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Showbiz Tonight

The George Zimmerman-Casey Anthony Connection; Jennifer Hudson`s Horror; Tyra Banks Cleans House on "America`s Next Top Model"; "American Idol" Secrets Revealed

Aired April 23, 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: Tonight, the must-see, remarkable similarities between what Trayvon Martin Martin`s killer is now facing and Casey Anthony. I`m A.J. Hammer. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT starts right now.

Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - Hudson`s horror. Jennifer Hudson`s dramatic faceoff in court today with the man charged with killing her mother, brother and seven-year-old nephew.

And the SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, could Jennifer`s star power affect the case?

Tonight, a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT worldwide exclusive after Tyra cleans house on "America`s Next Top Model."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Fantastic. Do you know how gorgeous you are posing right now?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: Tyra Banks shocking firing of her biggest stars. And tonight, they are all right here - Jay Manuel, Nigel Barker, J. Alexander - for an exclusive headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.

"American Idol" secrets revealed. The burning questions. Is idol better off without Simon? What really happened the night the judges saved Jessica Sanchez?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JENNIFER LOPEZ, "AMERICAN IDOL" JUDGE: Give me that mike! This is crazy!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: Tonight, "Idol" judge, Randy Jackson, is right here for another must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.

TV`s most provocative entertainment news show breaks news right now.

(MUSIC)

Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with big news breaking tonight - Hudson`s horror.

I cannot imagine what it was like for Jennifer Hudson to go through what she went through today, the first day of testimony in the trial of her form brother-in-law, charged with turning her life into a living nightmare, accused of murdering her mother, charged with killing her brother and taking the life of her seven-year-old nephew. Imagine.

Well, today, a brave Jennifer Hudson, far from the spotlight of Hollywood, found herself the center of attention in a Chicago court, testifying on the witness stand.

Jennifer relived those painful events from some 3 1/2 years ago. And the big question tonight, how much will Jennifer Hudson, her presence and her star power, influence the jury?

Here in New York, Atty. Midwin Charles of Midwin Charles and Associates. And Jane Velez-Mitchell, host of HLN`s "JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL," seen every weeknight here at HLN at 7:00 Eastern.

First, I want to head out to Chicago where CNN`s Ted Rowlands has been inside the courtroom all day long. So not only did Jennifer take the stand, but Jennifer`s reality star fiance and about 25 members of her family were in court today.

Ted, describe for us the energy and the emotion of this very difficult day in court.

TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, A.J., it was very emotional. She was the first witness. So immediately, after the opening statements from both sides, the first witness was Jennifer Hudson.

And that was a bit of a shock to some people, but the jury was absolutely dialed in. This is a very large courtroom to accommodate all of the people inside it.

There`s a lot of interest obviously in this case. And you could hear a pin drop. She was on the stand for less than an hour, but it was absolutely emotional.

She broke down a few times talking about her mother and talking about William Balfour, too. She was very upset with the fact that Balfour and her sister were married.

And when asked about that she said, "I asked and asked my sister not to marry William Balfour." And when the prosecution asked why she was so against William Balfour, she said, quote, "because the way he treated her," and she broke down and wept at that point. It was a very, very emotional day in court.

HAMMER: God, I just can`t even imagine. All right. Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that Jennifer Hudson`s star power in this tragic trial has now attracted worldwide attention just outside of the courthouse.

We are talking about a massive media camp that is set up. You have TV networks. You`ve got the celebrity magazines. And you`ve got all the websites there to report.

Now, Jane, I know Jennifer is a pro, but I have to imagine that having that level of celebrity media presence there only adds to the horror of this unimaginable time for her.

JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, HOST, "JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL": It would basically turn her own fame into a nightmare. Imagine going through this as a private individual with nobody watching. That would be hard enough.

But to have the whole world watching her anguish has got to be a nightmare. That`s the only word I can think of. And it`s almost like she`s walking through the surrealistic event where, instead of it being a red carpet, it is some kind of horror story, a horror movie come to real life.

HAMMER: Yes. And to get through it, I imagine she has had to figure out a way to put up a shield up and just kind of plow on through it. Again, unimaginable.

Let me go back out to Ted Rowlands now. Ted, give us a sense of what that media scene is like behind you at the courthouse.

ROWLANDS: Well, clearly there`s huge media interest in this case. There are live trucks outside the courthouse. They are all lined up here on the street. Inside, there are photographers.

Interesting, though, Jennifer Hudson came in through a different entrance so the cameras didn`t catch her. Whether or not she will be able to use that entrance for the entire trial remains to be seen.

But huge amount of interest from the media and from the public. There is a line for public seating, people wanting to get in and watch this trial.

HAMMER: Yes, it is understandable not just because of her celebrity but just the nature of this trial and how tragic it is.

