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Showbiz Tonight
"American Idol" Fallout; Secrets from the "Shore"; Secrets from "The Voice"; "Hunger Games" Mania
Aired March 16, 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 - "American Idol" fallout. The brand-new outrage tonight over "Idol`s" Jermaine Jones` blindside. Producers booting the former contestant off the show on camera for allegedly hiding his criminal past.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JERMAINE JONES, FORMER "AMERICAN IDOL" CONTESTANT: You know because I trusted them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Jermaine spoke out for the very first time right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about the shocking end to his incredible "Idol" run. Tonight, SHOWBIZ dares to ask, did Jermaine get a raw deal?
Secrets from the "Shore." What did Snooki`s "Shore" buddies know about her bombshell baby revelation? Her co-stars Vinny and Deena are telling all in a headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
"Hunger Games" mania. We are one-on-one with Jennifer Lawrence, the star of the movie based on the blockbuster books.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JENNIFER LAWRENCE, ACTRESS: Because it`s kind of a disgusting, terrifying reflection of humanity.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Why is the star of the "Hunger Games" trashing reality TV? TV`s most provocative entertainment news show breaks news right now.
(MUSIC)
Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Thank you for watching. We have big news breaking tonight - "Idol`s" raw deal? There`s brand-new outrage today over the "American Idol" Jermaine Jones scandal.
Now, on one side, we`ve got the top dog of reality TV singing competitions. On the other, a young singer just searching for his big break.
Instead, what played out on TV was an episode of broken dreams. "Idol`s" producers had claimed Jermaine Jones hid some shady facts about his past.
But in my SHOWBIZ exclusive with Jermaine, he set the record straight telling me he noted on his application that he had been arrested in the past.
On top of that, Jermaine tells me he had no idea what he walked into the day "Idol" producers confronted him on camera and kicked him off the show.
And now, a lot of people are asking, did "Idol" fumble this one by overblowing Jermaine`s past and by airing the surprise confrontation? This is "American Idol" fallout.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
J. JONES: You know, you feel a great disappointment, you know, because I, you know, trusted them.
HAMMER (voice-over): SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s exclusive first interview with Jermaine Jones is making headlines everywhere today.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have to let you go, I`m afraid.
HAMMER: Jones revealed to me that "American Idol" blindsided him by booting him off the show without warning.
J. JONES: I didn`t know what was going on.
HAMMER: And wronged him by showing that confrontation to millions of viewers.
J. JONES: Who would like their business aired out to the whole world?
HAMMER: And about that secret arrest record, the one "Idol`s" producers said was their reason for kicking him off the show, Jones suggested to me that "Idol`s" producers knew more about his past than they may have let on.
J. JONES: On my application, I circled that I was arrested before.
HAMMER: And as reactions to our exclusive first interview spread, people everywhere are asking the question, did "Idol" give Jermaine Jones a raw deal?
KIM SERAFIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH": It was made to seem like he kept everything hidden. But now, we`re finding out that, according to him, there is a little bit more to this story.
HAMMER: When Jermaine sat down with me here at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT for his very first post-"Idol" interview, he was obviously still a little shaken from his abrupt exit.
But he answered all of my questions and he took the chance to set the record straight about his past, what he told "American Idol`s" producers and exactly how he feels about how he was treated.
Jones clarified to me what he told "Idol" about his arrests.
J. JONES: There were a few minor small infractions back when I was younger, to giving a false name. When I filled out my application, I circled, yes, that I was previously arrested before. And you know, they did a background check on me.
HAMMER: But in that confrontation that aired on "American Idol," the show`s producers saw things differently.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You didn`t disclose those charges to us.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There are four active warrants out for you actually.
HAMMER: I asked Jones to clear up the warrant question.
(on camera) Do you, in fact, have warrants currently out for your arrest?
J. JONES: Not to my knowledge, and everything that needs to be taken care of as far as that is concerned, my team is handling it very well.
HAMMER (voice-over): But Jones did acknowledge he wasn`t 100 percent forthcoming.
J. JONES: The reason why I didn`t tell them in the beginning specifically everything that happened in my past is because I didn`t want to get judged on that.
HAMMER: Yes, plenty of past "Idol" contestants have been booted off the show after questions about their pasts emerged. But "American Idol" fans noticed Jermaine`s the only one who was kicked off on camera.
SERAFIN: In a season where their ratings have not been so good, did they do this to get people to watch?
HAMMER: Well, if this was a ratings stunt for "American Idol," it didn`t work too well. Ratings for Jermaine Jones` dismissal show were down about five percent from the previous week. Plus, Jones seems hurt by the public way "Idol" handled his exist.
(on camera) Do you feel used by that?
J. JONES: By that, I was very disappointed. That`s what I can say. I was disappointed in that. I mean, that`s the most that I can really say about that. I was very, very disappointed.
