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Showbiz Tonight
Rosie O`Donnell on "Dancing with the Stars"?; Conrad Murray Defense in Jeopardy?; Showbiz Reality Secrets: Reality Romance Revealed
Aired October 21, 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: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - brand- new explosive drama in the Michael Jackson death trial.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He has been entrusted by Michael Jackson to look after his safety every night and he`s failed that responsibility.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The defense in jeopardy? An attorney replaced just before the case goes to a jury. But is it all bad news for Dr. Conrad Murray?
Rosie O`Donnell on "Dancing with the Stars"?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROSIE O`DONNELL, TV HOST: Honey, I would be terrified to do the pasodoble.
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HAMMER: Tonight, why Rosie might be inspired by Nancy Grace. HLN`s Nancy Grace is right here with a message to Rosie in a must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
SHOWBIZ reality secrets. Reality romance revealed. "The Bachelor." The Kardashians. Bill and Giuliana.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We`re going to keep it real. We wanted to show that was authentic -
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HAMMER: Tonight, the stars of reality`s hottest shows are revealing shocking secrets behind reality TV romance.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show breaks news right now.
(MUSIC)
Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with big news breaking tonight - sidelined.
Explosive developments today in the Michael Jackson death case as one of Conrad Murray`s defense lawyers gets replaced. So is Murray`s defense in jeopardy only a week before the jury gets the case? We`ll check this out.
We saw defense lawyer Michael Flanagan replaced in the middle of cross- examining a key witness. Another bombshell, key witness Dr. Steven Shafer testifies that it was Murray`s IV drip of Propofol that killed Michael Jackson.
Adding to that, Shafer also said that Michael died because Murray failed to notice that Michael had stopped breathing.
I just spoke with HLN`s own Nancy Grace about what has been an unbelievably dramatic week. Nancy has been in Los Angeles covering every twist and turn in this case.
I`ve got to tell you, I was just floored, Nancy, when I watched the defense team`s most knowledgeable lawyer about Propofol sidelined. Dr. Murray`s lead attorney then took his place.
He grilled the prosecution star medical expert himself. I`ve got to ask you. Is the surprising last-minute switch-up kind of a sign that perhaps Murray`s defense team is falling apart? You know, it`s just days before the case is expected to go to the jury.
NANCY GRACE, HOST, "NANCY GRACE": well, when you see lawyers stand in for each other in questioning, that`s really not that uncommon.
I typically tried my cases solo, but when you have a group effort, either on the defense or the prosecution, and you see lawyers handing off various witnesses, that really means nothing.
What it does mean is that a particular lawyer has been prepped and has been working on the cross-examiner or the direct of that particular witness.
And what that should signal to court watchers and to the judge and jury is that that witness is extremely important because another lawyer has devoted his or her full-time to preparing a direct or cross on that witness. So that`s a red flag that that witness is very important.
HAMMER: So what happens, though, that the guy that they had, I think, teed up to do that cross-exam was yanked from doing it?
GRACE: You know, sometimes you see that a lawyer may not be performing in court. It is just like performing on a football field or performing on a basketball court or on a dance floor.
When you see - when the coach sees you`re failing and not being effective, you get yanked. It`s either a sign that another lawyer has prepped for that witness or that you`re failing. There`s no nice way to put it and you`re being replaced.
HAMMER: Got it. Well, the bombshells kept on coming in this case. That star witness for the prosecution, I thought, really lobbed a big one himself during his testimony.
He claimed Michael died because Dr. Murray failed to notice he stopped breathing and actually kept giving him Propofol. Let`s watch that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So had Conrad Murray been at the head of the bed - head of the bed is irrelevant - if he had been with the patient, if he had been with Michael Jackson during this period of time he would have seen the slowed breathing and the compromise in the flow of air into Michael Jackson`s lungs.
And he could easily have just turned off the Propofol infusion, done some chin lift, maybe put in an oral airway - in worst case, bag, mask, ventilation. He could have easily done these things and there would have been no injury to Michael Jackson.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Nancy, you`re a juror. What are you thinking when you hear the claim that Dr. Murray kept on pumping this powerful anesthetic into Michael Jackson`s body after he had stopped breathing?
GRACE: Of all the testimony, A.J., I find this to be some of the most damning. The fact that as Michael Jackson lay there, dead, Conrad Murray was so negligent in his actions that Propofol kept being pumped into Jackson`s dead body. If that did not make the jury sit up and listen, then nothing will.
HAMMER: And you`re watching them taking notes furiously. Nancy, look, I know you`re reluctant to make predictions. But you`ve got to tell me, you`re watching things at this point - at this point, does it look like a slam dunk for the prosecution?
GRACE: I have no doubt in this my mind that this rises to, the very least, an involuntary manslaughter. Frankly, I think it`s a murder one with the Propofol injection being the lethal weapon.
I don`t see that there`s any way, regardless of what the defense does, that Conrad Murray can escape a conviction. My concern now - to me, it`s all over but the sentencing is will he get jail time?
HAMMER: Yes. There`s a lot of concern that even if he does get convicted, there will be no jail time involved. But right now, Nancy, I`ll tell you what. Here`s what I want you to do for me.
