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Showbiz Tonight
Octumom Over Her Head?; Rosie versus Lindsay; Will Taylor Return?; Simon Cowell in a New Book; Olivia Newton-John Releases New Cookbook
Aired April 26, 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, HLN HOST: Big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Brand new Octumom outrage. Nadya Suleman`s brand new fury after Child Protective Services was called to her home. Are her 14 children living in squalor?
NADYA SULEMAN, OCTUMOM: She thought it was unacceptable that they`re, you know, half naked, going potty. I mean, mom is out there. Come on.
HAMMER: Tonight, why the Octumom claims she`s been set up.
Simon`s secrets revealed. Tonight inside the secret life of the former "American Idol" bad boy, Simon Cowell. Obsessed with Botox? And does he really despise Jennifer Lopez? The author of Simon`s unauthorized autobiography tells all in a must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
Rosie versus Lindsay. Part two. Lindsay Lohan fires back at Rosie O`Donnell for slamming Lindsay`s new role as Liz Taylor.
LINDSAY LOHAN, ACTRESS: It was funny that someone you don`t know at all can say something so intrusive.
HAMMER: Tonight Rosie reveals why she`s not backing down in a must-see brand new interview.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show breaks news right now.
Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Thank you for watching. We have big news breaking tonight.
Was it a setup? There are explosive new claims today from Octumom, Nadya Suleman, that she was set up, targeted, framed. Nadya speaking out today lashing out at a hairstylist who accused her of child neglect, a complaint that led to the child services knocking on the Octumom`s door and asking some serious questions, and now disturbing new photos have surfaced that are making a lot of people ask if Nadya`s 14 kids are even safe in their own home.
So is the Octumom wrongly accused or simply in serious denial?
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER (voice-over): You can call Nadya Suleman lots of things, but don`t call her Octumom.
SULEMAN: I hate Octumom. I want to crack -- I want to take a freaking sledgehammer and crack her in half.
HAMMER: In a new interview that aired this morning on ABC`s "Good Morning America" Nadya Suleman hammered at the infamous nickname.
SULEMAN: That is some freak. That`s created at the media. You see, I needed to be done. Done.
HAMMER: She may want to be done with her nickname, but Nadya Suleman is not done with the drama that seems to surround this infamous mother of 14. In the past three days she`s had to deal with allegations that her children are living in squalor, a visit from child services, and new reports she`s about to become homeless.
ALEXIS TERESZCUK, RADAR ONLINE: Things are getting really bad for Octumom.
HAMMER: It all started when the Octumom`s hairdresser allegedly took photos inside Nadya`s California home. Photos that hit TMZ this week.
TERESZCUK: It just showed the horrific conditions of the home. And one of the pictures showed the children using a port-a-potty in the backyard.
SULEMAN: She thought it was unacceptable that they`re, you know, half naked, going potty, I mean, mom is out there, come on.
HAMMER: This morning on "GMA" Nadya responded to allegations from her presumably ex-hairdresser?
ABBIE BOUDREAU, ABC NEWS CORRESPONDENT: You think you were set up?
SULEMAN: I think maybe. I believe my kids were set up. We were set up.
HAMMER: Suleman says the only reason the kids were going to the bathroom outside was because of a plumbing problems that`s now been fixed.
BOUDREAU: When ABC News showed up, her maid service was hard at work.
HAMMER: And in full view of ABC`s cameras, Nadya`s house was tended to by a cleaning crew.
Still, the hairdresser`s allegations caused more problems for Nadya than just embarrassing headlines.
TERESZCUK: She had Child Protective Services called on her.
HAMMER: Local authorities visited her house on Tuesday. They tell SHOWBIZ TONIGHT everything looked OK.
TERESZCUK: They didn`t do anything, they didn`t arrest her, the children haven`t been taken away. I guess it`s not a crime to have a messy house.
HAMMER: But in addition to child negligent, the hairdresser is also accusing Nadya, who recently started getting public assistance, of financial neglect.
TERESZCUK: The hairdresser said that it was over $500 of the services she provided to her Nadya including a Brazilian blowout.
HAMMER: Suleman tells ABC that $500 hairdresser bill covered haircuts for 14 children as well as herself.
TERESZCUK: That`s a lot of money for 15 haircuts.
HAMMER: But ABC`s Abbie Boudreau thought the same thing.
BOUDREAU: That`s a lot of money for a haircut.
SULEMAN: And I`m making money. I have a job. And I can afford it.
BOUDREAU: But you`re also receiving public assistance.
SULEMAN: It`s almost over. It`s almost over. We -- this is our last month on (INAUDIBLE).
HAMMER: Despite the Octumom`s claims of financial stability, today there are new reports she`s about to lose her home.
TERESZCUK: The man who actually loaned Nadya the money to purchase the home was the one who revealed the shocking news that the house is going to go up for auction on Monday.