Court officials, by the way, reportedly bending over backwards to make sure that Jennifer doesn`t cause any kind of a distraction for jurors every time she enters the court.

But Midwin, is there anything that Jennifer can really do to draw less attention to herself, whether adjusting what she wears or her demeanor? I mean, she is Jennifer Hudson after all.

ATTY. MIDWIN CHARLES, MIDWIN CHARLES AND ASSOCIATES: I doubt it. I mean, you pretty much hit the nail on the head. She`s a megastar, an Oscar winner and has received several different accolades.

Remember, this case rose to prominence for lack of a better word because she is Jennifer Hudson. I mean, that`s why we all know about the case to begin with.

And if you compare it to the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray when the Jackson family came to court every day, there really isn`t much you can do about kind of removing or minimizing her visibility in this case. It is just going to be a fact of life with this kind of trial.

HAMMER: Oh, I think America at large is just sending all of their strength to Jennifer right now to get through this as easily as possible. But again, how can somebody even get through this at all?

Another tragic case is about to play out on TV with eerie connections to a headline-making trial. Tonight, the George Zimmerman-Casey Anthony connection.

SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has uncovered some similarities that could link these two accused killers forever, not the least of which being both cases are in Florida, both involve young victims and both cases have stirred up a wave of emotions from coast to coast.

Now, the first Zimmerman-Casey connection that I want to get to - escaping under the cover of night for their own safety. George Zimmerman was released on bail right around midnight on Sunday.

He was whisked away to an undisclosed location and it really struck me how eerily similar that was to when we all remember Casey Anthony left jail and has been hiding ever since being acquitted in her daughter, Caylee`s death.

Jane, did you get the same kind of eerie feeling when you saw this happening?

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Absolutely creepy, and it is all happening in the dead of night. It`s like some film noir, a flash of light bulbs and then they disappear in the darkness taking all sorts of unanswered questions with them, as sort of looky-loos in the media scramble after them.

You couldn`t design something like this to be more bizarre. But this is real life as it happens, and it is all happening in the same area of Florida, the Orlando area.

HAMMER: Yes. That is stunning, and it doesn`t end there. The next Zimmerman-Casey connection, George Zimmerman`s attorney, Mark O`Mara was a TV analyst for Casey Anthony`s trial.

Mark was all over Florida television talking about that sensational trial. And now, he`s going to be the one scrutinized by analysts all over the country.

Midwin, if you were trying this case, would it not raise a huge red flag for you.

CHARLES: It doesn`t. I mean, I think Mark O`Mara is a very good defense attorney. He`s well known down in Florida as a criminal offense attorney.

But he also appears to have incredible savvy when it comes to dealing with the media. And I think that that`s something will bode well for the defense of George Zimmerman. He`s handled himself incredibly well, as you have seen, in court as well as outside of court.

HAMMER: It is going to be interesting though that he is now the one who people are going to be picking apart, right?

CHARLES: Yes, absolutely.

HAMMER: And talking about.

CHARLES: He knows what he is doing. He learned from the Casey Anthony case. Remember, Jose Baez`s shocking opening statement.

HAMMER: Yes.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: And look what he did at the bond hearing, shock, right? Just turning the tables.

HAMMER: Taking a page from that play book. And the two cases have more in common. But the question is, will the court of public opinion be kinder to George Zimmerman than it has been to Casey Anthony?

Now, Casey, as we know, public enemy number one when she was suspected in her daughter`s death and then found not guilty.

I have to share what Andrea S. wrote on our Facebook wall for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. She wrote, "Why bother to have a trial? We all know how it is going to go. It`s in Florida where killers roam free." Very disturbing and strong opinion, obviously not true.

But it is a how a lot of people feel ever since Casey Anthony and that whole trial. Jane, do you think that people may not have faith in the Florida justice system in the Zimmerman case because of what happened in the Casey Anthony trial?

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Yes. And Florida just has a reputation of being a little crazy in its judicial system. You have, first of all, the Stand Your Ground Law which, of course, is so controversial that basically can give people an excuse to shoot in certain cases.

And then you have these discovery laws, the most liberal discovery laws in the country, where we get all the evidence. So we get to see like the Casey Anthony phone calls with her parents.

And so that ratchets up the drama, too, and it kind of creates a little bit of a chaotic, out-of-control situation.

HAMMER: Midwin, do you think that George Zimmerman is at the level of Casey Anthony in terms of how despised she was and how much in danger we all think or thought she was?

CHARLES: He might be. But one of the things that I`ve always said that makes George Zimmerman different from Casey Anthony is we know for a fact that George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin, right? It is not disputed.

Whereas with Casey Anthony, there is still that lingering question. The prosecution has never been able to prove exactly what happened to that little girl. And so I think that is one of the biggest differences between these two cases.

HAMMER: Differences but the similarities are just striking.

CHARLES: They are really quite striking.

