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Showbiz Tonight
Revelations from Don Cornelius` Son; Russell Brand Walks Away from $20 Million; Jennifer Aniston Sets the Record Straight About Angelina Jolie; Matthew McConaughey Engaged; Snooki`s Sexual Revelation
Aired February 08, 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 headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker exclusive. Chilling revelations from the son of "Soul Train" legend, Don Cornelius, about finding his father`s body after he committed suicide and his remarkable never told secret story about his father`s regrets about Madonna.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TONY CORNELIUS, SON OF DON CORNELIUS: He said, "You know, Tony, there`s one mistake I made that I kind of regret."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the exclusive secrets of the son.
Divorce madness. Shocking reports tonight that Russell Brand doesn`t want any of Katy Perry`s money. SHOWBIZ dares to ask, is Russell really walking away from $20 million?
Jennifer Aniston`s startling new confession today about her reported feud with Angelina Jolie. Tonight, the stars of the "Real Housewives of Orange County" are right here to take on the divorce madness.
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 -- a SHOWBIZ newsmaker about exclusive about the life and the tragic death of "Soul Train" legend, Don Cornelius.
Tonight, you will hear the son of Don Cornelius reveal for the very first time, his own painful words, the unimaginable horror when he found his father`s body last week after Don committed suicide.
And he also shares with us a never-before-told secret about his father and Madonna. Now, for 36 years, Don Cornelius used "Soul Train" to help the world learn of such mega talents such as Aretha Franklin.
But his son revealed that his father once confessed something about Madonna that is almost hard to believe, something he has never publicly revealed.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter spoke with Don`s son just hours after the coroner ruled Cornelius did die from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. It`s a SHOWBIZ newsmaker exclusive.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KAREEN WYNTER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: Thank you so much for taking the time to be here with us today. This was a special father-son relationship. You not only spoke to your dad every day. You saw your dad every day.
Did you ever think he was that depressed to a point that he would take his own life?
T. CORNELIUS: Not at all. I mean, we all have disappointments in our life, you know. We all go through things. I mean, when the lights go down, you know, all we have is family.
And you know, there was no indication of it. And you know, his health was failing a bit. Nothing that would make me say that he would want to end his life this way. I mean, it`s hard to believe.
WYNTER: You got a phone call from your dad the day you died. What was that phone call like?
T. CORNELIUS: That phone call was more that "I don`t think I`m going to be here."
WYNTER: You said there was a sense of urgency.
T. CORNELIUS: There was a sense of urgency and my feeling was to go to his home immediately. And that`s what I did. The call was a cry, but it was something in me that said I have to leave right now.
WYNTER: And your dad was home alone at the time.
T. CORNELIUS: Exactly.
WYNTER: And the autopsy report just became official that the official cause of death was suicide.
T. CORNELIUS: It`s true. It`s almost hard for me to say sometimes, you know, because I was not in his shoes. It`s just to realize, to believe.
WYNTER: So in your eyes, Tony, your dad had a lot to live for.
T. CORNELIUS: Oh, for sure. For sure. For sure. Sometimes I wonder if he could come back here, and he were to know how people felt about him, would he make that move? But again, when you`re in that kind of darkness, it`s really hard to tell, you know, but people really loved him.
WYNTER: That was so profound what you just said. You think he didn`t realize the effect that he had on so many people?
T. CORNELIUS: I`m pretty sure he didn`t realize it. I mean, I think he spent his entire life trying to be someone, trying to be the best. And when you`re trying to be the best, you know, it`s hard to know if that`s true, if you have succeeded.
I think he was driven by trying to be the best. And in doing so, it`s really hard to know how people really feel about you.
WYNTER: Sunday is a big night in the music business, the Grammys. You said they`re doing something a little special for your dad. Tell me what you do know about that.
T. CORNELIUS: Rumor has it that they may be doing something. And I do appreciate the Grammys, if, in fact, they do that. The outreach has been tremendous whether it be on the Internet, TV, radio. I`ve seen it all and heard it all. And I`m really, really proud to have been a part of his legacy.
WYNTER: There`s a story that you want to share with me, something that not a lot of people would know about, one of the big mistakes that you think your dad would probably admit to making it his career. What is that about, Tony?
T. CORNELIUS: Well, you know, this is the first time I`ve ever said anything like this, and I`m going to give it to you.
WYNTER: All right. We`re ready. We`re ready for it.
T. CORNELIUS: In secret, you know, one day, we were having dinner or something of that nature, and he said, "You know, Tony, there`s one mistake that I kind of regret because I never knew that she would be as big as she is."
And I said, "Who would that be? Who would that be?" And he said, "Madonna." And it was shocking because, you know, Madonna, at her height and based on who she is at this point, you wouldn`t believe that anybody could miss that. But he missed that one.
WYNTER: What was it about Madonna in the early years that he thought, "You know, she`s not quite ready"?
