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Showbiz Tonight
The Death of Leslie Carter; Roseanne Barr`s Presidential Bid; Special Edition: Showbiz Newsmaker Interviews
Aired February 04, 2012 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
NISCHELLE TURNER, GUEST HOST: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - the tragic death of a superstar sibling. Tonight, inside the sudden and mysterious death of Nick and Aaron Carter`s 25-year-old sister.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Leslie, I hadn`t seen her in so long.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the disturbing new details behind Leslie Carter`s death. Was her 10-month-old baby with her when she died?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROSEANNE BARR, COMEDIAN: I am officially announcing that I am running for president of the United States of America.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Tonight, Roseanne Barr makes it official. She`s running for president. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, is she serious, or is this just a big joke?
A SHOWBIZ newsmaker spectacular.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JENNIFER LOPEZ, SINGER AND ACTRESS: The kind of transition through being married to not being married, you know, obviously is a difficult one.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Jennifer Lopez on working with her ex Marc Anthony, and is Neil Patrick Harris the new Regis?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NEIL PATRICK HARRIS, ACTOR: It`s a great job.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Plus, a SHOWBIZ exclusive with Ringo Starr. Will there be a Beatles reunion? TV`s most provocative entertainment news show breaks news right now.
(MUSIC)
Hello. I`m Nischelle Turner in for A.J. Hammer with big news breaking tonight - a SHOWBIZ tragic tale.
There are brand-new devastating details tonight in the death of Leslie Carter. She`s a sister to superstars Nick and Aaron Carter.
Nick skyrocketed to fame as a member of the Backstreet Boys. Aaron got his start as a child star. The famous family seemed to have Hollywood`s golden touch. But there were definitely some bumps along the road.
Their troubled sister, Leslie, wasn`t quite able to get the big-time breakthrough her brothers got. Her family says she struggled with mental illness and addiction. And at 25 years old, the new mom was found dead of an apparent overdose.
Now, her family mourns their heartbreaking loss and fans who have grown up with the Carters are left wondering what went wrong.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) It`s a tragic story of failed dreams, depression and a dependence on medication that all may have led to a heartbreaking loss for one famous family.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Meet Leslie Carter, sister, aspiring singer.
TURNER: Leslie Carter, sister of pop stars Nick and Aaron Carter and co- star of the old E! reality show, "House of Carters," died this week in upstate New York. She was only 25.
NICK CARTER, SINGER: I`d like to dedicate this song to my sister.
TURNER: Last night, an emotional Nick Carter made his first public appearance after his sister`s death, performing for 700 fans in New York City. He sang an emotional tribute to his sister.
(SINGING)
TURNER: For days, Leslie`s death had been shrouded in mystery, but now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT brings you brand-new details about her death and the life of disappointment and depression that preceded it.
ALEXIS TERESZCUK, "RADAR ONLINE": We`re getting a really sad picture of Leslie Carter`s life. She struggled with depression. This was a very troubled young woman.
TURNER: Today, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT obtained the police report from Leslie`s death. In it, police revealed their shocking suspicion, that the 25-year- old woman died of an apparent overdose of depression medication while staying at her father`s upstate New York home.
TERESZCUK: Leslie Carter was in the home with her stepmother and she fell in the shower. So her stepmom helped her get into bed so she could take a nap and relax.
TURNER: Later Leslie`s father, Robert, came in and found her not breathing. He tried CPR and called 911.
TERESZCUK: But she was pronounced dead at the hospital.
TURNER: According to the incident report, authorities found a pharmacy full of medication near Leslie`s body including drugs to treat anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, plus a muscle relaxant.
TERESZCUK: Leslie`s family told police she was struggling from depression lately and that she suffered from mental illness.
TURNER: In her short life, Leslie Carter definitely had a hard road as she tried to chase the fame that her brothers found.
(MUSIC)
TURNER: In the `90s, Nick was a member of the super-popular Backstreet Boys. And Aaron found some solo success as well. But it just wasn`t to be for their sister.
(MUSIC)
In 2001, when she was 14, Leslie`s debut single "Like Wow" was a radio flop. Dreamworks records eventually pulled her album.
LESLIE CARTER, NICK AND AARON CARTER`S SISTER: I hate family. Family sucks!
