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Showbiz Tonight
The Jackson Family Divide Over an Michael Jackson Tribute Concert; GOP versus GTL?; Royal Rump Debate; Hulk Hogan and Brooke Hogan Nude Photo Backlash; The World`s Richest Teens
Aired August 15, 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, a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive. Michael Jackson`s mother speaks out about the family divide over an M.J. tribute concert and Dr. Conrad Murray. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York and this is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
More big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - GOP versus GTL? Head-spinning, startling new evidence tonight that "Jersey Shore" is more popular than Republicans. Could Pauly D. and the gang solve the debt crisis?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PAUL "PAULY D." DELVECCHIO, REALITY TV STAR, "JERSEY SHORE": Man, we got ourselves into some serious debt.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Should Mitt Romney get a boost? Should Snooki run for president? The SHOWBIZ TONIGHT GOP-GTL smack-down. SHOWBIZ trending bombshell -the great debate over a royal rump. Did Pippa pad her butt for the royal wedding?
And Hulk Hogan poses with his daughter, Brooke, in front of a nude photo of her. The SHOWBIZ Flashpoint - is anything wrong with that?
Outrage over the world`s richest teens. Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus worth tens of millions of dollars, but who is the richest of them all?
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show breaks news right now.
(MUSIC)
Hello, I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. And we are breaking big news tonight with a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive, face to face and one-on-one with Michael Jackson`s mother.
Katherine Jackson tearfully opened up to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about the controversial Michael Jackson tribute concert that`s being planned. Now, the concert is going to be going on at the same time that Dr. Conrad Murray will be on trial on charges that he`s the one to blame for Michael`s death.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that has sparked a family feud. Two of Michael Jackson`s brothers, Randy and Jermaine, have criticized the timing and they`re saying they want nothing to do with it.
But today, Katherine Jackson defended the concert in a headline-making exclusive interview with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter in Los Angeles.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KAREEN WYNTER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: October 8th, the big tribute concert is right around the corner. Can you believe that it`s happening?
KATHERINE JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S MOTHER: Yes. But I`m excited about it. And I have to thank this gentleman and a few others for doing it. And even the children are excited, so we`ll be there.
WYNTER: What are they saying?
K. JACKSON: They were asking, "Where is it going to be?" And they said, "I can`t wait."
WYNTER: Who are the big performers that Michael`s children are looking forward to seeing? Any favorites?
K. JACKSON: Well, no. They haven`t said anything about favorites, but they just want to be there to see whoever is going to perform.
WYNTER: And honor their dad. You know, it`s been two years since Michael`s death. I believe the anniversary was in June. And some people are saying while something like this takes a great deal of planning. What took so long?
K. JACKSON: Since Michael passed, you know how it is being a mother. And it just - I don`t think it`s a long time. But it just - it takes a while. And I had to - at first, it`s something you`ll never get over. But these gentlemen came to me with the idea and I thought it was really nice.
WYNTER: Ms. Jackson, many would agree that you`ve been incredibly strong in all of this. Has it been really emotional for you planning this concert with your colleagues and just remembering your son?
K. JACKSON: Anything that anybody speaks to me about Michael today is emotional. There`s not a day that passes that I don`t get emotional about him going. But - you have to excuse me.
WYNTER: It`s still hard when you talk about it?
K. JACKSON: It`s very hard. It`s hard to talk about it.
WYNTER: When you think of all the amazing things that he would have done had he been alive today, his music, inspiring the world, really -
K. JACKSON: Yes.
WYNTER: We really, really lost an icon.
K. JACKSON: Yes. And I think Michael would have been really proud if he was here today. This is a concert he would really have loved, and that`s why I`m supporting it.
WYNTER: I have to ask, though, with the timing of the trial, and I know you don`t want to go into specifics, but I do want to mention not all the family members, the Jackson family members, are on board.
For example, Jermaine and Randy - in fact, they went as far as issuing a joint statement recently saying, "We want to make it clear this does not reflect the position of the entire family." I have to ask, Ms. Jackson, why now with the timing of the Conrad Murray trial?
K. JACKSON: Well, the trial is very important and I can understand how Michael - how Randy and Jermaine feel. But it`s been two years, and when these gentlemen came to me and talked about it, I thought it was a good idea. And I`d like to keep Michael`s legacy alive and that`s one of the reasons.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We think also that it`s a Saturday, when the courtroom is dark, it`s a chance for the world to have a joyous moment and remember the beautiful music that Michael made.
It will be a welcome relief from what will be a somber time during the trial, so we actually feel it`s just a wonderful moment. We`re going to raise money for the charities that Michael was very passionate about what he was alive. It`s just going to be wonderful.
WYNTER: Yes, and as you mentioned, Michael`s kids, they can`t wait. They`re excited about the big tribute. What`s the last couple years been like for them? How are they hanging in there?
