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Showbiz Tonight
Lady Gaga`s Showbiz Newsmaker Interview; Brad and Angelina Finally Getting Hitched?; Snooki`s Italian Smash-Up; New Kardashian Outrage; Avril Lavigne`s F-Bomb Rant
Aired May 31, 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: Tonight, our not-to-be-missed SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with Lady Gaga. Gaga firing back over what she did on the "American Idol" finale. I`m A.J. Hammer. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Big news breaking on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. One on one with Lady Gaga. For the very first time, Gaga speaks out about her controversial "American Idol" performance.
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Plus, Gaga`s brand-new blunt message for her critics.
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LADY GAGA, POP STAR: What I thought was very beautiful --
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HAMMER: It`s a headline-making SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsmaker interview.
Brad and Angelina getting married? Brad Pitt`s shocking new revelations tonight that he and Angelina Jolie may tie the knot now. Our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, should they?
Snooki smash-up. Snooki crashes into a police car while filming "Jersey Shore" in Italy. But I have to ask, is this just one big publicity stunt?
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show breaks news right now.
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Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer, coming to you from New York City with big news breaking tonight -- the ultimate SHOWBIZ newsmaker.
Yes, we are one on one tonight with the one and only Lady Gaga. Gaga`s new album is making history today. "Born This Way" on pace to sell more than one million copies on its first week out. And it is expected to post the highest first week sales for any album in more than 10 years. That`s pretty unbelievable.
Still, when we spoke with Gaga, she revealed that deeply vulnerable side of herself. She even says she doesn`t feel worthy of all of her success.
So what is really behind the insecurity that brought Gaga to tears in her recent HBO special? And what does she really think of all the critics who slammed her big performance on that "American Idol" finale? CNN`s Jason Carroll with the ultimate SHOWBIZ newsmaker.
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JASON CARROLL, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): She`s igniting controversy over her steamy "American Idol" performance.
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CARROLL: Her always provocative song lyrics.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Why does she always have to push the envelope with Catholics?
CARROLL: And basically just about everything else she does.
LADY GAGA: Anything related to my physical appearance or my artistry, those are the critiques that I don`t listen to.
CARROLL: And now, in a brand-new SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview, Lady Gaga is telling SHOWBIZ TONIGHT what she thinks of her critics. Let`s just say she`s not writing them any love song.
LADY GAGA: Well, I would say critics are synonymous with bullies and vice versa. Bullies are critics and critics are bullies.
CARROLL: I caught up with Gaga days after her bump and grind heavy performance of her song, "Edge Of Glory," at the "American Idol" season finale.
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Now that she has had some time to think about it, does Gaga think she went too far?
(on camera) After the "Idol" performance, you know, there are some critics who said, did she go a little bit too far on stage with that sort of -- some said it was sort of like sexual simulation. And so some critics say, you know, when you`ve got a young audience like on "Idol," how far do you go? What would you say to someone who (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?
LADY GAGA: I didn`t think that it was particularly sexual at all.
CARROLL (voice-over): Others disagree.
ELISABETH HASSELBECK, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": "American Idol" has a really young audience. And I just wonder, knowing their young audience, if this was -- and many people think so -- the wrong place for that art.
CARROLL: Gaga tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT she doesn`t mind the chatter over her "Idol" performance.
LADY GAGA: You know, everyone always has something to say over my performances, and that`s great. So keep talking. Thank you.
CARROLL: By now, Gaga is no stranger to criticism. Controversy clings to her like that infamous meat dress.
(on camera) When you`re an artist at your level, how much does the criticism affect you or not affect you?
LADY GAGA: I only pay attention to those in reference to my peers that I respect, that I work with. And I want my fans to know that that`s OK to do that.
You know, it`s one thing to be aware of criticism and to take constructive criticism and another thing to look outside constantly for reassurance. Look into yourself. You are the one that has to, at the end of the day, be the soul that stands behind the work, so you have to believe in it. And so I answer to me.
CARROLL (voice-over): Lady Gaga may answer to herself, but that also makes her her harshest critic.
LADY GAGA: I just sometimes feel like a loser still, you know.
CARROLL: Earlier this spring, she shocked fans in a different way than she usually does. She broke down on camera while filming an HBO documentary as her insecurities seemed to get the best of her.
LADY GAGA: It`s crazy, because it`s like we`re at the Garden, but I still sometimes feel like a loser kid in high school.
CARROLL: Which begs the question, despite her album sales and her Grammys and her ranking as number one on the "Forbes" list of most powerful celebrities in the world, is Lady Gaga still plagued by insecurity?
(on camera) At this point in your life, do you feel worthy? Or do you still have those feelings of unworthiness? If so, where do they come from?