TURNER: In 2006, she joined her brothers in their short-lived reality show, "House of Carters," where her emotional volatility was part of the mix.
N. CARTER: She`s very emotionally deep.
L. CARTER: I`m trying to like be a good family member.
TURNER: And now, we`re learning that Leslie was dealing with her depression right up until the day she died.
TERESZCUK: Leslie`s stepmom said she had spent the morning with her and she seemed relatively OK, but she could tell she was depressed a few times when she was talking.
TURNER: As we saw last night in his emotional performance, Nick is struggling to continue to perform during this family tragedy. Still, he says the show will go own. He tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT his tour will continue in his sister`s honor.
TERESZCUK: They were all so close. Leslie was so young, and she was really trying to work on her career. This is devastating for the Carter family.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TURNER: Wow, such a sad story. And we should also stress that while the police report states Leslie Carter died from an apparent overdose, there is, as of now, no official cause of death and there won`t be one until toxicology tests are done. That usually takes a few weeks.
All right. Tonight, defending Lindsay? Is another court battle looming for Lindsay Lohan? There are new reports claiming Lindsay`s up to her old tricks again, binge drinking and partying hard.
But today, she`s crying foul, fighting back and threatening to sue. And tonight, a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT insider is setting the record straight revealing what really happened on Lindsay`s big night out.
With me now from Hollywood is CNN Wired entertainment editor, Alan Duke, who sat side-by-side with Lindsay at the party where everything is said to have happened.
And from New York, we`ve got Sunny Hostin, legal contributor for "In Session" on our sister network, Tru TV.
Now, Alan, you were right there at the party. You sat with Lindsay. You talked to her. So I ask you to set the record straight tonight, was she drinking?
ALAN DUKE, ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR, CNN WIRED: I never you saw her drinking any alcohol, only sparkling water poured by a waiter from a bottle. She seemed coherent, fun and friendly. I really enjoyed our conversation.
After being in court with her probably 20 times over the past three years, when she was in trouble, it was refreshing to see how nice and friendly she was. And she was quite a delight at Chateau Marmont on Sunday night after the SAG Awards. And I did not think that she was loaded as some of the reports say.
TURNER: Wow. All right, Alan. Well, Lindsay is reportedly considering filing a lawsuit now about these reports claiming that they could actually hurt her chances of a career comeback.
Sunny, I have to ask you, is this a case that ever could or ever even should get to court?
SUNNY HOSTIN, LEGAL CONTRIBUTOR, "IN SESSION": Well, I think so. I mean, bottom line is, we know that she`s been sort of tried in the court of public opinion by her peers. And so certainly, these types of false, defamatory rumors, if indeed they are false, could definitely hurt her career. Even though she`s a public person, people are not allowed to defame her.
And if that really is the case, then perhaps is she should take it to court. And let`s all remember that she`s been in court so many times and has been on probation and has been doing well on probation.
So this kind of thing, the fact that she would be drunk, could possibly be a violation of her probation, and so I think she has a lot to lose here. And if these allegations are false, she has to set the record straight.
TURNER: Yes. You know, she has been doing really well lately. Now, Alan, I know you did spend time with her that night, and you actually had a conversation with her. Is there anything else that you want to share about that night and what you guys talked about?
DUKE: she was very optimistic. She seemed to be there for a business meeting. She since moved into that hotel because she is afraid of stalkers. And it is quite a place to be. It`s pretty secure for her.
She said she`s going to finish her probation early. March 29th is the deadline. She has about 29 days to work at the morgue since her last court date. And she says she is on track and she`s going to finish.
She`s very optimistic about it. And I can tell you, this thing could hurt her, just the rumors. I was having lunch today with a movie producer and actor who asked me and says, "Alan, is she insurable?" Because they`re interested in a project with her.
So producers are asking that question. She was coherent that night.
TURNER: You know, and that has been the big question lately about her getting her career back on track. Can a movie studio actually insure her on the movie set?
But you know, I`m thinking that Lindsay`s last run-in with the law may have actually been the wake-up call that she needed. Let`s just hope that she`s really on the right track.
