "American Idol" claims that Simon Cowell was offered $130 million to stay. I don`t know if that`s true, but do you think he`s worth it?
SERAFIN: Yes. And I think that shows how nervous "American Idol" is about Simon not being there, how worried they are about his new show, "X Factor," coming/
HAMMER: Yes.
SERAFIN: They know how important he is to the show. Huge. Yes. Big deal.
HAMMER: $130 million - unbelievable. All right, Kim Serafin, thank you so much. I appreciate it.
I want to move now to the SHOWBIZ lineup - here`s what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
It`s "SHOWBIZ Did You See This?" The brand-new bizarre video of Jennifer Lopez with some help from Ellen interviewing people who applied to be her personal assistant.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LOPEZ: Do you realize how famous I am?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I do, yes.
DEGENERES: Great.
LOPEZ: Great.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But you`re a person, too, right?
DEGENERES: No.
LOPEZ: No.
(LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: A little awkward. You`ve got to see how this plays out.
Charlie Sheen under attack today from Kirstie Alley. Even his own show, "Two and a Half Men."
And it`s playtime for octomom. Fetish play time, that is. Look at these pictures. What the heck is going on here? I`ll tell you. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
It is time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: John Mellencamp files for divorce from wife of 18 years. Prince William and Kate Middleton get their own comic book.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STERN: Jay is insane and Jay is a crook. And the whole world knows exactly what he`s up to.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Big news breaking today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - an explosive SHOWBIZ showdown today. Howard Stern`s startling new attack on Jay Leno.
Octomom outrage today. Her freaky fetish photos. You won`t believe why octomom posed for them.
J. Lo is hiring and Ellen`s helping her interview people.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DEGENERES: Some celebrities ask you to do crazy things. I`m not going to do that.
LOPEZ: Some celebrities ask you to do things. I wouldn`t do that.
DEGENERES: Have you ever shaved a woman`s legs?
LOPEZ: Have you ever shaved a woman`s legs?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Hold on a second. Shave J. Lo`s legs? Seriously? Plus, breaking today from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker," a big gig for Keith Urban and Ricky Gervais` new role.
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. And we have big news breaking today. There are some big time, all-out, throw down celebrity smackdowns today.
I`m talking smackdowns so big, so outrageous, we have to go to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s command center of controversy. It is the wall of all that is jaw-dropping. From Howard Stern to Charlie Sheen, some big-time celebrities today who are so bold and so brazen, and quite frankly, so downright outrageous.
I want to start out right now with a brand-new showdown today. It comes from our friend, Howard Stern - Howard versus Jay Leno. You`ve got to listen to this bombastic comment that Howard Stern dropped on CNN`s new hit show "PIERS MORGAN TONIGHT."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STERN: Jay is insane and Jay is a crook. And the whole world knows exactly what he`s up to. He`s not fit to scrub David Letterman`s feet.
Yes. I don`t know why he`s beaten David Letterman in the ratings. It`s beyond my comprehension. America must be filled with morons at night who lay in bed. The ones who are watching him - they must be in a coma.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: And this is why I love Howard Stern. I want to bring in investigative journalist, Pat Lalama. Pat, for years, Howard has made his dislike of Leno perfectly clear. What do you think? Should we brace ourselves for an all-out war here?
LALAMA: I don`t think Jay Leno - let me put this politely - gives a rat`s behind what Howard Stern thinks about him. I think this is incredibly vindictive to call him a crook.
It`s not Jay Leno`s fault that he got his show back. It was network executives who messed with the schedule and then had to regroup. It`s not his fault.
(CROSS TALK)
HAMMER: Yes. Howard - Pat, to be clear, Howard is talking a lot - about a lot more than that when he calls him a crook. And he`s been giving examples on his show for years. I can`t verify any of them, but that`s what he`s talking about there.
LALAMA: You know what I think about Howard Stern? I think he`s like the old macaroni and cheese in the refrigerator in the back from last week.