HAMMER: Jane, Midwin, thank you both so much as always. And our thanks to CNN`s Ted Rowlands covering day one of the Hudson family murder trial.

Well, tonight, two big SHOWBIZ newsmaker interviews. I can`t wait to get to these. "American Idol" secrets revealed. What happened when they saved Jessica Sanchez? The Dog, Randy Jackson, is in the house.

He`s telling all to me in a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview you have got to see.

Plus, Tyra cleans house on "America`s Next Top Model." They have major star power, so why did Tyra Banks get rid of her biggest "Top Model" stars? What really happened there? Tonight, it is a worldwide exclusive with Nigel Barker, Jay Manuel, and J. Alexander in another headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.

And Justin Bieber`s tweet taunts to the woman who claims to be pregnant with his baby. This is wild to me. The great debate tonight. Is this one big publicity stunt? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.

Time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.

TEXT: Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert lead CMT Music Awards nominations. Dr. Dre says Tupac hologram not going on tour for now.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. DRE, RAP ARTIST: It`s strictly (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I want to get rid of all of the rumors out there. This was not done for a tour. If a tour happens, we`ll see. This was strictly (UNINTELLIGIBLE) 2012, baby. This is for you.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with Bieber`s Twitter taunts. Now, why in the world would Justin Bieber tweet about the woman who claimed that she gave birth to his baby boy?

Well, the Biebs did just that. The big question today was, why, Biebs? Why? Why feed the rumor mill? That died down last year.

Well, helping to get to the bottom of Bieber`s big mystery, Darren Kavinoky, who is an attorney with the Kavanoky law firm currently starring in "Deadly Sins" on Investigation Discovery.

And Darren, talk about two scoops of crazy. I think Justin Bieber needs to lay off the Twitter. For a while now, he sent out this random series of tweets where he went from harmless comments like this one, "Did anyone ever find out who let the dogs out?" to addressing the woman who claimed that she had his baby.

For that he tweeted, "Dear Mariah Yeeter, we have never met. So from the heart, I just wanted to say," and he attach a link to a video of Borat saying, "You will never get this," over and over and over.

Darren, I`ve got to tell you something. This doesn`t make any sense to me.

KAVINOKY: Well, anytime that the glorious nation of Kazakhstan is in the news, you get an unhappy guy. I love the Borat reference.

But you are right. It is two scoops of crazy, maybe more towards youthful indiscretion than felony stupid, or perhaps even tweeting while under the influence. But either way, it does appear to be in very, very bad taste, indeed.

HAMMER: Bad taste and just a bad idea. His new album "believe" is dropping in June. He tweeted it is going to address rumors and tabloid press that have been floating around about him. I`m thinking if one of the singles addresses Mariah`s baby claims, that can really backfire, don`t you think?

KAVINOKY: Well, it certainly could. And let`s face it - Justin doesn`t necessarily need extra publicity to sell records.

HAMMER: Right.

KAVINOKY: If he told his fans they had to go to the bottom of the sea in order to buy his next album, people would be lining up with their swim trunks in hand.

But it definitely does seem to be in very, very poor taste, especially if it is true that he did, in fact, never meet this girl. That would suggest that she`s got some mental problems or there`s some kind of issue there. And look, we just don`t need to poke fun at somebody who`s got those kinds of issues.

HAMMER: No. No. Why dredge it up? I don`t think it is a publicity stunt because it`s really the wrong kind of a move. And it seems that a lot of the decisions they have made for publicity have actually been pretty smart over the years.

I mean, look at all he`s accomplished. But from one maybe bad move to some big trouble for "Prison Break" star, Lane Garrison. This is a wild story.

SHOWBIZ TONIGHT confirmed today Lane was arrested on Sunday - this is after police responded to a domestic violence call at his girlfriend`s apartment in Beverly Hills.

Now, they reportedly argued after he followed her into her apartment building. He was charged with domestic violence. He was jailed on $50,000 bond.

Now, Darren, Lane went to prison back in 2008 after pleading guilty to vehicular manslaughter and DUI related to a car accident two years earlier which killed a teenage boy.

We all saw him go through this sort of rehabilitation and thought he was on his way. Could he actually be going back to jail on a parole violation?

KAVINOKY: Yes, well, this could spell big trouble for Lane. He`s looking for up to a year in custody on that parole violation to say nothing of the time that he could serve on this domestic violence charge.

And of course, this carries with it the possibility of a full year of batterer`s classes and a whole bunch of collateral consequences.

But when you look at that just-released videotape, either Lane Garrison is giving the performance of his life, or else he is somebody with some real troubling issues himself who perhaps longs for the embrace of a cell mate, so he may get that wish.

HAMMER: It would be interesting to see where this goes. All right. Darren Kavinoky, thanks as always, Darren.

So are you like me? Do you wonder how Kim Kardashian gets her beauty sleep? Actually I have never really wondered about that.