K. JACKSON: They`re doing very well. They`re getting ready for school now, and they`re taking lessons - acting.
WYNTER: They`re acting.
K. JACKSON: Well, they`re taking acting lessons. This is what they want to do. And some - well, Paris really wants to be an actress. I think she`s announced it twice since she`s been on TV. But other than that, they`re doing very well.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Which, of course, is great to hear. And there, you heard it here first - the Jackson tribute concert is going full steam ahead despite protests by some of Michael`s own family.
With me right now in New York, Jane Velez-Mitchell, the host, of course, of "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL" right here on HLN. In Atlanta tonight, Vinnie Politan, the host of "HLN SPECIAL REPORT." Catch him every weekday at 5:00 p.m. Eastern here on HLN, followed, of course, by "PRIME NEWS" at 6:00 p.m.
So right there, we heard Katherine Jackson acknowledging that Jermaine and Randy object to the show being held at the same time Dr. Murray is on trial in connection with Michael`s death.
Now, Katherine says she`s wants to honor Michael`s legacy. I kind of get both sides of this. Jane, do you think it is in bad taste or inappropriate to have this concert going on at the same time while Dr. Murray is on trial?
JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, HOST, "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL": I don`t know if it`s going to work in the same way Katherine intends, but I can see the desire to keep her son`s legacy alive.
Let`s face it. A trial like this is almost like putting a legacy on trial. There`s going to be discussion of Michael Jackson`s drug use. In her mind, she might be counteracting all that by saying, "Let`s put on a show." That`s the Jackson family`s reaction to this about everything.
Remember when Michael Jackson jumped on the SUV and danced? The whole family showed up in his child molestation trial dressed up in matching outfits. Whenever they`re in a jam, their reaction is, "Let`s put on a show."
HAMMER: It will be interesting to see if it actually happens, because there may be - it runs (UNINTELLIGIBLE) into the whole concert event, because, last month, a spokesman for Michael Jackson`s estate did tell us the promoters of this tribute concert never asked for, never obtained permission from the estate`s executors to use the late pop singer`s name or image.
I see that as a problem, but I`m not a lawyer. That`s why I go to you, Vinnie Politan. Could his mom be facing a lawsuit over that?
VINNIE POLITAN, HOST, "HLN SPECIAL REPORT": It could be a problem, and it doesn`t start with a lawsuit. It usually starts with a letter and it starts with a phone call and a discussion, perhaps some negotiations to try to figure out.
Because those who have the rights to it and have to protect that legacy and protect that image of Michael Jackson will want to probably have some sort of a say in the way he is portrayed throughout this whole thing.
So I don`t necessarily see it ending the lawsuit. It could end up in a lawsuit. I think people are going to sit down and talk to each other and try to figure it out first.
HAMMER: Yes, I would hope they would do that. An not that this whole deal means anything else to raise eyebrows, but we learned today that Kiss is joining the all-star lineup for this tribute concert.
Here`s the thing about that - Kiss` lead singer, Gene Simmons, in the past, questioned Michael`s sexuality. He seemed to suggest at one point that Michael may have abused young boys.
Jane, you were right there all those years covering Michael Jackson and his molestation charges. Do you find it at all strange that Kiss, of all bands, is going to be a part of this thing?
VELEZ-MITCHELL: It`s very strange. You have to wonder why, and I think the answer may simply be that Katherine Jackson is an elderly woman. She`s not keeping up with Kiss or any - I think it`s a strange combo, just Kiss even without the controversy.
HAMMER: I think it`s strange that Kiss would want to be part of it, based on what Gene has said in the past.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Exactly. Exactly, but I think the heart of this is that the Jackson estate doesn`t benefit all of the Jacksons, and it`s a large brood, and so Katherine wants to help out her other kids and her other grand kids.
She wants to provide a huge stage for all of them. She`s being a good grandma in her own mind because it`s going to be a family affair.
HAMMER: Yes. Best of intentions, I think, is what`s going on there.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Yes. Right.
HAMMER: Let me move on now to another case that Jane and Vinnie, of course, covered right here on HLN, the Casey Anthony trial.
We learned today that Casey`s attorney will appeal the judge`s order that she return to Florida to serve out her probation on check fraud conviction.
Listen to this, Casey`s attorney will also request a stay to keep Casey from having to serve her probation during the appeal. Her attorneys originally argued that Casey already served her probation while in jail waiting for her criminal trial to begin.
Now, Casey`s attorney also argues that her life could be in danger if forced to return to Florida. Vinnie, if Casey`s attorneys don`t win this appeal, do you see Casey being out of options here?
POLITAN: Well, you can always appeal it to the next level. It`s much more difficult to get them to actually hear it, but they could try that. But it`s an uphill battle either way on this appeal. It`s an appeal for probation.
They may or may not be successful. It was not a clear-cut legal issue as Judge Belvin Perry said. But I think if they lose at this level, I think they`re done and she`s going to have to serve that year of probation.