As far as I`m concerned, you can`t tell me that Piers Morgan can get something newer and fresher on his brand-new show. We`re going to Howard Stern who is paid to shock the heck out of everybody? I think he needs to get a clue. I`m over him. I`m completely over him.
HAMMER: All right. That`s fair enough. But I happen to think people find Howard immensely fascinating and still quite relevant, so we`ll agree to disagree on that. But we did reach out to Leno`s people today. His rep said that Jay is not going to be commenting on that.
I do want to bring in Hyla, the host of the "Hollywood 5 Countdown." Hyla, do you think Leno is making a big mistake by not striking back, by not responding to Howard?
HYLA, HOST, "THE HOLLYWOOD 5 COUNTDOWN": Yes. I think it`s good. Any time he can get publicity and get people all worked up, absolutely. A back and forth between two huge, you know, media figures, I think, is a great thing.
And it`s not whether Leno was wrong or NBC was wrong or whose fault it was. Howard made a perfect point last night which I had heard yet. It`s about being a man. He should have manned up and said, "No, I don`t want the 11:30 slot. I`m going to go across the street. I`m going to go to ABC."
LALAMA: Oh, come on.
HYLA: I`m going to go to Fox and I`m going to kick your ass. And that`s what Leno should have done. And Howard hit the nail on the head with that.
LALAMA: That`s ridiculous.
HYLA: It`s about manning up.
(CROSS TALK)
HAMMER: All right. I don`t want a debate. I don`t want a debate.
LALAMA: No, it`s about the other -
HAMMER: Pat, I don`t want to debate what Leno should have done. I happen to agree with what Howard said. But I do want to move on, because we have so many other big smackdowns today.
The next one I want to get to - Charlie Sheen versus, well, basically the entire world. Now, this is coming on the heels of the reports that Charlie went on a major bender in Las Vegas that involved porn stars.
Let`s take a look at Sheen`s smackdown number one. This is Charlie Sheen versus Chuck Lorre. He is the co-creator "Two and a Half Men."
Now, at the end of every episode - you`ve probably seen this if you`ve seen the show. Lorre puts up end title card that has his deep thoughts for the day. It`s up for just second
But I want you to take a look at what Chuck Lorre put up at the end of this past Monday`s "Two and a Half Men." He wrote, "Do not attempt to replicate what you saw in tonight`s episode of `Two and a Half Men.` Despite the seeming lack of serious consequences and regardless of the hilarity that ensued, this is extremely dangerous behavior and could result in injury or death."
I love this line, "Please keep in mind that we employ a highly-paid Hollywood professional who has years of experience with putting his life at risk. And sadly, no, I`m not talking about our stunt man."
All right. Pat Lalama, for the co-creator of this show to be taking such an obvious jab at Charlie Sheen, that`s a pretty big deal.
LALAMA: I think it`s a great deal, especially on the heels of the CBS statement of, get this, what does he get fired for going to work and doing his job?
That comes from the network that basically doesn`t care that there should be a morals clause in his contract for his behavior.
And for me it was the trifecta of disgust today because apparently the ratings are way up on the show, which tells me that the audience seems to like his shenanigans outside of work.
Where`s our moral compass? Somebody needs to get this guy in a room and knock some sense into him. I`m disgusted by society and him at this point, and the network.
HAMMER: Well, maybe the person to knock some sense into Charlie Sheen can be Kirstie Alley, because that`s not the only Charlie smackdown today.
Take a look at smackdown number two, this one between Charlie Sheen and Kirstie Alley. Now, Kirstie is watching Charlie from the sideline. She`s not liking what she`s seeing at all.
She`s been out there on Twitter making her thoughts known. Take a look at what Kirstie Alley just tweeted, "Charlie Sheen, you have two beautiful girls. Perhaps for the sake of these children, you can decide to quit hanging out with porn stars and hos." All right, Kirstie, just putting it out there.
LALAMA: Amen.
HAMMER: Definitely fighting words.