But I`ve got to get to another story that`s breaking tonight. New reports out today that both Bruce Willis and Ashton Kutcher were spotted at Demi Moore`s house where she`s recovering from recent collapse.
Alan, what do you think? Do you think this is a sign that she`s finally reaching out to family to get this help that she needs?
DUKE: Well, certainly a sign that her exes, soon-to-be ex, are reaching out to her. They`ve always been very concerned about her.
It`s amazing how Bruce Willis has been so supportive of her even through her marriage with Ashton Kutcher. And he was there. Of course he`s got three daughters with her and perhaps he was there visiting Rumer, the 23- year-old Willis daughter.
But yes, this is a sign that she does have the support system of her exes, and that`s interesting.
TURNER: Yes. And you know, there`s so much more happening with Demi Moore today. We`re getting our first look at newly released clips from Demi`s new movie, "LOL," where she plays mother to Miley Cyrus. Watch this with me.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MILEY CYRUS, SINGER AND ACTRESS: Hey, Mom.
DEMI MOORE, ACTRESS: What`s first, joints or condoms?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS It wasn`t me.
MOORE: That`s not funny, mom!
CYRUS: I can explain.
MOORE: I would so love for you to explain.
CYRUS: I know that this looks bad.
MOORE: It looks really bad!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: But now, we`re learning that Demi and Miley may have actually been more than co-stars. They`re apparently hangout buddies, too. Reportedly, they were partying together just days before Demi`s collapse.
Now, Sunny, you know, it`s not illegal to party with the younger crowd, but do you even think it matters that she`s partying with her daughter and Miley Cyrus?
HOSTIN: I hope not. I mean, you know, Demi has had just such a terrific career and she`s going through such a tough time, given the facts that she`s divorcing Ashton Kutcher.
And I think if she needs to have youth around her and her daughter and her friends around her, we shouldn`t begrudge her that.
TURNER: Sunny, Alan, thank you very much. Good stuff tonight.
And tonight - presidential news that will make you say, are you kidding me? Roseanne Barr is running for president. She made it official today, and I`m pretty sure this is giving a lot of presidential hopefuls whiplash.
But is she serious, or is this all just a big joke? Ann coulter is right here to answer that question in a headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
And coming up later on a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT at the bottom of the hour, a SHOWBIZ newsmaker spectacular. Jennifer Lopez on her 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)
TURNER: You`ve got to hear what J. Lo just told us about working with her soon-to-be ex. And a SHOWBIZ exclusive with Ringo Starr? Will there be a Beatles reunion? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: "Mission Impossible 4" because highest grossing Tom Cruise film. Daniel Radcliffe reveals to SHOWBIZ he misses his "Harry Potter" co-stars.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DANIEL RADCLIFFE, ACTOR: I did have a moment. I will confess, I had a moment before the premiere in London. And I was thinking, it`s really weird that somewhere in this hotel Rupert and Emma aren`t also getting ready, like there`s a void. I did feel that. That was kind of odd.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(SINGING)
TURNER: Yes, Roseanne Barr made dogs howl and humans run for cover when she butchered the National Anthem back in 1990. And if the singing wasn`t bad enough, the star ended her performance by grabbing her crotch and spitting. Now, is that really the behavior of a future president of the United States?
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Nischelle Turner, in for A.J. Hammer. Tonight, Roseanne for president?
Move over Mitt Romney. Move over Newt Gingrich. There`s a new candidate in town. Sitcom queen Roseanne Barr is throwing her hat into the political ring and is running for president.
That`s right, you heard me. Running for president. Roseanne announced her bid Thursday via Twitter. And when SHOWBIZ TONIGHT asked her why she was running, this is what she tweeted us late today, "I`m running to try to get people to look at/talk about the real problems of working people in our country."
So just how serious is Roseanne about her run for the White House? Here now is conservative commentator Ann Coulter.
First of all, Ann, very pleased that you`re here. Thanks for joining us.
ANN COULTER, CONSERVATIVE COMMENTATOR: ANYTIME.
TURNER: OK. So Roseanne is running for president under the Green Party. So what do you think? Is she serious about this run, or is this all just a big joke?
COULTER: Well, compared to some of the candidates who have run for president, I think - I take it completely seriously.
