Return to Transcripts main page
Showbiz Tonight
"Toddlers and Tiaras" Lawsuit; Where Was Rumer?; One-on-One with Jennifer Lopez; Is Neil Patrick Harris the Next Regis?; Brad Pitt Sets the Record Straight on Getting Married
Aired January 30, 2012 - 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 -- a "Toddlers and Tiaras" tirade. Tonight, the shocking $30 million lawsuit by the mother of a toddler on the reality show claiming that her five-year-old has been sexualized by the media.
(MUSIC)
Tonight, the mother of the toddler star right here in a headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
The tale of the tape. Tonight, the explosive new revelations about what happened the night that Demi Moore was rushed to the hospital.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
911 OPERATOR: She overdosed on --
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She is convulsing.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, the brand-new clues. Was Demi`s daughter Rumer with Demi? And was Demi given special treatment?
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT one-on-one with J. Lo, her brand-new "American Idol" revelations, and what she told us about working with her soon-to-be ex- husband again.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JENNIFER LOPEZ, ACTRESS AND SINGER: The kind of transition through being married to not being married, you know, obviously is a difficult one.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, Jennifer Lopez one-on-one in another must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
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 -- secrets of the Demi Moore 911 tape.
Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that there may be more mysteries buried in the tape of that 911 call that was made the night that Demi Moore was rushed to the hospital.
The burning questions that kept on coming today, including, why was the tape released and certain parts of it edited out? And by doing that, was Demi Moore getting any special treatment? And was Demi`s daughter, Rumer Willis, in the room with her as she was apparently having convulsions?
Tonight, SHOWBIZ tonight with the tale of the tape and parts of the tale that seem to be missing.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We need an ambulance here as soon as possible, please.
HAMMER (voice-over): The 911 call placed from Demi Moore`s house last Monday when she suffered a mysterious health care is undeniably gripping and disturbing.
911 OPERATOR: Right now, is she awake?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes. Well, semi-conscious. Barely.
HAMMER: But as Demi recovers from what her people will only describe as exhaustion, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you this 911 recording is answering some questions, and bringing up lots of others. The biggest question people are asking --
911 OPERATOR: And she overdose on --
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She is convulsing.
HAMMER: Did Demi get special treatment from L.A. officials who edited that 911 recording before they released it to the public.
DAX HOLT, PRODUCER, TMZ: We did know before this 911 call was released that they were going to be redacting certain information that they felt was going against her privacy.
HAMMER: Information like what substances Demi may have ingested before some of her friends called 911 from the home Monday night. In the 911 call, we hear one of the house guests referencing something Demi smoked.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She smoked something. It is not marijuana, but it`s similar to incense.
HAMMER: But later when the 911 operator asks what else Demi did that night, we hear an apparent edit.
911 OPERATOR: All right. What did she take?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Some form of a -- I think. And then she smoked something. I didn`t really see.
911 OPERATOR: The 911 call may not reveal what Demi may or may not have taken that night. But TMZ says it has learned what is in that missing portion.
HOLT: We know for sure that the references to whip-its were the ones that were referenced.
HAMMER: Whip-its being nitrous oxide gas often inhaled from whipped cream cans. TMZ is reporting whip-its played a role in Demi`s health scare.
HOLT: We know when the paramedic showed up, the friend had said she was inhaling whip-its.
HAMMER: So is this a case of L.A. officials protecting a celebrity. L.A. fire officials have consistently told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT they made the deletions to comply with federal medical privacy laws, laws that don`t just apply to celebrities like Demi.
HOLT: I not sure this would necessarily be considered special treatment. They are trying to protect her privacy. I think that they would do this for other people.
HAMMER: Another question from Demi`s 911 recording, was her 23-year-old, Rumer Willis, with her during her health scare. Again, listen to the 911 call.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What is the address, Rue?
HAMMER: Rumer Willis goes by "Rue." She uses it on her Twitter page @TheRue. And the possibility that Rue may have been partying with her mom before the health scare has made this story even more outrageous to some people.
WENDY WILLIAMS, HOST, "THE WENDY WILLIAMS SHOW": Demi, you owe it to yourself just to get back to being just a mother, not a friend.
HAMMER: TMZ`s Dax Holt tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT this Rumer revelation is feeding into whispers in Hollywood about Demi`s parenting.
HOLT: A couple of weeks ago, Rumer and Demi were both spotted in Hollywood clubbing together. It is very Lohan-ish when you start getting into this stuff like mothers partying with daughters and having a good time.
HAMMER: And perhaps the saddest thing we`re learning from the Demi 911 tape, that Demi may have been struggling from long before the health care forced her to get help.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She has been having issues lately, with some other stuff, but I don`t know what she`s been taking or not.
HOLT: She`s looking extremely skinny over the last couple of months, so there might be some more problems that she really needs to get to the root of.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: You listen to all this and it`s obvious there are still so many more questions than answers right now as Demi begins that road to recovery.
But here is what I want to know. It is our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Flashpoint -- is it unfair to keep Demi`s alleged drug use a secret because she is famous?