HAMMER: It will be very interesting to see, and everybody is waiting with bated breath. Jane Velez-Mitchell, Vinnie Politan, I thank you both.
We move on now to big "Jersey Shore" news. Snooki for president? Huh?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DEENA NICOLE CORTESE, REALITY TV STAR, "JERSEY SHORE": Where is my (EXPLETIVE DELETED) spoon? Where`s my spoon.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Pauly might help you out with that spoon.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Astonishing evidence today that Snooki and the gang from "Jersey Shore" are actually more popular than Republicans. Yes, all of them. This is the must-see SHOWBIZ TONIGHT GOP-GTL smackdown.
SHOWBIZ trending tonight - Kim Kardashian speaking out just days before her big blockbuster wedding, her pre-wedding day jitters. And is her mom, Kris, causing even more chaos today?
Also, a Schwarzenegger shocker. Wait until you see this - Arnold`s 17-year-old son shirtless on a bill board. And let`s just say it`s appearing in a place that`s going to get him a lot of attention. 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 tonight.
TEXT: Jessica Alba gives birth to a baby girl named Haven Garner. Kate Hudson reveals first picture of her new baby, Bingham, on Twitter.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Rah-rah, Santa Gaga. Lady Gaga taking over Santa`s workshop. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT just learned today that with the help of some big time artists, Gaga will be sinking her claws into her own interpretation of Santa`s workshop.
The workshop is going to take up an entire floor of the Barney`s New York flagship store. It will be unveiled in mid-November. I think it is a brilliant idea.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
They are young and rich. Tonight, it`s Hollywood`s richest teens. There is a brand-new report today and it`s breaking down the richest young stars in Hollywood. Every unbelievable detail is in the latest issue of "People" magazine, but who is the richest of them all?
Joining me right now in New York, TV and radio host, Michael Billy.
And I want to start right at the top because no one came anywhere close to Justin Bieber. At 17 years old, the teen sensation pulled in, are you ready, $53 million in this past year.
Most of those earnings coming from concerts, music sales, his 3-D movie, of course, "Never Say Never." And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT caught up with the Biebs when he was out promoting a movie. I`ve got to tell you, it doesn`t seem like all that major money has gotten to his head. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JUSTIN BIEBER, POP STAR: I`m a regular person like everyone else. I have to clean my room like my grandma said and just do regular things. And I want people to see that I`m not just some like machine and I`m not just some robot that just goes out there and sings, "Baby, baby, baby."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes, all right. That`s staggering to me, Michael. The kid made $53 million last year, but he`s still making his own bed. I guess we`ve got to give him credit for that, right?
MICHAEL BILLY, TV AND RADIO HOST: You`ve got to be careful, because talking about Bieber is like talking about Oprah these days. He`s a very, very powerful man. But I`ve got to say, look, if he`s just cleaning his room, if he`s cleaning his bed, let`s not give him too much praise.
The only way he`s going to stay grounded is a good family around him and if he`s really passionate around the work. If we know anything about Bieb, he`s a very talented musician who is very passionate about the work.
HAMMER: And maybe somebody special in his life to help keep him in line, like his girlfriend.
BILLY: Selena Gomez.
HAMMER: Let`s talk about Bieber`s teen queen girlfriend, Selena Gomez, also raking in major money. She`s 19 years old, and, look at that. She earned an estimated $5.5 million in the past year, making her millions because of TV, music and her movie career.
Michael, Selena is the triple threat. I mean, right there, you have it all. But do you think we`re going to see her making the Bieber-type millions any time soon?
BILLY: I think it`s appropriate in this situation to say never, OK? I will say the word "never."
HAMMER: Oh, never say never.
BILLY: Come on. Look, "Wizards of Waverly Place" or "Never Say Never" 3- D. "Wizards of Waverly Place" or "Never Say Never" 3-D.
HAMMER: OK. Got it.
BILLY: Let`s weigh this out.
HAMMER: Got it. Let me put up one of my favorite young actors, Angus T. Jones, of course, who starred in "Two and a Half Men" with Charlie Sheen. He started when he was just nine years old, $7.8 million in this past year.
I think he`s got the formula down, just keep your head down, do your work, collect your paycheck.
BILLY: Yes, this is another guy, a young actor, a young successful actor who is passionate about the work.
HAMMER: Yes.
BILLY: If he keeps his head down, loves the work and not the life, I think he`s got it made.
HAMMER: Charlie could have learned something from him.
BILLY: That`s right.
HAMMER: Michael Billy, I thank you as always. Well, they aren`t teens, but the Kardashians are certainly living large with their millions.
And tonight, people are bombarding the "Showbiz on Call" phone lines calling in about Kim K`s upcoming wedding, the blockbuster wedding event as you call it.