I`m holding out, waiting to see who Gary Busey endorses, because you may recall he endorsed it Newt and then he withdrew that endorsement. So his endorsement is up for the taking.
TURNER: Yes, because he liked Donald Trump at one point, too. But do you actually think that Roseanne could get some votes here?
COULTER: Ralph Nader did.
TURNER: Yes, well -
COULTER: Dennis Kucinich did. She`s more serious than Dennis Kucinich.
TURNER: Well, you know what? See, I love your take on things. Now, you know Roseanne isn`t the only star getting political here though because everybody is still buzzing over Donald Trump saying he would be willing to help the next president if it was, quote, "good for the country."
And just yesterday, Trump threw his support behind Mitt Romney. So is Trump just looking for a way to stay in the spotlight, Ann? Or do you think his star power actually does carry some weight in politics?
COULTER: I tend to think endorsements don`t mean much at all. Right before the Florida primary, both Sarah Palin and Herman Cain endorsed Newt Gingrich, and that did not seem to help him in Florida.
So I think endorsements probably aren`t worth much, but it is kind of funny to have, like the battle of the gambling magnates.
You have Sheldon Adelson, huge supporter of Newt Gingrich. In fact, he`s single-handedly funding Newt`s campaign. And now, we have Trump with the Trump casino. So it`s the battle of the - those who make money off gambling addictions.
TURNER: Well, here is the $64,000 question. Do you think there`s any chance we will see Trump change his mind once again and say, "I`m running for president myself?"
COULTER: Oh, that hadn`t occurred to me, but that is an excellent prediction. And in Donald Trump`s defense, gambling is only a small portion of his holdings, so I think his endorsement means more than Sheldon Adelson`s.
(CROSS TALK)
TURNER: Ann Coulter, you are always good TV, let`s put it like that.
COULTER: Thank you.
TURNER: Thank you for joining us.
COULTER: Good to be here.
TURNER: All right. Thanks, Ann. Now, is Tim Tebow trading in his cleats for dancing shoes? Tonight, Tim Tebow finally comes clean about whether he`s going to do "Dancing with the Stars," and I hope so.
And coming up later on a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT at the bottom of the hour, a SHOWBIZ newsmaker spectacular. One-on-one with "American Idol" judge Jennifer Lopez. She reveals to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT what life`s been like 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)
TURNER: J. Lo opens up to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about her soon-to-be ex-husband in a must-see headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories tonight from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Halle Berry launches shoe collection for German company. Snooki and J-Woww squash "Jersey Shore" wedding rumors.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WENDY WILLIAMS, HOST, "THE WENDY WILLIAMS SHOW": Are Sammie and Ronnie engaged?
NICOLE "SNOOKI" POLIZZI, REALITY TV STAR, "JERSEY SHORE": No. They`re not even together.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC)
TURNER: Lots of love going around in Madonna`s new video for "Give Me All Your Luvin," just out today. But will she feeling the love during her halftime performance at the Super Bowl?
Tonight, we`re going one-on-one with the man who sparked a viral prayer sensation, NFL star Tim Tebow.
Yes, in case you`ve been living under a rock, the Denver Bronco quarterback just missed his chance at the Super Bowl. But he sparked a worldwide sensation praying on the field on bended knee.
Well, HLN "MORNING EXPRESS WITH ROBIN MEADE" sports anchor, Carlos Diaz, caught up with the man who inspired Tebow-mania right outside the site of the Super Bowl. Tim revealed his thoughts on the big game, "Dancing with the Stars" and the whole prayer thing.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CARLOS DIAZ, SPORTS ANCHOR, "MORNING EXPRESS WITH ROBIN MEADE": What do you think about the whole Tebow-ing phenomena that happened this year?
TIM TEBOW, QUARTERBACK, DENVER BRONCOS: I think people are talking about prayer, and that can be a cool thing and that is a good thing. You know, like I said, I know I`m not the first athlete to get on a knee and pray, but at least they`re talking about it.
DIAZ: So there was a rumor you might be on "Dancing with the Stars" this upcoming season. Will we see you on the dance floor?
TEBOW: I don`t think so. I`ll be pretty busy training and getting ready for football season. And you know, I think their show is great, and you know, it`s fun. I`ve watched it quite a bit, but I don`t think this season is right for me yet.