With me now in New York, TV host Alicia Renee and Jane Velez-Mitchell, host of "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL" right here on HLN.
Jane, I`ve got to start with you, and I have to say as long as they didn`t treat her any differently than a non-celebrity, I don`t really have a problem with information being edited out on this phone call. But to our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, is it unfair to keep Demi`s alleged drug use a secret because she`s famous?
JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, HOST, "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL": Well, frankly, A.J., I was shocked at how much they did release that was not redacted. And they have her friends talk about smoking something that -- well, it`s like marijuana, but not exactly. It`s kind of like incense.
And that is often code for an herbal product that is like a synthetic pot that does cause seizures and has caused seizures in teenagers.
So right there, they are talking about some kind of substance use or abuse. Now, if you couple that with another mystery substance and we don`t know for sure what that mystery substance is, wow, that would have really been, I think, a double whammy. But they released enough to show that she`s got some kind of a problem, I believe.
HAMMER: Well, something certainly was going on, being ingested it seems. What do you think? I mean --
ALICIA RENEE, TV HOST: I think that the bigger issue at hand is whatever she is -- I do believe that what goes on in the privacy of her own home is her business.
But now that it`s out there, the issue is that you`re partying. And she a woman of a certain age, you know, in the words of Wendy Williams. So I think that there comes a responsibility. But to have that kind of irresponsible activity in front of your children I think is the bigger issue at hand.
HAMMER: Well, let`s talk about that for a moment, because this is another burning question. Was Rumer, Demi`s 23-year-old daughter, right there when Demi collapsed? We don`t have any confirmation of this, but listen closely to the 911 tape.
I`m going to play a bit of it for you again and you`ll hear the person on the phone asking someone in the room named Rue for help. Charles, play that.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
911 OPERATOR: Ma`am, I`m trying to get the address. You`re in Beverly Hills?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes. OK. What is the address, Rue?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: What is the address, Rue? It is believed that Rumer Willis is Rue. And there are reports that Rumer may have been inseparable and that includes reports of them partying together since Demi`s split from Ashton.
Jane, the idea that Demi may have done drugs while her daughter, Rumer, may have been in the house -- that`s just really disturbing on many levels.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Well, look, I`m a recovering alcoholic with 16 years of sobriety. Addiction doesn`t know any kind of boundaries like, "Oh, there`s a kid in the room." How many stories have we covered where tragedies occur because a parent is high or driving drunk with a kid in the backseat?
And it doesn`t matter whether you`re a celebrity. When you have craving to do something, you are a zombie to that urge. But I will say that I think Rue is probably trying to lift mother`s spirits by taking her out and partying.
And this is a very sophisticated young girl. She has two celebrity star parents. She`s seen it all. She`s been around the block. And she was apparently well enough to go to a SAG awards after-party last night. So I think she can handle it.
RENEE: I`m not going to go start -- I`m sorry to cut you off. I`m not going to go so far as to say that she necessarily has an addiction. I do agree with the latter part of what you said.
Maybe she is just being supportive of her mother going through another divorce. It is a challenging time. She is in the public eye. There`s a lot of pressure. When my mother went through her divorce, I was there with her as well, so I can connect with that.
HAMMER: Yes. And listen, there has been a history there of substance abuse issues that`s been, you know, well-documented. But who really knows what is going on right now?
Ashton Kutcher, of course, her soon-to-be ex-husband, out of the country when Demi was rushed to the hospital. He is back now. A lot of people are wondering what his level of involvement should be.
This is our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll that we asked on Friday. Demi Moore was reportedly released from the hospital. Is it time for Ashton to show public support?
It`s a pretty even split here. Look at that, 55 percent to 45 percent. So, people not really feeling strongly that Ashton should chime in. Let me ask you real quickly, Jane, do you think he should say something publicly to say, "I am here for you."
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Yes. They were married for years. They were famous for tweeting to each other. He has nine million followers. He could tweet about a band-aid today, which looked like it might have been a product endorsement of some kind. Why can`t he tweet, "Thinking of you, get better soon" or something?
HAMMER: Yes. It will be interesting to see if he does come public with it or if he just does whatever he`s doing privately. All right. Thank you both so much, Alicia and Jane. I appreciate it.
Well, tonight, wait until you see this. I`m going one-on-one with the great Jennifer Lopez and she really opens up to me about life after her split from Marc Anthony.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LOPEZ: The kind of transition through being married to not being married, you know, obviously, is a difficult one, especially when there`s children involved.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, J. Lo talking about her new reality and coming back to "American Idol." This is a must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
And SHOWBIZ catches up with Brad and Angelina at the SAG Awards. Are they really getting hitched?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I have to ask you about the recent headlines where you said the little kids, they`re kind of chomping at the bit saying, "Mommy and Daddy, we want you to tie the knot." Can you set the record straight for us, Brad?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: We put Brad and Angelina on the spot about marriage and the kids. Will they finally say I do?