We heard from Sakina in Maryland who says she thinks comparing the Kardashians to the royals - that`s just plain wrong.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
SAKINA, CALLER FROM MARYLAND: I think the Kardashians are definitely the R-word, meaning "ridiculous," not "royal." And no, I will not watch their ridiculous wedding.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Thanks, Sakina. We also heard from Christine calling into "Showbiz on Call" from Rhode Island. And she thinks the Kardashian wedding will definitely be must-see TV.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CHRISTINE, CALLER FROM RHODE ISLAND: The Kardashians are great. I love them. I watch them. We are drawn to them. We want to know what`s going on with them. They make television exciting. Their reality show brought me to reality TV to begin with, and I think they are fantastic.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: And we think you`re fantastic for calling, Christine. You can call us at "Showbiz on Call" and sound off on this or anything else at all.
The "Showbiz on Call" phone lines are open all the time. Here`s the number - 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. Leave us a voicemail so we can play your calls here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
SHOWBIZ trending tonight. Everybody is talking about this new photo of Hulk Hogan posing with his daughter in front of a salacious nude photo of her. A lot of people think that is kind of creepy, so here`s the SHOWBIZ Flashpoint - anything wrong with it?
Also "Jersey Shore," more popular than Republicans?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CORTESE: Where`s my (EXPLETIVE DELETED) spoon? Where`s my spoon?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Pauly might help you out with that spoon.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Nice, Deena. I`ve got the unbelievable evidence today that proves burping Snooki is a whole lot more popular than burp-free, Mitt Romney. The SHOWBIZ TONIGHT GOP-GTL smack-down is on. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Here comes the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Brooke Burke and David Charvet get married after five-year engagement! Tara Reid announces engagement, then marries on the same day!
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, SHOWBIZ trending. This brand-new billboard featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver`s 17-year-old son, Patrick, is getting big buzz online tonight.
The larger-than-life billboard shows Patrick as a model, posing shirtless for the Hudson Jeans Company. Now, the photo itself isn`t the issue. It`s the location of the billboard that is raising some eyebrows tonight.
I mean, look at that thing. I`ve got to say, as far as billboards go, that one`s pretty standard. You`ve got a young, shirtless guy in jeans. But everyone is talking about it, not just because of the model`s famous parents.
Look at where the billboard is located, right next to a very popular Hollywood bar called, of all things, "The Happy Ending," which is funny on many levels. But I`m betting that is the real reason this ad is trending hot tonight.
With me in New York, comedienne Beth Littleford. So you know, what they say, Beth - location, location, location. But I`ve got to believe the Schwarzenegger family not all that excited about this unfortunate location of this particular billboard.
BETH LITTLEFORD, COMEDIENNE: Hudson Jeans is happy about the location -
HAMMER: Oh, you`d better believe it.
LITTLEFORD: The subliminal message being where these jeans should get a happy ending. No, the Schwarzeneggers probably aren`t.
But again, it`s nothing too scandalous. It`s not like he`s on a massage table with a Thai lady in the background. You know, that would, in fact, be a true scandal.
HAMMER: That would be that. Sure. And that`s not what this bar is about, to be perfectly clear.
LITTLEFORD: No. No. It`s just a bar.
HAMMER: OK.
LITTLEFORD: Not a strip bar.
HAMMER: Fair enough. Let`s move now from poor location to poor taste, shall we? You have got to see this Goodyear tire commercial.
Now, this thing was made in the late `60s or the early `70s, but it was just re-released online. And it has got a lot of people calling it the most sexist ad ever. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANNOUNCER: Polyglass means more than mileage when your wife has to drive alone.
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(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: When your wife has to drive. I mean, this is just so absurd. I would expect this is something that "Mad Men`s" Don Draper would think up. Beth, this ad is barely 40 years old. It`s still amazing to me that something like this ever got on TV.
LITTLEFORD: That she`s in such peril. She`s like lights, other cars, signs. I can`t read! I can`t -
HAMMER: I`d better have those good tires.
LITTLEFORD: It`s crazy. And then, at the end of the ad, which we didn`t get to see, she finally sees her husband. It`s like, "Oh, a man to take over at the wheel." I don`t know.
HAMMER: That`s why they don`t do them like that anymore. All right. Beth Littleford -
LITTLEFORD: Yes. My husband always gets to sit in the passenger seat in our car.
HAMMER: Thank you so much.
LITTLEFORD: Thank you, A.J.
HAMMER: Moving on tonight, there`s more SHOWBIZ trending on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour.
It`s the great royal rump debate. Did Pippa Middleton pad her butt for the royal wedding? Some are saying there are no ifs, ands or buts about it.
And the big Kardashian wedding countdown is on. Kim K. revealing her pre-wedding jitters. It`s just five days before the big event. Is her mom, Kris, becoming a momzilla? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Tina Fey has her second daughter named Penelope Athena. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" wins weekend box office for second week with $27.5 million.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CORTESE: Where`s my (EXPLETIVE DELETED) spoon? Where`s my spoon?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Pauly might help you out with that spoon.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - GOP versus GTL? The mind-blowing new evidence tonight that "Jersey Shore" is more popular than Republicans. The Sitch for Senate?