LADY GAGA: I don`t think I`m ever going to feel entirely worthy of the blessings in my life.
CARROLL (voice-over): What makes her feel worthy? The devotion from the fans she affectionately calls her little monsters.
LADY GAGA: It`s overwhelming -- the kindness and the love that gets injected into the arena every night, into my life in general. And I think I`m going to spend the rest of my life trying to pay them all back.
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LADY GAGA: "Born This Way" is about being yourself, loving who you are and being proud. You just have to know who you are. Don`t be afraid of what other people are going to say. At the end of the day, you are the person that you have to answer to.
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HAMMER: With me right now in New York, CNN national correspondent, Jason Carroll, who did that incredible SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with Lady Gaga.
Jason, great job on that interview. And Lady Gaga -- I mean, you look at her. With all the incredible success that she has had, yet, she is still, like so many tortured artists, so incredibly hard on herself.
Did you get the impression that she really has a difficult time enjoying her phenomenal success?
CARROLL: You know, I actually asked her about that. It was really fascinating to listen to her, because I said, you know, so many artists who are in the twilights of their careers, they looked back and they say, "I wish I really could enjoy it."
When I asked her about that, she said, "You know, when I`m sitting at home and I`m alone and I`m in the bathtub and I`m by myself, the only thing I think about, A.J., is getting back on stage."
And so she said, "So I think I enjoy myself most when I`m performing and when I`m on stage."
HAMMER: I`m guessing she enjoys the aspect of her success that allows her to get her message out there.
CARROLL: Correct.
HAMMER: I have a feeling that, at least, is going for her.
CARROLL: Yes.
HAMMER: She talked a lot about her critics as well.
CARROLL: Oh, yes.
HAMMER: She compares them to bullies. Let`s watch what she told you about that.
LADY GAGA: Well, I would say that critics are synonymous with bullies and vice versa. Bullies are critics and critics are bullies. And you just have to know who you are, because at the end of the day, if someone shoots an arrow through your heart, but you knew the arrow was coming and where it was going to go, you`re ready for it.
You don`t have to be afraid. Don`t be afraid of what other people are going to say. At the end of the day, you are the person that you have to answer to. "Born This Way" is about being yourself and loving who you are and being proud because you were born this way.
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HAMMER: See, there`s the title of the album, twice mentioned.
CARROLL: Twice --
HAMMER: It`s great plug for the album, which she hardly needs to do. It`s doing so well already.
CARROLL: Yes.
HAMMER: But she compares, again, her critics to bullies. And you`ve got to imagine with the way she pushes the envelope, she has to know that she is going to get criticized. Is there any type of criticism that she actually accepts? Did she talk to you about that?
CARROLL: Well, I think -- look, I think she`s open to artistic criticism. But when it becomes personal, look, it still hurts. It doesn`t matter who you are. It can still hurt.
Obviously, you saw from the interview that there`s some insecurities that she`s still dealing with. But it was very -- I think she has a very strong foundation in terms of family, in terms of friends.
And I think that`s something that really helps her. It can help guide her through this period.
HAMMER: Speaking of family and friends, you know, you`ve interviewed other big stars before. They bring huge entourages.
CARROLL: Not this one.
HAMMER: Take me behind the scenes of this interview. Give me a little insight. I understand she did bring an entourage, but not your typical entourage.
CARROLL: Right. At the Gramercy Park Hotel, it was very chic. It was very fabulous. But here is what I thought was very telling about her.
When the interview was over, she said, "I would like to introduce you to someone." It was her mother and her best friend that she has known since she was five years old.
And when the interview was over, I had this very lengthy conversation about her mother. She was terrific. She wanted to know where I was from, what I was doing. But I think what that shows is it shows that she does have a strong foundation.
And so many times -- you hear about it all the time, A.J. -- stars, celebrities that have gone awry. It`s always because they didn`t have that solid foundation of family and friends.
And so, for her, at least, she does have that going for her on her side with all the success that she`s dealing with, something she might (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
HAMMER: I don`t think she`s going to fall off the rails because of that grounding. I really believe that. Well, this is really an incredible interview. And we`re going to have more of Jason`s fascinating Lady Gaga interview in tomorrow`s show.
He gets Gaga to open up, I think, like never before, about who she may work with, her upcoming albums and her fans that she calls and adores, you know, the little monsters. Can`t wait to see that tomorrow on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Jason.
CARROLL: Thanks, A.J.
HAMMER: CNN national correspondent Jason Carroll. Appreciate it very much.
Moving on now to Brad and Angelina. Are they getting married? What`s happening here? We have Brad Pitt`s shocking new revelation tonight that he and Angelina Jolie may actually tie the knot. Our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint. Should they?
