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Showbiz Tonight
Mistrial Madness; Replacing Regis; Russell Brand Talks About `Rock of Ages`
Aired June 01, 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: Countdown to drama. John Edwards mistrial madness. The once dazzling presidential candidate was a razor`s edge away from prison. So what now? Epic comeback or game over? Tonight, John Edwards in his own words.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER (voice-over): Also on our countdown to drama, Justin Bieber sparks near riots in Norway and gives himself a concussion.
Jessica Simpson introduces her new baby, and her big bucks plan to get her body back.
But which will be the most sensational showbiz saga of the week? Russell Brand`s sexy secret about kissing Alec Baldwin.
RUSSELL BRAND: I don`t think he gave me the full Alec Baldwin package, because he`s getting married, isn`t he? I reckon he saved something for the missus.
HAMMER: Brand unleashed in a wild new "Showbiz" newsmaker interview. "Showbiz Tonight" starts right now.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer. Tonight the showbiz countdown to drama. The most popular pop stars on the planet. A former presidential candidate turned tabloid star. And a new celebrity baby. You put them all together and you have the formula for over the top drama that I`ve got to tell you, Hollywood`s top writers only wish they created. Tonight we are counting down the most sensational real life sagas this week. So which one is the most dramatic of them all?
Let`s start with No. 4. It`s Jessica Simpson revealing the first photo of her baby girl and her Weight Watchers deal on the very same day, which is pretty dramatic considering it`s only been a month since she gave birth.
With me in New York, Megan Alexander, correspondent for "Inside Edition," and TV and radio host Michael Billy.
Megan, some say Jessica`s weight loss deal and the whole announcement of it is too soon. But for me, it says she`s all about business.
MEGAN ALEXANDER, INSIDE EDITION: All about business. An, look, all women, we think about this. We are enjoying our baby, yes, but you want to get back into your regular shape, if you will.
Here`s my thing, though, AJ. With these celebrities, let`s not forget they have the personal trainer, the meals that are delivered to their house. It is more than just Weight Watchers. So I just hope that she will be one of those celebrities that will come clean and reveal all of the help she`s getting as she loses this weight.
HAMMER: I would like to see that, too.
ALEXANDER: It makes an average woman feel a little better.
HAMMER: Michael, let`s be very clear as well. It`s no coincidence that this "People" magazine cover with her beautiful baby and the announcement of the Weight Watchers deal comes on the same day. I mean, that`s business.
MICHAEL BILLY, TV AND RADIO HOST: She`s got it down to a science. But to defend Jessica a little bit, personal life and business has become one and the same these days with reality shows, so she`s doing the right thing, she`s staying on top of business. But naming her baby Maxwell? That I have more of an issue with.
HAMMER: Still don`t really understand that. Let`s talk about the No. 3 most dramatic story of the week. It`s Madonna`s mash-up of her hit "Express Yourself" and Lady Gaga`s "Born This Way." It was during a rehearsal in Tel Aviv. You got it watch this, guys, this is amazing that she did this.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: That`s Madonna, they`re singing "she`s not me, she`s not me." That`s a pretty much of a dig right there at Lady Gaga. She kicked off her MDNA tour with guns, crosses and Satanic symbols, oh, my. But it was that loosely veiled swipe at Lady Gaga that everybody is buzzing about. Gaga has been accused, of course, of copying Madonna in the past. Madonna acknowledging it there. Megan, it makes it seem to me like Madonna is trying a little too hard to stay relevant.
ALEXANDER: Totally disagree. Madonna can do whatever she wants as an artist. When you feel someone is trying to mooch on your creation and you have created this song and then somebody`s is a little too similar, she has every right to say that, because she can. She`s Madonna!
HAMMER: Maybe if her album sales and everything were going better. I don`t know, I wish she had not done it and stayed above it.