And a $30 million "Toddlers and Tiaras" lawsuit. The mother of a five-year-old toddler star says the media is sexualizing her kid. Well, she is right here to explain, next. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
SHOWBIZ at the SAG Awards with winner Viola Davis who spoke to us about snagging her first lead movie role in "The Help."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VIOLA DAVIS, ACTRESS: It`s my first big starring lead role. I don`t think that I`m easy to cast. You know, I consider myself a character actress. I`m a woman -- I`m a woman of color. I`m a woman of a certain age.
And so I don`t think that there are a lot of lead roles in big Hollywood movies for me, which is -- it is OK with me. I just look for a good role, whether it is a supporting role, whether it`s a lead role. I feel just blessed that I have even experienced it in my lifetime. Most actors never do.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You are going to go on next. I`m sexy and I know it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Tonight, a "Toddlers and Tiaras" shocker. A video of a five-year-old star of the show leads to a $30 million lawsuit. The young girl`s mom furious over claims that her daughter was being wrongly sexualized.
And tonight, that mom is right here for a headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. And was this a case of the toddler`s torment?
When Susanna Barrett took her five-year-old daughter, who`s been featured on the reality show, "Toddlers and Tiaras," to a charity event, she could never have imagined what would happen next.
Barrett posted this video of her daughter, Isabella, singing along to the hit song, "I`m Sexy and I Know It." You know that song.
Well, it is what happened next that has led to this $30 million lawsuit. Here now for our SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview is Isabella`s mother, Susanna Barrett right here for SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview, as I said.
Susanna, it`s nice to have you here, unfortunately under these circumstances. Let me make sure we understand fully what is going on. You are suing TMZ, "The Huffington Post" and London`s "Daily Mail."
Your claims is that by the story they wrote, including this video, they sexualized your daughter saying she was gyrating in a nightclub while she was singing along to this song, "I`m Sexy and I Know It."
SUSANNA BARRETT, MOTHER OF A "TIARAS AND TODDLERS" STAR: Right.
HAMMER: Was that not what she was doing?
BARRETT: Well, we`ve already proven that weren`t in a nightclub. It wasn`t late at night. It was pet-friendly charity event, well-lit.
You know, that`s not the issue. Isabella, you know, wasn`t performing anything. She is sitting on a stool. You know, we gave the video. There`s so much wrong with this story.
We gave the video to TMZ. They were going to run a fluff story about Isabella and being a better deejay than Paulie D. That`s not the issue.
The issue is that they sexualized Isabella with the headlines and that those headlines led to a national -- I mean, everybody covered this story.
HAMMER: Well, what did the headlines say?
BARRETT: That Isabella was in a nightclub. She was gyrating her body that -- you know, again, taking it from -- we`re not the face of what`s wrong with pageants. And the last time we were here, you know, the girls -- we had a great time.
And you know, we love pageants. We got into it for a very innocent reason because of my older daughter. I`m not going to fight what is right and wrong with pageants. But when you take a video and you sexualize someone`s child, it needs to end.
HAMMER: So they said she was gyrating. And I have to tell you I watched the tape. I watched it all the way through, and I see her fist-pumping and kind of singing along to it.
BARRETT: Right.
HAMMER: It didn`t really seem to me like there was anything inappropriate going on. But they took this video that we`re looking at here and sexualized her?
BARRETT: Right. Right. And well -- I mean, the claim was that, first of all, she was talking about her sexiness. Clearly, she hardly knows the word, because was the first report was that the woman in the deejay booth is feeding her the lyrics.
So right there, they imply that she didn`t know the lyrics and she doesn`t. She knows, you know, basic -- like it is a top 40 hit on the radio.
HAMMER: Does Isabella know any of this is going on?
BARRETT: Isabella -- you know, Isabella`s a trooper. You know, she`s - - we`re still doing to pageants. And she knows that she is some type of a celebrity. But she does not unfortunately know what is going on.
HAMMER: Well, fortunately, I would say.
BARRETT: Well, yes. Yes. I mean, yes.
HAMMER: Well, TMZ and the "London Daily Mail" have not responded to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s request for a comment on this. But here`s what "The Huffington Post" told us. They say, "We think the lawsuit is frivolous and we plan to respond accordingly."
BARRETT: Right.
HAMMER: So how do you respond to that.
BARRETT: Well, first of all, TMZ has retracted some of the story. And you know, "Huffington Post," I mean -- you know, again, they were the fire. They came along next. I mean, TMZ was the one that kind of --
HAMMER: And "Huff Po" picked it up.
BARRETT: Right.
HAMMER: Got it.
BARRETT: Yes, and they picked it up. But the thing is that, you know, we are very grateful that they have now -- we have a kid-friendly version called "I`m Elmo and I Know It," you know, thanks to them.
But the point here is that we are not what`s wrong with pageants. And I don`t want -- people are confusing -- I mean, what is online is it is degrading. It`s disrespectful and it is nothing of what my family is.
HAMMER: Can you get why anybody who would see what was posted online see this video who didn`t know the back story?
BARRETT: Absolutely.
HAMMER: And think that she was acting inappropriately for a five-year-old?
BARRETT: I don`t -- she is sitting on a stool --
HAMMER: Because that`s how I saw it.
BARRETT: She`s sitting on a stool in a $5,000 dress doing what any normal --
HAMMER: OK.