T. CORNELIUS: It`s hard to say what it was he didn`t see. But Madonna, being the pro that she is, she did it regardless of what anybody thought, and I think she still does it.
WYNTER: So what do you think your dad`s legacy will be?
T. CORNELIUS: His motto was to find a need and serve it. And that need was to create black-oriented programming that would perpetuate exactly what he wanted to see, which was dance, which was style, which was music. And I thought he did a very, very good job at it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: That is a legacy that cannot be denied. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter joining me from Hollywood. That was amazing, Kareen.
Tony Cornelius didn`t seem too certain, however, that we`re actually going to be seeing a tribute to his dad on Sunday night at the Grammy awards.
I understand you have been doing some digging around and investigating into that today. What have you learned about it?
WYNTER: You know, A.J., we`ve been in touch with the Recording Academy all day. And while they wouldn`t go into specifics, they say, right now, it`s a safe bet to say that Don Cornelius will be recognized in some way during the telecast. And when that happens on Sunday, you can bet it will be an emotional moment, A.J., for so many people.
HAMMER: Certainly deserves more than a mere passing mention.
WYNTER: Exactly.
HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter, thanks so much. Great job, Kareen. So while it looks like we`ll be hearing Don Cornelius` name on Grammy night this Sunday, someone we will definitely be hearing from, and I can`t wait -- it`s Adele.
It`s going to be her first public performance since her vocal cord surgery. Today, the story behind Adele`s crisis was finally revealed. The story is in the new issue of "People" magazine. This will be hitting newsstands on Friday.
And today, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT got a first look. It`s "Adele`s Triumph" -- there you see it, "Inside Her Private World."
"People" magazine`s Joey Bartolomeo wrote that cover story. She`s with me in New York tonight. Appreciate you being here, Joey.
So Adele, heavily favored at the Grammy awards, as we know, on Sunday, up for six awards. She also had a big night back in 2009. We can`t forget that`s when she won best new artist.
And we learn in the new issue of "People" magazine that early success drove her to what she calls an early life crisis. What does she mean by that?
JOEY BARTOLOMEO, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: You know, Adele is a very private person. And with all of the attention that came after she won the Grammys and her first album was such a success, she really had a hard time dealing with it.
There were, you know, photographers who were following her around. She started canceling appointments and really not leaving the house. And she just, you know, kept to herself. And it was a very hard time for her. She was afraid that she would lose her fans.
HAMMER: And we do see that from music stars far from than we see it from actors and actresses. Music stars -- they are in it for their craft above anything. And then, all of a sudden comes all this fame that can be paralyzing. So how did she bounce back from this early life crisis?
BARTOLOMEO: So she really just went back to her normal life. She`s someone loves to play Twister with her friends. She loves to cook, watch the "X Factor."
So she really got back in touch with who she was, realized that she needed to be doing these things for herself and not for other people and then kind of reset everything. And now, she`s obviously doing well.
HAMMER: And I almost hate to say it, but crises seem to serve her well. Her very first album, "19" -- that was a huge album about a nasty breakup. "Twenty-One," her album that is still going so strongly -- also about a nasty breakup.
And you would think after all the heartbreak that maybe she would give it a rest for a while. But "People" has learned she`s ready to love again?
BARTOLOMEO: Exactly. She`s been dating this guy, Simon Konecki, who has a charity that gives water to developing countries and, you know, it`s great. They`ve been seen out a little bit.
And this is something, you know, that she, of course, wants to keep to herself. But she has even come to his defense when there were tabloid reports out in the British papers about him still being married.
HAMMER: Right.
BARTOLOMEO: You know, and she said that everyone around them wishes them the best.
HAMMER: Good for her. And of course, we`re all excited to see her sing. It`s her first performance, as I mentioned, since her vocal cord surgery after her vocal cord hemorrhage. And everybody is worried about her. Is she ready?
BARTOLOMEO: She should be ready. She had the surgery in early November, so she`s taken all of this time to heal. And she should be ready to go. This is going to be the biggest part of Grammy night.
HAMMER: It`s going to be huge. Everybody is pulling for her. And I`m sure she will do everything she needs to make sure her voice is in tip-top shape and that she doesn`t damage it at all. Joey Bartolomeo from "People," thank you so much.
BARTOLOMEO: Thank you.
HAMMER: And again, read all about Adele`s triumph in this, the new issue of "People" magazine when it hits newsstands nationwide on Friday.
We move on now to marriage madness. I want you to wrap your head around this. Brand-new reports say Russell Brand may be walking away from a $20 million divorce cash-out. Why Russell doesn`t want Katy Perry`s money.
Plus, is it the end of Hollywood`s most famous battle of the exes? Jennifer Aniston`s surprising revelation about her reported feud with Angelina Jolie. You`ve got to see that. And stars of the "Real Housewives of Orange County" are right here to take on the divorce madness.