I do want to move right to No. 2, though, Justin Bieber. Between the paparazzi scuffle, the mob scene in Norway that nearly led to a state of emergency, and now the news today that he suffered a concussion after running into a glass wall during his Paris concert. Pretty tough week for the Biebs (ph), but a fan posted a video on Youtube showing a happier Biebs in the City of Lights. Let`s watch that.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: All right, Michael Billy. I`m thinking that was before Justin Bieber hit his head, by the way, there, but he thrives on drama, doesn`t he?
BILLY: Oh, my God. This kid is huge. He`s mastered social media. He`s huge everywhere. It`s bound to happen. Wherever he goes, he draws crowds. Most dramatic week for Justin Bieber because he found out he wasn`t the savior. He walked into a piece glass and it actually hurt him. Oh, my goodness! He`s human! He`s human!
HAMMER: But here`s the thing. It wasn`t the most dramatic of all in our countdown. If Justin Bieber is our second most dramatic story of the week, can you imagine who the first might be? I can now reveal that it is John Edwards. Mistrial madness. There is no more buzzed about story that produced more drama than this one. And this is just the latest in a long- lasting drama.
The big question is will this be the final chapter? Just yesterday the former presidential candidate stood on the courtroom steps to talk about the campaign finance fraud case, his mistakes, and for the very first time, his daughter with mistress Rielle Hunter.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: He`s a smooth-talking Southern charmer who is an expert at covering his tracks and wiggling off the hook. Think J.R. on "Dallas." John Edwards cheated on his dying wife, covered up the affair, and the child that resulted from it. But now when it finally came time for him to face justice for his transgressions.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: His federal corruption case ended yesterday in an acquittal on one count but a mistrial on everything else.
HAMMER: This morning, news shows breathlessly talked about Edwards`s doozy of an escape from his federal trial where he had been accused of using campaign funds to keep his then pregnant mistress, Rielle Hunter, out of sight during his 2008 presidential campaign.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Unfortunately, being a bad guy, cheating on your dying wife who has cancer isn`t illegal.
HAMMER: But after the trial Edwards struck a humble note.
JOHN EDWARDS, FORMER U.S. SENATOR: There is no one else responsible for my sins.
HAMMER: He thanked his family, and he choked up talking about the now 4-year-old girl he fathered with his mistress, Rielle Hunter.
EDWARDS: My precious Quinn, who I love more than any of you could ever imagine.
HAMMER: He`s grateful for Quinn now, but back in 2008 Edwards went on "Nightline" and denied fathering her.
EDWARDS: I know that it`s not possible that this child could be mine.
HAMMER: But those days are over.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It was shocking to see John Edwards finally talk about this little daughter.
HAMMER: This morning, jurors explained their verdict and nonverdicts on "Good Morning, America."
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I just didn`t think he was guilty.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I felt like the evidence just wasn`t there.
HAMMER: And on the "Today Show."
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We could not find the evidence.
HAMMER: And if anyone thinks Edwards benefited from allegedly flirting with one juror during the trial.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No intention of flirting with John Edwards. And I don`t think he had any intention of blushing or flirting back with me.
HAMMER: But now that he`s off the hook, John Edwards is trying to convince the world he`s not a bad guy.
EDWARDS: I don`t think God`s through with me. I really believe he thinks there`s still some good things I can do.
HAMMER: But let`s just say he has his doubters, despite the shocking end to his trial.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Personally I don`t think people are going to forgive or forget this.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: No, there`s no chance of that at all. Back with Michael Billy and Megan Alexander now. And hopefully this is the end of such a dramatic chapter in the life of John Edwards. I actually don`t think it will be the end of it, but there is no question in my mind, Megan, and I`m curious if you feel the same way, the most dramatic story of the week.
ALEXANDER: Oh, absolutely. And as recent as February, Aaron Sorkin was still working on the screenplay for the John Edwards movie. A.J., everything will be in this from the "National Enquirer" photo that he denied to being on national television denying it again to finally this on the steps, getting teary-eyed, talking about Quinn. Who would have thought?
HAMMER: People thought this guy would be president. Doesn`t get more dramatic than this.
ALEXANDER: I know.