Kick off your courtroom heels. Put on your dancing shoes. Let`s bring in your partner Tristan. We`re going to do the topic change cha-cha. There`s no easy way around it.
I have to tell you, your stunning, your incredible, your absolutely amazing run on "Dancing with the Stars" is blowing everybody away. I don`t know who I sound like here.
Nancy, you look fantastic. You`re lighting it up on the dance floor. Everybody, Nancy, giving you props, including Rosie O`Donnell.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter just sat down with Rosie. She did an exclusive interview with her. Kareen right there on the set of Rosie`s new show on OWN. I want you to watch what Rosie said about you.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
O`DONNELL: She`s very interesting to me.
KAREEN WYNTER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: Sure.
O`DONNELL: She`s a very powerful woman and impressed that she is on "Dancing with the Stars".
WYNTER: Have you been following her at all?
O`DONNELL: Oh, yes. And you know, I would never do that show.
WYNTER: I was going to ask you.
O`DONNELL: Oh, it scares the crap out of me.
WYNTER: When are you going to sign up?
O`DONNELL: They have asked me often and I`m like -
WYNTER: Why not? You have done everything else.
O`DONNELL: Honey, I would be terrified to do the pasodoble.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Nancy, you heard Rosie. She won`t be a "Dancing" contestant because she`s terrified. So let me give you this opportunity right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT to send your own message back to Rosie.
Do you think you can convince her to put on the dancing shoes? Because, quite frankly, I think she would be terrific and really do well.
GRACE: I find it hard to believe that Rosie O`Donnell is afraid of anything.
HAMMER: Yes.
GRACE: And I suggested to her she have Tristan as her dance partner, because if he can teach me the paso such as it is, then I know he can teach Rosie. What about it, Tristan?
TRISTAN MACMANUS, NANCY GRACE`S DANCING PARTNER: Definitely, yes. I think yesterday was the first time I met Rosie. She`s such a personality. I think she would be great for the show.
She`s got such a great character and I think it`s that fear that you kind of - it is that fear that brings out that personality even more so in people.
HAMMER: Yes. And I have said it before, she spent a career, guys, jumping beyond herself. So I was really surprised to hear her say that.
MACMANUS: Sure.
HAMMER: But Nancy, listen, whenever we talk, you tell me you`re doing everything you can to win it all on "Dancing with the Stars."
In fact, I know that you spend every free minute you have practicing with the great Tristan right beside you. In fact, I have the tape to prove it, if we could roll that out, Charles.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GRACE: In about four hours, I`m going to start texting Tristan my ideas for our dance. He loves it.
MACMANUS: You go out when you go home.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tristan, are you trying to figure out how to block the text messages from Nancy yet?
MACMANUS: I`ve changed my phone so many times.
GRACE: But I have connections to the police department.
MACMANUS: She has connections.
(CROSS TALK)
HAMMER: She`ll get the number, absolutely. Quickly, Nancy, before we go, we just saw a little bit of the video. But Charles, can we put up this picture of Nancy and, I think, the best hairdo ever?
I mean, Nancy, come on. Everybody wants to know when you return to doing your show on HLN full-time, "THE NANCY GRACE PROGRAM," can you keep the hair because we`re loving it?
GRACE: Hey, you know what? People keep asking me, is that my hair? I say, it is now! So I may very well wear it. I just actually had a caller call in and tell me she wants to me to change the hair and wear the "Dancing with the Stars" hair on the show.
HAMMER: Yes, yes! I`d like that as well.
GRACE: I think it`s a great idea. But I think the only way to win with the foxtrot is if we show this hair, OK? Forget about this hair.
So I`m lobbying for a Tristan shirtless fox trot. Apparently, you know, that`s the thing the judges like. What do you think?
HAMMER: Yes. And you`ve got him to at least rip it open before. All right. I`ve got to go, guys. Nancy, best of luck on Monday. Tristan, same to you. Love you.
MACMANUS: Thanks.
GRACE: Hey, hey, hey! 800-868-3405.
HAMMER: 3405. Thanks, Nancy. And the defense rests. Moving on to Lindsay Lohan`s big excuse. The judge orders her to the morgue as punishment and she is late so they turn her away.
Well, Lindsay says she couldn`t find the door. Tonight, is that just a lame excuse? Well, our resident spin doctor is right here to spin it within a minute.
The Kardashians speaking out about President Obama`s apparent diss of their reality shows. Is Rob Kardashian outraged?
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ELLEN DEGENERES, HOST, "THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW": And then the president makes a statement about he doesn`t want his daughters watching the show.
ROB KARDASHIAN, REALITY TV STAR: Right.
DEGENERES: How does that affect you?
R. KARDASHIAN: Well, obviously, someone`s watching it in that White House.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: And SHOWBIZ reality romance secrets revealed. "The Bachelorette." The Kardashians. Is reality love for real? Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT revealing the secrets to reality romance. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Biographer reveals that Steve Jobs regretted putting off cancer surgery. Mariah Carey tells Barbara Walters she will raise her twins in New York.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(SINGING)
MARIAH CAREY, SINGER: Is that what we do? We belong together? I think we do.