But Kim`s mom, Kris Jenner, decided that everyone should see her sleeping beauty. Yes. Mom actually thought it would be cute to share this with the world. But is it cute or is it just plain creepy?

"Idol" secrets revealed by the Dog himself, Randy Jackson. So what really happened that night when the judges saved Jessica Sanchez? And should the judges be able to overpower America`s vote?

Well, the Dog right here in the house for a must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. I can`t believe I just said that. 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: Country singer, Keith Urban, inducted to the Grand Ole Opry. Goyte slams "Glee" saying its cover of his song is "dinky and wrong."

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(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BILL RANCIC, REALITY TV STAR: Well, we said last time we`re on, it is the year of the Rancics and it really has turned out to be that way.

GIULIANA RANCIC, REALITY TV STAR: Yes, so we are finally having a baby, finally.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: I think they deserve our cheers, ladies and gentlemen, and a little round of applause for Bill and Giuliana announcing they are having a baby. They made that announcement on the "Today" show this morning.

And we here at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT could not be happier for them. After IVF treatments, breast cancer and a double mastectomy, the Rancics have a baby on the way. Tonight, how they accomplished what almost seemed impossible.

Tonight, SHOWBIZ baby news. Reality stars, Bill and Giuliana Rancic have certainly had one tough year between their battle to get pregnant. A miscarriage, Giuliana`s battle with breast cancer, then getting through her double mastectomy surgery.

Now, finally a baby. Joining me from Hollywood, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner. Nischelle, I`m so happy for these two.

NISCHELLE TURNER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: Yay!

HAMMER: They totally deserve some good news, right? And they ended up going with a gestational surrogate because of Giuliana`s breast cancer treatments.

I saw this going down on the reality show and it seems like a perfect solution for them.

TURNER: Absolutely. You know, A.J., anybody watching their show knows that surrogacy was really their last option because of Giuliana`s ongoing breast cancer treatments.

They had saved two embryos. They rolled the dice with a surrogate and they just got incredibly lucky. Now, Giuliana told the "Today" show this morning that getting that phone call from the doctor just changed her life.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

G. RANCIC: It was pretty much one of the best moments of my life, if not the best moment of my life. I mean, it was incredible. We have been trying for so long.

We have been through so much and especially we had such a hard year last year with the breast cancer and everything. And to finally get that call from the doctor that, you know, you are pregnant or you are having a baby.

I`m not quite pregnant, but you know what I mean. We`re pregnant. It was just another world.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: And look at their smiles. Do they know the sex of the baby, Nischelle?

TURNER: You know, they don`t yet. They have been visiting the surrogate, by the way, who lives out of state every month. And they have seen the baby.

And while they share that the baby is due in the late summer, they are not actually revealing. They don`t know if they know, but they are not revealing t if it is a boy or girl.

And I say great. Keep something in this whole process to yourselves for yourselves. We simply wish them the best.

HAMMER: Good for them.

TURNER: Yes.

HAMMER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner - thanks so much for the great news, Nischelle.

Now, the SHOWBIZ lineup at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. A SHOWBIZ worldwide exclusive.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It`s Nigel.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: The stars of "America`s Next Top Model" fired. Why did Nigel Barker, Mr. Jay Manuel and J. Alexander all get the boot? I`m going to ask them in a must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker exclusive interview.

And the Brangelina bling knockoff revealed. You`ve got to see this. How much would you pay to have a ring just like the one Brad Pitt made for Angelina Jolie? 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: Russell Crowe to play Noah in Darren Aronofsky movie about Noah`s ark. Tom Cruise shows off his abs in new poster for "Rock of Ages."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There`s Nigel.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive - the first broadcast joint interview with those fired stars of "America`s Next Top Model."

Are they relieved to be off the high-pressure reality show? Are they going to start a new show of their own? Nigel Barker, J. Alexander, and Jay Manuel are opening up big time about getting canned by Tyra Banks, and they are doing it right here tonight.

Another explosive SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsmaker interview, "American Idol" secrets exposed. Was that wild night the judges took over the show actually real? "Idol" judge Randy Jackson here answering the questions you have always wanted to ask about "Idol."

And is Kim K.`s mom playing paparazzi? Why she tweeted this candid pic of Kim sleeping.

ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.

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Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Thank you for watching.

Tonight, we`re bringing you a worldwide SHOWBIZ exclusive. For the very first time, the three stars of "America`s Next Top Model" were all just fired by Tyra Banks in their first TV interview together and telling all about what really happened.

SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that they were the three big reasons to watch the show. And now, they are all gone.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, well, well. Good morning, good morning to you all. Welcome to the iconic Sepulveda dam, home to countless commercial and movie shoots and, of course, today`s photo shoot.