Snooki`s smash-up. Wait until you hear about this. Snooki crashes into a police car. This is while they are filming "Jersey Shore" in Italy. I`ve got to ask, is this whole thing one big publicity stunt?
And the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. William and Kate coming to the U.S. But there is big controversy over their trip already. That is next. 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 tonight.
TEXT: Oprah`s last show was one of the top five most-talked about events of the year online. SHOWBIZ first look: "True Blood`s" season four premiere.
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UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: If you`re going to kill me, just do it.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: We`ve got what we wanted.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: So you`re here to seduce me then, huh?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: I can eat who I want.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Would you all join me?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Oh, great. Now I have to deal with witches?
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HAMMER: Justin Timberlake just won the Indy 500 -- sort of. Did you see this? Dan Wheldon, who won the Indianapolis 500 for the second time in his career had J.T.`s clothing line, William Rast, as a sponsor of his car, number 98.
Right after the race, here is what Timberlake tweeted, "Congrats to Dan Wheldon, the WR racing team and everyone else who put in the hard work for this victory. Unreal."
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
And tonight, the British are coming. Yes, the British are coming. "People.com" revealed new details earlier today all about Prince William and Kate`s visit to North America next month.
And we do now know they do plan to make a pit stop in Los Angeles. That`s been confirmed. But before you get too excited about a possible photo-op between the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and our very own Hollywood royalty, think again.
With me right now in New York, Imogen Lloyd Weber who is the author of "The Single Girl`s Guide."
So a lot of people are naturally very pumped up for Will and Kate`s royal North American tour. And today, we learned that they`re going to be spending most of their visit in Canada.
"People.com" reports that from June 30th to July 8th, Will and Kate will experience the diversity, vibrancy of Canada, its geography and people.
And then, on July 8th, they are set to fly to L.A. But according to "People.com," the couple view this as a working visit, not as an opportunity for them to meet celebrities.
Now, Imogen, I have to ask you, because they seem to be downplaying the whole celebrity thing --
IMOGEN LLOYD WEBER, AUTHOR, "THE SINGLE GIRL`S GUIDE": They are.
HAMMER: Do you really think that people will take these guys less seriously if they`re meeting up and hanging out, meeting up with celebrities? Really?
LLOYD WEBER: I think, on some levels, absolutely. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) about North American tour is, you guys got rid of the monarchy. The Canadians haven`t. So it`s all about winning the hearts and minds of Canadian people and trying to hang on being head of state there.
That`s why William and Kate are spending most of their time in Canada, the Canadian government obviously shelling out a lot of money for William and Kate to go there.
The Hollywood thing is a bit of a side show. William has got a couple of fun gigs in his life. He`s president of the Football Association, so that`s how he met David Beckham -- soccer, head of soccer in the U.K.
HAMMER: Yes.
LLOYD WEBER: And he`s also head of BAFTA, which is a British film institute. That`s why he`s heading out to Los Angeles. And maybe there might be some minor celebrity sightings because of that.
HAMMER: I was going to say there`s got to be something. And I realize -- you mentioned the Beckhams.
LLOYD WEBER: Yes.
HAMMER: The royals do have other agendas in mind for this trip. But look, you know, David and Victoria Beckham were right there at the royal wedding among many celebrities just last month.
So can you understand why maybe some people will see it as a little bit of a snub if they don`t hang with the celebs?
LLOYD WEBER: I think slightly, but you`ve got to remember that William is not been seen as a celebrity. Obviously, Diana was the ultimate celebrity and he doesn`t want the same fate for Kate. You know, the media fundamentally killed his mother.
So it`s very much going to be in an official capacity. They met the Beckhams in an official capacity. Victoria is going to be giving birth at the time. Not the best timing for her anyway.
HAMMER: Yes. I guess so. I don`t know. Look, I`m the Beckhams and I`m thinking I`m having these guys over for dinner and I`m going to invite a few of my celebrity friends, you know.
LLOYD WEBER: I think -- well, Victoria, we`re hoping (UNINTELLIGIBLE) a healthy baby daughter, and for Kate to be wearing one of her outfits. Victoria Beckham will be aiming to get some clothes on Kate`s back.
HAMMER: Sounds about right. All right. Imogen Lloyd Weber, thank you so much as always.
Moving on now, the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines were really busy over the holiday weekend. A lot of people have been calling in about Oprah`s last show. We heard from Martha in New York. Here`s Martha.
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MARTHA, CALLER FROM NEW YORK: And I just want to say thank you, Oprah. Thank you for having the courage to be a masterful human being and for all that you have given us. I believe that you are the future. And boy, have you given a lot to us all on this planet in the last 25 years.
