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Showbiz Tonight
Jennifer Hudson`s Private Pain; The Kardashian Kingdom; Rihanna`s Name; Lindsay Lohan Strikes Back; "People`s" Most Beautiful Woman
Aired April 25, 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 - Jennifer`s private pain. Jennifer Hudson is reliving the horror of her family`s deaths as the man accused of killing them stands trial.
How is she coping? Will the gruesome testimony be too much to bear? Tonight, reality star and domestic abuse survivor, Taylor Armstrong, is here with words of strength for Jennifer Hudson.
The "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star sounds off about the Deion Sanders domestic drama in an all-new SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
Kardashian kingdom. The first family of reality TV reportedly signs a $40 million deal to renew their show. Tonight, SHOWBIZ dares to ask, are the Kardashians worth it?
Rihanna`s SHOWBIZ showdown.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera) We`re going to set the record straight on something I get in fights with people all the time.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Tonight, once and for all, the end of one of the biggest controversies in SHOWBIZ TONIGHT history involving me, Rihanna, and our fans.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show breaks news right now.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Hello and thank you for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with big news breaking tonight - Jennifer`s tears. A heart-wrenching day today for Jennifer Hudson.
It is just day three in the trial for the man accused of killing her mother, brother, and nephew. And already, there signs that the gruesome testimony is taking an emotional toll.
It`s unimaginable, sitting through hours of testimony, having to leave the courtroom as horrific crime scene photos are entered into evidence all while Jennifer vows to be there every single day, seeking justice for her family. But is the toll of this case just too much to bear?
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) For Jennifer Hudson, losing her mother, brother, and nephew in a horrific triple homicide back in 2008 was an unimaginable horror.
Now, she`s reliving that horror again as she attends the trial of the man accused of killing her beloved relatives.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Jennifer Hudson broke down in tears as she testified against the man accused of killing her family.
HAMMER: The triple murder trial of William Balfour, the ex-husband of Hudson`s sister, Julia, is all over the news.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Police officers detailed finding Hudson`s mom facedown with a gunshot wound to her back.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hudson left the courtroom yesterday before grisly police photos of the crime scene were shown.
HAMMER: And this super-talented Oscar winner has been front and center in the coverage and at the trial itself.
KEN BAKER, CHIEF NEWS CORRESPONDENT, "E!": She has committed herself to be in Chicago and attend as much of the testimony as possible. It just has to be excruciating for her.
HAMMER: Today, heartbreaking and graphic testimony about the youngest victim in the Hudson family tragedy, Hudson`s beloved seven-year-old nephew, Julian.
Jennifer said that her nephew, Julian, was like her own child. She even had a nickname for him, Juice Box.
HAMMER: Today, the jury heard testimony and saw graphic photos of little Julian`s body. It was so graphic, Hudson chose to skip that testimony.
She also skipped part of yesterday`s testimony when lawyers showed photos of her brother`s and mother`s bodies after they were found in the Hudson`s childhood home.
BAKER: It has just been a horrible family tragedy and, unfortunately, Jennifer has to relive it through this trial.
HAMMER: On Monday, Jennifer Hudson struggled to get through her own testimony.
BAKER: Jennifer teared up several times on the stand, most notably when she talked about the last time that she saw her family members and also when she found out the devastating news and how crushing it was for her.
HAMMER: Making this trial even more difficult for Jennifer, it is forcing her to publicly confront some extremely private and painful things about her family.
During her testimony, she revealed she had urged her sister to cut ties with the defendant, William Balfour.
BAKER: She did not like William Balfour and she was afraid of him and thought she was a bad influence on her family.
HAMMER: And there were painful revelations about Hudson`s late brother, Jason. Yesterday`s testimony detailed his alleged drug-dealing exploits.
Attorneys for Balfour are suggesting it was Jason`s drug dealing and not Balfour that is responsible for the murders.
BAKER: I think there is going to be a lot of embarrassing and unflattering details that will come out in this trial.
HAMMER: But "E`s" Ken Baker tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT no matter how hard things get at the painful trial, Hudson is determined to see it through.
BAKER: Certainly, this is not ideal for her, but she is there because she wants justice to be served and she is there to honor the memory of her family members.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Wow. I can`t even begin to imagine Jennifer`s inner pain and turmoil as she has to sit right there in front of her family`s alleged killer, day in and day out in that courtroom.
Taylor Armstrong is the star of the "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." She is also a domestic abuse survivor and now the author of this fine book, "Hiding from Reality." Taylor joining me now for a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview from Hollywood. It`s good to see you, Taylor.
TAYLOR ARMSTRONG, REALITY TV STAR AND AUTHOR: Thank you.