HAMMER (voice-over): Last night, the latest singer eliminated from "American Idol," Shannon Magrane, told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, maybe it`s good America got to see how Jones left the show.
SHANNON MAGRANE, FMR. "AMERICAN IDOL" CONTESTANT: I think that it was best that it was there because lots of people see the truth and how well Jermaine took that and how accepting he was of the whole situation and how he took that in such a graceful way.
HAMMER: And Jermaine tells me he has no hard feelings about "Idol."
J. JONES: I really, really appreciate, you know, everything that "American Idol" did for me.
HAMMER: But for some, "American Idol" has hit a false note.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
And I do have to say I appreciate how humble Jermaine has been about all this.
But the stunning news of Jermaine`s departure has split "Idol" fans right down the middle, some saying they`re tuning the show out for good, others not missing a beat saying the show`s producers, hey, did exactly what they had to do.
Let me bring in Atty. Darren Kavinoky who is in Hollywood. Darren is the host of the new Investigation Discovery series, "Deadly Sins."
With me in New York, actress and activist, Sheryl Lee Ralph. She`s the author of the newly released book "Redefining Diva: Life Lessons from the Original Dream Girl."
So Jermaine looked me right on the eye right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. And said he had followed the rules as he understood them. Watch it with me again here.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
J. JONES: I know that when I filled out my application, I circled, yes, that I was previously arrested before. And you know, they did a background check on me and there was some information that I had to obtain a lawyer to take care of before I could even be on, you know, the show.
And I took care of that information and I thought that, you know, I had taken care of everything that I needed to take care of to, you know, be an active member of the show, and then obviously not.
HAMMER: I mean, Sheryl, do you think he, in any way, had a greater obligation to "American Idol" after he did circle yes about his previous arrests? Or did "Idol" give him a raw deal here?
SHERYL LEE RALPH, ACTRESS AND ACTIVIST: I think you know - here we are straddling the line. I think once he answered the question and he answered it correctly, it was up to them to know everything else that they knew before.
OK, we remember with Frenchie - she didn`t tell them anything. But they still went out and publicized her pictures. That was good for her because she became a bigger star.
For him, when we hear, oh my god, he had this and that - they`re minor infractions. They are actually this kind of infractions that a young person might have growing up.
HAMMER: Yes.
RALPH: So I mean, I get it, but I think - they actually put themselves on camera firing him?
HAMMER: They sure did and we`ll talk -
RALPH: That`s a whole other show. You`re fired.
HAMMER: We`ll talk about that in a second. They didn`t do that to Frenchie, I`ll tell you right now.
RALPH: Didn`t do that.
HAMMER: But Darren, let me get your take on that. I mean, obviously, the rules are the rules. The show has to abide by the rules. I get all of that. But what`s your take on this? Do you think he got a raw deal?
ATTY. DARREN KAVINOKY, HOST, "DEADLY SINS": Well, how many times have we seen it play out, A.J., that it`s more than the crime and not just the crime, it`s always the cover-up that gets folks.
And here, he`s admitted he wasn`t 100 percent honest with them. I think it`s incumbent on him to be transparent about it. And I agree, by the way, that these do seem to be minor transgressions, but it`s covering them up that makes them seem so much worse.
And by the way, as much as "American Idol" is getting press and people think, well, you know, all publicity is great publicity, I`m sure that it hurts "American Idol" deeply to go from 12 contestants to 11.
And to do it in this way, I doubt they`re loving the way that this played out.
HAMMER: Well, that`s another reason I`m so surprised they actually played it out on TV rather than just letting him go. But obviously, a lot of people have a lot to say about this.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers couldn`t wait to chime in on this one. We asked in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll, "Should Jermaine Jones have been booted for his alleged criminal past?"
And look at that. I was surprised by this. Seventy percent saying yes. A huge majority, Sheryl. Are you surprised that so many people think he should have been booted?
RALPH: I`m just a little bit surprised. But you know what? A lot of people who watch "American Idol" - they are true to "American Idol."
They are watching it with a vengeance and they say if he did one thing wrong, then listen, he should be booted off. I`m not so sure I feel that way.
I think he got a bit of a raw deal. And he got ridiculed and it`s for perpetuity.
HAMMER: Well, that`s the thing. For me it was almost cringe-worthy watching Jermaine`s dismissal play out on TV for the entire world to see.
RALPH: Yes.
HAMMER: You know, I think it looks bad for "Idol" the way they handled Jermaine`s departure. Darren, they certainly could have let him go off camera just as easily.
KAVINOKY: Could have done it as a private affair, no question about it. And to Jermaine`s credit, and I think what will ultimately work to his advantage, is he`s conducted himself with class and dignity in the wake of all this.
HAMMER: Yes.
KAVINOKY: Not the most reliable historian, and some of that, frankly, strains credibility. But he has comported himself elegantly and I think that will serve him in the long haul.