LALAMA: Amen.
HAMMER: But look, let`s flash back to Monday night, his show number one again in the ratings. Nearly 16 million people tuned in to see this thing.
I`m thinking that Charlie`s thinking, "Hey, what`s wrong with porn stars and hos?" Do you think that`s what`s going through his mind, Hyla?
HYLA: That`s exactly what`s going on. I mean, how is he supposed to feel like he`s doing anything wrong if he`s never felt any loss? He doesn`t lose anything monetarily. His bosses have his back. His fans have his back.
And here`s what`s going to happen. Something will happen. Something bad is going to happen, either he`s going to go to jail for a really long time, or he`s going to hurt himself.
You know what? That`s on the hands of CBS and his fans and his family and everyone who enables him and everyone who does not speak out against this.
HAMMER: Yes.
LALAMA: Yes.
HYLA: This is the first time, this executive producer -
LALAMA: That`s right.
HYLA: This creator - this is the first time I`m hearing anyone around him or around this situation, speaking out.
HAMMER: Yes.
HYLA: Everyone`s keeping silent. How does that help anybody?
(CROSS TALK)
HAMMER: Well, we finally now (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
LALAMA: Because it`s the old boy`s network. It`s the old boy`s network and there`s probably a lot of slimy people out there going, "Dang, I wish I was Charlie Sheen."
HAMMER: Yes.
LALAMA: And that`s part of the problem, too. And what do they tell their little girls at dinnertime at night? That`s what I want to know.
HAMMER: Well, finally, we`re seeing some movement and that`s a good thing. And hey, you don`t mess with Kirstie Alley if you ask me.
I do want to move on right now to another explosive new story today. It`s got everyone buzzing - who will replace Regis? Regis Philbin.
Obviously, we all know now he had that shocking announcement that he`s leaving "Live with Regis and Kelly." Everybody`s wondering who is going to fill the magical chair next to the great Kelly Ripa?
One name kept coming up today - "American Idol" host, Ryan Seacrest. Everywhere you look online, this is the person people are talking about. Pat Lalama, do you think Ryan`s the right pick by any stretch?
LALAMA: Is he the only guy who works in Hollywood? Let`s give somebody else a chance. First, I thought we should do an overall "let`s find a new face" kind of contest.
And then, I thought maybe Mike Rowe from "Dirty Jobs," because, you know, chicks dig him. Guys like him. He`s affable. He`s personable. He`s clever and witty. And then, it struck me, I was wrong all along.
HAMMER: Yes.
LALAMA: It should be, drum roll, A.J. Hammer, ladies and gentlemen!
HAMMER: Oh, Pat Lalama.
(CROSS TALK)
That`s terrific.
LALAMA: Come on. Can I get a shout out for A.J. from the floor crew? Everybody come on.
HAMMER: No, no, no, no. I don`t even think I`m being submitted for this gig. You know, we know better.
LALAMA: I just did it for you.
HAMMER: Oh, Pat Lalama, you`re the best. Pat Lalama, Hyla, I appreciate it. Thanks, guys.
All right. I do need to move on to the freaky fetish photos featuring the octomom - whips, grown men in diapers. I mean, what in the world would possibly possess the mother of 14 kids to do something so bizarre? Well, I am talking about the octomom here, I guess.
Also, the Kardashian truth squad, the sisters setting the record straight today. Did Kim get plastic surgery? Is Khloe pregnant?
And it`s Camille versus "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You`ve never been honest.
C. GRAMMER: You bully me all the time.
(CROSS TALK)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) buzz of the moment, Camille, OK?
(CROSS TALK)
C. GRAMMER: I`m not a liar. I don`t lie.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Camille Grammer`s explosive new battle with "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
It`s time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Kanye West, Kings of Leon to perform at this year`s Coachella Festival. Keith Urban to perform at this year`s Super Bowl pre-game show.
(MUSIC)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SUZE ORMAN, FINANCIAL GURU: Tell the truth - why didn`t you want to go on assistance?