BARBARA WALTERS, TV HOST: Where are you going to raise these babies? In New York?
CAREY: New York, baby!
WALTERS: Yes, yes, agreed?
NICK CANNON, HUSBAND OF MARIAH CAREY: New York, yes.
CAREY: I say some suburb and hopefully not too suburban. Something about New York feels slightly more authentic.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, the big spin.
Yes, the spin doctor is in the house. Howard Bragman, the vice chairman of "Reputation.com" joins me in New York with his spin on whose reputation takes are thriving or sinking and he`s got a minute to spin it. Always good to see you, Howard.
HOWARD BRAGMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN, "REPUTATION.COM": Thanks, A.J.
HAMMER: We`ve got to get your take. I have to have you tackle this first. We are talking about Conrad Murray. Everybody is watching this case unfold.
Murray, of course, on trial accused of causing Michael Jackson`s death. And today, it`s looking like the defense team is falling apart.
Now, there`s no doubt Conrad Murray`s image is tarnished. But I`ve got to ask, is there any chance he could ever separate his name from the death of Michael Jackson? Or is his reputation tarnished forever? You`ve got a minute to spin it.
BRAGMAN: Dr. Murray and Michael Jackson will live together in infamy in eternity. He is going down the gutter reputation-ally. Every day, we watch at trial and a series of experts saying here`s the mistakes he made.
It`s a very good case being put on, and every day he gets closer to going to jail, losing his medical license and public humiliation. Dr. Murray is toast.
HAMMER: Yes. It sure seems that way. I mean, the defense will have to pull a giant rabbit out of the hat to make something turn around for them.
BRAGMAN: Right, and trials don`t work like that as we know.
HAMMER: Exactly. Let`s talk about Michael Jackson, though, because here`s the thing. He saw his share of controversy while he was alive, obviously. But he does remain one of the most beloved pop stars in the world.
And now we have the defense painting him, of course, as a drug addict. Reports even calling Propofol now the Michael Jackson drug. Is this the trial going to leave a permanent mark, a permanent scar on Michael Jackson and his legacy? Spin it in a minute.
BRAGMAN: A.J., ironically, no, it is not hurting Michael because we all knew he was strange. We all knew there were issues with substances. And in life, he was controversial.
In death, he seems to develop this Teflon coating. And we like Michael. Every project that he`s been associated with, his estate, has made tens of millions of dollars. They`ve made hundreds of millions since his death. It`s not hurting a thing.
There is one winner in the trial and that is the Los Angeles District Attorney`s Office. Last time, if you remember, the O.J. trial -
HAMMER: Yes.
BRAGMAN: We lost. The district attorney lost. He got booted out of office. This time, the D.A.`s put on a very competent case and they`re burying Dr. Murray.
HAMMER: Yes. Even if there`s not a conviction, which is hard to imagine at this point, the prosecution clearly has done its case.
All right. We must now move on to Lindsay Lohan because, look, she`s been under an awful lot of scrutiny. Lindsay, of course, has reportedly been missing her community service appointments.
This week, a judge revoked the probation, assigned her to cleanup at the county morgue. I think it was pretty fitting. She was late yesterday. Couldn`t find the door or something like that.
Today, she showed up early. A lot of people are just sick and tired of it, Howard. Can her image even be tarnished any further? Spin it within a minute.
BRAGMAN: You know, her image can`t go any lower. She is just a sad, sad girl. She obviously has a lot of emotional problems, a lot of psychological problems and she can`t get over it.
But ironically, if she cleaned herself up, took one act, one step towards maturity, we want her to succeed.
HAMMER: We do.
BRAGMAN: But -
HAMMER: I just don`t expect it to happen.
BRAGMAN: We want it more than she wants it and that`s the bottom line.
HAMMER: Thank you very much.
BRAGMAN: Thanks, A.J.
HAMMER: The spin doctor, Howard Bragman. Appreciate it. We must move to the head-spinning "Jersey Shore" news tonight.
Did you know that "Jersey Shore" star Vinny almost quit the blockbuster show? He reveals why. And is Lindsay Lohan`s mom selling Lindsay down the river? Both stories making big news in "The Buzz Today."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) Lohan memoir madness. Lindsay Lohan`s mom may be cashing in on her daughter`s troubles with a bombshell new book.
TMZ reportedly obtained parts of Dina`s prologue which reads, "I blamed her friends, her career and her handlers for newfound lifestyle of partying excessively. Drinking, drugging and behaving irresponsibly became Lindsay`s way of daily living and it tore me up inside."
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT reached out to Dina Lohan for comment. No word back as of show time.
"Jersey Shore" breaking point. "Jersey Shore" star, Vinny Guadagnino, just revealed why he almost quit the show for good. In a brand-new interview, Vinny tells "Us" magazine that the hard partying cast had just wrapped season four in Italy when they started filming the next season right away.