Kim K.`s wedding countdown. What she`s saying tonight about having pre-wedding jitters. And is her mom, Kris, causing more chaos than comfort?
SHOWBIZ trending tonight. Pippa`s padded butt? Her assets set off a worldwide frenzy at the royal wedding, but is her butt fake?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LESLEY REYNOLDS KHAN, LONDON SPA OWNER: I`m not convinced hers is completely natural, because I think if you look at other photos of her and you see her in jeans, she`s got quite a flat bottom.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, the great debate over a royal rump.
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 in New York with big news breaking tonight - GOP versus GTL.
Yes, I`m talking Republicans versus gym, tan, laundry. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is right here to reveal the "Jersey Shore" gang appears to be more popular than all the Republicans who may be running for president.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JENNI "JWOWW" FARLEY, REALITY TV STAR, "JERSEY SHORE": I definitely think that Pauly and Deena are going to smush. It just comes down to timing. When and where.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ learned today that Snooki and the gang outmuscle the folks who would be president. The just-revealed ratings show that last Thursday`s "Jersey Shore" was watched by 7.4 million viewers. That was the most watched show on cable television.
And that was some two million viewers more than the highly-publicized debate between the Republicans who are hoping to be presidential candidates, which leads of course to a disturbing burning question tonight - is this the decline of western civilization as we know it?
With me in Hollywood, one of our favorite actors and a special friend of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Dean Cain. Dean is starring in an absolute must-see movie called "Five Days of War." It`s opening in select theaters on Friday. It will be nationwide in September.
And with me in New York tonight, radio host, Egypt Sherrod, of "EgyptSaidSo.com."
All right. Dean, my friend, let me start off with you. Now, your new movie, "Five Days of War" revolves around a political situation that led to a war. So please, Dean, can you help explain what the heck this political situation is about here in the U.S.? How the heck is "Jersey Shore" more popular than the Republican candidates?
DEAN CAIN, ACTOR: Well, is that really a shock that teenagers want to watch people being teenagers and watch pop culture other than a bunch of politicians debating the world?
I think it`s no surprise at all, especially for a primary debate. And the thing that you didn`t mention, because it`s not all Republican contenders, is the fact that Rick Perry, who now has thrown his hat into the ring, wasn`t there, not to say that would have changed the ratings because I guarantee it would not have.
But it`s not a shocker at all. It`s always going to beat a presidential debate, especially a primary.
HAMMER: I`ll get to Rick Perry. You mentioned Rick Perry. I`ll get to a Rick Perry-"Jersey Shore" connection. Believe it or not, there is one, Dean. We`ll have that in a second.
But I am wondering what on earth politicians have to do to keep "Jersey Shore" from hogging all the TV attention. I don`t know. Maybe Michelle Bachmann has to start wearing a pouf. Maybe Mitt Romney has to start showing off his abs. Yes?
CAIN: I`ll tell you what. You know, Anthony Weiner - he tried that. He was probably trending on Twitter and he was probably very popular for a moment there, too. So you know, I don`t know. A politician is never going to beat something like "Jersey Shore." Shouldn`t even try.
EGYPT SHERROD, RADIO HOST, "EGYPTSAIDSO.COM": Well, number one, the presidential election is a year and a half off, so we`ve got plenty of time there, not to mention the demographic of those who would watch "Jersey Shore" versus watching Michelle Bachmann and Mitt Romney square off.
Totally different demographics. And I think people are looking for a catharsis, something to take their minds off of the three ring circus we`ve been watching over the last few weeks when it comes to politics. Perfect example, another seven million people who would have been that demographic watched "Big Brother."
HAMMER: Yes.
SHERROD: Enough said.
HAMMER: All right. Hold your horses for a second, lest you think the "Jersey Shore" not politically-oriented, because SHOWBIZ TONIGHT did just speak with the cast of "Jersey Shore" and got into quite a political discussion with none other than Vinny and Pauly D.
They weighted in on the debt crisis, the Republican candidates and President Obama. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VINNY GUADAGNINO, REALITY TV STAR, "JERSEY SHORE": I have been (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I don`t even really know much about the other candidates, like I don`t want Sarah Palin to be the president.
You know what I`m saying? But like, if someone`s badass - I saw this guy from Texas today that was like the governor. He seemed OK. But I don`t know.
DELVECCHIO: I like Obama. I mean, I don`t know. I don`t know the other candidates.
GUADAGNINO: Every president that you have, there`s going to be problems. They`re going to crucify them. And then, they forget about the good things. Obama did a lot of good things also, but now, this is happening, so everyone`s (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
(CROSS TALK)
DELVECCHIO: Everybody wants to see somebody fail.
GUADAGNINO: Exactly.