HAMMER: Local reports also say the house is on the market. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT contacted Suleman`s rep who denied the auction reports. And Suleman says recent jobs like her nude photo spread in a British magazine are a big help.
SULEMAN: I`ve been using the media to pay the bills. Any offer now is to take care of my kids.
HAMMER: But after years of watching Suleman`s questionable decisions like having 14 kids despite not having a steady income, many observers find it hard to believe her when she insists everything is rosy.
TERESZCUK: Nadya has an excuse for everything. She absolutely will defend everything that she does. If she is in desperate financial straits, and I don`t know that she`s going to be able to pull out of it this time.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: OK. So it`s obviously not looking good for Nadya, but there is hope that maybe she can pull it together with a new career. Imagine, Octumom, the movie star?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What?
HAMMER: Yes, you heard me right. Nadya Suleman can now add actress to her resume. She has been cast in her very first movie, she got the lead role in a new horror film "Millennium." Now get this. Are you ready? Listen to this set up.
Suleman plays a virgin who suddenly becomes impregnated by a demon. I wish I was making this up, I`m not that clever.
Joining me from Hollywood for a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview, it`s Kevin Clark and Manzie Jones. They are the filmmakers behind the Octumom`s movie debut.
Good to have you here, guys.
KEVIN CLARK, FILMMAKER: Thank you.
MANZIE JONES, FILMMAKER: Thanks for having us, A.J.
HAMMER: Absolutely. So, Kevin, let me start with you, you have this horror film. You`re looking to cast your lead actress. Please explain to me how how in the world Nadya Suleman`s name came up for that choice.
CLARK: Well, Manzie and I have been making these micro-budgeted horror films for a couple of years. And Manzie kept asking, every time we came to the casting process, can we cast the Octumom? And I kept saying, no, no, no. So finally we`re casting "Millennium," and Manzie says, all right, this time we go the Octumom, and I said, OK. First let me go to an actress of my choice. She says no, then we can go to Octumom.
So we put the offer out to the girl who played Winnie Cooper on the "Wonder Years"?
HAMMER: Right.
CLARK: And she said absolutely not, so he was able to make the offer to Octumom.
HAMMER: And so in a way Octumom --
CLARK: That`s how (INAUDIBLE).
HAMMER: Beat up Winnie. But, so, Manzie, you have to explain to me, why you did you keep bringing up Octumom as somebody you wanted for this -- for one of your movies?
JONES: Well, you know, I see her in the media a lot and I knew she was relevant. I knew that at a marketing standpoint that she was known not only in the United States but also internationally. So I figured it`d be a good casting choice, somebody that could sell the movie and somebody that people would find interesting.
HAMMER: Well, I think she`s --
JONES: So we went with her.
HAMMER: She certainly find -- we certainly find her interesting, and it certainly gets you some extra exposure. We were just seeing a bit of her in action there, but I want to take that full, Charles, can we watch Nadya in action in "Millennium."
My director was laughing in my ear. That`s your fault Charles, you made me giggle.
Look, look, she`s never acted before. I don`t know how much that actually matters, but obviously, guys, she`s a very polarizing person.
Manzie, did you consider that it could actually really be risky to cast Nadya in your film?
JONES: You know a little bit. Me and Kevin talked about it, the risk of having -- somebody who has 14 kids or has kids in general. Kids get sick. We thought maybe there`s sometime she might show up to the set or be late, but we are happy to tell you that she showed up on time every day. She was professional. She knew the script and she took it very serious, so we`re, you know, happy to report and happy to have her on board.
HAMMER: Kevin, are you at all concerned about perhaps it will keep people away from the movie because there are a lot of people who simply are very angry at her and can`t really stand her?
CLARK: Well, it`s interesting because about the time we cast the film, there was a poll that came out, and I think she made the top five most hated people in America. And so I brought that to Manzie`s attention, you know, like this could have the exact opposite effect that we want which is it could keep people away, but we decided to roll the dice and so far, the reaction has been, like you`re saying, just curiosity.
HAMMER: Yes.
CLARK: Like what is this movie, what is the role in the movie? So, so far so good. I`m sure we`ll catch a little bit of the backlash.
HAMMER: There -- you know, look, there is a piece of me that can`t wait to see it now for -- not probably, not for the right reasons. But here`s the question, because we all know that she needs to make money, she`s having a hard time supporting her 14 kids. Can you tell me, Manzie, how much you paid her for the role?
JONES: Yes. We paid her SAG scale, and then we -- she also gets a percentage of the movie so it could, you know, hopefully add up to help her take care of the kids and pay some of these bills. So, you know, we`re happy to take our -- do our part and get her off -- get her roll on on that.
HAMMER: Yes. Put it towards those $500 worth of haircuts, I guess.
All right, Kevin and Manzie, I really appreciate having you guys here. Thanks so much.