He says, "I just needed to recharge my batteries a little bit. I wasn`t feeling too good. I wanted to go home." But he joined Snooki and the gang shortly after his little break.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
All right. Here`s what I need to know. Are the Kardashians furious with the Obama family? Well, tonight, Rob Kardashian is speaking out after Michelle Obama revealed that the president, not such a big fan of the Kardashian reality shows.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DEGENERES: And then the president makes a statement about he doesn`t want his daughters watching the show.
R. KARDASHIAN: Right.
DEGENERES: How does that affect you?
R. KARDASHIAN: Well, obviously, someone`s watching it in the White House.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. You`ve got to see this. Tonight, why Rob Kardashian says the Obamas could actually learn a thing or two from his famous family.
SHOWBIZ reality secrets tonight. Reality romance revealed. Bill and Giuliana Rancic. A reality romance made for TV. But is their love on TV for real?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BILL RANCIC, REALITY TV STAR: We wanted to show that was authentic, that was genuine, because I think the viewers at home know when things are fake.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, wait until you see this. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT revealing the secrets to reality romance straight from the stars themselves. 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 tonight.
TEXT: "Jersey Shore`s" The Situation launches clothing line, "Cheeseball in Paradise." Sparks fly on MTV`s "Jersey Shore" reunion.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NICOLE "SNOOKI" POLIZZI, REALITY TV STAR, "JERSEY SHORE": I see you all my roommates stay behind my back, so that`s nice to know. Thank you, everybody, even you, Jenni. Thank you. I know what (EXPLETIVE DELETED) happens. Deena, thank you. No, not you, but everybody else. (EXPLETIVE DELETED) all you guys.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There are three sides to every story.
POLIZZI: Oh, Mike has his story. That`s not a best friend.
(CROSS TALK)
No, I don`t like that.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
POPPY HARLOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Look at these heels. Look at these heels.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, how would you like to learn how to kick like Gene Simmons or perhaps put on the iconic KISS makeup like Paul Stanley?
Well, CNN`s Poppy Harlow got a great backstage pass to go on the road with the legendary band and she uncovers the unbelievable secrets to how KISS went from rock band to empire.
You, too, can go on the road with KISS as CNN presents "KISS, Inc." a special premieres this Sunday 8:00 p.m. and airs again 11:00 p.m. on CNN.
HAMMER: I`m thinking that President Obama doesn`t mind watching CNN every once in a while when he has the time. But Kardashians, not so much.
Tonight, Rob Kardashian is speaking out for the first time after Michelle Obama revealed that the president is not a fan of what the Kardashians have to offer on their reality show.
Rob Kardashian tells Ellen DeGeneres that keeping up with the Kardashians isn`t all bad.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DEGENERES: The president makes a statement about he doesn`t want his daughters watching the show.
R. KARDASHIAN: Yes, right.
DEGENERES: How does that affect you?
R. KARDASHIAN: Well, obviously someone`s watching it in the White House. No, I mean, to each his own. And you know, I understand he`s trying to raise his daughters a certain way and that`s fine and everyone has their opinion.
But you really learn a lot from our show. There`s no, like, negative, you know, things on our show and there`s always a positive message at the end of the day. And you know, but -
DEGENERES: Yes.
R. KARDASHIAN: Go Obama.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. I wonder if Rob`s sister, Kim, would be quite so diplomatic. Rob`s full interview with Ellen airs on Monday.
So our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook fans are all fired up over the Kardashian- Obama feud. Rob Kardashian`s defense for his show has sparked a debate on the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook wall.
Jason B. is siding with President Obama. He writes, "I wouldn`t let my kids watch them either. They are not good role models. They get millions to do absolutely nothing."
But this from Sarah O. - she is team Kardashian all the way writing, "The Kardashian family is the only reality group that keeps it real. So what that they have money? They work hard for it."
I`d love for you to connect with me. Join our debates on Facebook. We`re at ShowbizTonightHLN there. Follow us @showbiztonight on Twitter. That`s where you get breaking entertainment news alerts. You can call me at "Showbiz on Call." My number is 1-888-SBT-BUZZ. There`s always E-mail - showbiztonight@cnn.com.
Time now for the SHOWBIZ lineup - here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
It`s SHOWBIZ reality secrets - inside reality romance. Tonight, Bill and Giuliana Rancic. Love lasted for them because of reality TV. But is their on-camera romance for real?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
B. RANCIC: We wanted to show that was authentic, that was genuine, because I think the viewers at home know when things are fake.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT blowing the lid off reality romance secrets. Can you really find true love on reality TV? 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: Actress Michelle Monaghan reveals she had skin cancer. First Lady Michelle Obama reveals that she works out to Beyonce`s music.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHELLE OBAMA, UNITED STATES FIRST LADY: I`ve always loved Beyonce, so anything fast-paced that she is doing is a good one for me. But I have a very eclectic taste, so my play list on my iPod, which I listen to, runs from fast paced to -
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Now, on a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, reality show romance secrets revealed. The stars of the hottest reality shows like Bill and Giuliana uncover the secrets behind reality TV romances.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
B. RANCIC: We wanted to show that was authentic, that was genuine, because I think the viewers at home know when things are fake.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the startling secrets behind reality TV romances.
Love, Kardashian style? Two of the sisters found love in front of the cameras but can you really find true love on reality TV?