DELVECCHIO: We just need to look out what`s good for the country.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Look, those guys are a long way from "Meet The Press." But Vinny seems to have checked out the new Republican candidate Rick Perry there. Pauly D. apparently paid some attention to the debt crisis debate.
So Dean, it seems to me that maybe, just maybe, one of these presidential candidates may be even President Obama himself, should enlist the "Jersey Shore" gang to help reach young people. Or is that idea crazier than - I don`t know - making the Situation Secretary of State? What do you think?
CAIN: Well, I think making the Situation Secretary of State might be pretty farfetched. I`m sure he`s probably a nice guy. But you know, I found it interesting that they even knew what was going on, that they paid attention.
HAMMER: Yes.
CAIN: And that`s good. I think that`s a good thing. I think Gov. Perry enlisting Pauly D. probably isn`t going to happen.
HAMMER: I don`t think so either.
CAIN: But you know, at the same time, maybe he`d say, you know, "Hey, if I get more people endorsing my candidacy, the better." I would be surprised if they were backing Rick Perry versus Barack Obama. Myself, I`m backing Gov. Perry. I`m pretty excited.
HAMMER: Already breaking news.
CAIN: You know who else I like?
HAMMER: Yes.
CAIN: I`ll tell you who else I really like and it`s not just his name - I like Herman Cain. Not just because he`s a Cain, member of my family -
HAMMER: I understand.
CAIN: But I haven`t heard him say things that I don`t like. I haven`t heard him say much that I don`t like.
HAMMER: Dean, listen, I know you like Herman Cain. I know you like Rick Perry, and I know you love Snooki. So are you ready for this?
I`m going to break out some brand-new Snooki gems today. It`s very exciting. It`s not about politics, but it`s Snooki being Snooki, talking about her future goals.
She did a chat with "People.com" and she addressed one of, really, the most controversial debates of our time, at what age can we consider a woman a cougar? Please watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NICOLE "SNOOKI" POLIZZI, REALITY TV STAR, "JERSEY SHORE": When I`m 30, I will be a cougar with kids and a hot husband. When I`m 50, I will be a hot grandmother with a hot husband.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. You heard it right there from Snooki herself. Thirty officially qualifies women for cougar status. Egypt, I`m thinking a lot of 30-year-olds, 30-plus aren`t happy about that.
SHERROD: I`m thinking I must be ancient already. If you`re 30 and you`re cougar, you`re literally digging in high schools. What is she talking about here?
HAMMER: All right. Let me move very quickly from Snooki`s cougarlicious musings to another superstar and a reality superstar at that. The Kardashian wedding countdown is on, of course, just five days now from Kim`s wedding to pro-basketball player, Kris Humphries.
Kim is spilling all about the big day. In fact, today, "E! Online" posted an interview with Kim. She`s revealing that she`s got pre-wedding jitters. And her fiance is helping with the wedding prep. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: How involved is he in the planning?
KIM KARDASHIAN, REALITY TV STAR: He`s pretty involved, you know. I think, from the start, he, you know, made it really clear that he wanted to be involved.
We don`t have time to go on a honeymoon right now, but we`re going to go next summer. I think I`m really calm right now. I think I was like probably a little overwhelmed just with everything that is, you know - I saw Khloe go through the whole wedding process, and it happened so fast that it wasn`t really overwhelming. She kind of let my mom do everything.
When you`re really involved, I think that`s when - you know, there`s just - I didn`t know how many things come into a wedding, the preparations.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. Dean, I`ve got to ask you quickly. You`ve been a celebrity for a few decades now. You`ve had to wrestle with your public and private life balance. We get that Kim is all about putting herself out there. But do you think that Kim`s very public wedding is a bad, bad idea?
CAIN: Not for her. I think Kim has figured out way to live her life in the public eye and get paid for it and paid very handsomely. So for her, I think it very fantastic. I would do something completely different.
HAMMER: Yes.
CAIN: And if I`ve been in Showbiz for decade, does that make me like a showbiz cougar? I`m curious.
HAMMER: I guess it would. The male would be a puma. What is it, Egypt?
SHERROD: I don`t know.
HAMMER: Listen, Dean, what you also have going on that is terrific is this great movie coming out on Friday called "Five Days of War." Dean is starring along with Val Kilmer. Andy Garcia is in this thing, so is Rupert Friend. Definitely a must-see. Let`s take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: I believe the trials we face lead us to our purpose.
(MUSIC)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: You need to go.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That`s cool. Dean, best of luck with the movie. It`s called "Five Days of War," opens in select theaters on Friday. Dean, Egypt Sherrod, always good to see you both.
All right. We must now move on to Pippa`s padded butt. That`s right. Just one of the extraordinary SHOWBIZ trending bombshells blowing up online tonight. As Pippa Middleton mania goes off the charts, is there now new evidence that her assets perhaps are not real? The great debate over a royal rump.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KHAN: I`m not convinced hers is completely natural, because I think if you look at other photos of her and see her in jeans, she`s got quite a flat bottom.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, did Pippa pad her butt for the royal wedding?