BARRETT: She`s not doing anything inappropriate.
HAMMER: Let me ask you before I let you go. You are suing for $30 million. Obviously, you are not getting $30 million. I don`t think -- you`re obviously going to get a lot of attention for that. If they apologize and retract everything they need to retract, would you be happy with that?
BARRETT: I would be happy with that. I mean, you know, this is about a five-year-old who has not started her life yet. And she needs to be the one who can decide what her life is going to be like and the media should not dictate that for her.
HAMMER: Susanna Barrett, I appreciate you being with us. Thanks so much.
And we move on tonight to Jennifer Lopez, unplugged about "American Idol" and about her life after her split from Marc Anthony.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LOPEZ: The kind of transition through being married to not being unmarried, you know, obviously is a difficult one, especially when there`s children involved.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: J. Lo opens up to me big time about just how things are going with her soon-to-be ex, and why she said being a judge on "Idol" is a little different this year. And it is my SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with J. Lo that you don`t want to miss.
So is Kelly Ripa naming Neil Patrick Harris her new co-host? Would he do it? Tonight, is Neil Patrick Harris the new Regis? I`m going to ask him. Neil is right here for another SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And now, SHOWBIZ at the SAG awards. Glenn Close talked to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about Hollywood`s up-and-coming stars.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GLENN CLOSE, ACTRESS: I am particularly excited about Michelle Williams and Jessica Chastain and all the young actresses who are really starting to come into their own, you know, having been in this business for so long. It is very exciting.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: To this day, that remains one of my favorite movies of all time. That`s one of my favorite movie scenes of all time, the 1986 classic, "Ferris Bueler`s Day Off."
Well, tonight, 26 years later, Matthew Broderick is finally calling in sick again as Ferris Bueler. And I have got your first look.
"Ferris Bueler" is certainly a classic and usually, I`m one who says, you know what? Don`t mess with the classics. But this one`s pretty great. Leave it to the folks who come up with those really expensive Super Bowl ads to get Matthew Broderick to reprise his phenomenal role as Ferris.
Now, if you recall, Ferris was just a high school kid who played an elaborate game of hooky so he could spend the day taking over Chicago with his friends.
Well, in this newly unveiled Super Bowl ad of Honda CRV, Matthew plays hooky from Hollywood. Check this out, your SHOWBIZ TONIGHT first look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MATTHEW BRODERICK, ACTOR: I`m not sure what it is. I guess I`ll be OK.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I`m calling the studio, Matthew. You are not shooting today.
BRODERICK: No, people are depending on me. Movies bring so much joy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Stop. It`s done. Just get some rest. Diva.
BRODERICK: He bought it. How can I handle work on a day like today? One of the worst performances of my career and he never doubted it for a second.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What`s happening?
BRODERICK: Hi, can I get my CRV brought up, please? I`ve got a lot to do today. How can I resist?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Look, I don`t know what to tell you. He is sick. Actors get sick sometimes.
(MUSIC)
I have said it before and I will say it again, life moves pretty fast. If you don`t stop and look once in a while, you`d miss it. Get going.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Very clever. And clearly, Honda is getting their money`s worth. All right. Here is what is coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Are Brad and Angelina finally getting hitched?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I have to ask you about the recent headlines where you said the little kids -- they are kind of chomping at the bit saying, "Mommy and Daddy, we want you to tie the knot." Can you set the record straight for us, Brad?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT grills Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie about marriage. Will they say I do? And what is it like to date George Clooney?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And you are a fabulous date. But I have to ask you, what is the best part about dating George Clooney?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: George Clooney`s girlfriend, Stacy Keibler, spills to us about her very famous boyfriend. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Now, SHOWBIZ at the SAG awards. Rainn Wilson setting the record straight to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about reports of a spin-off show based on his character from "The Office."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RAINN WILSON, ACTOR: There is a rumor of a Dwight spin-off. We`re talking about it with NBC. I mean, it`s a fun idea and we`re just seeing if it leads somewhere. I`m not sure what`s going to happen.
The word got out a little prematurely, you know, so I hate to talk about it. But you know, it would be Dwight`s farm which is a bed and breakfast, so it would be pretty weird. You`d meet more Schrutes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT -- SHOWBIZ goes one-on-one with J. Lo.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LOPEZ: The kind of transition through being married to not being married, you know, obviously is a difficult one especially when there`s children involved.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: J. Lo`s revelations of working with her ex-husband so soon after the dramatic split. Plus all the inside secrets about her second season as an "Idol" judge.
Brad and Angelina`s confession. Will they be walking down the aisle soon?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I have to ask you about the recent headlines where you said the little kids, they`re kind of chomping at the bits saying "Mommy and Daddy, we want you the tie the knot." Can you set the record straight here for us, Brad?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: And are the kids telling Brad and Angelina to put a ring on it?
And is Neil Patrick Harris the new Regis? Brand-new reports that he could be Kelly Ripa`s new partner on "Live." Neil setting the record straight tonight right here in a must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
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 today -- we`ve got J. Lo unplugged.