And people should look for "Millennium" to be released on DVD by the end of the summer, just in time for Halloween.
Thanks, guys.
Tonight we move on to war of the Rosie and Lindsay Lohan firing back after Rosie O`Donnell slammed Lindsay`s new role as Liz Taylor.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LOHAN: Somebody you don`t know at all can say something so intrusive and so knowing.
HAMMER: Tonight Rosie revealed why she`s not about to back down in this brand new feud.
And wait until you hear this. Simon`s secrets revealed. Is Simon Cowell obsessed with his looks? Does he despise J.Lo? Well, tonight the man who wrote the unauthorized biography on Simon Cowell is right here. He`s telling all. It is a must-see SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsmaker interview.
And you must see this. Stars without makeup. Zooey Deschanel, "Modern Family`s" Julie Bowen, not a stitch of makeup.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN, news and views.
This is the SHOWBIZ news ticker, these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
GRAPHICS: Bobby Brown pleads no contest to recent DUI charge and will not serve any jail time.
GRAPHICS: Brandy Norwood reveals how she felt when she heard of Whitney Houston`s death.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRANDY NORWOOD, SINGER: It`s almost like my whole life just completely left my body in that moment, and I just fell to the floor. I wanted to cry. I wanted to curse. I wanted to scream. I wanted to do everything that I needed to do to get this, this feeling out.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LOHAN: You don`t know at all can say something so intrusive and so knowing.
UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Is this going to change --
LOHAN: No. I think, you know what, she should base her opinions when she meets someone. And you know, one-on-one.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Lindsay Lohan speaking out for the first time with "Access Hollywood" there after Rosie slammed the idea of Lindsay playing Elizabeth Taylor in a movie. Well now Rosie reveals why she still thinks Lindsay is in big trouble.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
Tonight, war of the Rosie. Rosie O`Donnell is caught up in yet another war of words. This time with Lindsay Lohan. Now this whole tiff was sparked after Rosie said that Lindsay isn`t in a place to work and it`s a bad idea for her to play Elizabeth Taylor in a new movie.
Lindsay is not happy about this at all, but today, Rosie is not backing down at all.
Joining me from Hollywood, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner.
So, Nischelle, Lindsay is ticked off about Rosie`s comments about her, and I totally get that, all she`s doing is trying to get back to work, but it doesn`t seem like Rosie regrets in any way what she said about Lindsay.
NISCHELLE TURNER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: No, it doesn`t, A.J. She didn`t seem to have any regrets. And this morning on the "Today" show, she actually didn`t seem surprised by Lindsay`s reaction and rather than apologize or retract her comments she actually went on to compare Lindsay Lohan to Whitney Houston.
Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROSIE O`DONNELL, TV HOST: Listen, I`m 50 years old and I just -- watching Whitney Houston`s funeral, I remember thinking, why didn`t more people say what they knew. We all knew. When she would not show up to do the show, not show up to do my show. We watched "Being Bobby Brown," it was like watching "Sid and Nancy." They were people in the throes of addiction.
But all everyone cared about was that the show was getting ratings. Not that this woman, this talented individual, this human being, this mother, this ,daughter was worth saving and pulling out of the money market industry, to try to get some -- and I know only someone could be in control of their own sobriety, but to look at Lindsay Lohan, you can`t help but feel for her. And I do not think she un-talented, I think she`s quite talented.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. So Rosie is not backing down but I did think she gave a rather thoughtful response there. And I do get where she`s coming from because yes, Lindsay has certainly had her share of problems and quite frankly any time things are looking up for her, she falls. So I get the Whitney comparison.
TURNER: Yes, you know, it`s tough, A.J. I do understand what Rosie meant in that she notices the similarities between Whitney and Lindsay. She really believes that Lindsay is being enabled and wants to give her a wake- up call, now that said, Lindsay is still a work in progress. But look, let`s remember, she has completed her formal probation, she just got this movie role playing Elizabeth Taylor.
So maybe we should just give her chance. One more and a new movie role of Elizabeth Taylor and give her one more chance, one more chance. Believe it or not, she could be trying to get herself together this time, A.J.
HAMMER: Yes, we`ll continue to hope for the best. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner, thank you.
TURNER: Yes.
HAMMER: Thank you, Nischelle.
Well, there is more big news out of Hollywood tonight. Betty White and Joan Rivers. Long lost twin sisters? Yes, you`d better believe it. And don`t go chasing holograms, left eye may not be pulling a Tupac. But a big win for Britney`s beau, all making big news in the buzz today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER (voice-over): A big win for Britney`s beau. Britney`s fierce fiancee Jason Trolley has just been awarded rights as co-conservator over his soon-to-be wife. Britney`s father Jamie who took control of Britney`s estate and decision-making back in 2008 when she began acting erratically, asked the court to add his future son-in-law as co-conservator so he can legally make decisions for his wife on matters of Britney`s well-being. This includes things like medical care, clothing and food. Britney`s dad will still control her finances.