"The Bachelor`s" bursting at the seams with romance, but does it last? "Bachelor" alums Bob Guiney and Vienna Girardi share their behind-the- scenes romance secrets.
"SHOWBIZ Reality Secrets" starts right now.
(MUSIC)
Welcome to the special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "SHOWBIZ Reality Secrets." I`m A.J. Hammer in New York, and tonight, we are going inside reality romance.
The most dramatic reality TV moments are laced with passion, emotion and, many times, families in crisis. But what is it really like to have your family displayed on TV, warts and all, for all the world to see?
And what is the secret to navigating your real life while cameras are there to catch your every move? Well, I spoke with two veteran reality TV stars, Bill Rancic and Danny Bonaduce, about the reality TV effect.
Of course, Bill stars with his wife, Giuliana, on their show, "Giuliana and Bill" and they have been very public about their struggles including their battle to have a baby and Giuliana`s breast cancer.
Danny Bonaduce starred alongside his now ex-wife, Gretchen, and their kids and I asked Danny if there was any topic that was off limits for him or the kids. Watch what he told me.
DANNY BONADUCE, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: I was concerned at times for my kids. But the network airing the show really also had a great concern umbrella, if you will, for my kids, what they want to put on my children, what they wanted my children to see. So there was no subject ever off limits.
HAMMER: And nothing was ever shot where you sort of, after the cameras weren`t rolling, went over to the producers and said, "Guys, do me a favor," and I`m talking separate from the kids, "Do me a favor. Don`t put that in there"?
BONADUCE: Actually, just the opposite. They apparently - I`ve never told this to anybody before. There`s a part in my TV series where I get behind the wheel of my car and you can tell I`m intoxicated and drive home and they film it.
Realizing they would have been in terrible trouble, there`s a guy behind the wheel of my car smoking a cigarette - this is before I quit smoking - with his arm out the window and he`s in the passenger seat, so it looks like I didn`t drive home.
They actually protected themselves from the full-blown reality of my show, not that that`s - my reality show, "Breaking Bonaduce" was shameful and I shouldn`t have done it. And I have yet to see one single episode.
But the checks were good and I`m glad I did it. But I think it`s a real bad idea to put your family on television.
HAMMER: All right. Well, let me go to Bill who has been putting his family on television. Right there on your reality show with your lovely wife, Giuliana, "Giuliana and Bill" you have been very public, Bill, about your struggle to have a baby.
In fact, on your final episode of the season, we saw you guys giving IVF another try. And in one scene on your show, we saw you both visiting a fertility specialist. I want to take a quick look at that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I have the pregnancy that you miscarried. How far did you get?
G. RANCIC: Eight weeks.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Was there ever a heartbeat?
G. RANCIC: Never a heartbeat. No.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Any other pregnancies?
B. RANCIC: There`d better not be.
G. RANCIC: No. Not with him. Just kidding.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Good health?
B. RANCIC: Yes, very good.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do you exercise?
B. RANCIC: Regular.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When you bathe at home, do you take showers or tub baths at home?
B. RANCIC: Showers.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do you put a laptop computer on your lap?
B. RANCIC: No.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do you drive a car with heated car seats?
B. RANCIC: When I`m in Chicago, I do.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Listen. I know that you`ve been around reality TV for a long time, Bill, so you`re used to having the cameras around.
But that is such personal stuff, so I have to wonder, is there a discussion that maybe the two of you have prior to shooting each episode about, "Hey, this is OK. This is off limits" in terms of your marriage and what you will show on the show?
B. RANCIC: Well, you know, before we started the "Giuliana and Bill" show, we sat down and we said if we`re going to do this, there`s going to be a few guidelines.
One, we`re going to keep it real, kind of like Danny`s show. We wanted a show that was authentic, that was genuine because I think the viewers at home know when things are fake.
And the second thing we said is use this as a forum to help other people. And we, you know, genuinely believe we created a show that has had a positive impact on people, whether it`s infertility, whether it`s some of our charity work.
You know, we`ve tried to use it as a forum to influence others and to do good in the world. And I think we have been pretty successful at that.
HAMMER: And I think what we get to see from the two of you, also, is what a good marriage looks like. We see you and Giuliana looking very happily married. We know that is not always the case on reality television.
In fact, let`s go back to my good friend, Danny Bonaduce, because, Danny, "Breaking Bonaduce" showed your marriage imploding. I know you guys had problems anyway. But do you think the show in particular had anything to do with ruining or further hurting your marriage?
BONADUCE: If it did, it expedited the inevitable. And when I said you should never put your family on TV, I meant if your family is my family. Bill - I don`t think I`ve ever met Bill in person, maybe one time.
But he`s is a very successful, down-to-earth, grounded guy. Giuliana, a wonderful pro. The things that they have said about my family and infertility and charity work - that is actually a wonderful, wonderful thing.
I`m talking about, to be honest - I`m biting it here. But the fact is, I put shameful things on television and that`s not - for the money, you shouldn`t embarrass yourself.
And Bill has never done anything even close to that. So I should clarify that point. Don`t put your family on TV. Bill`s done a great job.