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HAMMER: Well said, Martha. Thank you for your call. So what do you think about this, or anything at all? Let us know, 1-888-SBT-BUZZ. That`s 1- 888-728-2899. Leave us a voicemail. We want to play your call here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Let`s go over to Facebook right now. Wanda D. is sad that Oprah is off the air, but she wasn`t so thrilled with how the whole thing ended.
Here`s what she said, "I was disappointed in the finale. It should have had at least a few surprises for the audience, but I do wish her all the best in her next journey. Love you, Oprah."
Moving on now to brand-new Kardashian outrage tonight, a birth control shocker caught on tape. Fifteen-year-old Kendall -- 15 years old -- reportedly on the pill. Is this just way out of line for TV, even for the Kardashians?
Dolly Parton, Madonna, Lady Gaga working together. What do you think? Dream team or total train wreck?
"Hang Over 2" a mega-success at the box office. A big SHOWBIZ debate today over the not so "GQ" stars of the movie, Zach Galifianakis Ed Helms, Ken Jeong. Is funny the new hot?
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UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Hold on!
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HAMMER: This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views. Now, here comes the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Jessica Simpson`s ex, Tony Romo, marries Chace Crawford`s sister, Candice. Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo have a joint wedding shower.
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JOHN CRYER, ACTOR: I`m serious. If we`re going to pull this off, we need to be convincing. Do we have a favorite song, names for each other? I mean, we`re trying to go for dog people or cat people.
CHARLIE SHEEN, ACTOR: I forgot to tell you the guy who bought you (UNINTELLIGIBLE) in Thailand had your vocal cords removed.
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HAMMER: "Two and a Half Men" has been up a best comedy Emmy award before. But tonight, the people behind the show won`t even submit it for nomination. Do you think Charlie Sheen and his whole mess has anything at all to do with that?
I mean, after everything that happened, the CBS show probably didn`t really have such a good shot. But still, the producers of "Two and a Half Men" over at Warner Brothers reportedly decided not to enter the show into the Emmy race because of all the Sheen controversy.
Remember, he was fired and then Sheen sued for $100 million. That`s all still being figured out. But his former co-stars, including Jon Cryer, are probably going to be pushed for acting nominations.
Cryer has actually won for best supporting actor in a comedy series for "Two and a Half Men" before. That was back in 2009.
Imagine if "Two and a Half Men" was nominated and then it won best comedy, and Charlie Sheen just happened to show up. Things could have gotten pretty messy. Then, again, it would have made for a really interesting Emmy show this year.
Well, moving on now, there`s big star reaction tonight to some sad news. Recent "Taxi" star Jeff Conaway died this past weekend. He was 60.
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Conaway, who played Kenickie alongside John Travolta and Olivia Newton John in the movie "Grease" technically died from pneumonia.
But HLN`s Dr. Drew Pinsky, who treated him for drug addiction says Conaway`s dependence on prescription painkillers ultimately led to his death.
Here`s what Travolta is telling SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "Jeff Conaway was a wonderful and decent man and we will miss him. My heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very difficult time."
And Danny DeVito who starred with Conaway in the `80s TV show, "Taxi" tells us, "Jeff was a good man. I will always think of him fondly and of our days together with the `Taxi` family. Finally he is at peace."
Conaway had been in a medically-induced for a few weeks after being found unconscious in his home. TMZ reports that Conaway will be cremated. No word yet on an official memorial.
Moving on now to the SHOWBIZ lineup -- this is what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Got to talk about Snooki`s smash-up. Snooki crashes into a police car while filming "Jersey Shore" in Italy. You can`t make this up. Or can you? Is this one big publicity stunt?
Brad and Angelina getting married? Brad Pitt`s shocking revelations that he and Angelina Jolie may actually tie the knot now. Our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, should they?
Avril Lavigne goes on an F-bomb rant at a baseball game. Yes, that`s makes things really complicated tonight. 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 tonight.
TEXT: Kate Winslet poses nude for famed photographer, Mario Testino. Adrianne Curry and "Brady Bunch" star, Christopher Knight, are separating.
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HAMMER: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, wedding bells for Brangelina? Brad Pitt now says he might get married to Angelina Jolie. Should they do it for the sake of their kids?
A big Kardashian bombshell tonight. Fifteen-year-old Kendall Jenner reportedly caught on camera with birth control pills. Is this too outrageous for TV?
Snooki`s big Italian smash-up. The "Jersey Shore" star crashes into a police car in Italy. But is this just one big publicity stunt?
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
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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 -- Bangelina getting hitched?
I know. I know. The tabloids report that all the time, right? But I can tell you tonight that Brad Pitt and Angelina really could get married for six very little, but very influential reasons. Brad reveals the game- changing details in a new interview just out today.