HAMMER: I couldn`t agree with you more. Sheryl Lee Ralph, Darren Kavinoky, thank you both. Make sure you check out Sheryl`s new book. Again, it`s called "Redefining Diva: Life Lessons from the Original Dream Girl," in bookstores now.
And Darren`s show is great, "Deadly Sins," can be seen Saturday nights on ID, the Investigation Discovery Channel.
HAMMER: I`m telling you, everybody is talking about Jermaine and "American Idol" including season two "Idol" winner, the great Ruben Studdard. Ruben giving me his insider take on this shocker in a must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
And then, coming up on a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT at the bottom of the hour, SHOWBIZ reality check. "Shore" secrets. How did Snooki go from party animal to mommy-to-be in the time it takes to just do a fist pump?
Her "Jersey Shore" co-stars Vinny and Deena are spilling what they know and when they knew it right here.
"Hunger Games" mania. We`re one-on-one with Jennifer Lawrence, the star of the movie based on the blockbuster books.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NISCHELLE TURNER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: What is it about these books that grip people so much?
LAWRENCE: Because it`s kind of a disgusting, terrifying, reflection of humanity. Our society is obsessed with reality television and uses up people`s tragedy for entertainment.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Is the star of "The Hunger Games" trashing reality TV? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
This is the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: Lady Gaga tells Oprah she won`t do anymore interviews for a very long time. George Clooney arrested at Sudan protest in Washington, D.C.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE CLOONEY, ACTOR: You never know if you`re accomplishing anything. All we`re trying to do is bring attention to a moment in time that is actually important. We hope that this brings attention to it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
GENE SIMMONS, BAND MEMBER, KISS: They were family friendly. It tends to be boring. We`re here to show you that family friendly can be exciting.
You can have the time of your life. It`s in the dark. It`s black. You can get married or pretend.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: yes. Rock `n` roll all night and mini golf every day. That, of course, is Gene Simmons and the rest of the legendary rock band, KISS, opening a huge new KISS Entertainment Complex in Las Vegas.
It includes a mini golf course, a wedding chapel and a whole lot of rock `n` roll attitude.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. And tonight a big KISS exclusive. The KISS mini golf entertainment complex just the latest venture for the band which really has been raking in a fortune over the years with brilliant brand marketing ideas.
CNN money reporter Poppy Harlow got an unprecedented look at the way KISS cashes in 39 years after they first took the stage with those painted faces.
And I`m telling you, this is going to blow you away. Here`s Poppy Harlow with a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT special report on the rock gods who built a business empire.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right, rock USA! You wanted the best! You got the best, the hottest band in the world!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And now the fun begins.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: KISS!
(MUSIC)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thirty-eight years ago we put together the band that we never saw on stage, but wanted to. And we did it by the seat of our pants. We were not marketing gurus. We didn`t know what a brand meant.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The fundamentals of how KISS is run are the fundamentals that make for a successful business.
POPPY HARLOW, CNNMONEY.COM (on camera): Look at these heels. Look at these heels.
What man gets to put red lipstick on nightly? How many people can say that they have done Gene Simmons makeup?
SIMMONS: I would say none.
HARLOW: Is this all your hair? Where did all that hair come from?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That`s a good question.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I carried my lunch in here.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Watch this.
HARLOW: Wow.
SIMMONS: I have no problem wearing a suit here and getting up on stage and looking like your mom`s worst nightmare. And I know your mom, so, cut it out.
We literally invented the idea of licensing and merchandising. Come on in, you`ll see what I mean.
HARLOW: This is what we heard about, the KISS shrine, right? Oh, my goodness.
SIMMONS: We have KISS lotteries, scratch but you don`t sniff. KISS Mr. Potato heads. The KISS boots - you know, you kind of go like that. One forward and then put all your weight forward.
HARLOW: Is that good?
SIMMONS: That`s really good.
HARLOW: Am I rocking.
SIMMONS: Not so much, but pretty good.
HARLOW: I heard there is a KISS coffin. Is that true?
SIMMONS: It is true. Would you like to crawl in it? Look at the quality. They also double as coolers. And of course, the KISS condoms, and it`s my fix.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have created four iconic images known around the world. Have we always been on top? No. But we`ve always stuck to what felt right.
SIMMONS: For 38 years we defied the odds, we buried all the critics in our backyard and we are mythic gods who actually do walk the face of the planet. We are rock gods.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: For a long time to come. Our thanks to CNN Money reporter, Poppy Harlow, for that terrific SHOWBIZ special report.
Coming up on a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT at the bottom of the hour, SHOWBIZ reality check, "Shore" secrets.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT reveals the secrets behind Snooki`s surprise pregnancy and engagement. Her "Jersey Shore" co-stars, Vinny and Deena - there they are. And they`re right here to reveal what they know about Snooki`s big baby shocker.