And is Simon Cowell losing his mojo? Was he forced to fire Paula Abdul from the "X Factor"? Well, former "American Idol" contestant, James Durbin, is right here taking on Simon`s mojo meltdown. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- here come more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Beach Boys reunite for Grammy performance. Betty White tells SHOWBIZ her show, "Hot in Cleveland," was picked up for another season.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BETTY WHITE, COMEDIAN: Oh, we`re having the best time. They just picked us up for 24 more, and we are just -- well, we`re silly about each other. We all love each other so much that you look forward -- you miss each other on weekends.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SIMON COWELL, PRODUCER, "X FACTOR": It was fairly, you know, straight what they wanted, and we were told it had to happen straight away.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Simon Cowell opening up to "Extra" about he was forced by Fox to fire his old "American Idol" pal, Paula Abdul, from his new show, the "X Factor."
But Simon reveals Paula took the news like a champ and realized, hey, it wasn`t personal.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
Tonight, Simon`s fight for Paula. For the very first time, Simon Cowell is revealing that last week`s "X Factor" blood bath, you know, where his friend, Paula Abdul, and Nicole Scherzinger were dropped from the show, didn`t come without a fight.
It`s a fight that the powerful Simon obviously lost. One thing is for sure, it`s a tough time to be a singing competition show with the "X Factor" losing judges. And Simon`s old show, "American Idol," losing viewers, lots of them.
With me right now from Hollywood, a veteran of the singing shows, former "American Idol" contestant, James Durbin. You remember him, of course, from the top four on last season of the show.
His new album is fantastic. It`s called "Memories of a Beautiful Disaster. It`s out right now. James joining me for SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. Nice to see you, James. Thanks for being here.
JAMES DURBIN, FORMER "AMERICAN IDOL" CONTESTANT: Thanks for having me.
HAMMER: Our pleasure. And obviously you know what it`s like to be on the firing line of a huge singing competition show. You`re on the biggest one of them all. You`re watching people getting eliminated left and right.
And now, I`m looking around and it seems like the judges are the ones who have to worry about getting eliminated. Today, we`re learning Simon fought to keep Paula on the show. Does it surprise you at all to learn that`s how it went down?
DURBIN: I don`t keep up much with what`s going on "X Factor" too much. I did watch the season and I thought Paula was a big part of the season, much more than Nicole.
But at this point I don`t think anything surprises me as far as singing shows are concerned.
HAMMER: Yes, and that`s the thing. You did get to see the inner workings of it all and have certainly a unique perspective on it. And look, there`s no question, and maybe it`s because you`re not on the show anymore, James, but there`s no question "American Idol`s" ratings are way down this season.
In fact, recently, if you look at what`s been going on, it`s been tied with or even beaten by the "Big Bang Theory" on CBS. "Idol`s" executive producers just gave a new interview out today.
He blamed viewer fatigue. He said people are getting sick of all of the singing competition shows that are out there on the air. You know, "X Factor", "The Voice", "Idol." Here`s our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, James. I`m curious to get your take on this. Do you think TV viewers are getting sick of all the singing talent shows? Just too many of them?
DURBIN: Yes. I think, at this point, there definitely are too many. I mean, you have "America`s Got Talent", which is coming back, "Idol," "X Factor," "The Voice, "the sing-off," if that`s still even on. I mean, it`s just -- "Idol" has been the original. I think, at this point, to me, it kind of feels somewhat like a novelty.
HAMMER: Are you still watching the show now that you`re not a part of it?
DURBIN: I`m definitely tuning in when I can. I`ve been pretty busy. I`ve been on the road and I just got married New Year`s Eve to my beautiful wife, Heidi. I`ve really got a lot going on so it is hard to find the time to tune in, but I definitely am. I`m mostly looking forward to upcoming rounds.
HAMMER: Yes, it was obviously a great launching pad for you. You certainly moved on in a big way. Your single, "Love Me Bad" debuting in the Top 40. The CD, "Memories of a Beautiful Disaster" doing well.
As you mentioned, you got married on New Year`s Eve. Hardly a disastrous life. So what`s up with the title of the CD, "Memories of a Beautiful Disaster"?
DURBIN: "Memories of a Beautiful Disaster" means, for me, looking back on moments of my life that at the time, I thought those moments were disasters. But now, I can look at those moments and see the beauty in what was once pain because it makes me who I am today.
And why would I ever want to change that? You know, we learn from our mistakes and it makes us who we are.
HAMMER: I`ve always said, James, it`s all about perspective in life. And it sounds like you nailed it with the title of that album and the thinking behind it. Great to see you, James Durbin. Thanks so much.
DURBIN: Thank you.
HAMMER: Make sure to pick up James` new album, "Memories of a Beautiful Disaster." Now you know what it means. It`s on sale right now.