TYRA BANKS, "AMERICA`S NEXT TOP MODEL": Do you know how gorgeous you are posing right now?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I know. So gorgeous. I know.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: Photo shoot director, Jay Manuel, and runway coach Ms. J. Alexander with the show since it debuted some nine years and 18 seasons with the show ago.

Nigel Barker joined after the first season. And now, they are all gone but they are all right here tonight with an exclusive SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. I do appreciate you all being here. I

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thanks for having us.

HAMMER: I know it is going to be a weird, weird time. You guys were all with the show for so long and I know it was a good experience for all of you, but really, how strange. Let me start with you.

Do you feel blindsided by what happened? Did you see this was coming, know it was coming down the line?

NIGEL BARKER, JUDGE, "AMERICA`S NEXT TOP MODEL": I think, more than anything, I feel a little sad. I mean, you know, in as much as I had an incredible time, it defined a decade for myself.

And you know, you put your heart and soul into a show like this. And obviously, when it happens, it happens. But I feel like 18 seasons in, we had an incredible run. It was amazing for all of us.

And when I think back and I see those clips, it`s those moments that are just - they make me laugh the rest of my life.

(CROSS TALK)

JAY MANUEL, JUDGE, "AMERICA`S NEXT TOP MODEL": And the moments that people didn`t even see.

HAMMER: There`s a whole show right there.

MANUEL: There is a whole show on the cutting room floor.

HAMMER: What about for you, Ms. J? Was it a blindsiding even for you? Did you know that this was going to happen?

J. ALEXANDER, JUDGE, "AMERICA`S NEXT TOP MODEL": Well, I`ve got flowers last week. I was asked to leave by Tyra (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Paris for my birthday.

MANUEL: Your yellow roses, yes.

ALEXANDER: They aren`t yellow roses.

HAMMER: With the news or before you got the news?

ALEXANDER: No, that was before I got the news.

HAMMER: To soften the blow?

ALEXANDER: Kind of. I said to myself - but the word "fired" for me is - I think the tone is very pointed right now, A.J. with that, that we`re fired.

MANUEL: Well, you know what it is. I know what he is saying. I will protect you from Ms. J, don`t worry. I think it`s because all of our contracts were actually already done.

So that`s the thing that people don`t know. And you know, the show was at a point where they had to make a change. So when you say it was a surprise, you know, you hear all of the rumors from sponsor issues to - on down with the show.

It`s not a huge surprise to us. They just didn`t do the contracts with us, so we weren`t really fired for doing something wrong, you know.

HAMMER: Yes. And I`m right with you on that, by the way, because as soon as the news broke, you guys saw the headlines, I`m sure, since they were coming out. It all said, "Judges fired."

That`s how people were putting it. Technically, your contracts weren`t renewed.

BARKER: They weren`t, but our contracts had been renewed several times throughout this process. And even - you know, you can all see judging panel.

I had certainly had multiple different people next to me. I mean, Ms. J was a judge next to me and he went on to other things in the show and people were replaced.

It was a bit of a shock nonetheless. I mean, there`s no doubt about it. I was certainly not expecting it.

HAMMER: Right.

BARKER: And you know, but it is something that didn`t surprise me. I had inklings about it. And certainly, over the years, I have been warned that, hey, perhaps I might be replaced earlier.

ALEXANDER: You know, I had a dream - that`s I think that cycle 14 - no, but seriously that I wore the sleeves that were so huge. I thought, OK, Ms. J, you are now in the ejector seat.

MANUEL: Well, actually, he did say that because I am in the ejector seat now. And then, of course, you have to see him do the ejector seat.

ALEXANDER: So I have to cushion the blow, so I don`t care. That cycle, you should make sure the shoulders are well-cushioned, so I was embarrassed.

HAMMER: Well, after you got your yellow roses and after the news broke that Tyra Banks had not renewed your contracts or you guys were fired, however, it`s going to be put.

We will go with not renewed for right now. Here`s what she went to Twitter and said, "Fierce and love to my Nigel Barker, Mr. Jay Manuel and Ms. J, "America`s Next Top Model" turned us to a family. Excited for what the future holds for us. XOXO."

Now, Ms. J, are you feeling the XOXO from Ms. Tyra Banks today? Or are you feeling a little bit betrayed because you were, after all, one of the very first people that Tyra reached out to with the whole idea of doing the show?

ALEXANDER: If I didn`t talk to her, I would have been a bit annoyed. But we spoke on the phone, so I`m good. I`m so, so good.

I mean, I think it is time, I mean, that we actually just kind of go on. I mean, it`s very difficult for the fans, of course, I mean, to be bold.

HAMMER: Sure.

ALEXANDER: Because, I mean, when one leaves a position, you know, who`s at fault here? Is it us? Is it the network? Is it the fans? I mean, who decides?

HAMMER: Well, this is the big question that`s going on. And of course, everybody is looking for reasons as to why this happened. The fans want to know.