I went one-on-one with Jennifer Lopez today as the second season of "American Idol" gets underway. Tonight, the brand-new "Idol" revelations, what`s learned from the first season and what she plans on doing differently this time around.
Plus, J. Lo tells all about what it is like to working with her ex, Marc Anthony, so soon after their shocking split. Here now, our stunning SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with J. Lo.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera) It seems to me that you are having a particularly good time this year on "American Idol."
LOPEZ: Does it look that way?
HAMMER: Yes, it does look that way.
LOPEZ: By the way, I had good time last year and we`re having a good time this year. We are obviously a little more relaxed. It`s our second season and we know more what to expect as far as Steven and I go, so we`re having a good time.
HAMMER: What do you think the biggest challenge for the show is this year?
LOPEZ: I don`t know. I don`t think of it that way. I just think we just need to do what we did last year and have a good time and, you know, find great talent and put it in front of America and put them in front of America, and then just, you know, let the games begin.
HAMMER: Because part of the thing -- you know, it is your second season. Obviously, there`s a learning curve.
LOPEZ: Yes.
HAMMER: To do this gig. It`s like nothing you have ever done before. You`re a judge on a television show.
LOPEZ: Right.
HAMMER: So there`s a learning curve. I imagine, and correct me if I`m wrong, there were some things you may have done last season, maybe something you consider a mistake or something you saw that you would say, "You know what? I`m not going to do that again this year." Something that you learned from the experience?
LOPEZ: I was -- you know, I hear what you are saying and as far as learning curve, I would say it was about just getting more comfortable with the whole thing, you know, because it was the first time and it was my first time doing kind of live television like that week after week.
So that was something that I needed to kind of get used to, and actually was really exhausting to be quite honest. I remember every Friday after Wednesday and Thursday, I was like, "Why am I so tired?"
And it was just the pressure and that kind of, you know, live experience. There`s a lot of adrenaline and everything. And so, by Friday, you`re just kind of whipped.
But other than that, I am pretty happy with the way that the season went last year. And I don`t, you know, plan to change anything. I`m going to let -- you know, I`m just going to take the ride, you know, and laugh and cry and do whatever I need to do. You know, just experience it.
I think that is what it is about, just taking the ride, taking the journey. That is what America is kind of -- goes in for to find that "American Idol."
HAMMER: Well, you mentioned crying and part of the emotion can certainly come from having to make some of the tough decisions that you guys have to make.
LOPEZ: Absolutely.
HAMMER: So going into the season, are you a little more mentally prepared? Can you be a little more mentally prepared --
LOPEZ: Sure.
HAMMER: For having to shut down people that you know aren`t really talented?
LOPEZ: Yes. Yes. I mean, I think that -- I know I am. I`m more mentally prepared for what it is this time. But you know, I`ve got to tell you the same way last year`s green mile was very emotional for me. I felt the same way this year.
It is a lot to hold in, you know, when you are really at that point where they are going to be on the show or not be on the show. Go in front of "American Idol." Those kids are wound tight and they feel like their whole life is riding on it.
You feel all that emotion. You know, if you are a sensitive person, forget it. And we do it one by one. It is not like a big cattle thing where we`re like, "OK. You are going home. You`re going home."
It`s a little bit more distant. At that point, we sit them in front of us and talk to each one individually. You know, we talk about their journey and it is a tough day.
HAMMER: It is tough. I cannot imagine.
LOPEZ: It is a tough day.
HAMMER: You know, obviously, it made big news when Jim Carrey`s daughter, Jane, got on the show.
LOPEZ: Right.
HAMMER: And she is out there in front of you guys. And I am thinking -- because I was watching at the time and I`m thinking, gosh, I hope she is good.
LOPEZ: Yes.
HAMMER: I hope she can sing, because it might be a little bit awkward if they have to send her packing. And obviously, there are going to be people who will say, and it`s clear she can sing --
LOPEZ: Yes. Yes.
HAMMER: But who will say, "Oh, she is getting special treatment. It`s good for the show."
LOPEZ: That is ridiculous.
HAMMER: Yes. I mean, what do you say to tell everybody, no, that`s not going to happen.
LOPEZ: No. By the way, she should have the same opportunities as anybody has. It doesn`t matter who her dad is. You know, to X her out because her dad is who he is would be unfair as well to not give her the opportunity.
She sang well and we put her through to the next round, period. That`s how it goes. If she wasn`t, we would have very sadly tell her no. You know what I mean? And say hi to your dad for me, but that wasn`t the case. She earned through the next step.
HAMMER: So you have this "Q` Viva The Chosen" which looks so exciting is just getting underway now.
LOPEZ: Yes.
HAMMER: How do you juggle it all? Because it is an extraordinary amount of work, I think a lot more than people realize it.
LOPEZ: Yes.
HAMMER: You are traveling all over the place and, obviously, the kids are at home and --
LOPEZ: No, sometimes they`re home. Most of the time, they are with me.
HAMMER: Which has to be the most difficult part, I imagine.
LOPEZ: Yes. They are not with me right now, which I`m kind of like -- I`m feeling it this trip probably more than I have been.