And now, we move on to Russell Brand`s divorce shocker -- startling new reports tonight, Russell walking away from a massive payout from his ex, Katy Perry. SHOWBIZ dares to ask, should he just take the cash?
Plus, secrets from the fiancee, a former sexiest man alive. I`ve got Matthew McConaughey`s soon-to-be wife, Camila Alves, right here for a must- see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. Wait until you hear what she`s revealing about life with Matthew. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
It is time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Rapper MIA splits with longtime billionaire boyfriend, Benjamin Bronfman. Ricky Martin makes his "Glee" debut as a Spanish teacher.
(MUSIC)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, the great Glen Campbell`s final farewell. Last year, the country superstar was tragically diagnosed with Alzheimer`s disease.
And this weekend at the Grammys, he will be giving what could be his last performance ever. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner went one on one with the legendary Glen Campbell. Here`s that very special SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(MUSIC)
NISCHELLE TURNER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Last summer, Glen Campbell made a stunning announcement.
GLEN CAMPBELL, COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERSTAR: What did they diagnose me as?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Alzheimer`s.
CAMPBELL: Alzheimer`s. What`s Alzheimer`s?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You start losing your memory and your ability to reason.
(MUSIC)
TURNER: This isn`t Campbell`s first bump in the road. He`s weathered career ups and downs and successfully battled drug and alcohol addiction.
CAMPBELL: I was forgiven for being a dummy, literally.
TURNER: But now, after five decades as a music icon, the 75-year-old entertainer says he`s calling it a day.
(MUSIC)
In August, Campbell released his final album, "Ghost on the Canvas." Now, he`s in the midst of his farewell tour with backend band that features three of his kids, including daughter, Ashley.
ASHLEY CAMPBELL, DAUGHTER OF GLEN CAMPBELL: He looks at me sometimes as if he`s confused and I just smile at him. I just try and make him feel like he`s surrounded by people that love him on stage.
(MUSIC)
TURNER: The Recording Academy is honoring Campbell with a lifetime achievement award, and he`ll be performing at the 54th annual Grammy telecast.
CAMPBELL: I`m flattered. I really am. All I wanted to do ever since I can remember was play my guitar and sing.
(MUSIC)
Yes, don`t cry over spilled milk, you know. Get up and be a man and do what you`ve got to do.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: wow, it`s going to be such a touching moment on Sunday night. That`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner. Don`t forget SHOWBIZ at the Grammys. We`re one on one with music`s biggest stars starting this Friday at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific. That`s here on HLN.
And you can catch SHOWBIZ at the Grammys again Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on CNN and Sunday, 2:30 p.m. here on HLN.
Now, the SHOWBIZ lineup -- here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour.
Russell`s $20 million refusal. Why did Russell Brand just tell his ex, Katy Perry, to keep her cash? The bizarre divorce battle that`s all about being nice.
Another battle of the exes. Jennifer Aniston spilling secrets big secrets tonight about her famous break up with Brad Pitt. Marriage madness on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
The stars of the "Real Housewives of Orange County," there they are right here with their surprising take. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: ABC picks up comedy pilot starring Mandy Moore. Lady Gaga tweets upcoming tour poster for "Born This Way Ball."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT -- Katy Perry`s divorce madness. Jaw-dropping reports that Russell Brand doesn`t want Katy Perry`s money in their divorce. SHOWBIZ dares to ask, why would Russell walk away from a reported $20 million?
Jennifer Aniston versus Angelina Jolie. Is there really a feud? Well, tonight, Jennifer Aniston sets the record straight once and for all.
The stars of the "Real Housewives of Orange County" are right here to take on all of the divorce madness.
Tonight, inside life with one time sexiest man alive, Matthew McConaughey, and his brand-new fiancee. The engagement, the upcoming wedding and her new career as a designer. Matthew McConaughey`s fiancee, Camila Alves, right here for headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
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 -- Russell`s $21 million refusal.
There are shocking in reports in the Russell Brand-Katy Perry divorce. Russell Brand filed the final papers today to end this 14-month marriage. At the very same time, we`re hearing Russell could walk away with a $20 million settlement if he wanted to.
That is 50 percent of Katy`s massive earnings during their pretty brief union. But in a stunning gesture, Russell is reportedly leaving it all behind. And SHOWBIZ dares to ask, is Russell making the right move?
With me in New York, Gretchen Rossi and Alexis Bellino We have two of reality TV`s big stars from the hit Bravo show, "Real Housewives of Orange County." It just kicked off its new season. It`s great to have you ladies here.
We`ve got a lot of ground to cover here. I actually think it`s been very refreshing to see both Russell and Katy seemingly taking the high road with this divorce. They`ve been keeping pretty quiet about things.
But with those final divorce papers filed today and Russell apparently leaving the cash behind, you know, you`ve got a lot of people asking why, Russell? Why would you do that?