BILLY: Unbelievable. Look, I`m telling you, most dramatic week ever is still Maxwell Simpson. No way around it. 98-degree womb, he`s got doughnuts flying at him for nine months, and he`s just born, and she realizes her name is Maxwell.
HAMMER: All right, I`ll let you have it.
ALEXANDER: We do need to have an explanation.
HAMMER: We do need one. All right, Megan, Michael, thank you both.
We move on now to wild man Russell Brand, who`s talking about his sexy liplock with Alec Baldwin.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Tell me, take me back to the point--
BRAND: I will.
TURNER: Where you and Alec Baldwin were going for the man love. Take me step by step through that.
BRAND: In what sense did you enjoy that scene? As erotica?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Did he really leave Katy Perry for a Baldwin? Russell reveals more on-set details from his new movie, "Rock of Ages," in his new "Showbiz" newsmaker interview.
And Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa haven`t been kissing, but they do have serious chemistry on live. Could Michael replace Regis Philbin?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHAEL STRAHAN: I try to not think about it as replacing Regis. there is no way I can ever do that. And I think if you put it in that aspect, if you think about it, it`s just too big.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Plus, tonight, find out the surprising way Michael and Kelly connect when they are off camera.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: I`m so excited to tell you about this. On Saturday, June 23 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, HLN is bringing you the 39th annual daytime Emmy Awards live. The action gets under way with "Showbiz Tonight" live on the red carpet, as all the stars are arriving for what will be an incredible show, that`s at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on HLN. You could be live on our red carpet show if you enter HLN`s red carpet sweepstakes. To do that, simply go to hlntv.com/daytimeemmysweeps. You win all these things -- a trip to the daytime Emmys, you get a red carpet makeover, you go to the daytime Emmys show, and you get to appear that night on "Showbiz Tonight." Don`t forget to watch the daytime Emmy Awards live Saturday, June 23, 8:00 p.m. Eastern on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: All hail queen Beyonce. "Showbiz Tonight" can tell you that the triple threat superstar is all set to lend her voice to an animated film called "Epic." Queen B is playing what else, a queen. "Epic" is all about a teenage girl who has to save the world. Along with Beyonce, Steven Tyler, Pitbull, Jason Sudeikis and Johnny Knoxville also get animated for "Epic." Look for the movie next year. But right now, what`s up with the big bromance between athletes in Hollywood?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Up next on "Showbiz Tonight," trading up from Super Bowl bling to Hollywood gold. That`s certainly what some of the hottest and most talented sports stars are doing right before our very eyes. And "Showbiz Tonight" can tell you that it is paying off almost more than those sport star paychecks. We`re talking about Michael Strahan, Eli Manning, Tim Tebow. But what`s behind this growing bromance between athletes and entertainment? "Showbiz Tonight`s Nischelle Turner gets some answers in this "Showbiz SPECIAL REPORT."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NISCHELLE TURNER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: From massive success on the field to growing fame off of it. "Showbiz Tonight" can tell you a phenomenon is taking over Hollywood`s A-list. More elite athletes are turning their sports stardom into showbiz gold.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here are Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan!
TURNER: Michael Strahan`s done it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Great to be here hosting "Saturday Night Live."
TURNER: Eli and Peyton Manning are doing it, too.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Heinz (ph) and Kim! Donald and Peta (ph)!
TURNER: And shows like "Dancing with the Stars" are proving sports stars can take the lead from Hollywood hot shots. Just ask last season`s winner, Green Bay Packer Donald Driver.
DONALD DRIVER, WINNER, DANCING WITH THE STARS: I felt the same way when I won the Vince Lombardi trophy.
MARVET BRITTO, BRAND STRATEGIST: You have a tremendous amount of interest in athletes because you`re seeing more and more athletes morph into personalities.
TURNER: Brand strategist Marvet Britto tells "Showbiz Tonight" that these days athletes have expanded beyond just endorsement deals and movie cameos.