HAMMER: So Jennifer has testified that she didn`t like the way William Balfour had treated her sister or her nephew. I have to ask you, as a victim of domestic violence, can you relate to Jennifer`s story?
Were there people in your life that were giving you warning signs about your late husband, Russell?
ARMSTRONG: Absolutely, and I have an enormous amount of regret for having my friends and family members go through what were some scary times for them, watching me stay in an unhealthy relationship, being concerned whether they were going to get a call that something had happened to me.
In my story, I speak about a friend of mine who, the morning that the news came out that my husband had taken his life, it was on the radio.
And she pulled her car over and was just holding her breath waiting for them to say that I was killed first. And it really saddens me to know that my friends and family were feeling those things.
HAMMER: So inevitably, you know quite a bit about what Jennifer Hudson is thinking and her friends are thinking as well.
Another heart-wrenching story that is making news is the divorce battle of football hall of famer Deion Sanders and his estranged wife, Pilar.
Now, Pilar was arrested for allegedly attacking him. Today, we learned that both Pilar and Deion have been charged with assault.
Taylor, the most disturbing part of this whole story to me, and I think everybody, is that their two young sons were apparently right there when this alleged incident of abuse took place.
You`ve been there. You have a young daughter. At what point do you say, "Hey, you know what? We need to put the kids first"?
ARMSTRONG: You know, I think that people get so wrapped up in what`s going on in their inner personal relationship that they forget that these are long-term effects that you`re placing on the children.
I had it in my home at a young age and I gravitated toward it throughout my life. And I worry tremendously about my little girl. And I wish that, as adults, we could sometimes just step back.
They`re going to have to co-parent. These two people are going to be responsible for these children together for the rest of their lives. And need to find a common ground here and recognize that they have to put the children first.
And I really keep on top of Kennedy now with psychologists and making sure that she is in a really healthy place and that the effects of our relationship are not going to haunt her.
HAMMER: Yes. I really just hope and really believe that they need to get some serious, serious counseling. I`m no professional, but I think it`s pretty easy to see that they need to get their priorities in order here.
And on top of that, Taylor, making matters worse, in the middle of this alleged incident, Deion actually tweeted a picture of himself and his two boys filling out the police report.
And I have to tell you this struck me as so odd. What is your reaction to Deion putting his personal battle on Twitter, of all places?
ARMSTRONG: You know, I don`t know if it`s a cry for help. I think, at times, people all of a sudden just blurt things out when they want things to come to an end.
Maybe he felt, by putting this out in public, he wouldn`t be able to go back. He was really taking a stand. And you know, who knows what he was thinking?
I think people get out of control in these situations. But I just really hope that they are going to take the kids out of it and get their marriage - get it resolved, get it dissolved and move on.
HAMMER: Move on, exactly. You mentioned your daughter, Kennedy. It hasn`t been a year since Russell`s suicide. How is your daughter coping?
ARMSTRONG: You know what? She is doing beautifully. I have psychologists that are involved in both of our lives and her teachers have been so supportive and we`ve got lots of friends and family.
So we have been really fortunate. There are other families out there that don`t have the kind of support system that we have.
And I hope that they will use some of the social services in their area that are available, because there are amazing programs that are 100 percent free of charge to help people in need.
HAMMER: That`s great to hear she is doing well. It`s great to see you as always. Taylor Armstrong, thank you so much.
ARMSTRONG: Thank you.
HAMMER: Well, as we move on tonight, it is good to be the Kardashians. Reality TV`s royal family has just signed a new, three-year deal for their show reportedly - are you ready for this - for a king`s ransom, $40 million.
That`s enough for four more over-the-top Kardashian weddings. But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, are they worth it?
Well, it`s worth it to be at the top of this list. "People" magazine names the most beautiful woman in the world. Is it the lovely Nicole Kidman? Perhaps the beautiful Julia Roberts? Maybe Beyonce this year? Stick around and you will out.
Rihanna`s SHOWBIZ showdown. There is one thing, just one thing that makes me nuts and involves Rihanna.
HAMMER: You and I are going to set the record straight on something that I get in fights with people all the time when you introduced yourself to me all those years ago. You almost didn`t expect people to know who you were. You said Rihanna.
RIHANNA, POP STAR: I knew that was the question.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, we are setting the record straight, once and for all, about the mystery surrounding the superstar`s singer`s name. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Right now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on location on the red carpet from the "Time 100 Most Influential List" bash. Honoree Kristin Wiig`s tells me about her future on "Saturday Night Live."
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HAMMER: Can you set the record straight? Is there a firm plan in place here?