Right now, in New York, Egypt Sherrod, who is a New York Radio host and editor of the fine "EgyptSaidSo.com." In Atlanta tonight, it`s Carlos Diaz from HLN`s "MORNING EXPRESS WITH ROBIN MEADE."
All right. So Brad and Angelina have famously proclaimed some time ago that they would only get married when gay couples could legally marry.
But in an interview with "USA Weekend," Brad confesses that their six children aren`t willing to wait that long. Here`s what he said, "The kids ask about marriage. It`s meaning more and more to them so it`s something we`ve got to look at."
I love -- and I`ve always loved their very principled stand on putting off marriage. But I totally get where these kids are coming from. They want to see their mom and dad married just like they see other people`s moms and dads married.
Sometimes in life you`ve got to defer to the kids. Egypt, do you think they`ll really do it for the kids?
EGYPT SHERROD, NEW YORK RADIO HOST AND EDITOR OF "EGYPTSAIDSO.COM": Kids are always a game-changer. I mean, six kids, six years. Why not? What are we waiting for, 10 kids?
Although I did just read the probability of celebrity marriages surviving is only 35 percent. They`ve been good to go this long. It would be awful if they got married and then split.
HAMMER: Yes, that would be terrible. And it`s a strange situation that you put yourself in when you say, "We`re not going to do something, then here is the reason why," and then you have to go back on that word.
I can imagine some people getting upset about that. Brad says there is only thing that their brood hates more than the fact that their folks aren`t married. And this really shifts gears in this whole thing.
Listen to this. He says, "There are no secrets at our house. We tell the kids, `Mom and dad are going off to kiss.` They go, `Eww, gross!` But we demand it."
Well, six years together. Here you have Brad and Angelina, still going off to kiss.
SHERROD: That`s cute.
HAMMER: I think it is refreshing to see that they are still having a good time. They have a good thing going here, Carlos. So what do you think? Should they get married for the kids, despite what they`ve said before?
CARLOS DIAZ, "MORNING EXPRESS WITH ROBIN MEADE": Yes. I mean, remember when "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" came out in 2005 and it was like, ooh, if you can get that sound bite of Brad or Angelina talking about the other person, it`s oh, so juicy.
It`s been six years. We`re now over the whole Brad leaving Jennifer for Angelina. And yes, it`s time for these two to tie the knot. And guess what? It is not going to be a big pomp and circumstance, royal wedding or anything.
They`re going to go off some place. We`re not going to know about it. And then, a month later, they`re going to go, "Yes, by the way, we`re married." You know, it`s going to be low-key like that.
HAMMER: Do you think they can pull that off? I`m sure that`s what they would want to pull off, Carlos. I`d like to see that happen.
DIAZ: Yes. They`re savvy. They`re very savvy. They`re very savvy.
HAMMER: Yes. All right. Well, let`s move on right now, because, really, what`s a day without a new Kardashian controversy to keep up with? Their new ads for the latest season of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" -- and in this ad, you see Bruce Jenner going nuclear when he finds 15-year-old Kendall Jenner`s birth control pills.
Kendall, one of the Kardashian`s younger sisters -- look, I get that all reality shows tend to be outrageous or try to be outrageous. But doesn`t this smack of exploitation? We`re talking about a 15-year-old and birth control pills and this is to promote the show.
SHERROD: You know, that`s probably the most reality we`ve actually seen on reality TV. This is reflective of what`s happening in households all across America right now. And you know, the thing is, if it was my daughter, she would be locked in her room for the rest of her life.
That`s our initial reaction. It is a tough pill to swallow, no pun intended. But we have to be very careful how we handle these situations with our kids because when they`re in fear of how their parents react, that`s when they don`t confide and that`s when they make life-altering decisions, if you know what I mean.
Bruce should just be thankful that if she is sexually active, that at least she`s trying to be responsible.
HAMMER: Yes. But this is, again, how they`re promoting the show. And you know --
SHERROD: So is it tacky they`re promoting it? Yes.
HAMMER: Yes, OK. There you go. And when Kris Jenner, Kendall`s mom, was asked about this, she told "E!," hey, no comment. You`re going to have to wait and see, basically promoting the show, saying, "Watch it unfold on the show," which happens to premiere in a couple of weeks.
And Carlos, maybe there will be a grand lesson in the end, which would certainly be terrific. But doesn`t it seem -- it just doesn`t seem right to me. I mean, what do you think?
DIAZ: Yes. It`s not a plot. I mean, this is supposed to be reality TV. And what you`re running into is the Kardashians -- if the numbers are true and they`re down, then you`re running into something where, what`s going to happen to these girls after the Kardashians are over? The show, that is.