NADYA SULEMAN, OCTOMOM: People would hate me.
ORMAN: Thank you. Say it so everybody can hear you, because (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
SULEMAN: People would hate me more.
(CROSS TALK)
ORMAN: People would hate her - I said to her, "What do you care about? Everybody already hates you."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The great Suze Orman telling the octomom do whatever it takes to whip herself into financial shape. But today, octomom took Suze`s advice maybe a little too literally. You`ve got to see the provocative new photos of sexed-up whipping an octo-man baby.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. You may want to put the kids to bed because octomom is coming out to play. Some unbelievably freakish new fetish photos of octomom, Nadya Suleman, whipping some guy in a baby costume were revealed today by TMZ.
I get Suze Orman`s point that Octomom has to take some perhaps uncomfortable baby steps to reach financial freedom, but I`m thinking this isn`t the way to go.
The creepy photos were reportedly taken right inside Suleman`s home recently with an L.A. radio personality. Now, we don`t know if octomom was paid to do this, but I really can`t imagine she did it for free.
Let me bring in "In Touch Weekly`s" senior editor, Serafin. Kim, I`m thinking she has got to be desperate for cash but there have got to be better options for her than doing this stunt.
SERAFIN: Oh, absolutely. I mean, Snooki wrote a book. So you`re telling me there`s not other things octomom can do? People are fascinated with her as a pop culture figure.
Definitely, Suze Orman said, first of all, stop getting manicures. Stop doing things like that, but also get an agent. Try to get some legitimate TV shows, maybe a reality show with the kids.
People are fascinated with her. I think there are definitely other options. This is just - I can`t even look - my eyes, my eyes. I mean, this is so disturbing, especially with her kids` toys in the background.
HAMMER: And you know, I`m so disturbed by her, but the guy kind of freaks me out as well. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT did reach out to that guy who is in the photos with octomom.
He doesn`t have any comment, but there is reportedly a video of this floating around - shocker, shocker - that may be for sale at some point. Octomom has said she was worried about what other women would think of her if she really did a reality show or if she went on welfare or something like that.
I want to go to comedienne Carey Reilly who is a blogger for "GossipMama.com." And Carey, I`m thinking these photos certainly don`t show a woman who has any concern whatsoever about what anybody thinks about her.
CAREY REILLY, COMEDIAN AND BLOGGER, "GOSSIPMAMA.COM": No, I don`t think so at all. But I think it`s amazing she go gave birth to a middle age man.
HAMMER: That`s a little stunning.
REILLY: I`m stunned by it.
HAMMER: Yes.
REILLY: What a vajayjay. You`ve got to give her credit for that.
HAMMER: Really, if anybody can convert a middle-aged man, though -
REILLY: It`s her.
HAMMER: I suppose it would be the octomom.
REILLY: It`s going to be her.
HAMMER: Can we move on?
REILLY: We can move on.
HAMMER: I`m feeling very, very dirty.
REILLY: Are you uncomfortable? I`m sorry.
HAMMER: Let`s roll out the big breaking Kardashian news. This used to make me feel dirty, but now, I feel surprisingly clean about it.
It`s the Kardashians truth squad. Has Kim gotten plastic surgery? Is Khloe pregnant? Well, the Kardashians set the record straight on some wild Kardashian reports. You`ve got to watch what the sisters revealed this morning on the "Today" show.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MATT LAUER, CO-HOST, THE "TODAY" SHOW: Your sister, Khloe, and her husband, L.A. Laker, Lamar Odom expecting their first child.
KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN, REALITY TV STAR: I wish it was true.
KIM KARDASHIAN, REALITY TV STAR: False.
LAUER: Kim, you`ve had plastic surgery.
KIM KARDASHIAN: False.
KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN: False.
LAUER: Kim, you`ll be adding singer to your resume.
KIM KARDASHIAN: True.
LAUER: Yes. Tell me quickly about that.