Here`s the SHOWBIZ Flashpoint -- Katy Perry divorces Russell Brand, reportedly won`t take any of her money. What do you think, Gretchen? Let me start with you. Is it the right move? Does Russell deserve the money? Should he have taken it?
GRETCHEN DE ROSSI, REALITY TV STAR, "THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY": I think it is the right move. I think it`s the appropriate thing to do. It shows he was a good man. He really wasn`t part of her music career. He didn`t help build that. He`s not a manager of her. I really think that it`s the right thing to do.
HAMMER: Yes, he`s an earner as well.
DE ROSSI: Yes, exactly.
HAMMER: It`s not like he`s sitting at home with no money to count. What do you think?
ALEXIS BELLINO, REALITY TV STAR, "THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY": I`m kind wondering like why does he have a guilty conscience? What`s he doing here? Because you don`t know many people that walk away from $20 million.
HAMMER: That`s part of the thinking.
BELLINO: That`s a good guy. He`s definitely a mensch. Isn`t that what they say, a mensch?
HAMMER: OK. Let me play devil`s advocate. Let`s flip the tables here. Let us say it was Russell who was the big breadwinner here. Would you tell Katy, "Don`t take half of what he earned because you had nothing to do with his career"?
DE ROSSI: Again, I would say the exact same thing. I think that it kind of goes both ways. I don`t think it was just women or just men.
BELLINO: I think if she has a career and she was on her own two feet, then yes, she should walk away from money just like Russell did.
But if she`s a wife that stayed home and has been unemployed for so long, I mean, she needs to have some compensation just because she can`t go just dive back into the workplace again.
HAMMER: Well, I`d like to point out this is refreshing for me to hear, because very often, you know, I will have people on who`ll say, "Take him for all he`s worth!" Even if there wasn`t any reported, you know, misdoings involved here.
DE ROSSI: Right. Right.
HAMMER: So it`s nice to see. And you know, obviously, we`ve seen it before with other celebrity couples. Big money involved. And somehow they have managed to avoid nasty public divorce meltdowns.
Let me run down a couple of those couples for you now. Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe -- a lot of money there. They kept it nice and really stable through the whole thing.
You had Ashley Simpson and Pete Wentz, Kate Hudson and Chris Robinson -- all very civil. And now J. Lo and Marc Anthony.
I was just speaking with J. Lo last week and talking to her about, wow, how great that you were able to do this. Is it too much to hope that maybe this is a new trend in Hollywood?
(CROSS TALK)
DE ROSSI: You wish.
BELLINO: A new fashion trend.
DE ROSSI: You wish. That would be nice.
BELLINO: That`s what I`m going to say. I did not sign a pre-nup, but I`m saying, if you`re making that kind of money, sign a pre-nup.
HAMMER: Well, there`s a big celebrity divorce right now that is not taking a backseat to the headlines even though it`s been years this has been going on and everybody has been talking about it for years now.
In the new March issue of "In Style" magazine which is hitting stands on Friday, Jennifer Aniston trying to set the record straight once and for all.
And she`s saying, "No, there is no feud between me and Angelina Jolie." She`s declaring she`s madly in love with her boyfriend, Justin Theroux, and she confesses that she still feels young every day. Listen, you`ve each been through divorces. You know what it is like to have, you know, your history sort of hanging over your head.
But why do you think it is that people have found it so difficult to just let Jen live her life and not have to insist there must be some massive rift between her and Angelina Jolie?
DE ROSSI: I think it`s because America is -- I mean, Brad and Jennifer were the American couple.
BELLINO: They loved it.
DE ROSSI: They were like the dream couple. And I think that America needs to get over it. I think they`re disappointed in that.
They probably feel that Angelina doesn`t really make sense with Brad. She kind of was the blood-wearing woman on the carpet making out with all the women in the movies. So I think that they`re not -- they just don`t want to let that go. They want to believe there`s still this hope for a fabulous, you know, marriage.
BELLINO: Well, I think they`re trying -- who doesn`t want to stop looking at Brad? I mean, who doesn`t want to be thrown on the cover of magazines with Brad Pitt every day? So I think, I mean, Jennifer probably does still have feelings for him. I love her to death, but I mean, it`s Brad.
HAMMER: Just because she has feelings doesn`t mean that she`s angry with Angelina. And of course, you know, the legend is now that on the set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith that is when they hooked up.
They actually never confirmed that, yes, that`s when we, you know, got together and things went south for the marriage. So here is my question. People have always been obsessed with this. They love it. It`s great fodder. It`s on tabloids all the time.
But do you think now that Jennifer has come out with this rather definitive statement saying once and for all, "Look, there is no rift. I don`t hate this woman. There`s no problem." Do you think it will even make a difference to people? Or do they need for there to be this thing between Angelina and Jennifer?