Also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Today`s winner of the battle is -
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That`s Jamie Lono and Jamar Rogers fighting it out on "The Voice." Jamie and Jamar are also right here to reveal the secrets behind the hottest new singing competition show on TV. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
It is time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
TEXT: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT first look: Johnny Depp in Tim Burton`s "Dark Shadows."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHELLE PFEIFFER, ACTRESS: Welcome, Barnaby Collins.
JOHNNY DEPP, ACTOR: How soon can the horses be ready?
PFEIFFER: We don`t have horses. We have a Chevy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: And now, a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive. We have got your first look at Reputation.com`s weekly scorecard of which celebrities are up, and which ones are down. This is all determined by online and social media buzz.
With us tonight for the reputation wrap, Reputation.com`s vice chairman, Howard Bragman. Great to see you, Howard. Let`s get right to it. Snooki up this week. Why is that?
HOWARD BRAGMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN, "REPUTATION.COM": You know, it`s interesting, A.J. when she first announced that she was with child, people were a little negative.
But as she`s gotten out there and she`s talked about wanting to be a mother, people are buying it. And they`re kind of liking Snooki as a mama so her scores are shooting up, A.J.
HAMMER: As long as she`s not shooting up the Jell-O shots while pregnant, I think maybe that trend will continue. On the other hand, not such good news for another reality star. Kim Kardashian is down this week. Why is that?
BRAGMAN: Well, we all remember what John Hamm said about Kim over the last couple weeks. Although he since apologized, there`s a lot of people in the acting community who don`t like reality stars taking their job.
And there`s a lot of people in society who say, wait, what skill do these people have that they`re making millions of dollars?
That buzz has continued, and she`s under 50 percent positive. People aren`t really loving her right now, but maybe she`s OK with it. She still has a good audience, still has lots of endorsements, just the buzz isn`t so good, A.J.
HAMMER: Yes. That can`t be good for her brand. All right. Let`s move on. Smooth sailing for Taylor Swift. Her reputation is up this week. Why?
BRAGMAN: Taylor Swift was just announced as Billboard`s number one earner. She`s got a big single coming out with a hot movie, "Hunger Games."
People love her. She doesn`t seem to make any missteps. She`s a beautiful girl, a great talent. And there`s nothing but blue skies for Taylor Swift.
HAMMER: Not the case, though, this week for Kirk Cameron. Why is his reputation down?
BRAGMAN: You know, Kirk Cameron continues to pay the price for his remarks that a lot of people perceived as homophobic.
As we saw even from the Tyler Clementi verdict today, people do not like homophobia. And hateful words can do damage, particularly to young people. So it`s not just working.
HAMMER: Great insight, Howard. Reputation.com`s, Howard Bragman, thank you so much.
Well, tonight, at the bottom of the hour, a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, SHOWBIZ reality check, secrets from the "Shore."
Snooki shocked the world when she announced she had a pint-sized Snookette on the way. But her "Jersey Shore" co-stars, Vinny and Deena, right here tonight revealing what they know about Snooki`s baby bombshell.
An "American Idol" fallout. Former "Idol" winner, Ruben Studdard weighing in on the "American Idol" castoff backlash. 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: Charlie Sheen`s ex, Brooke Mueller, gets no jail time for recent cocaine charge. Justin Bieber asks fans to help choose album artwork for new single, "Boyfriend."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Now, on a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "SHOWBIZ reality check," secrets from the "Shore." What did Snooki`s "Jersey Shore" buddies know about her pregnancy and when did they know it?
"Jersey Shore" co-stars Vinny and Deena reveal all in a new SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. Do they think the party is over at the "Shore" because of Snooki?
"Hunger Game" secrets. The movie`s star, Jennifer Lawrence, reveals her take on the frenzy surrounding her soon-to-be blockbuster film.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: What is it about these books you think that just grip people so much?
LAWRENCE: Because it`s kind of a disgusting, terrifying, reflection of humanity. Our society is obsessed with reality television and uses up people`s tragedy for entertainment.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Did she just trash reality TV? It`s an explosive SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with Jennifer Lawrence. A special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "SHOWBIZ reality check," starts right now.
(MUSIC)
Welcome to a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "SHOWBIZ reality check." I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
And tonight, Snooki`s pregnancy secrets revealed. Snooki shocked us all when she revealed that she is pregnant and engaged.
And can you believe some of her "Jersey Shore" cast mates actually didn`t even know? "Shore" co-stars, Vinny and Deena, just told me what they knew about Snooki`s surprise and when they knew it.
And I also asked them if they think "Jersey Shore" can survive with a little less Snooki?
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(on camera) So you know, obviously, we were all very pleased and quite frankly, a bit surprised to learn that she was pregnant.