RANCIC: But I think Danny - but I think Danny`s show had an impact on people as well, because you were so real, because it was so raw, people got to see that side, and you`ve actually helped people as a result of doing that.
So I actually spin your show - I watched every episode of your show, Danny. I thought it was great. I thought it was well-produced and I thought it had an impact on young people, because you`re saying, "Look my life.
You can maybe learn from my mistakes and avoid some of the pitfalls that I have had along the way. So I view it completely differently.
HAMMER: And I`m going to chime in on that -
BONADUCE: Well, thank you. You`re very kind.
HAMMER: I`ll chime in on that as well, Danny, because people look at you now and the great success you have had and how - you know, really, I mean, you and I have talked for years.
And we talked about your addiction and the issues you`ve dealt with. But you`ve come out on the other side of it. And I think that`s important for people to see as well.
BONADUCE: Yes. You`re both very, very kind and if they`re to be believed, there are a whole bunch of people say - that come to me and go, "You know, after watching that show, I quit all drugs and alcohol."
So in a way, in a good way, I might be the cooler Dr. Drew. I don`t know. But if you`re asking me, did my family implode on television, the answer is, yes. But I was imploding anyway without the help of celluloid, or nowadays, digital tape.
I was imploding and so was my wife anyway. So I think it really just expedited matters that needed to be expedited. How long were we going to let that go on?
HAMMER: See now, I want to echo something you said. I think Bill, having met him a few times all the way back from when he was first doing "The Apprentice," is indeed a grounded guy. Giuliana - lovely, grounded as well. Two good people and maybe an exception to the rule in terms of people can survive reality television.
But having said that Danny, as a reality show veteran yourself, what survival advice would you have to Bill and Giuliana in terms of really making it work and not letting the cameras interfere or accelerate any problems in their marriage?
BONADUCE: Well, Bill said it right away. We did set up some boundaries. But the other thing is always be more successful than your show. Bill doesn`t need the show. Giuliana doesn`t need the show.
The show does some other things. That show, "Breaking Bonaduce," paid my rent. It paid me far more than radio show. So I started performing for the cameras.
So if you want a safety net - Bill`s doing the right thing and so is Giuliana - be more important, be more - making a better living and a very comfortable living above and beyond the show.
Don`t let the show be your bread and butter and then you won`t start doing what I did, and that is the trained seal act and what can I do next to make the show bigger? Because it`s all I have. Bill and Giuliana have a wonderful life without the show.
B. RANCIC: That`s exactly it.
HAMMER: Yes, Bill, that`s some of the best advice I`ve heard Danny dole out as far as reality television. Be bigger than the show.
B. RANCIC: Yes. You know, we`ve always said we are not going to compromise our beliefs. We`re not going to do things just for ratings. And when that`s your main bread and butter, you are probably willing to do things that you wouldn`t ordinarily do for the paycheck.
And you know, we are in a situation where we can walk away from the show tomorrow. Hopefully, that`s not the case and, hopefully, the producers don`t pressure us to do certain things because we`re not going to do it.
It`s simple. We are going to do things that are real, that are genuine and that are really happening in our life.
HAMMER: Bill and Danny, thanks so much. Let`s move now to the Kardashian sisters. They seem to have written the book on reality romance. Khloe married Lamar Odom a little more than a month after they met. Kim married Kris Humphries after dating for just six months. So are they living proof that you can find true love on reality TV? It`s a heated, he said, she said SHOWBIZ debate.
And Kendra Wilkinson reveals her secret to keeping the spark burning bright in her marriage while under the bright lights of reality TV. Kendra`s sexy secrets, next. This is a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "SHOWBIZ Reality Secrets: Inside Reality Romances."
Well, Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter met on "The Bachelorette." They got married on reality TV in `03 and they`re still married today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I, Trista, take you Ryan -
TRISTA REHN SUTTER, FORMER "BACHELORETTE" STAR: I, Trista, take you Ryan -
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: To be my husband.
T. SUTTER: To be my husband.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Kris, as a symbol of my love for you -
KIM KARDASHIAN, REALITY TV STAR: Kris, as a symbol of my love for you -
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: With this ring -
KIM KARDASHIAN: With this ring -
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I thee wed.
KIM KARDASHIAN: I thee wed.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I pronounce you husband and wife. Kris, you may kiss your bride.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries say I do on their wedding day. And of course, it wouldn`t be a Kardashian without all the cameras right there to capture this spectacular event.
So are Kim and Kris proof that anyone can find true love on reality TV?
I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Welcome back to a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "SHOWBIZ Reality Secrets: Love on Reality TV."
Well, we all watched along when, not one, but two Kardashians sisters found their true love on reality sister.
Khloe, of course, married Lakers star, Lamar Odom, within a month of meeting him. And Kim found love with NBA star, Kris Humphries. So here`s our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, can you really find true love on reality TV? Is there a secret to that?
Well, I asked Siggy Flicker, who is a matchmaker on VH1`s "Why am I Still Single" and Steve Santagati, who hosted one of the first big matchmaking reality shows ever, "Bachelorettes in Alaska."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(on camera) Here`s what we posted on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook page. It was our flashpoint, specifically citing Kim and her sister Khloe as examples of people who did find love on reality TV.