BELLINO: Good for her on doing the article, first of all, because it`s like she`s now spoken. And we have to stop buying the magazines. Obviously, we buy a lot of magazine or they wouldn`t be on the cover every week. So we have to stop buying them, but man it`s juicy information.
HAMMER: Do you think people will leave it alone?
DE ROSSI: You know what? I don`t think people will leave it alone. Again, I think it comes down to they really want Brad and Jen to get back together.
I think that`s the bottom line. I think that`s what they`re proving by keep talking about it.
HAMMER: And let me get your take on another big story that is breaking. Fashion guru, Karl Lagerfeld, did something that I thought was actually pretty atrocious. He slammed Adele who I absolutely love.
He gave a new interview in "Metro Paris" magazine. And here`s what he said, "The thing at the moment is Adele. She`s a little too fat, but she has a beautiful face and a divine voice."
Now, Alexis, you`ve been very open about your own struggle with an eating disorder. How troubling is that?
BELLINO: I mean, I don`t think he understands the impact that that has on a woman. And I mean, I`m sure Adele is confident and it doesn`t affect her. But other readers and other viewers that see that -- first of all, it`s calling the kettle black. I mean, he was not always the thin man he is today.
HAMMER: Right. He did lose a fair amount of weight and you would think he would know better.
BELLINO: That`s what -- exactly. And you know, take your ponytail off and step forward with fashion as well and, you know, don`t comment on people`s weight.
HAMMER: Yes. Women have enough pressure. Men have enough pressure. You guys know the added pressure when you`re on television. I`m sure you feel it.
BELLINO: It adds 10 pounds.
HAMMER: And here we are now, getting to see you in the new season of the "Real Housewives of Orange County," which just kicked off. And might I say it`s the calmer of the shows in the entire franchise.
DE ROSSI: We don`t feel that way.
BELLINO: We don`t feel that way.
HAMMER: Really, if you look at it objectively, you know, you`re not seeing things flying around the room quite as often.
BELLINO: Mine last year -- mine doesn`t count? Mine last year?
HAMMER: I guess so. But knowing that, I mean, it is a reality. Do you guys ever feel the pressure, like we better step up the drama? Look at the other shows -- and your show does well also. But look at the other shows and they`re all going at each other.
DE ROSSI: With our cast members, no. We don`t ever feel that because it`s going to happen naturally.
(CROSS TALK)
BELLINO: We have hot heads. We`re all hot heads.
DE ROSSI: We`re very flamboyant and very opinionated women, that`s for sure. I don`t ever want to resort to flipping a table or throwing wine on someone because that`s not really how I would behave on public if we weren`t on a show. But it makes good TV.
HAMMER: OK. Well, I`m going to leave this table, pull that a little closer to me. Gretchen, Alexis, thank you both for being here.
BELLINO: Thank you.
DE ROSSI: Thank you for having us.
HAMMER: I appreciate it. And you can check out the all new season of the "Real Housewives of Orange County" Tuesday nights on Bravo. A little less drama. I like it.
Tonight, inside life with Matthew McConaughey and his fiancee, Camila Alves. Is there drama there? They`ve got two kids together and they`re engaged now.
When is the big wedding? And what`s Camila got planned for the future? Camila Alves joins me next for a must-see headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
And wait until you hear this -- a "Jersey Shore" sexual shocker. Is Snooki bisexual? You know, she and her buddy Deena did heat things up last season. So could it be true? Well, tonight, you just might be surprised by Snooki`s answer. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: "Jersey Shore" star`s spin-off show, "The Pauly D Project" to premiere March 29th after "Punk`d." Zac Efron takes us inside filming Dr. Seuss` "The Lorax."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ZAC EFRON, ACTOR: It`s different. It`s not really as interactive, you know. If you`re used to scenes, you have so (UNINTELLIGIBLE). You know, this -- you kind of got to just go wild and let your imagination run wild.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
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HAMMER: So what exactly is it like to be getting married to Matthew McConaughey, the former sexiest man alive? Well, tonight, Matt`s fiancee, Camila Alves, is right here to tell us. It is another headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer. And marrying Matthew McConaughey. Yes, that`s pretty big a deal. After some five years and two kids together, Camila Alves and Matt got engaged at the end of last year.
Camila is a model, a host and a handbag designer. And she`s going to be live on QVC this Saturday night. You will definitely want to see her unveiling her spring line of Muxo handbags. Camila, it`s great to have you here.
CAMILA ALVES, MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY`S FIANCEE: Hi. How are you?
HAMMER: Thank you so much and congratulations on your big end of the year engagement.
ALVES: Thank you. And what an introduction. You had to start like that, huh?
HAMMER: Yes. It`s very thrilling for all of us to see you here, all the women aflutter when they saw your handbags walking in.
ALVES: Thank you.