HAMMER: Why do you think so?
LOPEZ: Because it is a little bit longer than I expected it to be, and I`m upset about that. But that`s my own personal thing. I don`t have to burden you guys with that. But that`s it.
Yes, it is a lot of work, doing "Q Viva" and "Idol" at the same time and all the other things that -- I`m used to kind of multitasking and I actually love and enjoy it. And I love being able to like run to the studio at night and record a record and listen to it the next day while I`m on my way to the set.
You know, that is just who I am. That`s who I`ve always been. I just have learned to juggle it a little bit better and say no when I need to say no and get my sleep and get my rest, because I do love doing a lot of things. I like attacking life.
HAMMER: You know, it appears that way to us. And it`s been a great experience to seeing you and Marc Anthony coming together working on this project --
LOPEZ: Yes.
HAMMER: Which I know has been a really good thing for you. And you guys have gotten a lot of kudos for how graceful you have handled your split in such a public way, which I have to say is very refreshing --
LOPEZ: Yes. Thank you.
HAMMER: For someone who covers this stuff all of the time. It is nice to see.
LOPEZ: Right.
HAMMER: And you`ve talked about the fact that, well, you were friends to begin with and that`s a big part of the foundation of why you are able to be so graceful with it now. Would you say now that you`ve arrived at this period in your relationship, you are actually getting along better?
LOPEZ: Better -- I don`t know if it is better, but it`s the same. You know, the same comfortable way we had with one another is still the same.
We still laugh. We still are able to discuss things. We still get into arguments. It`s all still the same. So you know, none of that has changed.
You know, the kind of transition through being married to not being married, you know, obviously is a difficult one especially when there`s children involved. But at the end of the day, you know, like you said, we are trying to handle it with a lot of care and a lot of love.
Working together is kind of a natural thing for us. We have always worked together even before we were ever together, when we were just friends. And so that part of it, we are kind of used to.
And so we just -- you know, we navigate through it. You know, we navigate through it, and we just always keep in mind that, you know, we are parents and friends first.
HAMMER: And when you mentioned the kids right there, I mean, any time there has been any discussion about it, everybody always says, well, there are kids involved.
And sometimes when we see particularly public couples breaking up, it is the first thing that we all talk about. And quite frankly, I think it is a great inspiration, not just to celebrity couples, but to couples everywhere who are going through it. It`s a reminder, hey, remember the kids, because it does seem to get lost sometimes.
LOPEZ: Absolutely. I mean, when you`re talking about the media and the public and being a celebrity and being in the public eye and everything, you know, it just becomes like something out there, like something just a two-dimensional thing that is not real.
At the end of the day, the kids and how they are raised and how these things affect them is so important. It needs to be handled with such care that, you know -- you get ferociously kind of protective about those things, and you have to. You have to. They are the only things that really matter, that they are OK.
HAMMER: I don`t want to make you miss the kids more right now.
LOPEZ: No, I know. I really do miss my kids.
HAMMER: Great seeing you, Jennifer.
LOPEZ: Thank you.
HAMMER: Thank you so much.
LOPEZ: Thank you.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: And as you would expect any mom to, she gets very emotional when the kids do come up. Great to see her. She is doing really well. J. Lo`s second season on "American Idol" is airing right now.
We move on now to the great Neil Patrick Harris. Is he the new Regis? That is the question that everyone, I mean everyone, is asking tonight -- whether Kelly Ripa is going to ask Neil to be her new partner on "Live." Would he even say yes? Neil is right here to break some news is a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
Elton John`s brand-new feud with his frenemy, Madonna. It is starting all over again. So what did Elton say today to get Madonna all fired up this time? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Now, SHOWBIZ at the SAG awards. Alec Baldwin speaks with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about winning the SAG award five years in a row.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALEC BALDWIN, ACTOR: Last year was like the fifth year in a row. I mean, I have won every year I was nominated, you know. And we did the show five years.
I won five years in a row, which is creepy, because it is kind of weird to sit there and go -- you kind of sit there and go, "OK."
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I get it.
BALDWIN: And they are going to say Johnny Galecki --
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, no.
BALDWIN: Then say --
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But they always call Alec`s name.
BALDWIN: They do. And I always think -- I`m thinking, "This is the year, it`s got to change."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NEIL PATRICK HARRIS, ACTOR: Here`s my impression of this guy, ugh, ooh, ooh.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Then why don`t you do it, Barney?
HARRIS: And what do I get if I do?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: What do you want?
HARRIS: I want to touch Phyllis`(ph) boobs?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Deal.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Is "How I Met Your Mother" star, Neil Patrick Harris about to become the next Regis? Well, tonight, Neil is right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT for a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
And oh, did I mention Neil is also helping make M & M history today? I kid you not.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. So could Neil really be the next Regis, perhaps taking over for Regis Philbin, sitting next to Kelly Ripa on a full-time basis.
Singer, actor, director, magician -- is there anything this guy can`t do? Now, he`s introducing the new M & M, too. Neil is with us tonight from Hollywood. Nice to see you, Neil?
HARRIS: How are you, sir?