KRISTEN WIIG, COMEDIENNE: There isn`t. Those decisions aren`t really made until the end of the season. So we`re trying to, you know -
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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HAMMER: This is a powerful new tribute to Trayvon Martin. That is hip-hop star, Wyclef Jean wearing a hoodie and singing about the killing of the 17- year-old in a powerful new music video. It`s called "Justice if You are 17."
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, an outcry for justice 20 years later.
As we have seen, the Trayvon Martin killing has sparked an outcry for justice nearly 20 years after another landmark case that came to define an era.
It was 1991 when the Los Angeles police officers were caught on tape brutally beating Rodney King. It is a tape that set off outrage from coast to coast.
But it was the acquittal of those four officers which led to the L.A. riots that devastated the city 20 years ago this Sunday. Hard to believe. So how far have we really come since then in dealing with race?
With me now, in New York, I`m so pleased to welcome Rodney King who has just written his very first book. And this is it, "The Riot Within: My Journey from Rebellion to Redemption.
Rodney can also be seen in VH1`s "Uprising, Hip-Hop and the L.A. Riots." It`s a fascinating documentary that airs on May 1st. It is great to have you here and a pleasure to meet you, Rodney.
RODNEY KING, AUTHOR, "THE RIOT WITHIN": Thanks.
HAMMER: So tell me - I have to imagine that the business with Trayvon Martin, the whole case there has got to bring up a lot of stuff for you and probably some bad memories.
KING: Oh, yes, it does. When I hear the screams on the 911 tape, I can remember 20 years ago that same panicked scream for your life.
That was like during the first tazing and after the tazing, the batons came. And I can remember screaming that same scream, the death scream, "Please, somebody come to my help!"
So I can relate to it. That`s a death scream just before it`s over.
HAMMER: Yes. I mean, you have, obviously, such a unique perspective on that. And obviously, you have been paying attention to this case as it has been unfolding. So much has been said on all sides of it.
Do you yourself feel that it was racially-motivated, that he was shot because he was black?
KING: The thing is, is that, you know, it`s been happening so long to minorities that people have gotten comfortable with, you know, bullying and doing these type of things to minorities, especially black men.
And this was another case of it. And we`ll have to wait for justice so the family and the mother and father can receive justice, the same type of justice that I received. It takes time. Our system does work. It works. It`s a slow one, but it works, you know.
HAMMER: We ultimately have to wait and see what happens.
KING: Yes.
HAMMER: But George Zimmerman, the shooter, as we know - he has been charged with second-degree murder. He`s claiming self-defense here.
And one thing I have given thought to - so I imagine you have given a deal of thought to this - can you imagine what the reaction would be if he is not convicted?
You know, obviously, justice will run its course and it has to. But what do you think the reaction will be based on just the fury we have seen over these past several weeks?
KING: It would be a disappointment, you know, for anything to be unjust. Anything other than justice would be a setback for, you know, how far we came. We haven`t come that far in the first place.
All these little events that`s happening with the bullying and the brutality, it`s all man-made stuff. There`s another Zimmerman creating - those type of people creating much of chaos that it`s a man-made chaos.
HAMMER: But I think you would agree that, let`s say there`s an acquittal, and obviously, there will be fury, if there is.
Regardless of what is proven in court, people are going to be upset. We know it`s going to happen. I think you will agree with me, if there riots, then, you know, man it`s hard to believe we haven`t come further than that since what happened with you and the riots 20 years ago.
KING: I would hope we have - you know, I would hope we have learned a lesson. And that`s why I`m waiting for the justice system to prevail.
HAMMER: And after the L.A. Riots, your words, the five words still ring so true today. Let`s watch what you said that day.
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KING: People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along? Can we get along?
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HAMMER: It`s amazing. I remember that so distinctly, Rodney. You were calling for peace even after all you went through. And in your book, you`re writing great detail about the police beating, every kick, every baton hit. How tough was it for to you relive that for writing this book?
KING: It was very tough because I had to, you know, go back and I felt those - as I was writing the book, I could feel the - you know, the blows and the eye socket. It was almost like I was there again.
But at the same time, it was good because I was not able to be in the Simi Valley trial, during the first trial.
HAMMER: Right.
KING: And I should have been there, you know. The lawyers suggested I stay home, but it`s almost like -
HAMMER: It`s kind of like reliving it I`m sure.
KING: Oh, it is.
HAMMER: But healthy in a way to put it all down and let it go. Rodney, I have to tell you, it`s a terrific read. And I do appreciate you coming to talk to us.
KING: Twenty years in the making, twenty years to get this far.
HAMMER: Unbelievable. And hopefully, we have come further than we think we may have. Rodney`s book, a must-read. It is called, "The Riot Within."
You can also see Rodney in VH1`s " Uprising, Hip-hop and the L.A. Riots." It debuts on May 1st.