Left Eye resurrected? Surviving members of R&B trio TLC have just shut down a report that they resurrecting Lisa Left-Eye Lopez in the form of a hologram. Lopez died in a car accident exactly 10 years ago and her friends, T-Boz and Chili, are saying their just-announced summer tour will absolutely not include Left Eye in 3D animated form.
In a brand new statement, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, a rep for Rozanda "Chili" Thomas says, "Left-Eye is worked into their performances but it was severely taken out of context. It will not be a hologram. They`ve done with her image on the screen before now."
Betty and Jones, twin sister reunion. Joan Rivers is joining the beloved Betty White on an all new episode of "Hot in Cleveland." The legendary comedians are playing twin sisters who have been estranged for 40 year, and yes, they`ll be addressing the fact they don`t exactly look alike.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BETTY WHITE, COMEDIAN: What have you done to our face?
JOAN RIVERS, COMEDIAN: Me? What about you? Natural aging. Disgusting.
WHITE: Where`s the famous (INAUDIBLE) neck freckle? You had it removed.
RIVERS: Please, after five facelifts, it`s on my forehead.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: This episode of "Hot in Cleveland" debuts Thursday on TVLand.
I can`t wait to see that.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Well, tonight, will Taylor Armstrong returns to the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." You know there are brand new reports that say she may not want her back back. What`s the real story? Tonight, Taylor Armstrong sets the record straight to me in a must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
And the incredible Olivia Newton-John is here. Can you believe it`s been over 30 years since "Grease" hit the big screen? I got to ask, is it time for a remake of this iconic debut?
I will ask the great Olivia Newton-John in a brand new headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
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.
GRAPHICS: Thomas Marth, a sax player for The Killers, found dead of apparent suicide in Las Vegas.
GRAPHICS: Taylor Swift and Dianna Agron tweet a photo while celebrating Shirley MacLaine`s birthday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TAYLOR ARMSTRONG, "REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS": I get more reward out of doing something lavish for my daughter than for myself. You know, I`m sure Lisa would go buy 20 pairs of shoes for herself, I`d rather throw a huge party for my daughter. That is how I am.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight, Will Taylor Armstrong return to the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills?" Well, brand new reports say she may not be back. But what`s the real story here? Taylor sets the record straight for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Tonight Taylor tells all. Taylor Armstrong certainly had one tough year on the last season of the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." On the show we all watch as her marriage unravel. The other wives accused her of covering up her own claims of domestic abuse, and of course she tragically lost her husband Russell after he committed suicide before the season began airing.
Now there are reports that say Bravo wants to phase Taylor out of the show for good. They say that she`s actually lost some of the "Housewives`" audience because of all the drama that she brought to the show. So is Taylor returning to the show next season or not?
Well, Taylor came to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT to set the record straight in a brand new SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview, and she tells me it`s not out of the question.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Can you tell us if you will in fact be returning next season?
ARMSTRONG: I can`t. I`m sorry, I can`t. They haven`t announced the cast yet, and so we`re just going to have to leave you hanging a little bit longer.
HAMMER: Do you want to return? If you are offered the opportunity, will you be there?
ARMSTRONG: You know, I`ve thought a lot about it and talked to my family and friends and my psychologists and Kennedy`s, and I`m really -- thought a lot about it. There is -- there is a victory here. I think that it`s powerful for women to see what I`ve gone through and also how I`ve recovered, and what my life is like now.
So if I feel like it can be a positive outcome for other women to see that you can be a single mom, you can get through these types of things, and you can move on in life, then of course, I would like for people to be able to see that and not be crazy person I was last year.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I`d like to see her back.
Time for the SHOWBIZ lineup coming at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Simon`s secrets revealed. Tonight inside the fascinating life of Simon Cowell. Is he obsessed with his looks? Does he despise Jennifer Lopez?
Well, the man who wrote the unauthorized biography on Simon is right here for a headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
And yes, it`s the return of Angelina Jolie`s bright leg. You`ll never guess where her leg -- yes, just her leg -- showed up. And I was right there.
This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN, news and views.
And this is the SHOWBIZ news ticker, more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
GRAPHICS: Sean Penn received 2012 Peace Summit Award.
GRAPHICS: Whoopi Goldberg to guest star on "The Middle" as geeky school guidance counselor.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It is like my whole year didn`t happen. It is soul crushing.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, ACTRESS: Let me tell you something, Sue. You may not know to look at me now, but I know what it`s like to feel like you don`t exist.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Really?
GOLDBERG: A bunch of years ago I was a student here, too, and nobody knew who I was either and I was the only black kid.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
A.J. HAMMER, HOST: Big news breaking tonight on "Showbiz Tonight."