I`ve got to say, we got so many responses from this. I want to read a couple for you. This one from super Sam who wrote on our wall, "Kim got married because for the past four years, all you hear is her saying she wants to be married by age 30. Give me a break. It`s so fake."
All right, Santagati. Super Sam thinks Kim got married because it was all part of her overall life plan to be married by 30. It had nothing to do with true love. Do you think that was the case? Or did Kim have a secret plan that worked out?
STEVE SANTAGATI, FORMER HOST, "BACHELORETTES IN ALASKA": Well, I mean, if she had a secret plan that dealt with financials, yes, it did work out quite well, because I think she made a lot of money off that movie - I mean, off that marriage, which was kind of a movie.
HAMMER: Yes.
SANTAGATI: A.J., look, women, when they do hit 30 years old, they see the hourglass go over. They feel like, "You know what? I`m not going to be that desirable in a few years." That`s what they think.
It`s not the truth, but that`s what they think. And look, did she meet him on reality television? Or did she show us the relationship on reality television? And we only saw so much of it.
In general, with reality shows, they`re not designed to find love or show you how relationships really work. Most of the time, they are designed to entertain you. And you should always keep that in mind.
So I look at that marriage like - I don`t know. She only knew the guy, like, six months. I mean, how real can it be?
HAMMER: Well, that`s what I think a lot of people are thinking. But you know, she does have her defenders. In fact, we have a few on our SHOWBIZ Facebook page.
SANTAGATI: She does?
HAMMER: Our fan, Camille G., actually defending what happened with Kim and Khloe`s quick courtships and their husbands getting together.
Here`s what she wrote on our wall, "I think you can fall in love regardless of how long you know somebody. It shouldn`t take years to fall in love with someone."
So Siggy, what do you think? To our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, Khloe and Kim Kardashian did find love on reality TV. They did it in a short amount of time.
So, as a matchmaker, is there a secret to finding true, true love on reality TV, even if it happens so quickly?
SIGGY FLICKER, MATCHMAKER, "WHY AM I STILL SINGLE": Whether you`re on reality TV or not, the fact that the Kardashians are so successful - and this is why. They put themselves out there.
What is wrong with finding love whether it takes you a long time or it takes you two minutes? The fact that they go in it with their eyes open and they`re willing to love, I give them credit.
This is why they`re so successful. I think it`s real. And guess what? I would rather have them go into a relationship and love and then lose it than to not love at all.
HAMMER: So you`re being a romantic about this as well. You think it`s for real?
SANTAGATI: Yes -
HAMMER: Go ahead, Santagati.
SANTAGATI: No, Siggy, come on. You would marry somebody after knowing them for six months?
FLICKER: Yes.
SANTAGATI: And yes, there is love at first sight. But come on, marriage is a much bigger deal and children are a much bigger deal that just, "OK. I`m on television. I`m famous. I`m putting myself out there."
FLICKER: I know, but you have to understand something about Kim. Kim was in love. She was in a relationship. She`s a hopeless romantic and there`s nothing wrong with wanting to be in love.
It takes three to six months to actually get to know somebody - three to six months. She gave it six months. She wanted to get married. Let`s just put that on the side. Kim wanted to get married, she went for it.
How many people are so afraid of entering a relationship because of their fear of rejection, their fear of being disappointed?
This is why I love the Kardashians. They go for it. And guess what? If it doesn`t work out, lessons learned. It builds character.
SANTAGATI: But Siggy, you`re on television. We`re all on television here.
FLICKER: Right.
SANTAGATI: You know it`s about entertainment. If she was in love, then why did she have to televise it? Why did she have to let the whole world know?
(CROSS TALK)
FLICKER: Whoa. Whoa. Whoa.
HAMMER: Hold on, Steve. That is the Kardashian way.
FLICKER: Right.
HAMMER: That`s a whole different topic for another day.
FLICKER: Right.
SANTAGATI: All right.
HAMMER: But one of our Facebook fans says you can find love anywhere. They`re right there with Siggy. And they said that includes a reality show.
This is what Lady Q. wrote on our wall, "In today`s world, you`d be surprised where you can find love. I think it`s possible. It`s no different than finding love at a library, park, mall - it all depends on the person`s intentions and sincerity."
So, here`s a question, Steve. Even though you`re the naysayer, what then is the secret to making love stick once they`ve found love on reality TV, assuming they have? What`s the secret to making it last?
SANTAGATI: The secret to making it last is if you meet someone on a reality television show, you`ve got to take them out of that context.
You`ve got to see them in normal lifestyle situations, like, you know, cooking, movies, doing that kind of normal stuff. If they weren`t famous and you weren`t in these perfect conditions, would you still like them? Would that magic still be there?
HAMMER: Just like the long distance relationship, you`ve got to spend time together when it doesn`t feel like you`re on vacation. I think I got it. Siggy Flicker, Steve Santagati, thank you both so much.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Oh, maybe this will help. Let`s get to Kendra`s sexy secrets. Kendra Wilkinson met her husband, NFL star, Hank Baskett, while she was on reality TV.