Well, as we move on tonight, Lindsay Lohan getting herself together, not taking kindly any smack talk about her acting skills. Oh, no. Tonight, Lindsay lashing out at Rosie O`Donnell. Rosie started her latest star feud after dissing Lindsay`s new gig playing Elizabeth Taylor.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She is our generation`s Elizabeth Taylor. She`s the only -
ROSIE O`DONNELL, TV PERSONALITY: You are out of your mind. You`re a crack-head. Get out of here.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, Lindsay strikes back. "People" magazine names the most beautiful woman in the world. Is it the lovely Nicole Kidman? The beautiful Julia Roberts? Breathtaking Beyonce?
Right now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on location on the red carpet for the "Time 100 Most Influential List" bash. 2009 honoree, Barbara Walters, tells me how much her cohosts on "The View" influenced her.
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BARBARA WALTERS, 2009 HONOREE, "TIME 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL LIST": Oh, I think those women influence me every day, because they are funny and opinionated. And we hope, to some degree, we influence our viewers.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Did you see this? If a picture says a thousand words, well, this one of Heidi Klum wearing nothing but body paint might say only two words, "Seal who?"
Heidi`s newest nude shoot is for Astor cosmetics and the picture has gone viral after just weeks since Heidi filed for divorce from Seal.
Heidi says it took 12 hours to get painted like this. She looks gorgeous as always, of course. Heidi just got naked for "More" magazine, too. She admits in the May issue she hasn`t had plastic surgery yet. Heidi says she won`t rule it out in the future.
Well, I was out at a big gig last night. "Time" magazine just named the 100 most influential people. And SHOWBIZ was on location for the big glitzy event here in New York City.
And this shindig, I tell you, would rival any big Hollywood bash because there were so many stars named to this year`s "Time 100 List," like Golden Globe winner, Claire Danes, Oscar nominee, Viola Davis, America`s doctor, Dr. Oz.
I spoke with the good doctor about a very influential young woman, Demi Lovato. The 19-year-old former Disney star just dropped a bombshell about her life telling "Fabulous" magazine that bar and restaurant promoters constantly gave her drugs and alcohol when she was underage.
You always hear about young stars battling addiction, but we often don`t hear about the adult that should protect them doing the most harm. Dr. Oz just told me about his daughter`s experience navigating the dangers of Hollywood. Watch this.
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DR. MEHMET OZ, PHYSICIAN: In my own family, I have that experience. My oldest daughter, Daphne, who hosts the ABC show, "The Chew," is in a world I would never anticipate her being when she was so young.
And you know, she in her 20s, but to us, she is still a baby. And I see her exposed to things that I wasn`t exposed to at that age.
You know, you`re not quite sure how your moral compass (UNINTELLIGIBLE). You hope you gave it to the kids in the right way.
But when you are as young as she was and you are being influenced by folks around you - sometimes, they`re duplicitous. Often, they just want to make you happy. They don`t care about respecting you and treating you the way you need to be treated to grow up and mature normally.
And so we have to get ahead of this for our kids in many ways. But the most important person is the parent and the guardian and loved one. And you cannot let your guard down at all.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well said, Dr. Oz. He told me the most influential person in his life is his wife. She was standing right beside him last night. And he says she is influential because she keeps him honest.
Now, the SHOWBIZ lineup. Coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the Kardashians reportedly getting $40 million so that we can keep on keeping up with them on TV for three more years. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, are they worth it?
It`s the TV moment that has everyone talking today - President Obama and Jimmy Fallon slow jam the news.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, UNITED STATES PRESIDENT: What are we said is simple. Now is not the time to make school more expensive for your young people.
JIMMY FALLON, HOST, "LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON": Oh, yes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Oh, yes. It gets even better. We`ve got the president`s hilarious and educational slow jam, coming up. 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: Jack Osbourne and his fiancee welcome a baby girl, Pearl. Martin Lawrence and his wife split after nearly two years of marriage.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - $40 million madness. The Kardashians have just inked the biggest deal in reality TV history - $40 million in just three years. But SHOWBIZ dares to ask - are they really worth it?
Lindsay Lohan strikes back. Rosie O`Donnell rips Lindsay`s new movie role playing Elizabeth Taylor.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She`s our generation`s Elizabeth Taylor.
O`DONNELL: You are out of your mind. You are a crack head. Get out of here.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, Lindsay`s choice words for Rosie. This celebrity feud is blowing up. Rihanna sets the record straight on her name.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera) You and I before said you were going to set the record straight on something I get in fights with people all the time when you introduce yourself to me all those years ago because you almost didn`t expect people to know who you were. You said Rihanna.
RIHANNA: I knew this was the question.