Simon`s secrets. A music judge legend is being exposed tonight big time in a brand new biography. Is he really as angry as he seems? What`s his beef with J.Lo. The man who literally wrote the book on Simon`s secret life is right here tonight. Tom Bower spilling the beans in a must see Showbiz newsmaker interview.
And "Grease" made her super famous. But that was really just the beginning. Olivia Newton John has had four decades of fame and acted as an inspiration to millions who have beaten cancer just like her. Tonight Olivia Newton-John is right here for a showbiz newsmaker interview as her fight to knock out cancer continues.
Plus, breathtakingly bare. Zooey Deschanel, Julie Bowen, showbiz reveals the hot Hollywood stars who are going without a drop of makeup.
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative news show continues right now.
HAMMER: Welcome back to "Showbiz Tonight." Thank you for watching. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with big news breaking tonight.
Simon`s secrets, and yes, there are stunning new revelations tonight about America`s most beloved and hated TV judge Simon Cowell. The world knows him as the grumpy British judge who pulls no punches with anyone who dares to stand before him and belt out a tune, but it is what we didn`t know about Cowell until now anyway that has everybody talking from his love of botox and his troubled romances to his hatred of "Idol" judge Jennifer Lopez.
Tonight, "Showbiz" reveals the inside story. (INAUDIBLE) Tom Bower is the author of the new unauthorized biography on Simon Cowell called "Sweet Revenge, The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell." The book will hit stores on May 1st. Tom joining me from London for the Showbiz Newsmaker interview. Good to have you here, Tom.
TOM BOWER, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR: Thanks for having me.
HAMMER: Absolutely. So there was just this big launch for your book last night which is touted as I mentioned as Cowell`s unofficial biography, but Simon showed up. He was right there helping you celebrate. In fact, he even told the crowd that he had been hiding under a pillow since details of the book started to be released.
I get a feeling, Tom, that since he came out to celebrate with you, he is actually happy with what you have written. What has he said to you about it?
BOWER: Well, he said he has been very embarrassed. He said he has been quite unhappy about some of the things but in the end he gave me the facilities that I spent nearly 200 hours with him, flying across the Atlantic in all his yachts and the amazing house in L.A. and we became friends and I always told him that there`s going to be things in this book you don`t like, you`re going to be embarrassed and you just have to trust me.
And so we had a good relationship, but last night, he apologized to all of the people that he embarrassed, and he was very charming. He was very - he was really kind to everybody.
HAMMER: I do get the impression that good or bad, he loves the attention, and look, the guy has just changed the rules of TV the way he has used the shows to give people that instant shot of fame in a way it hadn`t been done before, but of course, there is one big drawback that they have to face him first. Let`s watch Simon in action.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Simon, you say I look like a man?
SIMON COWELL: No, I say you don`t look like a man, but you look like a man dressed as a woman.
Oh, one of the worst auditions I have ever heard in my life.
Look, your mouth is far, far too big when you sing. I mean it was like looking into a cave. You look like a stretch version of her.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, no.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know what -
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Look, you have to love his brutal honesty, but Tom, I have always found him to be quite likable in person. Do you think that he is genuinely a grumpy guy or is that really an act that he stumbled upon to help build the empire?
BOWER: Oh, no, no. He can be very grumpy and as one music producer who has worked with him said to me "Simon can in three words destroy 10 months` work." He has always been able to do the big quick rejection which is actually going to deflate someone`s ego, because in the end, Simon believes in himself, and that is why he succeeded despite years of humiliation and failure and he always believed that he is going to be the best, and now he is acting it out.
HAMMER: Yes, he has gotten to prove it to everybody, particularly himself. And so many surprises, by the way, tucked away in your book. Everybody is already buzzing, because you reveal that Simon is not a fan of Jennifer Lopez. I was not aware of this. You say that he can`t stand her. So, set the record straight for us, Tom, what is his beef with J. Lo?
BOWER: Well, he just found her just too vain and too self-interested which seems like he met his own match, but in the end, Simon does not really like many celebrities. I noticed when I went with him to the "Oprah Winfrey Show" and many other places around Hollywood and elsewhere, he is a rather shy guy. He is always afraid of being associated with people who are bigger than him or who might put him in the shade, but in end, he is pretty critical of people. He does not like Elton John. He does not like many of the people who are really famous in the music business. You know, he is critical, but he likes himself.
HAMMER: Yes, well, I think that is pretty clear. I think his picture may appear next to the word narcissism in the dictionary actually. Look, so he is not fond of all of those people, but he has certainly had an eye for some of the female judges who have sat by his side on the shows other than J. Lo bringing about some headline-making romance, and in an all new survey this month, he was voted the world`s best boyfriend and this really surprised me. He actually beat out Prince Harry. So if Simon is such a great catch, why hasn`t he settled down yet?