These aren`t characters where they can go and play another character. This is supposed to be them in real life. So how do you move on once your show and your life is not approved by the public anymore? That`s a tough thing about reality TV.
HAMMER: Well, it will very interesting to see if promoting the show with a 15-year-old and birth control pills, in fact, gets them those numbers that they have been lacking.
Let`s move though from Kendall`s birth control drama to outrage over Kim K`s engagement. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you today people are so over Kim`s 20-carat, $2 million mega-engagement ring.
I mean, that`s a big crock, right? Thursday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll. Moments ago, I was handed the final results from Jay, our stage manager at large.
The question was, "Kim Kardashian`s Reported $2 Million Engagement Ring: Too Over The Top?" Now, look at this -- 90 percent of you say yes, totally tacky. Ten percent of you say no, if you`ve got it, flaunt it.
But again, only 10 percent of the people are saying that. Egypt, are you, at all, surprised that people think this thing is definitely tacky?
SHERROD: I cannot believe that 90 percent thought that 20.5 carat diamond ring was tacky. I`ll tell you what. All you people who think it`s tacky, if you ever get a ring this size, give it to me. I`ll wear it for you, gladly.
But I think we`ve spent a week on it. Maybe people are over it. We want to hear about health care and jobs right about now.
HAMMER: And as has been said before, who is giving back that ring if somebody gives it to you?
SHERROD: Not me.
HAMMER: I have a feeling that there may be a Kardashian backlash brewing though when you see all of what`s happening. Listen to what Joan in California called in to say on our "Showbiz on Call" phone line.
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JOAN, CALLER FROM CALIFORNIA: I think Kim Kardashian`s ring is a display of selfish arrogance. Doesn`t she know what`s happening in our own country now? Celebrities are not people who care if they display such arrogant wealth.
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HAMMER: All right. Carlos, this is a yes or no. Are people about ready to kick the Kardashians to the curb at this point?
DIAZ: Yes.
HAMMER: Well said. Thank you for keeping it brief. Carlos Diaz, Egypt Sherrod, thank you both so much.
Well, no ring, tacky or otherwise on Angelina Jolie`s finger just yet as we`ve been talking about. But in our exclusive SHOWBIZ TONIGHT poll, I do want to know your take on this.
We`re talking Brad Pitt saying -- he says he and Angelina may actually consider getting married after having said they`re not going to get married until everybody can get married who wants to get married.
Good idea? Yes, it would be great for the kids. Or no, why change what`s working for them? They`re still going strong. Vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight or E-mail me at showbiztonight@cnn.com
Well, we`ve got to talk about Snooki`s Italian adventure tonight, because it has gone south after she crashes into a police car. The "Jersey Shore" star making waves overseas.
I`m thinking it`s just a matter of time before the mayor of Florence tells the whole gang, "Arrivederci to you and your spooky friends." But is this whole thing just one big publicity stunt?
Picture this -- Madonna, Lady Gaga and Dolly Parton singing together. What do you think? Is this whole idea a big diva train wreck or a dream team?
Also this --
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UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Hold on!
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Hold on!
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HAMMER: "Hangover II" is a huge hit. Zach, Ed, Ken -- not exactly "GQ" models, but the movie is hot. So I`ve got to ask, is funny the new hot? 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 tonight.
TEXT: "The Hobbit: Unexpected Journey" to be released on 12/14/12. Adele forced to postpone five shows on North American tour due to laryngitis.
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JENNIFER LOPEZ, ACTRESS, SINGER AND "AMERICAN IDOL" JUDGE: And with this show, we hope for the first time to unite all of the Latin cultures and make something that makes everybody proud.
This is like me being able to really, really go, "I am Latina and this is who we are!"
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HAMMER: Yes. J-Lo, launching a brand-new talent show. It`s called "Q Viva The Chosen" which means "Long live the chosen." The "American Idol" judge and her husband, Marc Anthony, will be traveling with their team to 21 countries across the Americas to find the world`s greatest talent.
But there will be no auditions, just J-Lo, Marc Anthony and their tour director, Jamie King, scouring the streets for talent. J-Lo calls it the biggest thing she has ever been involved with. The search begins in July.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with new Snooki drama in Italy tonight. I`ve got to say, "Mama mia!" Snooki goes from fist-pumping in Jersey to car crashing in Italy.
Also, Avril Lavigne apologizing tonight for cursing out her audience. And singer Sean Kingston survives a serious jet-ski crash. All that is making big news in "The Buzz Today."
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(voice-over) Kingston`s crash drama. Singer Sean Kingston`s condition has been upgraded to critical but stable. He`s been moved into intensive care at a Miami hospital. He was severely injured in a personal watercraft accident over the weekend.