HAMMER: I`m terrific. We, of course, really do enjoy seeing you whenever you sit in with "Live" and sitting next to Kelly. In fact, you and I ran into each other down in the gym in our building here just after you hosted it the last time. You seemed to have a glow about you, Neil. It seems that you really, really love doing that gig.
HARRIS: It is a really fun gig. Kelly is a super amazing person, so I`m lucky enough, our family is lucky enough to be friends with Kelly, with Mark and their kids.
And so that conversation that we get to have on the air continues off of the air at spin class, at their house upstate, at their apartment. They are just super nice. At dinners, they`re great conversationalists.
It is nice to see her be able to sort of put her own spin on the show now, and give it a kind of a nice breath of fresh air. So whoever takes that seat would have a dream job.
HAMMER: And quite frankly, when you are sitting there at dinner with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, is there a better couple to look at than them?
HARRIS: They are pretty darn attractive.
HAMMER: I mean, come on.
HARRIS: Yes, it is kind of freaky that they are so nice and that they`re so pretty. Both of them, very pretty. They should make dolls of themselves.
HAMMER: I think you are on to something here.
HARRIS: and have them say little catch phrases.
HAMMER: Hey, listen, so there is a brand-new report out there today that the ratings have been terrific. Obviously, we love and we miss Regis. But the ratings have been strong for the show, which is great and that`s a testament to Kelly, a testament to all of the guest hosts.
But this report says, my friend, Neil, you are still at the top of the list as a possible replacement. You said it would be a great gig for anybody who would get it. My question to you is, do you want the job?
HARRIS: Well, that is super-flattering, that poll. My goodness. I would love to do the job, but there`s just -- it`s an impossibility. If I say no, I think it makes it sound like I`ve, you know, conferred with my business team and we have decided not to.
It is a great job and, quite frankly, super-fun to fill in and do it. But it is on a competing network from CBS which is the network I`m doing "How I Met Your Mother" for another good year and a half.
And I assume they will be making some sort of decision about who will co- host with Kelly before then. I mean, ratings are great, but it is fun to watch all the different people coming in, subbing in and seeing how they do.
HAMMER: Yes.
HARRIS: But I can`t imagine that can go on for that long. But you know, it is a great job. I mean, you go there at 8:30 in the morning. You are out at 10:04. That`s your day.
HAMMER: Yes. That is different from the sitcom life where you are on set for 12, 14, 16 hours at a time. But just so I am perfectly clear on this, have they offered you the job?
HARRIS: No, no. I mean, they have offered -- they have said, "Oh, we`d love to have you. You should come back more often." But you know, it`s Gellman. He`s got to play things a little tight to the vest.
And just -- by the way, I appreciate that the more I`m talking about this, the more I`m acting like Regis Philbin, all of a sudden.
HAMMER: They offered you the job. They didn`t offer me the job.
HARRIS: My hands are going like this, and I`m talking about Gellman, so it is in my blood, apparently. But I don`t think it will happen this time. It will be fun to fill in when -- whoever ends up doing it is not around.
HAMMER: And who would you like to see in the chair? Is there somebody in particular?
HARRIS: I thought that Jeff Probst would have been great. But I`m -- again, he`s similar to Kelly in that way to me. He`s a friend. He`s a great conversationalist, a great host, a super nice guy.
If you ever spend any time with him, you`d know what I mean. He`s just really present and a great guy. So I thought that the two of them would go well together. Well, you know, he`s got his own show that he`s going to be doing in the morning.
HAMMER: Yes. Yes.
HARRIS: Oh, I don`t know. I thought that Kim Kardashian was a hoot.
HAMMER: Did you like Kim Kardashian? I was actually curious. Do you keep up with the Kardashians yourself? Do you watch their show?
HARRIS: I don`t personally, but my better half, David, is now a correspondent on the channel with which she is employed.
So he has to learn more about the Kardashians and their comings and goings than most people would care to know about. And so I hear things through the grapevine about Khloe that I`m -- oh, look at that. Her name is Khloe.
HAMMER: Yes or no -- would you do a reality show yourself if the right opportunity ever came along?
HARRIS: No, no. Boldface no.
HAMMER: OK. Well, look what I got here, Neil. I got my M& Ms. Dave Levine, our executive producer, is a huge fan of the M & M.
HARRIS: Right.
HAMMER: I went into his office and I actually stole this. I`m a health food guy, but I also love an M & M. I don`t have Ms. Brown in here.
You introduced a brand-new character, Ms. Brown, today who is the sixth M & M character ever. What is happening with Ms. Brown? Please fill me in while I eat some of these. This is a good excuse for me.
HARRIS: Well, keep in mind -- I have not been asked to announce a new flavor of M & M. But the brown M & Ms that you I`m sure are enjoying at this very moment -- brown has never been in the commercials as a character.
There has always been the red and the green and the orange and the yellow, the persimmon, the fuchsia, the lavender, but never brown.
I made last four up. So now, Ms. Brown has been -- as it turns out, has been part of the factory as the chief chocolate officer for the last 70 years. It is her time.