BRITTO: No longer is the athlete looking to endorse a product. Now the athlete wants to have ownership in products. This is much easier to do during your career. So you are seeing a lot of players really leverage their platforms while they are playing the game.
STRAHAN: I started doing it because it was fun.
TURNER: Strahan is one former football stud who has leveraged his platform. The ex-New York Giant played 15 seasons in the NFL before retiring in 2007.
STRAHAN: Thank you very much.
TURNER: Since then he`s landed a commentary gig on Fox NFL Sunday, dabbled in comedy in the sitcom "Brothers," and is a frequent co-host on "Live With Kelly."
There is a good marriage between athletes and entertainers. And why is that such a--?
STRAHAN: Because we all want to be each other. I wish I could sing and dance and be an entertainer and act. And they wish that they could play sports.
I think they`re close because in order to be good at both, it takes a lot of work.
TURNER: That hard work may soon pay off for Strahan, who is reportedly being considered as a replacement for Regis Philbin on "Live. "
STRAHAN: I try not to think about it as replacing Regis. There`s no way I can ever do that.
I am enjoying it. I ride the wave. But I think this show fits my personality. I get along with Kelly great.
TURNER: So if they offered you the gig, you would be like, New York City?
STRAHAN: If they offered me the gig, I`d be in New York before the ink dried, of course.
TURNER: And the gigs are piling up for other former ballers as well. Former quarterback Kurt Warner, who has his own reality show in the works, tells "Showbiz Tonight" the crossover to entertainment was inevitable.
KURT WARNER, FORMER QUARTERBACK: I think we`ve always felt like that was kind of part of our role anyways, it was the entertainment business. And so I think the natural progression is to go, OK, you`re not on the football field in the entertainment business anymore, but how can I continue to entertain?
TURNER: Although there is no TV deals for Tim Tebow just yet, he is popping up on red carpets here and there. Strahan says Hollywood won`t be able to resist Tebowmania for long.
Can he be the next big superstar?
STRAHAN: I think so. I mean, I don`t count anything against the guy.
TURNER: I mean, he was walking the red carpet at the Met, at the Met gala the other night.
STRAHAN: When you`re popular, people want you. And he handles himself well. He has a belief. You understand it. He doesn`t deviate. I think that`s why he has a chance to transcend and be something totally different than what he is as an athlete. Because people trust somebody who they see stand by what they said.
TURNER: Whether Tebow ever crosses the goal line into show business remains to be seen. But as more athletes do make that transition, "Showbiz Tonight" can report that Hollywood is ready to roll out the red carpet.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: I think there`s no question that Tim Tebow is going to be kick-starting his star transition very soon. After all, he is a New Yorker now. I`m thinking maybe a hosting gig on "Saturday Night Live."
"Showbiz Tonight`s" Nischelle Turner is joining me now from Hollywood. What else did you uncover in this great reporting, Nischelle?
TURNER: Well, you know, AJ, we actually started thinking about this story because of this number, 78 percent. A new study came out saying that 78 percent of all NFL players two years after retirement are either broke and have filed bankruptcy. So now there is even more of an urge to get in and get that next level going. So we wanted to know why is this and what do they have to do after to try to protect their money?
HAMMER: Makes a lot of sense. All right, Nischelle, thanks so much.
Well, jocks are becoming A-list stars. So could A-lister Will Smith trade up to the White House? Could Jada Pinkett Smith become the next Michelle O.? Jada`s honest answer only on "Showbiz Tonight".
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Jessica Simpson introduces her baby girl to the world the very same week she signs a huge deal with Weight Watchers. It sure was a good week for her. Tonight, "Showbiz Tonight" has your exclusive look at reputation.com`s weekly scorecard of who`s up and who`s down in Hollywood, and it`s all determined by online and social media buzz.
Joining me tonight in New York for the reputation rap, reputation.com`s vice chairman Howard Bragman. Always great to see you, Mr. Bragman. Jessica Simpson and Maxwell Drew graced the cover of "People" magazine. It`s our first look at this beautiful baby. Jessica looks happy, but the fact is, a cute baby will always help boost somebody`s reputation. Won`t it?