And now we learn that she`s engaged because she denied, denied, denied for all the months the rumors were floating around.
Let`s take a look at exactly how she denied all of that on "Good Morning America".
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NICOLE "SNOOKI" POLIZZI, REALITY TV STAR, "JERSEY SHORE": Being pregnant should be like, you know, a real thing and a happy thing, and I`m not. And you know, I`ve been working on my fitness a lot. I`m pregnant. She`s engaged.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Let`s set the record straight, though, because you just said, "I`m pregnant" -
POLIZZI: No, no, no. I definitely do want kids, but I`m not pregnant.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Now, Vinny, you guys had a sort of special relationship, shall we say, on the show. And I think, quite frankly, that a lot of the fans and some thought that you would wind up as a couple.
So what was your reaction when you first heard the news that she was pregnant?
VINNY GUADAGNINO, REALITY TV STAR, "JERSEY SHORE": I was counting the months on my fingers, making sure I was safe.
HAMMER: Just checking out the old calendar there?
GUADAGNINO: Yes. No, me and Snooki had a little playful thing. It was never serious. But I wish her the best of luck, now that it is serious.
HAMMER: Yes. And quite understandably, she did wait, as is typical when you`re pregnant, for the first trimester to pass to make sure everything`s OK before you share the news with the world.
DEENA NICOLE CORTESE, REALITY TV STAR, "JERSEY SHORE": Yes.
HAMMER: I wasn`t surprised by that. But Deena, you know, you and Snooki would hang and you were pretty close, so what did you know? Did you know anything? Or was it a surprise to you as well?
CORTESE: You know, I think she waited with all of us, you know, for the good luck months, you know. So I found out a little bit before, like, you know, the world did. So -
HAMMER: So that was cool. She kind of tipped you guys off, so it wasn`t like a huge shock, tell your friends first.
GUADAGNINO: I found out with the world.
HAMMER: Did you really?
GUADAGNINO: Yes, I was in on it with you. You know, I had no idea.
HAMMER: So did your E-mail go crazy and kind of blew up?
GUADAGNINO: People kept asking me, like, "Vinny, what`s going to happen with the "Shore" now that she`s pregnant?" and this and that. And I was like - oh, my god. That`s a rumor. It`s not true.
I was still believing what she said. And then, the next day, I found out that it was, like, really happening. I was like, oh, my god.
HAMMER: And people are saying, Vinny, get with the program. Let`s talk about that for a moment, because I think people, naturally, fans are pretty concerned that either things could radically change on the show and maybe the show won`t come back at all.
Because really, some people are thinking, how can "Jersey Shore" continue without classic moments like this?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
POLIZZI: Parties here! I started the freaking pouf.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Right now, Snooki and Deena are whacked off their face. We`re thinking there`s no way they can make it to dinner or even out to a club to do this again tonight.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, my god!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, my god, Snooki just ran into a bush face first.
POLIZZI: I couldn`t stop! I couldn`t stop!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Vinny, not you, you (EXPLETIVE DELETED).
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is hell in this house.
POLIZZI: Where`s my boyfriend? Stop! Stop!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I would miss that. I think it would be a sadder world without all that.
GUADAGNINO: Snooki - I`m not going to the lie, she definitely is a huge element to what the "Jersey Shore" is about. You know, she drinks me and any man I`ve ever met under the table.
HAMMER: Hopefully not anymore.
GUADAGNINO: No, she`s definitely stopped drinking now. But, you know, you never know what it`s going to do to it. Is it going to add something new and interesting to the show? A new dynamic? We don`t really know.
HAMMER: But do you think the show will go on? Because Snooki has said herself that she won`t be in the house while she`s pregnant. You know, the season finale of this season is about to air. What do you think is going to happen, Deena?
CORTESE: I think the show could go on. I mean, it doesn`t make one person to make an entire show stop. The show does not only revolve around one person. It`s revolved around all eight of us.
HAMMER: Well, of course. It`s wildly successful because of that dynamic. So you just would see it changing in some way.
CORTESE: Exactly.
GUADAGNINO: I don`t know. I mean, I went home for a few days on the show. And when I went home, you know, everything kind of changed. You know, once you pull one of the pieces off, we all seem to collapse.
So we don`t know what`s going to happen. I don`t feel like it`s over, because usually we don`t know until it happens. You know, they call us up like a month or a couple weeks before.
I don`t feel like it`s over, but then again, I also don`t know what it`s going to be now.
HAMMER: So to be clear, they have not told you one way or the other that the show continues?
CORTESE: No, they haven`t.
GUADAGNINO: They haven`t since season one.
CORTESE: But we usually find out like last minute, kind of when everybody else finds out. But you know, I think the show could go on. You know, I think it`s fine.
HAMMER: I think there will be outrage if the show doesn`t go on, quite frankly, that nobody is going to want to deal with.