KIM KARDASHIAN: I partnered up with The Dream who wrote and produced an amazing song, him and Tricky. And Hype Williams shot the video. It was really different for me. I`m just having fun.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Good. I`m glad you`re having fun. Now, Kim also says, and I think we`re all breathing a collective sigh of relief here, she is not - I repeat - not dating Kanye West.
But singing? All right, Kim off to you. Is this another crazy Kardashian idea? Or do you think Kim can strike gold because, let`s face, it she`s been having a great deal of success with whatever she`s been going after lately other than the whole credit card thing.
SERAFIN: Yes. And you know, as I mentioned before, Snooki wrote a book, so it`s not really that crazy that Kim is doing a song. It kind of goes with the flow. It`s what she has to do.
It`s part of the aura that she has on TV. Even Matt asked, "Do you ever worry you think that you`re doing too much?" And it doesn`t seem like she is.
HAMMER: Yes.
SERAFIN: It seems like she`s successful in whatever she does.
HAMMER: Yes. And you know - you know she has the resources to get some great producers. What do you think?
REILLY: Pro-tools. You could be a pop star today, by the way.
HAMMER: An auto-tune, sure.
REILLY: No, I think also like you were just saying - I mean, she has to have a lot of business going around. There`s no such thing as overexposure because she has nothing to back it up with, really.
I mean, Gwyneth Paltrow is not worried about - she doesn`t want to be overexposed because you`re going to see her next movie.
HAMMER: Yes.
REILLY: I think she`s brilliant and everything`s great with her. Do you see the point?
HAMMER: I kind of see the point. OK. I do need to move on.
REILLY: All right.
HAMMER: We have more big news breaking today. It`s not just the Kardashians. Halle Berry`s ex, Gabriel Aubry, dropping a bomb shell in their custody battle.
Miley Cyrus scores in her farewell to Hannah Montana. And `70s heartthrob, David Cassidy, faces the music in his DUI drama. All that making big news in "The Buzz Today."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) David Cassidy`s guilty plea. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has learned that the "Partridge Family" star is expected to plead guilty to DUI charges. Cassidy was arrested November 3rd after being pulled over in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Cassidy faces a minimum of one year probation, a $500 fine, 50 hours of community service and DUI school.
Hannah Montana`s record rating. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can reveal that Sunday night`s series finale of Hannah Montana was the Disney Channel`s most watched telecast in history.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there on the Hannah Montana set at the finale with star, Miley Cyrus, as she prepared to say goodbye to the character she played for four years.
MILEY CYRUS, ACTRESS AND SINGER: It`s hard for someone closing a chapter on Hannah Montana and opening up a new chapter on something else. That`s kind of weird like closing something that`s been so amazing for my younger audience and now opening up a chapter of something that`s been so great for my older audience.
Halle`s baby battle. Halle Berry`s ex, Gabriel Aubry, dropped a baby bombshell in court. "People" magazine is reporting that Aubry filed papers last month in L.A. Superior Court asking to be formally recognized as the father of his two-and-a-half-year-old daughter with Berry.
"People" reports Aubry previously signed documents stating he is Baby Nahla`s father but he wants to protect his rights. He`s also seeking joint legal and physical custody of his daughter.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: So looking for a new job? Well, J. Lo is hiring. "SHOWBIZ Did You See This?" Jennifer Lopez looking for a new personal assistant and Ellen is helping her out.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LOPEZ: Do you realize how famous I am?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I do, yes.
DEGENERES: Great.
LOPEZ: Great.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But you`re a person, too, right?
DEGENERES: No.
LOPEZ: No.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Come on, J. Lo. We`re all people. There`s a very funny story behind this bizarre video. Stick around and I`ll tell you, next.
Now, it is time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Motley Crue`s Vince Neil to spend 15 days in jail on DUI charge. Ricky Gervais to play his U.K. "The Office" role on NBC`s "The Office."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: What have you stolen?
RICKY GERVAIS, COMEDIAN: Post-It notes.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Post-It notes. What are they worth?