HAMMER: Have you been saying her name wrong all these years? Tonight, the great name debate comes to an end once and for all.
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
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Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and thank you for watching. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with really big news breaking tonight - $40 million madness.
Yes, reality TV`s royal family has just inked a new mega-deal. They are reportedly set to rake in the biggest payout ever in reality TV history.
Oh, yes, Kardashian fan, now is the time for to you rejoice for the Kardashian clan is here to stay. But as the cameras keep on rolling and the controversies keep on coming, the question is, is this $40 million payday a real steal or raw deal?
With me in New York, Amanda Seales. Seales is part of the (UNINTELLIGIBLE). She`s the host of MTV`s "Hip-Hop POV." From Chicago tonight, Kelli Zink, host of CelebTV.com.
So you have a new season of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" less than a month away now. Amanda, were you stunned when you heard the news about this new deal? Or is it precisely what you would expect from this royal reality family?
AMANDA SEALES, HOST, "HIP-HOP POV": You know, honestly, A.J., I`m not really too keen on the Kardashians. But in this case, they are the queens of reality TV, so this actually does make sense.
I mean, people still want to hear about them and want to see them. And Kim is always focused on making herself relevant, running for office and dating Kanye, et cetera. So you know, it`s good fodder for $40 million.
HAMMER: Yes. I have to imagine if they weren`t worth it, nobody would be shelling out the bucks if there wasn`t a real payoff for the people employing them, which is "E!"
And they haven`t revealed all of the specifics of this new deal. But I do want to take a look at the stunning reports that are out there about it.
The family will reportedly be taking home $40 million for three more seasons of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," the entire family covered by this deal.
And I should point out that five of the 10 most watched shows on that E! Network in their history involve the Kardashians.
Kelli, when you look at the numbers and you pair that with the public`s perception of them, do you see it as a real steal or raw deal?
KELLI ZINK, HOST, CELEBTV.COM: You know, I would like to say it`s a raw deal, but just here in Chicago, 2,000, 3,000 fans camped out overnight to see them at a store appearance at Sears.
So no matter what we may think, there are tons and tons of people who tune in and buy their productions and who would buy anything with the name Kardashian on it and that translates to mucho dollars. So I guess, it`s you know, what they`re doing.
HAMMER: Yes. You cannot argue with ultimately what is good business sense. It would look good or bad, right or wrong. The Kardashians certainly do give producers some amazing TV moments that we have all shared in.
This new deal reportedly only includes existing shows, by the way. So if there are any new Kardashian shows on the way, that means new contracts, more money.
And Amanda I`m thinking if Kanye proves to be Kim Kardashian`s soul mate, there is your next reality show right there. It`s unavoidable.
SEALES: It hurts my soul to think about it almost as much as it hurts to think that the Kardashians were at Sears? That just doesn`t add up to me.
HAMMER: They have a product line that is making them gazillions of dollars.
SEALES: Really?
HAMMER: Yes.
SEALES: I don`t know about all the Kardashians. Maybe I should do better at keeping up.
HAMMER: You`re not keeping up.
SEALES: I have three more seasons to do that.
HAMMER: Well, Kelli Zink spells her name with a K. And Kelli, I imagine you would be tuning in for Kim and Kanye every single week, would you?
ZINK: That would be - I couldn`t handle if that relationship is real. I hope it`s a PR disaster nightmare. There`s no way that Kanye and Kim can possibly be dating. But I do think it`s genius marketing.
HAMMER: Where is the love, Kelli? Where is the love, Amanda? What`s going on?
ZINK: I like this, too.
SEALES: I love Kanye.
ZINK: Yes.
HAMMER: Listen, listen. You people are way too cynical for even me. It`s not real?
SEALES: No.
HAMMER: OK. Maybe it`s not real. We`ll just have to see.
SEALES: But his talent is.
HAMMER: In the very real world of celebrity feuds, however, tonight, Rosie O`Donnell catching some heat for slamming Lindsay Lohan. Rosie is all fired up over the decision to cast Lindsay as Elizabeth Taylor in an upcoming Lifetime movie.
Rosie thinks, hey, there is no way Lindsay can pull off the role. Watch what Rosie told Matt Lauer yesterday on the "Today" show.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
O`DONNELL: I am very sorry for her. I think she needs a lot of help. She needs a lot of time away.
MATT LAUER, CO-HOST, THE "TODAY" SHOW: Is it a good idea to cast her in this movie?
O`DONNELL: No, because she had a lot of trouble doing every single movie, including "SNL." She was out and not at rehearsal. And I think she`s not in a place to work.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: No is what she said. Rosie`s rant, by the way, didn`t end there. Donny Deutsch tried to defend Lindsay and that really didn`t go so well for Donny.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONNY DEUTSCH, TELEVISION PERSONALITY: She`s our generation`s Elizabeth Taylor. She`s the only woman -
O`DONNELL: You are out of your mind. You are a crack head. You get out of here.