DIAZ: So we won`t see you in a unitard?
TEBOW: No, I don`t think so.
DIAZ: Quick prediction for the Super Bowl?
TEBOW: You know, it`s tough to say. It`s hard to go against Tom Brady. You know, I had to go against him twice this year and came up short both times.
And he`s a great player, great quarterback. It`s tough to match up with Gronkowski and Hernandez. And so, you know, it`s going to be a great game and you know, I can`t wait to watch it.
KURTZ: So you`re leaning toward the Patriots.
TEBOW: I`m probably leaning toward the Patriots.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: How can you not like that guy? I mean, come on!
All right. Here`s what`s ahead at the bottom of the hour. It`s a special edition of SHOWBIZ tonight, a SHOWBIZ newsmaker spectacular. Is Neil Patrick Harris the new Regis?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
A.J. HAMMER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT HOST: So I`m perfectly clear on this, have they offered you the job?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Tonight, the "How I Met Your Mother" star reveals if he`s going to be Kelly Ripa`s new co-host.
And "American Idol" judge, J. Lo, opens up to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT 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 are involved.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: J. Lo tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT what it`s like working with her soon- to-be ex-husband in a must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories tonight from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Billy Ray Cyrus writing book on his career and kids called "Hillbilly Heart." No more hair to whip back and forth! Willow Smith debuts shaved head.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: Now, on a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. Tonight, 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 married, you know, obviously is a difficult one, especially when there`s children involved.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Tonight, J. Lo talks about her new reality and coming back to "American Idol" in a must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
Plus, is Kelly Ripa naming Neil Patrick Harris her NEW co-host? And would he do it? Tonight, Neil is setting the record straight in another blockbuster SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
And a SHOWBIZ Beatles exclusive. Ringo Starr breaks big Beatles news to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KAREEN WYNTER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: Can you finally put the rumors to rest. Are you - will there be a Beatles reunion?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: The legendary Ringo Starr in a can`t-miss SHOWBIZ newsmaker exclusive. A special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, SHOWBIZ newsmakers, starts right now.
(MUSIC)
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It`s 30 minutes past the hour. I`m Nischelle Turner in for A.J. Hammer with big news breaking tonight - J. Lo unplugged.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT went one-on-one with Jennifer Lopez as her second season of "American Idol" gets underway. Tonight, her brand-new "Idol" revelations - what she learned from the first season and what she plans on doing differently this time around.
Plus, J. Lo tells all what it`s like working with her ex, Marc Anthony, so soon after their shocking split. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s A.J. Hammer brings us that stunning newsmaker interview with J. Lo.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER (on camera): It seems to me like you`re 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 doing 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 even imagine it.
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 axe 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 her way 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 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.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TURNER: Wow, J. Lo getting raw and open with A.J. there. And you know, J. Lo`s second season on "American Idol" is airing right now.
So is Neil Patrick Harris the new Regis?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: So I`m perfectly clear on this, have they offered you the job?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: That`s the question everyone is asking tonight, whether Kelly Ripa is going to ask Neil to be her new partner on "Live." Neil breaks the news in a headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
And another must-see newsmaker with Beatles legend Ringo Starr. Tonight, Ringo finally sets the record straight on a Possible Beatles reunion. It is a SHOWBIZ exclusive you can`t miss. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: John Travolta honors his late son, Jett, by donating a jet to the Aviation Hall of Fame. Adam Levine responds to "Idol" judge Randy Jackson`s slam of "The Voice."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ADAM LEVINE, SINGER, MAROON 5: Shame on Randy Jackson for saying that because he, if anybody, should know if you`re in this business you need second, third, fourth, and fifth chances.
And so we love embracing (UNINTELLIGIBLE) - he had a lot of success and then the show "Idol" kind of blew it out of the water. He is a household name now, so it was an irresponsible thing to say that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS: Here`s my impression of this guy. Welcome to (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: 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 Phyllis` boobs.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: Deal.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Is "How I Met Your Mother" star, Neil Patrick Harris, about to become the next Regis? Tonight, Neil sets the record straight in a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. Oh, did I mention Neil`s also helping make M & M history? I kid you not?