HOWARD BRAGMAN, REPUTATION.COM: Oh, well, we have seen this trick before in the playbook. But you know what? It works. Her reputation is soaring through the roof. Everybody loves the baby. And even though the name was, I would say, slightly controversial, people in the end thought it was adorable and loved it. And you know how mean people were about her weight during the pregnancy.
HAMMER: Yes. And the fact that she signed this Weight Watchers deal didn`t hurt her, it sounds like.
BRAGMAN: Just the opposite. People said she`s committed to losing that weight. And they love her. It`s like multiple times, the buzz, good buzz for her.
HAMMER: That makes me very happy, especially given the heat that she was taking about the weight that she had gained, which was ridiculous. Well, at "Showbiz Tonight," Howard, we are very positive this week ourselves about one particular star who is looking up. What`s the word on Whitney Houston`s daughter Bobbi Kristina?
BRAGMAN: You know, she`s gone up and down. It looks like a heart monitor when you look at her social media graph. And actually, there was a little bit of controversy. She walked off a Tyler Perry sitcom this week, as we know.
HAMMER: Well, she was alleged to have. And he said it didn`t happen.
BRAGMAN: Well, you know, I`m publicist. I want to think that you can deny it down the road.
HAMMER: OK.
BRAGMAN: But whatever happened, people are starting to side with her. So she was way up and way positive for her. And she`s been down. So this was a good week for her. People are rallying behind her is what it shows in social media.
HAMMER: Good. Because we are all hoping for the best for her, so that is only good news.
Howard Bragman, vice chairman of Reputation.com. Always great to have you here.
BRAGMAN: Thanks, A.J.
HAMMER: All right. I can tell you that the reputation of HLN`s new "Evening Express" is going to be off the charts. Health, relationships, personal finance. We have Ryan Smith, Clark Howard and Isha Sesay, who`ve got you covered on HLN`s "Evening Express." It starts Monday at 5:00 to 7:00 Eastern.
Time for "Showbiz" lineup. Here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on "Showbiz Tonight." Live with Kelly and -- Michael? Has a nice ring to it. But is Michael Strahan really going to replace Reg? The former NFL star talked to "Showbiz Tonight" about the future.
A country star`s chilling confession. Chely Wright reveals why she once tried to take her own life before coming out as gay. This is "Showbiz Tonight" on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Big news breaking tonight on "Showbiz Tonight". Replacing Regis. Is Michael Strahan the new Reg? He`s been doing an amazing job as guest co-host with Kelly Ripa. So could the former NFL star be heading to morning TV?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STRAHAN: I try to not think about it as replacing Regis. There`s no way I can ever do that. I think if you put it in that aspect, if you think about it, it`s just too big.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Michael talks Kelly, chemistry, and the future in our "Showbiz" newsmaker interview.
Kissing Alec Baldwin? We get the skinny on what it`s like from Russell Brand.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Just tell me, take me back to the point where you and Alec Baldwin were going for the man love? Take me step by step through that.
BRAND: In what sense did you enjoy that scene? As erotica?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That`s right. It`s Alec and Russell`s on-screen kiss that everyone is going to be talking about. It`s another headline-making "Showbiz" newsmaker interview.
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
HAMMER: Welcome back to "Showbiz Tonight". Thank you for watching.
So is Michael Strahan the new Regis Philbin? You know he`s got some serious chemistry with Kelly Ripa, and there are a ton of reports saying he`s the frontrunner to replace Reg on "Live." The former NFL star has guest co-hosted with Kelly a staggering nine times. So could Strahan and Ripa be the new daytime dynamic duo? Strahan opened up his home to "Showbiz Tonight`s" Nischelle Turner, where she asked him about the possibility of getting Regis` old gig.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
STRAHAN: I try to not think about it as replacing Regis. There`s no way I can ever do that. And I think if you put it in that aspect, if you think about it, it`s just too big. So I just look at it as an opportunity to go on TV and tell stories and have fun, entertain myself and other people, and not look at the big magnitude or scope of it.