Sean`s friend, hip-hop singer Trav, visited him at the hospital and told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT the singer is, quote, "doing well, just opened his eyes this morning." Kingston`s rep tells us Sean`s family asks for privacy at this time, but is thankful to his friends, family and fans for their outpouring of prayers and well-wishes.
Avril`s foul mouth outrage. Avril Lavigne has just apologized for unleashing a filthy rant on nearly 25,000 baseball fans at the Tampa-based Tropicana Field. Avril was performing after the Ray`s game and hit the crowd with her obscenities because they booed when her mike died.
The Rays spokesman shot back with a huge sorry telling SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "The Rays demand profanity-free performances from all of our concert performers and we are extremely disappointed by the language used."
Avril apologized herself on stage at a smaller concert appearance.
Snooki`s Italian smash-up. Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi just had a run-in with police in Italy, literally. The "Jersey Shore" star was involved in a fender-bender with, of all things, a police car in Florence. That`s where the show is shooting on location.
Snooks landed in a police station to fill out an accident report. MTV confirmed to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, quote, "Two `jersey Shore` cast members were involved in a minor traffic accident. No alcohol was involved and no one was arrested."
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And of course, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has all the brand-new details on Snooki`s Italian hit job. New reports tonight say the cops yanked Snook`s Italian driver`s license after the smash-up. She not going to be charged with a crime for the accident, but she still could be sued by the cops that she slammed into.
With me in New York tonight, journalist and comic, Brian Balthazar who is also the editor of "PopGoesTheWeek.com."
I love that the first thing MTV shouted out to the world after the smash-up was "No alcohol was involved and no one was arrested." I think that really just proves that those are the first two things that everybody thinks about when it comes to "Jersey Shore."
And now, we might need to add lawsuits to that list with that possibility Snooki could be sued by Italian cops that she has injured. Brian, is Snooki going to single-handedly destroy any Italian-American relationships or at least our reputation?
BRIAN BALTHAZAR, EDITOR, "POPGOESTHEWEEK.COM": Well, she`s not doing us any favors. What I think is interesting is there was a crew member in the back. So it (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the reason that they were shooting part of it.
Was she driving recklessly by being more focused on some crazy drama in the front seat than in the backseat? It`s possible. Possible. HAMMER: I just love the fact that they went to the trouble of getting Snooki an Italian driver`s license.
BALTHAZAR: And is anyone really surprised that Snooki is not really a great driver? I don`t think that`s a big headline, you know.
HAMMER: Honest to god, I never thought she had an American driver`s license.
BALTHAZAR: She shouldn`t.
HAMMER: Let`s bring in Kristin Cruz from Hollywood. Kristin, the morning radio co-host of the "Mark and Kristin Show" on KOST 103.5 in L.A.
The big speculation tonight, Kristin, is that this accident might have actually been a big stunt. Now, the ladies of "The View" couldn`t stop talking about all these conspiracy theories this morning. Watch what Barbara Walters had to say.
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BARBARA WALTERS, EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS AND CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": If these were her team and the police were guarding her, even though they were hurt and had to go to the hospital, there is the suggestion that maybe it was on purpose, maybe not.
JOY BEHAR, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": Why would you do it on purpose?
WALTERS: Because of the publicity.
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HAMMER: OK. Look, I don`t think anybody, even Snooki, hits a police car and sends two cops to the emergency room for publicity. Milking it after the fact is a different story. But Kristin, what do you think, was this possibly just a publicity stunt?
KRISTIN CRUZ, CO-HOST, "THE MARK AND KRISTIN SHOW": Well, first of all, to the entire country of Italy who is watching right now, have you never seen "The Jersey Shore"?
I`m sorry. Snooki just landed. What did you do, hand her a glass of wine and a driver`s license? And I know alcohol is not involved. But that would be kind of the first time "bender" and "Snooki" was used in the same sentence and there was no liquor there.
HAMMER: Yes, I guess you do have a point. All right. Mission accomplished. Let`s move on now to the other big news breaking tonight.
Brand-new reports that Dolly Parton has dreamed -- dreamed I tell you -- about recording duets with Lady Gaga and Madonna.
Here`s what Dolly told the Website, "Digital Spy," "Madonna and Gaga are the perfect fit. I`m as outrageous as they are. I was gaudy before they were gaudy."
Brian, I think this is a diva dream team come true. Are you with me or do you think this is possibly the most bizarro match-up you`ve ever heard of?
BALTHAZAR: I actually think it would be amazing. I think they`re all icons. And granted not all of Dolly Parton`s appearance was born this way, necessarily. But I think she`s an amazing talent.
And Lady Gaga did a country cover of her own song. So I think it would be a great match, although there`s a thought that maybe it`s too many cooks in the kitchen. I`d love to see Gaga and Dolly go at it.