HAMMER: I`m sure a lot of people are very curious about, you know, being engaged to Matthew McConaughey and just being engaged in general. Do things feel differently for you guys? Because you`ve been together for about five years.
ALVES: More than that. More than that, but I don`t need to say how long it`s been. But it`s been more than that and we do have two beautiful kids together.
And we basically -- we were already living a married life, if you put it that way. I don`t think it changes a lot. It`s funny because I think it changes more on how other people look at you more than anything.
HAMMER: Well, sure. And obviously coming along with, you know, being in the public eye yourself and marrying somebody like Matt. There are a lot of people who have an image of what it must be like in this life you guys must lead.
ALVES: Yes.
HAMMER: And of course, everybody always brings up matt. He is known as the sexiest man alive. But tell us one thing about him and your life together that might just surprise us.
ALVES: Oh, now you put me on the spot here.
HAMMER: Are you homebodies? Do you like to sit on the couch with the kids on a Saturday night?
ALVES: No, we do -- you know, they always take pictures of us at the beach. And people always go, you know -- he`s a big surfer.
HAMMER: Right.
ALVES: And they always send me gifts for the kids just like, you know, surfboards and everything surfing-related. And we`re not really a big surfing family. And everybody thinks that we are, but we`re not really, you know.
And we don`t really go out a lot. Our favorite place, our favorite restaurant is our home. We cook every night. We cook every meal, actually, in the house. We probably go to restaurant, maybe once every two and a half months, three months or something like that.
HAMMER: So you`re homebodies?
ALVES: We really are.
HAMMER: I kind of like that.
ALVES: yes.
HAMMER: And have you guys set a date yet?
ALVES: No, no date yet.
HAMMER: OK.
ALVES: We just enjoy being engaged right now.
HAMMER: Are you afraid at all for the chaos that inevitably is going to surround a wedding like this?
ALVES: I`m not even thinking about it. I haven`t been thinking about it yet.
HAMMER: I don`t want to make you nervous or anything like that.
ALVES: No.
HAMMER: And you mentioned your two beautiful children who are now three and two. Levi is three. Vida is two. You guys did something that I was very impressed with and I love any celebrity couple does this when they have kids.
You took control over the photographs getting out there, I remember. First, when you had Levi, you and Matt showed him off to the world in "OK" magazine.
ALVES: Yes.
HAMMER: And then with Vida, Matt himself posted this stunning photo, if we can see it, on his Web site.
ALVES: Yes.
HAMMER: You know, Beyonce and Jay-Z just had their first kid, so obviously, the paparazzi are always clamoring for that first photo. What in your mind is the best way to go about that and to avoid the chaos?
ALVES: You know, the thing for us was, you know, somebody is going to get a picture of the baby because we`re not going to hide the baby forever, right? So we`re going to come on the street. Somebody is going to take a picture.
Whoever has that picture is going to make tons of money. So we`re like, well, do we want to give this stranger tons of money out of the picture of our baby?
Or do we actually want to make a deal with a magazine so that we can control what`s going to be out, you know, what we like, what we don`t, and have that money and put it to our foundation and help thousands of kids, you know?
So that was really the main thing in our decision. We`re going the start foundation. Let`s get that money and help other kids instead of giving to paparazzi.
HAMMER: Yes. Good for you.
ALVES: So that`s really where it came from.
HAMMER: It`s nice to see you do that. And I couldn`t help but notice when you walked in here, and I saw you backstage there, all the women are checking out the handbags. This is your Muxo line of handbags.
ALVES: Yes.
HAMMER: As I mentioned, you`re debuting the new line on QVC on Saturday night. And if I understand it correctly, you actually designed it with your mom?
ALVES: I do. We`ve actually been doing this for about seven and a half years now. And we have a couture line that`s more of a -- you know, it`s like one of a kind handmade handbags that we have online at "www.MyMuxo.com."
HAMMER: And Muxo, by the way, I should point out M-U-X-O.
ALVES: Yes. And we`re also at Nordstrom and some other stores. And then we got the opportunity to do something with QVC. And it`s been a year now that we`ve been on QVC. And it`s very exciting because I`m able to bring a lot of the details from the couture line to the QVC handbags.
HAMMER: It`s suitable for everybody.
ALVES: Exactly.
HAMMER: Does Matt get to have one? Does he carry one around?
ALVES: No. I`m seeing over there I`ve got a twist because it`s on the wrong side.
HAMMER: It`s nice to see though. It`s big enough for a small dog.
ALVES: Yes.
HAMMER: Camila, it`s so nice to see you and have you here.
ALVES: Thank you.
HAMMER: And congratulations again on your engagement.
ALVES: Thank you so much.
HAMMER: Please keep us informed as to what`s happening there.
ALVES: Yes, yes. Will do.
HAMMER: Make sure you catch Camila on QVC Saturday night with her new collection of Muxo handbags.