GUADAGNINO: Right. And everyone has spin-off shows and other projects. So I don`t think you`ve seen the last of us.
HAMMER: And Vinny, you mentioned how you went home at the beginning of the season. You were dealing with something that you`ve been very candid about, anxiety disorder, that you suffer from.
I actually want to take a look at how you talked about that on the show. Let`s roll that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GUADAGNINO: I have anxiety. I have like clinical anxiety.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Like you just got it?
GUADAGNINO: No, I`ve had it since I was like 16 years old. I just have little episodes, and like I just have to breathe in.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Like loss of breath and all that kind of stuff?
GUADAGNINO: Like a real attack. Just totally disconnected, you know what I mean, like - whatever. I`ve had them a million times in my life.
And those are easy. Those are like simple. But then what happens like, if like I become in different, stressful situation, I get so many that it kind of puts me in like a funk, you know what I mean? More of like a depressed state.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: So that`s pretty personal stuff there. And quite frankly, I think it goes to humanize you even more. I give you a lot of credit for being so candid about that.
GUADAGNINO: Thank you.
HAMMER: Has being on "Jersey Shore" made it even worse, this anxiety you suffer from? Has it in some way made it easier?
GUADAGNINO: I think that it can happen to anybody. It`s definitely not just - you know, I was just prone to it, the way I was brought up.
But now that I was going through it, as a celebrity, it was a little tougher. I had a lot riding on my shoulders.
You know, now, you`re walking away from money, walking away from a show, walking - you know, everyone knows you. Everything I do now is, you know, seen by the public.
HAMMER: Yes.
GUADAGNINO: And I had to open up, because keeping it inside while I was filming made it tough.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: It helped a lot of people, too. I give Vinny a lot of credit for talking about it. And we can all rejoice because it sure sounds like "Jersey Shore" isn`t going anywhere.
Well, "The Voice" has obviously become another one of the most addictive shows on reality television. Tonight, secrets from "The Voice."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Today`s winner of the battle - is -
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That`s Jamie Lono and Jamar Rogers. They`re facing off in one of the high-drama moments on "The Voice" that just suck you right in.
Tonight, the real story behind all of that drama next, from "The Voice." Jamie and Jamar right here in the hot seat.
And "Idol" secrets. Season two winner, Ruben Studdard is right here, pulling back the curtain on the hit show. Ruben gives us an insider view of this week`s "Idol" scandal with Jermaine Jones getting the boot for his alleged criminal past. This is a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "SHOWBIZ reality check."
Right now, "American Idol" alum Daughtry tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT if he would ever actually consider a gig as a judge on some kind of singing competition show.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHRIS DAUGHTRY, SINGER: I don`t know. Anything`s possible, but I would be slightly uncomfortable, actually, having to judge other people. I like doing it from home where nobody hears me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "SHOWBIZ reality check." I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
And we were all stunned this week by the big "American Idol" shakeup as producers booted contestant Jermaine Jones off the show for allegedly having a criminal past.
As we watch producers tell Jermaine that he had to leave the show, it certainly raised some serious questions about their screening process.
Well, season two "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard knows about the process from the very first audition to the moment the live competition begins.
Ruben just released this brand-new CD, "Letters From Birmingham." I spoke to Ruben all about his new CD, which is fantastic and also about what really happens behind the scenes of "American Idol."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(on camera) And congratulations, by the way, on "Letters From Birmingham."
RUBEN STUDDARD, "AMERICAN IDOL" SECOND SEASON WINNER: Thank you so much.
HAMMER: And I know it`s already getting great reviews. We`ll talk about that in a moment.
STUDDARD: OK.
HAMMER: But we all remember when you walked away from your season of "American idol" as the big winner.
STUDDARD: OK.
HAMMER: And I know that there is this serious vetting process that goes on. But can you give us some insight into exactly how it happens and what happens?
Do you have to fill out a series of questionnaires? Do they really look into your background?
STUDDARD: It`s most definitely, definitely intensive. But I mean, just like anything that humans do - I mean, there are human errors, you know what I mean? People make slip-ups.
HAMMER: You have to figure with the hundreds and hundreds of people they have to vet, something`s going to slip through.
But at the same time, you were sitting here rather shocked that it did. I noticed that you were really surprised by the fact -
STUDDARD: Not so much shocked that it did, but just shocked about who it was, you know what I mean? I guess, when you watch the show, you with buy into the person`s personality, so you don`t really get that from him. So I`m not really shocked about them -
HAMMER: It was more this guy.
STUDDARD: It`s more this - you know.
HAMMER: Because you`ve been watching this season, right?
STUDDARD: I watched a couple of episodes. He`s always seemed like a nice guy and he probably is. You know, he just made some bad choices.