BOWER: Well, the thing about Simon is he can be charming. He is very generous and he loves fun, but he goes for women who are uninhibited and uncomplicated, a bit trashy and can make him laugh and he can make them laugh, too. The catch is that he gets very easily bored. All of the women I met through him or who he has cast aside just say that there comes a stage when he kicks them out. And they don`t like it, but that is the way he operates. So he is not going to marry, and he is just going to carry on like the big boy who is having fun.
HAMMER: But you know, it works out pretty well for some of the exs. I`m talking about some remarkable parting gifts that he has imparted to them. He recently reportedly sent one packing with an $8 million mansion and another with a $5 million mansion. I`m thinking what a way to end a relationship. Tom, is that guilt money or does he do it simply because he can?
BOWER: He is guilt ridden. And because he can, and maybe a little hush money, and he does not want them to kiss and tell, but the thing about Simon is he keeps his old girlfriends as permanent friends. He likes calling them up right through the night. He likes knowing that they are there when he wants them, and then he can cast them aside when he does not want them, and so they feel dependent on him, and they like looking after them, and he likes being looked after. But in the end, he is pretty unfaithful. I mean that is the nub of it all. None of them are guaranteed his full time attention, and they take him on his terms.
HAMMER: Yes. I think the only one guaranteed Simon`s full time attention is Simon, himself.
BOWER: Exactly.
HAMMER: Now if we can put up an image right here of the Simon we all know - let`s look at Simon. There he is. That is his standard look in the black t-shirt, and he tells it like it is. Frankly he seems like he just couldn`t care less about what other people think of him, and you sort of get that image of him, but in your book, Tom, you paint him as just the opposite actually, and you paint him as this guy who is absolutely obsessed with his looks, and that doesn`t really make sense, because it kind of flies in the face of how he thinks we see him.
BOWER: Well, he thinks - he`s obsessed by his looks, and he is obsessed by staying young. He is really very worried about getting ill, so he powers himself of vitamins and vitamin drips and also some surgery and colonic irrigation, and of course, botox and surgery, that sort of thing, but I looked through his cupboards, in his closets, in his bedroom and dressing rooms and it is just filled with all of the same clothes. He has got 100 pairs of jeans all the same and the same t-shirts and the same suits. He just likes wearing the same clothes like he likes eating the same food. He is a man of habit.
But he really, I mean, he thinks he eats these exotic fruit smoothies and he does everything that you can imagine to keep young and look good, because he is worried about getting old.
HAMMER: Vitamins, fruit smoothies, healthy eating and he shoots poison into his head. There is your Simon Cowell right there. Tom Bower, it is fascinating and thank you very much for joining us. I really appreciate it.
BOWER: Pleasure. Thanks.
HAMMER: The book "Sweet Revenge, The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell" will be in stores on May 1st. What a fun, fun read.
Well, tonight, stronger than ever. Who doesn`t love Olivia Newton John? I don`t know of anybody. She became an icon, of course, as Sandra Dee in "Grease" and spent the next four decades continuing a career that just would not stop and she beat career to become an inspiration for millions of other people battling the disease.
Tonight, I`m so thrilled. Olivia right here for a special Showbiz newsmaker interview as she continues the crusade against cancer.
Plus the stars who are truly revealing all. Yes, they are taking off all their makeup. I can tell you right here, right now, they look absolutely amazing. This is "Showbiz Tonight" on HLN, News and Views.
It is time now for the Showbiz news ticker. These are more stories from the "Showbiz Tonight" newsroom making news tonight.
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NEIL PATRICK HARRIS, ACTOR: I don`t know. That is such a hard question to answer, because if I say no, then I look like a jerk and then if I say yes, then I look like I`m begging. And so -
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HAMMER: Summer days drifting away and that is of course the 1978 classic "Grease" starring John Travolta and the great Olivia Newton John, still one of my favorite movies of all time. So does Olivia Newton John think a remake is in order? Well, you`re about to find out.
Welcome back to "Showbiz Tonight." I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight stronger than ever, count me among the many who continue to be inspired by singing and acting icon Olivia Newton John with a career spanning more than four decades Olivia has become a symbol of hope for so many people. She successfully battled breast cancer some 20 years ago and is now adding author to her very long list of accomplishments.
Olivia has just released this brand new cookbook. It is called "Live Wise, Easy Recipes for a Healthy, Happy Life." Olivia Newton John joining me in New York for the Showbiz newsmaker interview. It`s always great to see you.
OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN, ACTRESS: Good to see you.
HAMMER: And I saw your smile get a little wider when we were watching the clip there of "Grease" right there. It is hard to believe it has been over 30 years now since that movie was released. So when you see that, when you see a clip of the movie, what is the first place your mind goes to? What`s the first thought you have?
NEWTON JOHN: Well, I just remembered being there, and the fun that it was. I think it`s just like an energy that was so much fun when we made the movie. It is a great fond memory that I have that stays with me actually. I think I thought it would be a memory, but I think I am reminded of it every day.