It is very easy for people to point the finger at ratings and that`s the one thing that`s been going around. But that being this case, do you guys feel like you have been a bit of a scapegoat?

Or can you sit back from it all and say, well, maybe we have something to do with the fact that the ratings weren`t (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

(CROSS TALK)

ALEXANDER: Well, I mean, look, I am going to say - I`m going to put it out there. For me, once I was removed from judging and I went back (UNINTELLIGIBLE). And then, you know, my walking lessons were no longer involved in the show.

HAMMER: So you are saying -

BARKER: You won`t see us judging the ratings started going down.

MANUEL: He is also saying production decisions may have affected that. I know that`s what he`s saying. But you actually had a great idea.

You thought for cycle 19, he actually just said this to me a few weeks ago. He said the real scandal would have been Ms. J back on the panel, bring back Janice and do a whole 360. Wouldn`t that have been interesting? It would have brought back old fans. It`s a funny idea. I like that.

BARKER: But obviously, that is not the case. That isn`t what happened, you know. And here we are, sitting here right now, and it`s - you know, I don`t know what they are going to do. I don`t know what they`re going to do that`s going to renew it to what it was.

I mean, we all would like to think that we are the heart and soul of the show along with Tyra and the others. Instead, it is definitely a little confusing for the fans. And we`re certainly going to go out and do the best that we can.

HAMMER: What I`m also interested to know is if this, in any way, is kind of a relief. I mean, let`s face it. I worked with Tyra from way back when, some, you know, more than 15, 16 years ago.

I was out on shoots with her. I have had people who worked on her shows. Her reputation precedes her. She is tough to work for. And that is well- known.

Also the show was tough to do with two cycles a year. And there was a lot of pressure, plus, you guys have other lives, too. So first of all, how tough was Tyra to work for?

MANUEL: Well, you know, here`s the thing. I`m a perfectionist, too. I usually demand a lot from people that work with me. No, it`s true.

(CROSS TALK)

You know, it is. And I think that was actually our initial connection. I mean, I knew Tyra and worked with her well before "America`s Next Top Model."

Actually, I remember when she called me at like 6:00 in the morning and said I`ve got this idea if a show. And I think the fact that we all connected on the fact that we like to build something and be perfectionists, that`s what really bonded us and made us this family.

But in terms of her being rude, that`s not Tyra. She`s not the type of person to walk out and -

HAMMER: She just has some very strong work ethic and knows what she wants.

MANUEL: I`m sure we all do.

HAMMER: Let me ask just you before we go, any thought of the three of you branching off, doing a show, just the three of you, another type of a fashion or modeling show? I mean, come on. Let`s break some news.

(CROSS TALK)

MANUEL: We`ll get A.J. Maybe he can host and we could do "America`s Next Top Male Model." I don`t know.

ALEXANDER: We can do "America`s Next Top -"

BARKER: The bottom line is we`re available.

HAMMER: You hear that? They are available and maybe they will do something, and as long as Ms. J, you don`t make me do the walk.

ALEXANDER: I know that the walk - I mean, it really for me is like, "What the hell am I going to wear now?" I mean, the outfits. I mean, you know, this is very difficult for me to come up with these ideas.

HAMMER: Well, you are on plane ride to Paris right now so think about it during that long flight. It`s great to see you, guys. I really appreciate you stopping by to sort of explain to us exactly what happened with all this.

All right. Nigel Barker, J. Alexander and Jay Manuel, thank you all so much.

And we move from the stars of "America`s Next Top Model" to one of "American Idol`s" top judges.

Tonight, everything you want to know about "Idol." I am one on one with Randy Jackson. So does he think it is fair the judges can reverse America`s vote?

Randy`s right here in a must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview revealing all of the "Idol" secrets you want to know.

Plus, you think your mother`s bad. Look at the pic that Kim K`s mom just tweeted of Kim. This was taken while Kim was sleeping. The big debate tonight, it is cute or is it creepy? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.

Here`s the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.

TEXT: Neil Diamond marries his longtime manager, Katie McNeil. Katharine McPhee reveals to SHOWBIZ her charity fight to prevent malaria in Africa.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KATHARINE MCPHEE, ACTRESS: There`s so much to be done that you can feel overwhelmed. What can I actually do? And you know, the truth is there is stuff that can be done and there are - every trip you go, every dollar you send or every little organization you get involved with, you can make a difference.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(SINGING)

LOPEZ: Give me that mike! This is crazy!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: That moment when "American Idol" judges saved contestant Jessica Sanchez from being booted will definitely go down as one of the most dramatic moments this season.

But was it the real deal or was it a carefully crafted made-for-TV moment? Well, tonight, the answers to your burning "Idol" questions as Randy Jackson joins us for a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.

Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, the original "Idol" judge. This season of "American Idol" is just unfolding with one stunner after another.