HAMMER: I think certainly Gaga would bow down to Dolly Parton in this case. Madonna -- that might be a tricky situation. All right. Brian Balthazar, thank you so much. Make sure you check out Kristin`s mommy blog, by the way at "Blogspot.com."
Moving on right now to big news today about another dream team, guys of "The Hangover II."
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HAMMER: Ed Helms, Ken Jeong, Zach Galifianakis -- not exactly "GQ" models but they are all really funny and they`ve got a hot movie. So the great SHOWBIZ debate tonight, is funny the new hot? That`s next.
Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: "X Factor" drops Cheryl Cole from both U.S. and U.K. versions of the show. LeAnn Rimes posts bikini pic and lashes out against critics who say she`s too skinny!
HAMMER: It is time now for the SHOWBIZ buzz list. Here`s what the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT staff is buzzing about this week.
We have got our DVRs locked in to TNT for Ray Romano`s "Men of a Certain Age." Season premiere coming on Wednesday.
Can`t wait until October for the return of AMC`s "The Walking Dead." Or just pick up "The Walking Dead" board game. It`s out this summer.
Speaking of summer, we are looking for some new tunes. How about Death Cab for Cutie`s new album, "Codes and Keys"? It`s great and it`s out today.
We`re definitely curious to see a changed Paris Hilton. Is it possible? A new docu-series, "The World According to Paris" -- well, it debuts on Oxygen on Wednesday, and we can`t wait.
And I`m thinking the whole SHOWBIZ TONIGHT staff will take a field trip to see "X-Men: First Class" in theaters, Friday.
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UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Everything.
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UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: What`s with my teeth?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: This is a real tattoo.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Allan, what did you do? Are you (UNINTELLIGIBLE) me?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: I didn`t do anything.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: No!
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: It`s a monkey.
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HAMMER: Face tattoo and a monkey. Was there ever any doubt that the sequel to "The Hangover" with these funny guys was going to do anything less than gang busters at the box office over the holiday weekend?
Here is another question. Is funny the new hot? I mean, really, "The Hangover Part 2" had a huge opening weekend. I`m talking more than $137 million in box office.
The movie stars Ken Jeong, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms. Well, let`s face it. They`re not usually at the top of the Hollywood hot list. But what`s going on here?
With me right now in Hollywood, Kristin Cruz, a morning radio co-host of "The Mark and Kristin Show" on KOST 103.5 in Los Angeles.
So with the exception of Bradley Cooper -- yes, he has been on a few of those hot lists, Kristin -- the rest of the guys on this cast are, by Hollywood standards, everyday guys.
They have amazing comic talent, but they`re everyday guys. Now, they`re the hottest guys in town. So Kristin, is funny the new hot?
CRUZ: I think these guys are giving every guy in the world hope. The new chic is geek. I`ve got to say it. Funny guys are what`s hot right now.
You know, Ed Helms probably never thought it was coming but you just want to take off those glasses and, you know -- it`s that whole Clark Kent Superman thing under there. We love it.
Take off those glasses and -- you stopped there, Kristin, for some reason. Hey, look, we posted this very question on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page earlier today.
Let me get to a couple of comments. I like this one from Chris M. He wrote, "As a guy who has done some stand-up I can attest, comedians are only hot until the guy at the end of the bar lifts his shirt to show off his abs."
I mean, that`s funny. I get Chris` point. But whenever you hear most women describe their perfect guy, Kristin, she inevitably says that he has to have a good sense of humor.
So I`ve got to imagine "The Hangover" cast right now is hanging on to that for every cent it`s worth and it`s certainly paying off at the box office.
CRUZ: Absolutely. Breaking records like they did over the Memorial Day weekend -- that`s unheard of. These guys are so hot. And I don`t know any girl friend of mine that wouldn`t want to go out with them over a big beefy dude.
HAMMER: Well, Haley G. wrote this on our wall, "Yes, funny is definitely the new hot. I have developed a crush on all three of the guys. Only one is conventionally cute. But the fact that they`re so hysterical makes all three of them incredibly attractive."
Kristin, I`m going to put you on the spot right now. The hottest of the three based on their humor is who for you?
CRUZ: Based on their humor? Give me a little scruffy Zach Galifianakis over here right now. I want some of that beard and the funny scruffy. I love it.
HAMMER: Zack Galifianakis for Kristin Cruz. OK. I`m writing that down. You know he`s out there in Hollywood, too? I`ll see what I can do for you. Kristin Cruz, thank you so much.
CRUZ: Appreciate it.
HAMMER: All right. That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. We thank you for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Remember, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT now seen executively Monday through Friday at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific right here on HLN.
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