HAMMER: Give me a little insight as to what happens once you`re chosen to be on the show. Is there a list of sort of do`s and don`ts that you`re given? Don`t fight with the producers. Wear exactly this. You know, don`t argue with anybody. Is there sort of a list of commandments?
STUDDARD: You know, it`s most definitely a - they most definitely have you in their machine, you know what I mean? So it`s not like "Don`t do this, don`t do that." You just know not to, you know, do anything crazy.
I mean, you`re on television every day, so you pretty much know not to do anything crazy. Now, he did this prior to him being a part of that process.
And a lot of times, you know, people come thinking that whatever they did previously won`t have any bearing on them participating in the show, which for Jermaine, unfortunately, is not the case, because obviously, you know, his prior criminal background.
HAMMER: And if there`s friction behind the scenes, it`s kind of common sense. You don`t want to mess with the people who are potentially making you a big star.
STUDDARD: Right. You know, I mean, and all the producers on the show are really nice. They`re very helpful. I mean, even I remember, with the Corey Clark situation, they were still very helpful with him, at the point of him being released from the show. So you know, I`m sure that they`re the same with Jermaine.
HAMMER: OK. So here it is. It`s getting great reviews already as I said, "Letters From Birmingham." It`s also been said, and I believe you`ve dubbed this your most personal album ever.
STUDDARD: Right.
HAMMER: What made you decide to really sort of lay it all out there this time?
STUDDARD: I mean, well, you know, I`ve never really been transparent with my fans before in my music. I`ve never really talked about any real personal experiences. I just, you know, heard a great song, liked it, and recorded it.
With this, you know, I recently went through a divorce. You know, I had the opportunity to express myself through my music.
HAMMER: And I bet it was actually pretty therapeutic to put it all together -
STUDDARD: It was, man.
HAMMER: And kind of get it off your chest.
STUDDARD: It was. It was fun. It was great. And you know, I think the fans are going to love it.
HAMMER: All right. Ruben, great to see you, man.
STUDDARD: Thank you for having me.
HAMMER: Come back any time. Make sure you check out Ruben Studdard`s new CD, "Letters From Birmingham." It`s available right now.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
What you see is what you get with that guy. Ruben Studdard, a good man.
We move on now to secrets from another singing reality show, secrets of "The Voice." And this is coming straight from two of the contestants.
It was really just an emotional battle between friends this week on "The Voice." Jamar Rogers and Jamie Lono had to take center stage.
Now, think about this. Both wanted so much to change their lives and obviously make their dreams of breaking into the music business a reality. Sadly, only one of them could walk away with the big win.
Well, Jamar and Jamie stopped by SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, fresh off of their unforgettable singing battle on "The Voice." And I had to find out, what is it like as friends to actually go head-to-head knowing that one of them was going to get tossed out?
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JAMAR ROGERS, CONTESTANT, "THE VOICE": Well, I don`t know about this guy, but I was just nervous. I was all over the place. We became friends before the blind auditions.
I used to call him my little brother, encourage him, get him ready. And when CeeLo called our names and said we`d be singing against each other, I know my heart dropped.
And we initially went into it just saying, "Let`s make it a duet. Let`s make it hard for them," right?
HAMMER: And sadly, obviously, somebody has to get tossed off. Jamie, sorry, man. I happened. Let`s watch how that played out on the show.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(MUSIC)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Today`s winner of the battle is Jamar.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Oh, wow. And Jamie, I`m watching you really maintaining your composure. I don`t know what was going on in your head. But give me the secret of what happens beforehand. Do they tell you - all right.
Now, keep in mind, one of you is getting tossed off. You really have to do your best to keep it together and be prepared that that may be either one of you.
JAMIE LONO, CONTESTANT, "THE VOICE": I mean, there`s a lot that goes into the whole process, you know? And you - in order to just be on the show, you have to kind of build yourself up mentally and really be ready for whatever is going to come.
And I mean, at that moment, if I could have lost to anybody, it would have been Jamar. And I mean, I just - it was right. And you know, it`s not to say that my life hasn`t changed for the better because it definitely has.
HAMMER: Sure, sure.
LONO: And I don`t feel like this is the end.
HAMMER: I don`t think so at all, and that`s the big deal about getting on one of these shows. Obviously, it was a big decision for both of you to say, "Hey, OK. I`m going to give this a try."
But Jamar, what for you made more sense to do "The Voice" rather than a show like, say, "American Idol"?
ROGERS: Well, CeeLo Green is the biggest difference, you know. I`m a huge CeeLo fan. And when I saw the first season, I saw he was coaching. I started thinking about - I just wanted to meet him.
I just wanted to shake his hand. But then, to take it a little bit further, I love something that CeeLo says. He says he`s the exception to the rule, you know. He doesn`t look like your typical pop star.
HAMMER: Oh, no.
ROGERS: And you know, with the story and the background that I come from, I shouldn`t be your typical pop star.