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Nischelle Turner in for A.J. Hammer.
So could Neil really be the next Regis, taking over for Regis Philbin next to Kelly Ripa? Singer, actor, director, magician - is there anything this guy can`t do?
Here`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s A.J. Hammer going one-on-one with Neil Patrick Harris.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: 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 just 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 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 nice 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 this 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 - the 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.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TURNER: Ms. Brown. That`s my altar ego. That`s me. That was our very own A.J. Hammer with Neil Patrick Harris. And remember, you can see much more of M & M`s Ms. Brown on Sunday`s Super Bowl game.
A SHOWBIZ Beatles exclusive with Ringo Starr. Ringo opens up to us about how he buried the hatchet with Paul McCartney and if there`s about to be a big Beatles reunion.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WYNTER: Can you finally put the rumors to rest? Will there be a Beatles reunion?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: It`s a headline making SHOWBIZ newsmaker exclusive. 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: James Cameron is moving to a New Zealand farm with his family. "Three`s Company" stars Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt end 30-year feud.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SUZANNE SOMERS, ACTRESS: I have to tell you right now, I am very overwhelmed with emotion. So -
JOYCE DEWITT, ACTRESS: Then I need to say thank you for creating this opportunity.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Nischelle Turner in for A.J. Hammer. Tonight, a SHOWBIZ exclusive with an absolute legend.
It just doesn`t get any bigger than this. I`m talking about the Beatles` Ringo Starr. Ringo`s 17th solo album, "Ringo 2012," dropped this week.
And tonight, Ringo is it opening up big-time to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. He`s setting the record straight on a Beatles reunion. Everyone - and I mean everyone - is always asking whether or not it`s going to happen.
And tonight Ringo`s answering the question once and for all. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter went one-on-one with Ringo Starr and here is that incredible interview with the rock icon.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WYNTER: This new album, it`s fabulous. You`ve been doing this for so long. But I want to know what the inspiration was behind this.
RINGO STARR, FORMER DRUMMER, THE BEATLES: Well, the inspiration behind the CD is, that`s what I do. I love hanging out with musicians and playing my drums.
WYNTER: Music is really your passion?
STARR: Yes.
(SINGING)
WYNTER: If you want to get an ice-cream cone, if you want to take a stroll down the street with your wife -
STARR: We can do all of that. I mean, it`s not as crazy as it was for us as the Beatles. And I feel that it`s hard enough for the celebrities.
You know, I mean, there was no - there was no one bigger than us, and we were put upon. But now, Paul and I can go on holiday or John and I - you know, we go on holidays and that was fine. Now, you can`t go anywhere.
I mean, the celebrity of today is so documented, that I think it`s a lot harder now. I think we had it`s easier. I mean, we thought it was hard, but compared to today, we had nothing.
(SINGING)
WYNTER: Can you finally put the rumors to rest? Are you - will there be a Beatles reunion for the 2012 Olympics in London?
STARR: How can there be? Oh, no. I`ll be here. I`m already booked here in America.
WYNTER: Paul said he may want to do it.
STARR: Well, Paul can do it.
WYNTER: But it`s not the same without you.
STARR: Well, he`s doing quite well without me. He`s doing OK. Well, the door is open that Paul and I may play together, but it`s not like a reunion. It`s not going to be the Beatles, you know.
They have those crazy ideas that, oh, maybe we could use their children. It`s never going to happen.
WYNTER: What`s your relationship like with Paul? I know you`ve had your ups and downs.
STARR: It`s good. Well, yes. You know, after all this time, everybody has ups and downs. So we have ups and downs, but it`s very up right now.
WYNTER: Great.
STARR: We`re so pleased for him and Nancy. We love Nancy.
WYNTER: The wedding was beautiful. What was that like seeing them walk through those chapel doors?
STARR: Great. It was great, you know. He seemed really happy and that`s good. And as I said, we love Nancy, so I think it`s a great moment for him.
(SINGING)
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TURNER: That`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter. Lucky, lucky girl. All that amazing new footage of Ringo on stage comes from his live performance for Sirius XM Radio. And you can pick up Ringo`s brand-new album, "Ringo 2012," today.
And that`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Nischelle Turner. Thanks for watching.
END