So, it is the Super Bowl coming up this Sunday. They`ve got an ad and you are going to get to meet Ms. Brown. It was my job today to introduce her image for the first time.
And let me just tell you, A.J., when someone asks you to give you a good, you know, chunk of money to talk about how much you love M & Ms and to announce a Ms. Brown image, do it.
HAMMER: Good gig. Yes. It`s kind of like waking up at 8:30 in the morning to host "Live" for an hour and then go home. You know, I`ve got to end it there. I`m going to finish my M & Ms. Great to see you.
HARRIS: You, too, sir. Thanks.
HAMMER: Neil Patrick Harris, I appreciate you being here. And you can see, as he said, much more of M & Ms` Ms. Brown on Sunday`s Super Bowl game.
OK. As we move on tonight -- this is the first time I am talking with M & Ms in my mouth. Are Brad Pitt`s kids really telling him to put a ring on it?
That`s the big question. Won`t go away. Will Brad and Angie tie the knot? They`ve been together for seven years. They haven`t taken a trip down the isle. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter went one-on-one with Brad and Angie on the red carpet at the Screen Actors Guild awards.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KAREEN WYNTER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: I have to ask you about the recent headlines where you said the little kids, they`re kind of chomping at the bit saying, "Mommy and Daddy, we want you to tie the knot." Can you set the record straight here for us, Brad?
BRAD PITT, ACTOR: No, I`m not setting --
ANGELINA JOLIE, ACTRESS: Did the kids say that?
PITT: The kids are. The kids don`t understand why, you know, their friends` parents are married and why aren`t their mommy and daddy married and they`re asking.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I didn`t hear a no there or a yes. So keep the kids asking. If they keep asking, who knows? Maybe we`ll hear wedding bells before too long.
All right. Brad and Angie aren`t the only ones opening up to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about their relationship. Clooney and his girlfriend, Stacy Keibler, also talking about their secret private love life.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You are a fabulous date, but I have to ask you, what is the best part about dating George Clooney?
GEORGE CLOONEY, ACTOR: Yes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Wait until you hear what she says, next on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right in the middle of the white-hot Screen Actors Guild awards when Hollywood`s top actors were named. The event was just packed with A-listers.
Of course, we spoke with the biggest of them all, the great George Clooney. He was right there on the red carpet bringing around his girlfriend, Stacy Keibler. And she opened up to us about their super-private relationship.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We`re not going to leave Stacy out. You look beautiful in your gown. Tell me the designer again. Was it Marchesa?
STACY KEIBLER, GEORGE CLOONEY`S GIRLFRIEND: Yes, it`s Marchesa.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And you are a fabulous date, but I have to ask you, what is best part about dating George Clooney?
CLOONEY: Yes.
KEIBLER: How long do you have?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: All the time in the world.
CLOONEY: Good answer.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: How long do you have? I mean, really, that says it all, doesn`t it? Clooney just opened up on inside the actors` studio as well.
Actors can`t seem to stop talking when they get inside that the studio with James Lipton. And Clooney took that tradition to a whole new level when he told the entire world what his favorite dirty word is. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CLOONEY: Well, see, there are a lot of really filthy words that you could say in here. But I do love the word dip (EXPLETIVE DELETED), because when you say that about someone, you know exactly who they are, right? Like I did, dip (EXPLETIVE DELETED).
JAMES LIPTON, HOST, "INSIDE THE ACTORS` STUDIO": What other profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
CLOONEY: Journalism.
LIPTON: And what profession would you not like to attempt under any circumstance?
CLOONEY: Proctology. I`ll tell you exactly why. Now, think about this. I don`t really honestly believe that anyone starts out in med school going, "I want to be the ass doctor," right?
It does not start that way. You have failed some several -- you know, there is a professor who calls you in, and says, "Come here, pal. Listen. This whole pulmonary thing isn`t going to work out, so we are thinking that you should go a little further south."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Perfect. You can watch all of George Clooney`s very candid interview on "Inside the Actor`s Studio" tomorrow.
As we move on tonight, Elton John keeps his feud with Madonna alive. Wait until you hear his not-so-friendly Super Bowl performance advice to fellow superstar, Madonna.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Now, the Elton John-Madonna feud is back on. It started at the Golden Globes this month when Elton`s partner slammed Madonna and it seemed like the superstar frenemies had already patched things up.
That is until today, when Elton John spoke with "Good Morning America" about the Super Bowl halftime show. That`s where Madonna`s going to be performing. You`ve got to watch the advice that Elton has for Madonna.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Why would you never do a Super Bowl halftime show?
ELTON JOHN, MUSICIAN: I have never seen a decent one.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Never ever?
JOHN: Never ever.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What would your advice be to Madonna this year?
JOHN: Make sure you lip sync good.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Wow. Well, Madonna`s camp is already reportedly striking back saying Madonna does not lip sync nor does she spend time trashing other artists.
That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. You can SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusively, weeknights at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific right here on HLN.
Stay right here for "DR. DREW," next. Tonight, Erin Brokovich`s investigation of a mystery illness at a school in New York. "DR. DREW" starts right now.
END