DEUTSCH: You know, we were (UNINTELLIGIBLE) a lot in this segment before you showed up.
O`DONNELL: The last thing she did good, she was 16.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Apparently, Rosie thinks Donny Deutsch is a crack head. But separate from that, do you think that the criticism Rosie is launching out there at Lindsay is fair?
I think she is saying two things. I think she`s saying she is not necessarily the actress to play that role, but she`s also saying she`s got other issues and not ready to work.
SEALES: Completely agree with Rosie on both sides. I mean, yes, she is very visibly not healthy. I mean, she has been an addict for quite some time. She has never been able to fully, fully complete, you know, a full- on rehab.
And really, she should not be working. I mean, like she said, she already had a track record of being unable to really work appropriately in these positions. Now, you are going to do a whole movie?
HAMMER: Yes.
SEALES: And then, on the second hand, she is our generation`s Elizabeth Taylor? Get out of town.
HAMMER: Well, I don`t know. I don`t understand what he was saying. But do you think Donny Deutsch is a crack head? No, don`t answer that.
SEALES: No, I don`t.
HAMMER: But Kelli, what do you think? Is Lindsay right for the role?
ZINK: For the role, sure. I didn`t know Elizabeth Taylor dated a female D.J., but said, you know, I think Rosie was just saying what a lot of people were thinking. And she had every right to that.
On the other hand, was she just making that comment to stay relevant since her show was canceled? Who knows? But she has every right to say it. I don`t think it`s fair to bash Lindsay. She is trying. She is putting in a full effort.
HAMMER: Interesting that you should pose the question of what Rosie`s motives may have been. Now, I think Rosie just says what comes to her mind.
I don`t think she thought through, "Oh, let me get on TV and say this controversial thing." I know a lot of people don`t agree with me, but I don`t think she is that methodical about it.
But Lindsay`s camp is naturally not very happy with Rosie`s comments. And along these lines, Lindsay`s rep is releasing this brand-new statement to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT which says, "I think Rosie should focus on her own career right now and not worry about everyone else`s. It`s a shame she decided to get herself in the news by disparaging somebody else."
Again, I don`t think that is what happened. And I am thinking that Lindsay well aware that she has a lot of ground to make up, a lot to prove to a lot of people. I think Lindsay should ignore Rosie`s slam and use this role and this opportunity to prove all of her detractors wrong. Amanda, what do you think?
SEALES: I totally agree. It`s like, oh, let people say what they want to say. You have given them reason to say these things and just act. Do your thing. Do it well and everyone will shut up.
HAMMER: End of the day, go home, everybody is happy. Amanda Seales, Kelli Zink, I thank you both. Well, tonight, Rihanna sets the record straight. Yes, I said Rihanna.
Now, before you start sending me hate tweets, watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, you and I are going to set the record straight on something that I get in fights with people all the time. When you introduce yourself to me all those years ago, because you almost didn`t expect people to know who you were. You said Rihanna.
RIHANNA: I knew this was the question.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, you know who is finally telling the world exactly how to say her name.
Plus, who do you think is the world`s most beautiful woman? Are you on team Nicole? Are you backing Julia? Is your vote going to the gorgeous new mom, Beyonce?
Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT reveals just who "People" magazine named the most beautiful woman in the whole wide world. Did you get it right? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Right now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on location on the red carpet from the "Time 100 Most Influential List" bash. Honoree Claire Danes tells me how excited she is to be recognized as one of the influential people in the world.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CLAIRE DANES, HONOREE, "TIME`S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE LIST": I accept it. I don`t really know how I do. But no, it`s wild and kind of preposterous. And I am just going to enjoy tonight and I feel very, very fortunate to be in the same borough, city and state and country as these people. Never mind -
HAMMER: Benjamin Netanyahu - I mean, I could go on.
DANES: Yes, yes.
HAMMER: It`s pretty cool.
DANES: It`s very cool and I`m very grateful and very amazed.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Wow, she is so good. It`s Rihanna performing at a huge celebrity gathering right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s own turf.
Last night, "Time" magazine threw a huge red carpet party for its 100 most influential people. Some of the most important people on the planet showed up right here at the Time Warner Center in New York City.
And among them, pop superstar Rihanna who saying live for more VIPs than she has probably ever seen in one place.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. And tonight, Rihanna gets real.
I went one on one with at the Time 100 powerhouse party last night for a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. Now, I first met Rihanna back in 2005 just as her first hit, "Pon De Replay," was just climbing the charts and people were just getting to know her name.