Another SHOWBIZ trending bombshell - Hulk Hogan poses with his daughter, Brooke, in front of a nude photo of her. The SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, anything wrong with that? 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: Disney stops production on Johnny Depp`s new film, "The Lone Ranger." "The Real Housewives" of N.Y., N.J., ATL. and Beverly Hills to tour, talking about their shows.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It was my fault. I didn`t know you -
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Taylor, don`t (EXPLETIVE DELETED) with me like that. I don`t like that, OK?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: If you can`t be my friend, please don`t be my enemy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, SHOWBIZ trending - Hulk Hogan`s daughter Brooke reveals a new photo of herself in front of the Hulk. Now, she`s getting slammed for it, but Brooke is striking back. Did she really do anything wrong here?
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. The Brooke nude backlash in just a moment.
But first, also trending, Pippa padded. Yes, the Pippa Middleton butt pad controversy is raging tonight. Brand-new reports tonight that the world`s most famous maid of honor padded her famous butt.
Could this actually be true? Is the backside that inspired a global butt lift craze actually fake?
With me in New York, TV and radio host, Michael Billy, and comic actress, Beth Littleford, also in New York tonight.
No buts about it, the padding controversy just exploded today. This was huge news. But what really set it of was a brand-new special on TLC, all about duchess Kate`s sister called "Crazy About Pippa."
You know, the show dared to ask whether Pippa actually did some booty enhancing at the wedding of her sister, Duchess Catherine. Watch what one expert on this had to say.
KHAN: I`m not convinced hers is completely natural, because I think if you look at other photos of hers and you see her in jeans, she`s got quite a flat bottom. I think possibly for the day, for that gorgeous dress, she may have some sort of pants that gave her a little bit of a lift or even a bit of a padding.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. I can`t believe this is even possible. Could it be, Pippa`s backside really is fake? Well, take a look at this. You see here. We have Pippa from the royal wedding. And we also have her, as you see, just out on the town.
Michael, what do you think? You`re an expert in this field. Pippa padding there?
BILLY: First of all, I do want to say leave, Pippa alone and viva la Pippa, as one of the biggest Pippa fans ever, OK? She was a sight to be seen at the wedding.
HAMMER: Well, then, this should be very important to you. You want to know, is this genuine? Is it real? Is it all Pippa?
BILLY: I want it to be the real Pippa.
HAMMER: You want it to be all Pippa.
BILLY: But I don`t know if it is.
HAMMER: Because, you know, this has now inspired a butt lift craze around the world, Beth. Could you imagine had you gone in for this butt lift, and maybe you have - I wasn`t checking you out on your way in here - and you found out it was padded, would you not be outraged?
LITTLEFORD: I`m not at all outrage. I`ll tell you. It`s a good tush. It`s a natural tush. It`s a tush with some help from a spanks or from a hose.
No woman alive is going to wear that dress without a little bit of support hose, without a little bit of shaping, not padding.
HAMMER: So you`re saying that it`s all her but it`s helped.
LITTLEFORD: It`s all her -
HAMMER: Guys -
LITTLEFORD: With a little bit of lift from a hose.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT getting to the bottom of a big news. All right. Hulk Hogan`s daughter, Brooke, is showing of more than padded or spanks butt.
She`s got the full Monty going here. And Brooke`s actually getting slammed tonight for revealing these shots from the brand-new nude photo shoot right in front of her dad, Hulk Hogan. The pictures are part of this campaign for an animal rights group.
And now, Brooke is responding to the outrage. Listen to what she just tweeted, "I`m so tired of people saying me and my dad are in some sort of perverted relationship. Go home and do your own thing. Stop picking on me." So Michael Billy, to our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, is this much a-nude about nothing?
BILLY: Look, Brooke - I don`t like it when Brooke makes a big deal that she thinks that we`re crazy for pointing these things out.
Look, I`m not saying that there`s something weird going on there. I`m just saying that your father, Brooke, happens to date people who are tall, leggy, kind of Xena-like, blond that look exactly like you.
LITTLEFORD: Exactly.
BILLY: That`s all I`m saying. That`s all I`m saying.
LITTLEFORD: That`s an important point.
HAMMER: Very important point. Got it, taking that. And by the way, not the first time that people have questioned their choices. Hulk Hogan recently flashed the cameras while Brooke was right beside him in an advertisement for a hip-hop videogame. Take a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(SINGING)
HULK HOGAN, REALITY TV STAR AND PROFESSIONAL WRESTLER: I might be able to do a little of that.
BROOKE HOGAN, DAUGHTER OF HULK HOGAN: Who does that?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Beth, is that a little weird to you?