GERVAIS: Oh, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) send you a trophy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Time now for "Hollywood at Home." SHOWBIZ TONIGHT hits the red carpet to find out how some of your favorite stars balance their busy careers and their personal lives.
Today, Melissa Joan Hart. Melissa stars with Joey Lawrence in the ABC Family hit, "Melissa and Joey." She`s also a wife and mom to two boys. Melissa says juggling her job and family is tricky. You need plan. Listen to what she tells us.
MELISSA JOAN HART, ACTRESS: With the schedule that me and my husband have, we just do it day by day, week by week, you know. We try to get ahead of ourselves month by month.
But it`s really hard to plan. We pretty much always know what`s going to happen, where we`re going to be for the next month. But really, we can only take it a month at a time at the most. So you know, we just prioritize. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: So J. Lo is hiring. This totally looks legit, but actually, it`s a very funny prank pulled off with Ellen`s help. I just have to show it to you.
It`s a SHOWBIZ "Did You See This"? Ellen does this thing where she puts hidden cameras on her guests, sends them out and feeds them things to say.
So Ellen got Jennifer Lopez to pretend she`s hiring a personal assistant. Well, two unsuspected job seekers get the surprise of their life when they walk in and find J. Lo acting all kooky and literally rocking the diva thing hard core. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LOPEZ: Hi, sorry.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How are you doing?
LOPEZ: Hi. How are you? You can have a seat right there.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you.
LOPEZ: Sorry, these are just -
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, it`s all right.
LOPEZ: Temporary offices. I`m Jennifer, Jenny from the Block, J. Lo.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sounds good.
LOPEZ: But you can call me Ms. Lopez.
DEGENERES: Are you familiar with my work?
LOPEZ: Are you familiar with my work?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I am.
DEGENERES: Great.
LOPEZ: Great.
DEGENERES: Great, great, great. Great, great, great. Is my beauty distracting?
LOPEZ: Is my beauty distracting?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No.
LOPEZ: OK. All right.
DEGENERES: Some people are distracted by my beauty. LOPEZ: Some people are distracted by my beauty.
DEGENERES: Tell me about you. I`m from the block.
LOPEZ: Tell me about you. I`m from the block.
DEGENERES: Do you realize how famous I am?
LOPEZ: Do you realize how famous I am?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I do, yes.
DEGENERES: Great.
LOPEZ: Great.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But you`re a person, too, right?
DEGENERES: No.
LOPEZ: No.
(LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: We at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT were just cracking up about this today as we were watching. I`m sure J. Lo is a wonderful boss. It was all for show.
All right. It`s a big day for Jennifer Lopez. Her debut as a judge on "American Idol" of course is today. I want you to vote right now in our SHOWBIZ exclusive poll - "Jennifer Lopez Premieres on `American Idol`: Will you watch the show just for her?" Let us know what you think at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. You can E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.
HAMMER: From Jenny from the Block to showdown in Beverly Hills. On one side of the mansion, Kelsey Grammer`s soon-to-be ex, Camille. On the other side, her "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" co-stars.
All season long, Camille has been in a bitter battle with housewife Kyle. Now, check out the first look at Camille and Kyle`s bombastic Beverly Hills blowout on the season finale.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Conniving, passive-aggressive, narcissistic. One of tabloids called you the most hated housewife ever.
C. GRAMMER: This whole season was set up to make me look bad.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You`ve never been honest.
C. GRAMMER: You bully me all the time.
(CROSS TALK)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) buzz of the moment, Camille, OK?
(CROSS TALK)
C. GRAMMER: I`m not a liar. I don`t lie.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Bully, who gave that you word?
C. GRAMMER: I am not a liar. I don`t lie.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Ah, good times. "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" season finale airs this Thursday on Bravo.
And that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thanks for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is live at 5:00 Eastern Monday through Friday. And we`re still TV`s most provocative entertainment news show seven days a week at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific here on HLN.
END