She has lived a lifetime since that day we spent together nearly seven years ago. And now, she is one of the biggest stars in the world.
So when we had our little reunion last night as she was being celebrated as one of Time`s 100 most influential people, I had to take a little time to reminisce.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera) Nice to see you.
RIHANNA: Look at you - all dapper.
HAMMER: Look at you. The first time you and I met, summer of 2005, all people knew was "Pon De Replay. You came up to my summer camp for the children with HIV.
RIHANNA: Yes.
HAMMER: And we spent a day together.
RIHANNA: How are you?
HAMMER: And it`s nice to see you all these years later because I believe that was the last time. When you think back to that - because I have a very clear memory of that day. But when you think back to that time in your life, what do you miss most about that time in your life?
RIHANNA: Probably less paparazzi, a little more privacy, you know. I guess - what do I really miss?
HAMMER: There was a simplicity and innocence to be sure.
RIHANNA: There`s definitely a simplicity because there was not a lot of people who knew about me. And I guess that really helped me to stay away from being under the spotlight, you know.
And I enjoyed that. I enjoyed being private about myself. After a while, I didn`t appreciate people having a misperception of me.
And so I started to, you know, get into things like social networking and talking to my fans one on one. That way, you know, I did a little bit of behind the scenes.
Now, I feed them every now and then and give them a little more insight into the person I am. I think that`s important for people to know - to know now.
HAMMER: Nice to have that freedom of that (UNINTELLIGIBLE). And you and I were going to set the record straight on something that I get in fights with people all the time when you introduced yourself to me all those years ago because you almost didn`t expect people to know who you were. You said Rihanna.
RIHANNA: That was the question. It is Rihanna.
HAMMER: Thank you. No, no. No, no. That`s it?
RIHANNA: He is right. Whatever he says.
HAMMER: Rihanna. When I say do not send me angry tweets or hateful comments. It`s Rihanna. She says it`s Rihanna. Thank you, Rihanna.
RIHANNA: Thank you so much.
HAMMER: It`s lovely to see you.
RIHANNA: Likewise.
HAMMER: There you go. Rihanna herself verifying to me that her name is, in fact, pronounced Rihanna. I cannot provide better proof than that that I am actually not butchering her name as so many people think.
My mission is now complete. Thank you very much. By the way, Charles, can we bring up that picture once again. Yes, there it is, from 2005. Look at her, 17 years old. No idea on that day how big things were about to get for her. Amazing.
And I`m sure Rihanna was truly humbled by the fact that she appeared on the "Time`s 100 Most Influential List" along with our president.
And like Rihanna, President Obama did a little jamming of his own last night. He joined Jimmy Fallon for Jimmy`s famous "slow jamming the news" bit. And I can tell you it was Jimmy, President Obama, and one really smooth groove.
I want to bring back Amanda Seales one more tie. She is the host of MTV`s "Hip-Hop POV."
So Jimmy Fallon gave up his mike for the president during the taping of a special show at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
We`ve got to check out the superstar reception President Obama got from students on campus. Roll that, Charles.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
OBAMA: I`m President Barack Obama and I, too, want to slow jam the news. .
FALLON: Hit it!
(MUSIC)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. But wait, let`s hold it there for a moment, just to reflect on that for a second, Amanda. I mean, you saw the lights. You heard the ruckus, the applause. The president gets up there with that swagger.
At that point, as I am watching, I`m thinking our prez better really bring it when he slow jamming the news.
SEALES: Yes. He`d better. And he`s with The Roots, and The Roots are one of the greatest bands ever. So you know - but remember, our president can sing, so I`m not worried.
HAMMER: He can sing. He`s got a sense of humor.
SEALES: He`s got swag.
HAMMER: And he finally got a chance to show off his skills as the slow jammer in chief. He laid down a silky-smooth jam about making college loans more affordable.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OBAMA: What are we said is simple. Now, is not the time to make school more expensive for our young people.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
FALLON: Oh, yes. You should listen to the president. Or as I like to call him, the Preissy of the United Steesy(ph).
Things were heating up inside congressmen`s chambers, behind all those closed doors, so the president made a few discreet calls across the aisle.
He said hey, "Let`s get together on this one. Without an affordable Stafford loan, where can a student turn?" The Pell Grant is a beautiful thing, but with college getting more expensive, is it enough, but itself, to satisfy all your collegiate needs. Oh, Pell no!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, Pell no! If Congress doesn`t act, it`s the students who play. The right and left should join on this like Kim and Kanye.
(MUSIC)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I love it. The Preissy of the United Steesy(ph). He totally pulled that off. Did you see that look on his face?
SEALES: You know, he was really, the whole time, just giving you that magazine on the president.