HAMMER: Every day probably but do you feel like - I mean, is that a lifetime ago or it feels such a close connection to it still?
NEWTON JOHN: Well, I feel a close connection. It is a lifetime ago, but it`s also yesterday and because time is going so fast anymore. It is like - it is a long time ago but I am reminded of it so much that it is a part of my life still.
HAMMER: It`s funny, you laughed out loud when you heard me saying that we are going to ask her if there should be a remake. What you think of the idea? We have seen a lot of classic movies remade, recently "Footloose" was done and people have always talked about the idea of a "Grease" remake. Do you see that as a viable thing?
NEWTON JOHN: I am sure they will try it and I think it will probably do well, because people will be curious, but there`s something about the originals I find for all the movies, there`s something about the originals that people still want to see, but I am sure they will do it and they will do an updated version of it and it will be great.
HAMMER: Something about the originals particularly the lead characters and the actors who played them.
NEWTON JOHN: Oh, not because it is just me.
HAMMER: Well, you know -
NEWTON JOHN: But I like the old visual as well but I like the new ones.
HAMMER: Have you ever thought as an actress, ever crossed your path or somebody seen on television or the movies and you said, "Well, if they were to do a "Grease," I`d say she would be a good Sandi"?
NEWTON JOHN: Well, lately I thought that Taylor Swift could probably do it.
HAMMER: Oh wow.
NEWTON JOHN: Because she is very talented and I am sure she could do both. And my daughter. I`ve always thought that she could do it.
HAMMER: Well, there you go. Let`s sign her up right now. Congratulations on the release of this book. By the way, it is right up my alley, "Live Wise, Easy Recipes for a Healthy, Happy Life." I mean I`m all about healthy eating. So any chance I have to have another book that gives me some great resources and I love that 100 percent of the proceed goes to the Olivia Newton John Cancer and Wellness Center.
And that got me thinking, you probably have seen "Celebrity Apprentice," the Donald Trump show. So many celebs going on there and "apprentice" and raising tons and tons of money for their charities. Have they ever approached you about doing that show?
NEWTON JOHN: They haven`t.
HAMMER: Is that something that you would consider?
NEWTON JOHN: I don`t know. Those competitive things don`t appeal to me.
HAMMER: That`s not your nature. You`re not -
NEWTON JOHN: Well, I`m a like an intense (INAUDIBLE) or something but to go - I just watch those programs and I`m kind of - I get put off by the stuff that goes on behind the scenes. So I am not sure I want to do that.
HAMMER: I have always thought that there is a little bit of a contrast because of the fact that you have preached this way of healthy living for such a long time and you look phenomenal, by the way, if I may say so, yet we know, Olivia the entertainment business is perhaps one of the unhealthiest businesses both psychologically and physically, and don`t you think?
NEWTON JOHN: Well, it can be, and you have to keep a balance. I always try to keep a balance in my life. Like yesterday I was in London and I did some promotion in London. Then two weeks before that I was touring Asia and before that Australia and so I was always moving and traveling, but I try to balance my life by eating well and trying to go for a walk wherever I am, and plus I have fun and I like to have a glass of wine with dinner and I like to have a piece of chocolate cake. So you know, I`m normal but I think you have to have balance in life and you can`t be excessive in whatever and that goes for eating as well.
HAMMER: And your book, I think goes a long way to pointing out ways that people can sort of strike that balance.
NEWTON JOHN: Yes.
HAMMER: And the fact that there`s cornbread. I can make cornbread out of the Olivia Newton John book.
NEWTON JOHN: Yes, you can.
HAMMER: And it will be healthy is great.
We were talking just before we started about your friends, the brothers Gibb and how Robin Gibb just miraculously came out of a coma and obviously the news was terrible when we first heard that he was in a coma. I know that you have not yet spoken with them but you know them well. You have been friends with Barry for a very long time and you sang with Andi all those years ago. So what do you think now? How do you think they are doing just based on your knowledge of them as a close-knit family?
NEWTON JOHN: They`re a very close knit family. I am sure that they are absolutely thrilled that he has come out of the coma and they`re all praying for a full recovery, and I don`t really know more than that and I respect their privacy, but I send Robin my love and all of the family and hope for the best for him.
HAMMER: Well, we are so pleased for you and the fact that you are here and that this book is in stores and that all the proceeds are going to help your foundation and organization.
NEWTON JOHN: Thank you.
HAMMER: Great to see you.
NEWTON JOHN: Thank you. Lovely to see you.
HAMMER: Please come back anytime. And make sure you check out Olivia`s new book. There it is. "Live Wise, Easy Recipes for a Healthy, Happy Life." It is available right now.