LITTLEFORD: Doesn`t take Dr. Freud to realize - the lack of boundaries is an understatement. Yes, deeply creepy. I don`t even (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
HAMMER: Deeply creepy. We`ll just leave it at that and move on to some more nudity trending tonight involving, of all things, the upcoming new "Puss in Boots" movie. Yes, a viral video clip revealed today tries to get to the bottom of an age-old question - why do some cartoon characters go pant-less? Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: You want pants that are comfortable. You want pants that make you feel good. That`s why you want no pants at all.
ANNOUNCER: Introducing "Puss in Boots" no pants, pants, built to keep you well ventilated, built to keep you comfortable because they aren`t there.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: All that I need are the boots.
ANNOUNCER: pus and boots, no pants pants, because he`s one bad kitty.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Michael Billy, quickly, should they all wear pants, yes or no?
BILLY: No, absolutely not.
HAMMER: All right, Michael Billy, Beth Littleford, thank you so much.
Well, we got to the bottom of that. "Puss in Boots," of course, is a Shrek spin-off. Mike Myers is retiring as the ogre for now, but he won`t be unemployed for long. There`s big news tonight about an "Austin Powers" sequel. I am very excited about that.
And the former head of the INS is getting the "Law and Order SVU" treatment. That story and more in "The Buzz Today."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) The DSK`s SVU redo? "TVGuide.com" has just reported the "Law and Order SVU`s" season premiere will be ripping the Dominique Strauss-Kahn drama straight from the headlines with a storyline featuring an Italian dignitary accused of rape.
But NBC and show producers are reminding everyone that all "Law and Order" characters and plots are completely fictional. "Law and Order SVU" returns September 21st, and the real Strauss-Kahn will be back in court later this month charged with sexually assaulting a hotel maid in New York.
Did Mike Myers just say, "Yes, baby" to "Austin Powers" sequel? Movie blog, "HitFix.com" is reporting that Myers has indeed signed on to make a brand-new fourth installment of "Austin Powers."
But New Line Cinema tells "TheWrap.com" that Myers hasn`t committed just yet and that he is in negotiations. The last "Austin Powers" flick was nine years ago, 2002`s "Gold Member."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
And we move on tonight to Ricky Martin brought to tears. Ricky`s emotional new confessions about his boyfriend and the big change he`s now making every single time he gets on stage. That is next. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Now, it`s time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Hilary Duff and hubby reveal pregnancy on their first anniversary. Justin Bieber and Olivia Wilde win at "Do Something" awards.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Ricky`s relationship revelation. For the first time, Ricky Martin is talking about his partner and their relationship.
In a candid and emotional new interview on VH-1`s "Behind the Music," Ricky talks about finally living his life openly and honestly. He`s almost brought to tears when talking about his love for his twin sons and for Carlos Gonzalez.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICKY MARTIN, SINGER: My boyfriend is very sexy, very smart, very compassionate. But the most important thing, he loves my children. It`s very beautiful. I`m very happy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: At the moment you`re in a relationship, do you ever feel like marriage is something in your future?
MARTIN: It`s not something that we`re talking about at the moment, but I want that option, man. I want that option.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Ricky has also gone from music icon to international role model for Latinos all over the world since coming out. Because of that, he now dedicates part of every concert to spreading his message of equality.
Right now, Soledad`s crusade. CNN`s Soledad O`Brien just hosted an amazing star-studded fundraiser in New York celebrity haven, The Hamptons.
Super-producer, Pharrell Williams, Russell Simmons and Star Jones, just a few of the stars supporting the Soledad O`Brien and Brad Raymond Foundation. It`s a great organization providing scholarships to economically disadvantaged, but promising young women.
And Soledad says her years of reporting inspired her to give back.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SOLEDAD O`BRIEN, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, CNN-U.S.: As a reporter, you know, you get to bring the story to the world, but it`s very hard to change the outcome, you know. And Katrina, Haiti earthquake and Chile and the tsunamis, you know, you never really get to say, "I can change how this ends."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Soledad`s foundation is doing great giving scholarships to young women in New Orleans and in New York.
Well, tonight, a SHOWBIZ viral video. Now, you remember Zach, Screech and the rest of the gang from "Saved by the Bell" back in the 90s, right? You`ve never seen them like this before.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: It all goes downhill from here. Trust me. Mr. Belding would not approve. That`s next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Right now, a SHOWBIZ viral video. It`s "Saved by the Bell" meets "Final Destination." Miles Fisher stars in "Final Destination 5." He`s also a singer and famous for his viral videos on YouTube.
Now, the latest video is a wild, gory mash-up set to his new song, "New Romance."
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Nice. By the way, "Saved by the Bell" star Mark Paul Gosselaar gave the video his stamp of approval.
That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. Remember, you catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusively Monday through Friday at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific here on HLN.
Stay right here for "DR. DREW," next. Tonight, murder in paradise. New details about the missing woman in Aruba from her closest friend. "DR. DREW" starts right now.
END