Remember that shocking return and sudden elimination of Germane Jones? Then we have the judges` dramatic save of frontrunner, Jessica Sanchez, after she was voted off by America.

Hard to believe. But in nearly five weeks, an all-new "Idol" winner will take the crown setting the stage for a new voice to top the charts. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT gets the answers to the burning questions everybody wants to know.

Joining us tonight from Hollywood, there he is, it`s a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview with the judge who`s right in the center of all of the action.

Music veteran, Grammy Award-winning producer, all around cool guy, Randy Jackson, who`s also the new spokesperson for the Taking Diabetes to Heart campaign. Always great to see you, Randy.

RANDY JACKSON, "AMERICAN IDOL" JUDGE: What`s going on, A.J. How you be, man?

HAMMER: I`m good, man. I`m good. A lot of talk about "American Idol" this season. The buzz is still going so strong about your show. But particularly, Randy, we must talk about this, the big shake-up on "Idol" two weeks ago.

You and your fellow judges used your one save of the season for Jessica Sanchez. Now, we are taking a look at what happened right now.

As we watch the video again, I`ve got to know, Randy, when you guys got up there and you stormed the stage, was any of that for show or was it all truly a spontaneous moment?

R. JACKSON: No. I call "Idol" the only real reality show on TV. We didn`t know who got kicked off. We never really know. We were shocked that it was Jessica. She`s one of the best singers in the whole thing for many a year.

We were just shocked. We couldn`t believe it. And I said to Jennifer and Steven, "You know what? No, this is wrong. Let`s go up there. Let`s stop this."

This is - you know, it was just so weird because we were all very emotional in that moment, because we don`t know if she`s going to win or not but give this girl her chance because she`s so unbelievably talented, you know what I mean?

HAMMER: Yes. And we could tell certainly, you know, even if people were being cynical and saying, "Oh, that was all staged," and I`m glad to hear that it wasn`t, that you guys seemed genuinely caught up.

And really, you are right. That is what makes "Idol" so great, although, Randy, I`m just so shocked to hear you suggest that a show like "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" isn`t all real. But that`s a whole other topic.

R. JACKSON: Hey, hey. I didn`t say that but that is my boy Seacrest.

(CROSS TALK)

HAMMER: What am I talking about? Wrong show. That was a bad example. But listen, Randy, we know that the "Idol" judges obviously haven`t always had this power to save a contestant.

That is something new that has been added in recent seasons. And there is a little bit of a mixed feeling. I`m sure you`re hearing this vibe. I want to reveal something to you, because we put it out to our viewers.

Some of them don`t think it is fair, and I`m sure you are hearing some of this. These are the results of our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll.

We asked if the judges should overrule America`s vote. Look at that, 42 percent said yes. So the overwhelming majority, 58 percent, said no. It seems that America wants the last say. Do you think that is how it should be?

R. JACKSON: I think this is what the show is based on. This is how we started it. America definitely has the power to choose.

A lot of other shows - they have an aggregate of the judges and the public`s vote and they figure it out. But we only get one save so the public has nothing to worry about. We just used that one save on Jessica.

We couldn`t save Colton who was a shock that he even went home. So you know, I agree with them. They get the power, but we need at least that one save. I would argue it would be nice to have two for us but at least we get one.

HAMMER: All right. I mean, you know, look, it`s got to be tough. It is easy for us sitting at home and watching. But striking that right balance at the judge`s table is not an easy thing to do.

That`s what makes the show so really magical. It`s the chemistry that has been forged over the various judges, and you as the original judge all these years.

But listen, Randy, you`ve heard the cries. Some people are saying that you and J-Lo and that Steven Tyler guy are going too easy on contestants.

You`ve got in-house coach, Jimmy Iovine, offering much tougher criticism this season. And there has been some talk that he should be a judge. So what do you think? Is there room for another seat perhaps at your table?

R. JACKSON: Look, I think people are just judging it from where the show came from in the first place. We were the first of any of these kinds of singing shows on TV and I still think the best.

I mean, we`re kind of that original Picasso, if you will. So in our 11th season, I`m sure people think - because, you know, Simon was really tough on kids so I`m sure people are kind of conditioned more to that now.

You`ve got to call it as you see it as an individual. And it`s not about - "American Idol" is not a show where people are on there just to be tough to people. That`s not what it is about.

HAMMER: Right.

R. JACKSON: The show says it is about finding the best undiscovered, undiscovered talent in America. That`s what the show is really about. And all of these shows people talk about the judges. They talk about us. They talk about Jimmy, what this one and that one doesn`t do.

It is really about the talent and the talented kids because they are the ones that win and go on to either greatness or not, you know what I mean? That`s what it is really about.

HAMMER: Well, and it has been great to have the consistency of you at the judge`s table through all the seasons, Randy.