Well, Olivia Newton John is back in the spotlight and tonight superstar Nicki Minaj is also back on Twitter. After deleting her Twitter account, the social media obsessed Nicki Minaj has just resurfaced on the site. In a shocking move she deleted her Twitter account last week. She told the British media, a voice in her head told her to do it. But tonight, I guess, the voice told her to get back on Twitter because she tabloid that a voice in her head said to get off of it, but now she has a brand new account and nine million followers are with her on Twitter and I have to imagine, two of those new followers are Youtube stars Sophia Grace and Rosie, you know, the adorable little girls who love to perform Nicki`s songs and can`t seem to get enough air time on "Ellen."
Well, Sophia Grace and Rosie were back on "Ellen" today. You have to watch them perform Nicki`s new song called "starship."
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HAMMER: They are so adorable and can we take Olivia`s shot really quickly. Her face, because she was in shock watching them perform.
NEWTON JOHN: They are gorgeous. How old are they?
HAMMER: I don`t know. They`re like eight or nine, not even eight years old. It is amazing.
NEWTON JOHN: Unbelievable.
HAMMER: Well coming in next is on to stars without makeup. We`re going to show you the natural beauty of Hollywood`s hottest stars of how they make bare absolutely breathtaking. This is "Showbiz Tonight" on HLN, news and views.
And this is more of the showbiz news ticker. More stories from the "Showbiz Tonight" newsroom making news tonight.
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HAMMER: Tonight the superstar celebrities who are going nude or at least their faces are. Every year we look forward to "People" magazine`s most beautiful issue and I have to admit our favorite part of this thing is seeing some of Hollywood`s top stars without a drop of makeup, seeing all of that natural beauty and I think it just stunning.
"People" magazine Suzanne Zucker right here in New York. Suzanne, this issue, it is like gold when it shows up at "Showbiz Tonight" offices. Everybody clamoring to get a hold of the copy. There it is with Beyonce right on the cover. Everybody turns right to the stars without makeup photos. Let`s throw up the pictures of "Modern Family`s" Julie Bowen right now if we can, Charles.
Look at her. She looks just amazing. 43 years old, and all natural, terrific. All right. Zooey Deschanel, let`s look at her too. Zooey looking absolutely stunning here, 32 years old. I got to say both beautiful. I actually kind of think they might even be more glamorous without makeup. What do you think?
SUZANNE ZUCKER, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE, STAFF WRITER: You know, it is true. I mean stars showing their faces bare, sort of you get to see behind the mask. It is a wonderful sort of intimate connection with these women and it`s really empowering for the readers to see that these glamorous Hollywood stars are in some cases even more beautiful without makeup.
HAMMER: Yes, I think it makes people feel better about themselves.
ZUCKER: Sure.
HAMMER: Let`s talk about this though, because it seems it is a big trend now how the stars are going natural and Beyonce just did it in her new Tumbler pictures. If we could take a look at that. Snooki, Jennifer Love Hewitt tweeting these no-makeup pics. What is behind this trend? Why is everybody doing this now?
ZUCKER: You know, I think it`s a wonderful way for these women to catch a break from having to get totally shellacked every day and to connect with their fans, to show them that you can be absolutely stunningly beautiful without you know, sort of spending two hours in a hair and makeup chair like Kim Kardashian may do every day.
HAMMER: And maybe there`s less shock if a paparazzi snaps them without their makeup on going to the grocery store, something so they don`t throw people off so badly. Suzanne, thank you so much.
ZUCKER: Thank you.
HAMMER: Don`t forget to pick up the brand new issue of "People" magazine. It is on newsstands tomorrow.
And now into the naked truth about Angelina Jolie`s leg. Do you remember the controversy that leg caused at the red carpet in the Oscars? So did that good looking limb just showed up in another glitzy high profile event?
Well, I was there, and Angie`s leg is next.
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HAMMER: Don`t you remember the huge stir that Angelina Jolie made at the Oscars when she posed like this? Her leg became a star in its own right that night. It was ridiculed on Twitter and Facebook, web sites all over the world. Well, it looks like Angie`s leg has just made another high profile appearance at the big party at the "Time" 100 most influential people.
The glitzy event took place right here in New York City And there is Angie`s leg with the secretary of state Hillary Clinton and "Parks and Recreations" Amy Poehler. This pic was twitted out on a page called "Angle`s Right Leg." The site claims, by the way, to be run by Angie`s leg by itself. Hey, we know it`s not real but you got to admit it`s pretty funny. I was right there, by the way, and I can confirm that the leg did not walk the red carpet on its own.
That is it for "Showbiz Tonight." I`m A.J. Hammer. Catch "Showbiz Tonight" week nights, 11:00 p.m. Eastern, Pacific, here on HLN. Stay right here for Dr. Drew next.
Tonight, legendary crime fighter John (INAUDIBLE) reveals how he helped put thousands of the country`s worst criminals behind bars. That starts right now.
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