(CROSSTALK)
TURNER: -- the job out there right now.
STRAHAN: Yes. You and I sit here talk about how we`re country and where we come from, and I`m like, man, I grew up in the country, and then I go to Germany, then I come back to the States, I`m not supposed to play football, then I played football, 15 great years. And then I`m on Fox and now all of a sudden I have an opportunity for this. It blows my mind, too. I don`t get it. I`m just riding the wave. I`m enjoying it. I ride the wave. But I think the show fits my personality. I get along with Kelly great. I mean, it`s very hard not to get along with pretty much anybody, but--
TURNER: You guys do have chemistry.
STRAHAN: I get along with her great. I love her, she`s really a sweetheart. What you see on the show is what you get off the show, which is very much me. If you see me now, this is what you are going to get, because I`m not trying to fool anybody or be something that I`m not, because it`s too hard to live up to those things.
And it`s a contrast. Here I am this big athlete guy. Here she is, athletic, but this little woman. The two contrast. But I think we relate in a lot of ways because of the kids, and family, and just life in general. And how we move around and the things that happen to us.
TURNER: How does it feel, though, when you hear people say Michael Strahan is the frontrunner for this job?
STRAHAN: I try not to think about it.
TURNER: No?
STRAHAN: No.
TURNER: Do you think you are the frontrunner?
STRAHAN: I try not to picture myself as that.
TURNER: No?
STRAHAN: I don`t want to get my hopes up. I`ve never done that. Even when I was playing, I never did it, I never watched, would go back and yeah, I had a great year, let me watch some film of my year. No. I felt like once I started doing that, then I would go, oh, yeah, I am pretty good. I think people are right. But then you slack.
TURNER: But you have people -- I mean, a lot of people love Neil Patrick Harris. And he came out and said, this is a great gig, I love it, but I`m not going to do it. I live in L.A., I tape in L.A. You live in L.A. You tape in L.A.
STRAHAN: I tape one day a week in L.A. I tape one day a week during the football season, on Sundays. So for me--
TURNER: So you can do both.
STRAHAN: I could do both, yes. Because to me--
TURNER: Would you, though?
STRAHAN: Of course I`d do both, I`d do both in a heartbeat. I like to work. I love to work. I love to work doing work that I like. So for me it would be Monday through Friday, New York, and then I would come out here and do that show, NFL show on Sunday, and then I would go back and do the show again. It would definitely work.
TURNER: What I read today was sources say "Live with Kelly" officials are getting closer to nailing down a deal with Michael Strahan.
STRAHAN: I hope so. You read something Michael Strahan didn`t read, but Michael Strahan is hoping so.
TURNER: So if they offered you the gig, you would be like, New York City!
STRAHAN: If they offered me the gig, I would be in New York before the ink dried, of course.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: "Showbiz Tonight`s" Nischelle Turner joining me now from Hollywood. So, Nischelle, Michael certainly has a different tone, as you pointed out, from some other guest co-hosts that we`ve heard from. He says he wants the job. But did he give you the sense that something is definitely in the works? He was being a little cagey there.
TURNER: Yes, he was, A.J. You know, but I did ask him that, and he talked to me about timing, and he said Kelly`s deal took about a year when she came in. And Michael said, you know, basically he`s just hearing what we`re all hearing at this point, that they are going through a process. He also says, though, that he doesn`t feel any pressure. He`s just kind of going with the flow. If they want him to take the job, though, he`s all there. So, Kelly, I have a message for you, I love this guy. Make this happen! Come on.
HAMMER: Obviously a lot of people do love him too, and yes, you said great chemistry. It`s true. We`ll see if it does happen. Nischelle, thanks so much.