Now, they have struggled to have that normal lifestyle that Steve just mentioned. Kendra`s a mom. Hank is, of course, on the road in the football season. And oh yes, last year, Kendra filmed two reality shows.
There`s the namesake`s show on "E!" and Kendra was "Dancing with the Stars," of course. So what is Kendra`s secret to keeping her romance alive? Kendra says her time on "Dancing with the Stars" actually helped her to get her sexy back.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KENDRA WILKINSON, REALITY TV STAR: Come on. Let`s samba.
HANK BASKETT, NFL STAR: We can samba right over here in this bed.
WILKINSON: Come here. I want to see if I remember the dance. Ready?
(MUSIC)
Was that it? Wait. It was -
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Here`s one of the reality secrets that people want to know. You`ve got to help us out. Is there ever a moment when you say, "All right, guys. The camera`s off. Get out of the room. This is all private."
Or when you sign up to do this kind of thing, do you even have the power to do that?
WILKINSON: Yes. I`ve been on TV for nine seasons now with the same production company. And you know, you do. If you - when you get on that - when you have a good relationship with your production company, you have a little bit more power.
So it seems to me the big secret to romance on TV is having the power to give those cameras the boot.
Moving now to "The Bachelor," obviously a runaway hit because of its over- the-top spin on romance. But the problem is the love doesn`t always seem to last once the cameras are gone.
Next, "The Bachelor" alums, Bob Guiney and Vienna Girardi tell me their secrets about finding love on TV and about life after the final rose. This is a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "SHOWBIZ Reality Secrets: Inside Reality Romances."
No one can forget "The Bachelor`s" Jason Mesnick pulling off a controversial switcheroo, first proposing to Melissa Rycroft, then dumping her for a fellow contestant Molly Malaney. Later, Jason and Molly married, where else, on reality TV.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JASON MESNICK, REALITY TV STAR, "THE BACHELOR": Maybe I wasn`t the right person to come and do all this because I didn`t think there was any capacity in the world to fall for two people at the same time. But I do still have feelings for Molly.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: I like Bob Guiney. He was Mr. Nice Guy in the very first season of "The Bachlorette" back in 2003. And in fact, he became such a fan favorite, he was invited to star on his own season of "The Bachelor."
Here`s the thing. I don`t think Bob or anyone else goes on "The Bachelor" thinking, "I`m going to be the one who doesn`t find true love on reality TV." Everybody wants a fairytale ending, right?
But in the 15 seasons of "The Bachelor," the stats really not all that good for lasting romance. And Bob just told me there`s actually a secret to why these reality romances don`t work. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BOB GUINEY, REALITY TV STAR, "THE BACHELOR": I think that, you know, you meet these people and in this really incredible situation where you are kind of being whisked away to all these incredible places.
And I think, you know, you`re in this pressure cooker, as well, where the feelings are automatically heightened and, you know, you`re maybe reading in to things more than you ever would in a normal dating situation.
And of course, you`re dating 14 other people at the beginning of the show and everyone knows about it and seemingly is OK with it.
And then when it gets down to the end and the cameras are off and, now, you`re back to your normal lives and you are two people who live in perhaps different coasts.
And, you know, those types of things are difficult to work through in a normal relationship. And I think all the pressure on, you know, the question constantly coming up, are you in love? When are you getting married?
Those questions probably, unfortunately, lead people to feel a lot more pressure and maybe have a lot lower success rate than otherwise might normally happen in a normal dating situations.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. After the high-flying romances and the instant reality fame, a lot of stars can`t or just don`t want to go back to their day-to-day jobs.
Some people seem to get on that reality treadmill looking for love or fortune by popping up on show after show.
Vienna Girardi co-starred on season 14 of "The Bachelor." She really became an explosive character that fans loved to hate. And even though she didn`t get married after "The Bachelor," she did have a secret surefire, post-reality TV backup plan.
Vienna says she has been saving up the reality cash and she thinks it`s a shame when reality stars are blindsided by the end of the reality gravy train.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VIENNA GIRARDI, REALITY TV STAR, "BACHELOR PAD": You know, a lot of people on reality TV, you ride the coattails as long as you can. But you have to realize that, eventually, you have to go back to the real world.
And you know, just like my boyfriend, Casey, has his own company. And people ask us, what do you do? What do you have as real jobs?
And I`ve always wanted to own my own company also, so when I`m not on TV, I`m building my own company. And so that when all the reality TV is gone and you no longer see me on TV, I`m still making money and I still have a career.
HAMMER: Yes.
GIRARDI: And I think anybody in reality TV for the majority of it, everyone that I know personally that was on reality TV, they have careers and jobs and cushions and things to fall back on, because they understand that you`re not doing it forever. And eventually, you`re going to have to experience the real world and go back to a normal life.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Vienna`s right. I mean, no secret in real life. You`ve got to have a backup plan. Why aren`t people applying that to reality TV? I guess that`s another reality secret that we will have to investigate.
But for now, that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. You can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusively Sunday to Friday at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific right here on HLN.
END