(CROSS TALK)
SEALES: I love him.
HAMMER: I am thinking when the first presidential debate comes around during the election cycle, he should slow jam the debates.
SEALES: Yes. And he will knock it out of the water because Mitt Romney definitely does not have any rhythm like that.
HAMMER: Yes. You know, I don`t want to get political, but I have to agree with you, totally. That was a lot of fun. Amanda Seales, thank you so much and good to have you here for that fun moment.
Coming up next, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT reveals the world`s most beautiful woman. Who is it? Nicole Kidman? Maybe Julia Roberts? Maybe new mom, Beyonce?
We`re going to show you who was just named "People" magazine`s most beautiful woman in the world? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
And right now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on location on the red carpet for the "Time 100 Most Influential List Bash." And I just couldn`t resist this opportunity last night.
2005 honoree, Ann Coulter, gives me her take on Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie`s big engagement.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANN COULTER, CONSERVATIVE RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: I do see them talking about it probably on your show. And I thought it was very sweet that Brad said the reason he is finally doing it is their kids started saying, "Daddy, daddy, buy mommy a ring."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Well, tonight, I hope you are ready because we have for you the world`s most beautiful woman. Now, every year, we all look forward to "People" magazine`s most beautiful issue. I`ve got my copy right here. I`m not going to show you the cover of this yet.
We even got in on the action and tried to predict who would grace this cover this year. I have to say we actually did really well.
Joining me right now from "People" magazine senior writer, Alexis Chu. And Alexis, I am going to leave it to you to reveal -
ALEXIS CHU, SENIOR WRITER, "PEOPLE": Why thank you.
HAMMER: Who you all named this year as the world`s most beautiful woman. I know we did well. But go ahead, lay it out for us.
CHU: Thank you. It`s an honor to tell you that we named our most beautiful woman in the world Beyonce.
HAMMER: And there she is. Look at that. And I have to say what a spectacular, spectacular choice. You see her on the cover with that caption. It seems to fit perfectly.
But what went into your choice? Because we certainly made that choice ourselves. In fact, I think we should applaud the choice, because when we were debating who it should be here on the show, we said Beyonce among the people. But what went into your decision of picking her?
CHU: Well, Beyonce, she is - it`s a natural decision for many reasons. But look, this is - she`s had a lot of moments. This is her biggest on yet. She is on top of her game.
At 30 years old, this woman has won 16 Grammys and she`s a trendsetter and she`s got one of the most amazing voices in the world. She sings for the president. The president can do the "Single Ladies" hand flip.
She is just such a powerhouse. And on top of it, she`s got that glow of a new mommy. So that just put it over the edge.
HAMMER: I was just going to say, did that kind of put it over the top? Because I know in years past, sometimes, it is an extraordinarily difficult decision. I can`t imagine how the meetings go on. You were probably throwing pictures around the room and debating it. Was there much of a debate this year?
CHU: This year, she was a pretty clear winner. There are a lot of names. It`s always a hard decision. If you can imagine having to sit there and decide who is the most beautiful.
We are talking about an industry full of drop-dead gorgeous inside and out. But she - there wasn`t much of a debate this year. It had to be her.
HAMMER: Inside and out. And as I said, it really looks appropriate to see her on the cover where it says world`s most beautiful woman.
CHU: Well, thank you.
HAMMER: And I know you have some other surprises. Every year, there are surprises. But what are a couple of the others that we can expect when we open up this magazine?
CHU: Well, if you are a "Hunger Games" fan, open it up and see Jennifer Lawrence. I mean, this is a relatively fresh face. Everyone knows Beyonce and she deserves to be in there.
This is Katniss from "Hunger Games." And she is the one who can sort of do the tom boy thing. She`s a strong person in all these films. And then she, you know, walks on to a red carpet and shines as this sort of gorgeous creature.
She`s got it - goes both ways. We`ve got a little bit of something for everybody in here. But we are still proud to have been the one that got the first interview and photo shoot since Beyonce had her baby.
HAMMER: That`s right.
CHU: So we`ve got all the details about Baby Blue. It`s hard to get her to stop talking about it.
HAMMER: What was the most surprising she revealed to you about motherhood?
CHU: The most surprising was, A, that she absolutely loves changing diapers. She swears on the bible. And also just how much it softened her. She is a hard-charging ambitious woman -
HAMMER: She is.
CHU: And she makes up lullabies.
HAMMER: I`m not surprised by that at all.
CHU: Yes, and she loves it.
HAMMER: Alexis, thank you so much. Great to have you here. And "People`s" world most beautiful woman issue will be on newsstands for you to check out everywhere on Friday.
That is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you for watching. Remember, you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusively weeknights. We`re on at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific right here on HLN.
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