And now, you are working with people who are living with diabetes with the Taking Diabetes to Heart program. Why is that program so important to you?

R. JACKSON: Well, I`m living with Type II diabetes. So I teamed up with Merck for this great campaign, Taking Diabetes to Heart, to really help people better manage their Type II diabetes, because a third of people out there, A.J., walking around don`t even know they have it.

We`ve got a great Web site, TakingDiabeteToHeart.com. That`s just great insightful messages and things on there - recipes, challenges. I`m just trying to get the word out and just trying to help people, you know what I`m saying?

HAMMER: Good on you for that. Randy, it`s always great to see you, man. I`m glad you are healthy and doing well.

R. JACKSON: Dude, good looking out. And I love that flower that Ms. J was wearing. Go.

HAMMER: I mean, really, how can you go wrong with that?

R. JACKSON: That flower was crazy. I love that. I have been rocking flowers this season, but that flower is crazy.

HAMMER: You`d better tweet that out to Ms. J. Take it easy, Randy. Great seeing you.

R. JACKSON: Thank you.

HAMMER: And to find out more about the Taking Diabetes to Heart program, check out the Web site Randy mentioned. It`s TakingDiabetesToHeart.com.

All right. Did you see this? The Kim K sleeping beauty pic that`s got the Web wired tonight. I can`t believe this.

Kim`s own mom tweeted this out to her millions of fans. Well, SHOWBIZ dares to ask, is that cute or is it just plain creepy? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.

Time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.

TEXT: Noah Wyle arrested at Capitol Hill while protesting cuts to Medicaid.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HAMMER: Is Kim Kardashian`s mom going paparazzi on her own daughter? Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is revealing this rare glimpse of Kim sleeping.

Now, get this - Kris Jenner just snapped this very private shot of her daughter and then she tweeted it. No makeup, no glitzy outfit and, hey, no drool either. I guess that`s good. I`ve got to ask though, is it cute or is it creepy?

Joining me now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner. So Nischelle, I understand that Kris Jenner took this picture when Kim K was taking a power nap. But why in the world did Kim`s mom decide to tweet it out to everybody?

TURNER: Well, A.J., here`s what happened. Kim decided to climb in bed beside her mom and take a nap while they were promoting the new Sears Kardashian line in Chicago.

And Kris Jenner thought it was just cute. So she snapped the picture. She tweeted it to her two million followers along with this message, "I love that Kim crawls in bed with me. She`s still my little girl."

And Kris signed the tweet, #favoritething. Now, A.J., I`m not sure if Kim thinks this is one of her favorite things, this picture here.

HAMMER: I don`t think it went out without her permission, if you want to know what I truthfully think here. But what do you think of this tweet? Is it cute or is it a little creepy?

TURNER: I think it is cute, cute, cute. A mom always wants to think of her daughter as her little girl. But what gets me is that - look at her - she looks so gorgeous even when she is sleeping.

I mean, where`s the drool, the pimple cream, the bed head or something. That`s just not fair. That`s isn`t right.

HAMMER: It was just a nap here, Nischelle, all right? Just a nap here. Listen, Kim K`s romance with Kanye West looks like it is actually heating up.

SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can reveal brand-new reports say the couple stepped out together in New York over the weekend. So how serious are Kimye going to get?

TURNER: Well, you know, Kim and Kanye met up with her family. It was a triple date, that`s according to Kim`s sister, Khloe.

And Khloe just revealed on Bravo`s "Watch What Happens Live" that the whole Kardashian family loves Kanye. He`s been friends with Kim for years, and Khloe says, because of that, their relationship is just simple and easy.

HAMMER: All right. It sounds like Kanye has got the Kardashian stamp of approval from the family. We`ll see how that works out for him. Thanks, Nischelle.

And now, here comes the copycats, the knockoff engagement rings that look like Angelina Jolie`s. Next, we reveal how much it is going to cost you to put a ring on it, Angie style.

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HAMMER: Tonight, the dead ringer for Angelina Jolie`s engagement ring. Well, just days after Angie debuted the dazzling new ring that Brad designed just for her, at least two knockoffs have already hit the market.

We haven`t seen this kind of fan frenzy since Prince William got engaged to Kate Middleton. So what do you think? Would you buy one of these Brad Pitt-inspired knockoffs for the love of your life?

Now, that ring on the left has a price tag of just $1,200 which isn`t bad when you consider Angelina`s ring is estimated to cost $250,000.

Get this - the copycat ring on the right actually more expensive than the original. That will set you back, my friend, a whopping $338,000. See, I`m already raising the price right there.

That`s it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m off to buy a ring. I`m A.J. Hammer. You can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT weeknights at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific here on HLN.

Stay right here for "DR. DREW." Tonight, Drew talks to one of the most hated men on the Internet about why he just took down his revenge porn site.

END