On now to Kim Kardashian`s crazed fan. I`m sure that Kim has had her share of scary run-ins with fans. But luckily, this one was on a sitcom. You`ve got to see this.
Kim made a guest appearance on the ABC sitcom, "Last Man Standing" as, who else but herself? And watch what happens?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hey.
KIM KARDASHIAN, REALITY TV STAR: What`s your name?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Tammy. I`m your biggest fan! Seriously! You look so beautiful!
KIM KARDASHIAN: Thanks, Bambi.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Can I give you a hug?
KIM KARDASHIAN: Sure, I can use one.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, my god. I`m going to give Kim Kardashian a hug. I rule! Oh, I`m sorry. We`re still doing a hug, right?
KIM KARDASHIAN: Now, I`m thinking no hugs.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Sir, sir, please take your hands off of me!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. I see that, and I`m thinking that, for Kim, that`s probably art imitating life. Wouldn`t you like to know for sure though?
It just so happens I will have Kardashian mom, Kris Jenner, right here in the studio. Thursday, I`ll be going one on one with Kim`s mom. She`s going to set the record straight on all things Kardashian. I cannot wait to be with Kris.
Moving now to a "Jersey Shore" sexual shocker. Is Snooki bisexual? Could it be? Well, Snooki and Deena really did heat things up last season.
Tonight, Snooki sets the record straight. And I`m here to tell you, you might be surprised about what she says. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And this is the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Gary Busey files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in California. Did you see this? Flash mob on "The Wendy Williams Show."
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This is the SHOWBIZ news ticker. More stories for the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight. Hn082350.txt channel: 4 date: 02/08/2012 time started: 23:50 time ended: 00:00 comments: lvideo6 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - set things off. You might be surprised by what she says. This is the SHOWBIZ news ticker. More stories for the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Say it like you mean it. Hit the track!
(MUSIC)
WENDY WILLIAMS, HOST, "THE WENDY WILLIAMS SHOW": I love it.
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(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OCTAVIA SPENCER, ACTRESS: All right. I`m going to do it. But I need to make sure she understand this ain`t no game we playing.
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HAMMER: One of the many brilliant scenes that made "The Help" an Oscar- worthy film, thanks to its Oscar-worthy stars. Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis both nominated.
And tonight, Octavia shares her admiration and friendship for Viola. Tonight, Octavia loves Viola. Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis are really having a fantastic year after their unbelievable work together in "The Help."
Such a good film. Octavia is up for best supporting actress and that`s for her role in the film, while Viola got herself a best actress nomination. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter was right there with Octavia at the Oscars luncheon. And Octavia was just glowing with praise for her costar.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WYNTER: Viola had nothing but great things to say about you, how proud she is of your accomplishments. What`s the biggest thing that you`ve learned from her, just working so closely with her?
SPENCER: There is no one more humble, more gracious and more eloquent than Viola Davis. And I`m thrilled to call her a friend.
WYNTER: You always get it right. You`re wearing black so well today. Tell me about what you`re wearing and those interesting shoes that you have.
SPENCER: Tulips. DSW. Hello. Go get them.
WYNTER: People are not going to believe DSW -- look at that. They`re going to be the most popular shoes now.
SPENCER: Let me tell you something. We are in a recession. We`re coming out of a recession. And it would be crazy to think that -- I`m not going to go buy shoes because it`s, you know, at a discount designer. You need to do what`s best for you.
This is the best for me because I can walk in these all day, girls. They`re fabulous -- David Meister. And this jewelry, I really wish I knew who the designer was, but I love them. I love them.
WYNTER: And we love you. Best of luck going into this.
SPENCER: Thank you.
WYNTER: And we can`t wait to see you on the big night.
SPENCER: Thank you so much.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I love it. Just because you`re an Oscar nominee doesn`t mean you shouldn`t be smart with your money. And I will be there with Octavia and all the other nominees on the red carpet at the Oscars in just a couple of weeks. Can`t wait for that.
All right. Tonight, onto something completely different. Is Snooki bisexual? I`m sure, like me, this question keeps you up at night. Well, Snooki just revealed why she got so hot and heavy with her buddy, Deena.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Tonight, Snooki, a bisexual? Well, yes, believe it. Anyone who watched "Jersey Shore" last season might have noticed that Snooki and Deena got a little closer than friends normally might, although we are talking about "Jersey Shore" where really anything goes.
But when "The Huffington Post" flat out asked Snooki if she was bisexual, here`s what she said, "I would consider myself bi. I`ve done stuff with girls before, but I would never be with a girl. But I`ve experimented."
Well, I`m so glad that we got that straight, so to speak. That`s it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. You can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusively weeknights. We are on at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific. That is of course right here on HLN.
And stay right here for "DR. DREW." "DR. DREW" is coming up next. And tonight, Drew goes inside the mind of child sex abusers. That`s starts right now right here on HLN.
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