HAMMER: Right.
ROGERS: And so I thought like "The Voice" would allow me the exception to the rule.
HAMMER: So the shoe kind of fit. Was that sort of how you felt as well, Jamie?
LONO: Absolutely. I mean, I`ve definitely never been somebody you can fit into one little genre. And the main thing from the get-go with "The Voice" is that they encourage you to be yourself.
And the one thing I want my music to be about is believing in yourself and just being yourself and putting it all out there for everyone to see.
HAMMER: Not everybody can pull of those glasses, I would say. You did a good job of being yourself. It`s really great to meet you both. I know you`ll do well. Jamar, looking forward to seeing what you do next on the show.
ROGERS: Thank you so much, A.J.
HAMMER: Jamar and Jamie, thank you so much.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
Well, by this time next week, the most hungry "Hunger Game" fans will have gotten their fix with the movie`s worldwide premiere. It`s going to be huge.
But tonight, we`re feeding the frenzy with secrets from Jennifer Lawrence. We`re one-on-one with the star of the movies based on the blockbuster books.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: What is it about these books you think that just grip people so much?
LAWRENCE: Because it`s a kind of disgusting, terrifying reflection of humanity. Our society obsessed with reality television that uses up people`s tragedy for entertainment.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Did Jennifer Lawrence just trash reality TV? You do not want to miss this next. This is a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "SHOWBIZ Reality Check."
And right now, we have 16-year-old Shannon McGrane telling SHOWBIZ TONIGHT who she`s now rooting for on "American Idol" now that she`s off the show.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHANNON MCGRANE, FORMER "AMERICAN IDOL" CONTESTANT: This has been the biggest learning experience ever. Like, what 16-year-old girl can say that they were on "American idol"? Very few of them.
And I know Jessica`s going to knock it out of the park, because she`s 16 like me. We`re both 16-year-old girls.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: I can officially say that "Hunger Games" mania has now taken over the country. And the star of the movie, Jennifer Lawrence, might just well be the hottest celeb in Hollywood right now.
Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s going one-on-one with Jennifer for an inside look at the frenzy. So why does she think so many people are so obsessed with the "Hunger Games"?
And what is it like to be launched into global superstardom? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner has that and more in Jennifer`s candid SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LAWRENCE: I was one of obsessed fans of the book and then I got cast. It was kind of weird.
TURNER: What is it about these books do you think that just grip people so much?
LAWRENCE: Because it`s kind of a disgusting, terrifying reflection of humanity, and our society. With the success of reality television, it uses other people`s tragedy for entertainment.
TURNER: They were not sure if they could even find someone to be Katniss.
LAWRENCE: That`s probably not something you tell somebody who`s applying for a job. Like, I don`t know if I can actually fill this position. You`re like, cool, great.
TURNER: She is such a very strong, powerful character, girl, and you`re young still. I mean, how much living have you done to embody all of that?
LAWRENCE: None. Just pretend.
TURNER: Are you one of those actors that is like, OK, "I do love these strong women roles"?
LAWRENCE: Yes. I mean, I`m always drawn to strong characters. I think everybody is.
TURNER: Are you ready for kind of this next level of stardom with this movie?
LAWRENCE: I know it`s coming. I don`t know if I`m ready.
TURNER: What`s the fear or the anticipation?
LAWRENCE: You`re just afraid of what`s going to change. You don`t know what`s going to be different. You don`t know if you`re going to the like it.
TURNER: Has anything changed for you yet in anticipation for the film?
LAWRENCE: Now, when I leave the house without putting any makeup on and wearing my sweatpants, which is every day, it shows up on the Internet.
TURNER: Actually, I did see a picture of you playing basketball with sweats on the other day.
LAWRENCE: Right. Yes. I know. I need to put pants on and brush my hair.
TURNER: Now, there are these comparisons coming about of "Twilight." So what do you think about that? Do you embrace it? Were you a fan of "Twilight," too?
LAWRENCE: I had read the books and I really liked the books. And I`ve only seen a couple of the movies. But I get it. I get the comparisons.
They`re very young adult novels. They`re bestsellers. They`ve become a franchise with young adult actors, the whole thing. It all makes sense.
TURNER: Now, we are seeing the tabloid pictures of you and your boyfriend. You guys look so happy. How do you kind of keep that world to yourself?
LAWRENCE: You can`t really. It just kind of drives you nuts. You know, it`s like you`re having your own private day, and then all of a sudden, it`s on the Internet and everybody`s talking about.
And everybody has their comments and you`re like, I had no idea that those pictures were even being taken and now there`s an entire Web site talking about like their opinion on like what I was doing that day.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: That`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner. Get out of the way. "THE HUNGER GAMES" in theaters next Friday. It`s going to be huge, huge I tell you.
That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you for watching. Remember, you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusively weeknights at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific right here on HLN.
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