And now another amazing celebrity who is also opening up to us in a big way. The incredible Chely Wright, country music songstress, has been churning out hits for years, but she says her professional life was blown off track by her emotional decision to reveal to her devoted fans she was gay. In a brand new documentary called "Wish Me Away," Chely reveals that her decision to come out threw her career into a tailspin. Chely told me all about it in a very personal "Showbiz" newsmaker interview.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Great to see you.
CHELY WRIGHT, COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER: Thanks. It`s great to see you again, A.J.
HAMMER: And you made that decision two years ago, which is I guess when we met in the hallways here at CNN and HLN. You made a very tough but honest decision to come out and tell the world that you were gay. And I have to imagine at the time, you had a major fear that there would be a backlash against your career, and in fact, that fear was proven a reality. Is that one of the reasons you wanted to do this film, to show people just how hard it was and how intense it was for you?
WRIGHT: Yes. I mean, we met two years ago when I came out, but my decision to come out actually preceded that day by a couple of years. I took that time to write my memoir, and build my team to help me come out well. And part of coming out well was to write the very nuanced story of what it`s like for a person to hide in entertainment, and particularly country entertainment. But also this film was a big part of that. And the filmmakers, Bobby and Beverly, followed me around for a couple of years. And they got a hold of my video diaries that I have been keeping for a long, long time. And I think it`s important that -- you know, not everyone reads books. Not everyone -- I would like for them to read my book, but if they don`t, they can see a film that kind of portrays what it`s like for everyone to come out, not just a publicly known person.
HAMMER: Well, I think the film will go a long way to really help people understand how intense and how difficult a process it is. And largely thanks to your video diaries. I want to take a look at one of them right now from "Wish Me Away." Let`s roll that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WRIGHT: I don`t know if I have the courage to actually have anyone ever see this tape.
But -- sometimes living one`s own life is damn near impossible. I`m just trying to live mine openly and honestly. Because living it not openly and not honestly about killed me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: About killed me. You actually put a gun in your mouth at one point over all of this. How did you pull yourself out of that?
WRIGHT: I did. I was on the verge of suicide. And I want to make it clear that I wasn`t about to take my life because I`m gay. I was about to take my life because I had very masterfully painted myself into a corner, into a life that I no longer wanted or could survive.
And how I got out of it? I think it was the grace of God that delivered me from my very darkest hour, and told me to stand up and start talking and never stop.
HAMMER: And now here you are and you`re smiling brightly. And our president has now come out in support of gay marriage. I have to imagine you had a wildly enthusiastic reaction to that.
WRIGHT: I did have an enthusiastic reaction, and it was emotional for me, as I know it was for a lot of LGBT people. You know, it`s really important to have our president, a sitting president, say that we`re OK, and that we deserve every right and every freedom that everyone else has. And I know that the president saved and changed lives on that day. There are a lot of young people who look to the leader of the free world. And I will do everything I can to get our president re-elected.
HAMMER: Well, here you are happily married. And I just want to point out before we go, because you mentioned this to me earlier, you got married on the same day as Kim Kardashian.
WRIGHT: I did!
HAMMER: You win.
WRIGHT: Yay! They say the first 72 days of marriage is the hardest.
HAMMER: Well, you got through it. Great see you, Chely. Thanks so much for being here.
WRIGHT: Thank you.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Moving on now to the hottest on-screen kiss ever. Could it really be between Alec Baldwin and -- Russell Brand?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Take me back to the point where you and Alec Baldwin were going for the man love, take me step by step through that.
BRAND: In what sense did you enjoy that scene? As erotica?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. Tonight, Russell and Alec give bromance a whole new meaning.
Time now for "Showbiz" buzz list. Here`s what`s "Showbiz Tonight" staff is buzzing about this week. We`ve been waiting 20 years for this. "Dallas" is back. Big drama is back in "The Big D." The series reboot starts on June 13 on TNT. We are devouring the new book "American Grown" by Michelle Obama. It`s called "Duets," but we are singing along, too. We can`t get enough "Duets" on ABC. We`ve been buzzing all about Facebook camera. The new app makes it easier to upload and see Facebook flicks on your smartphone.
And Ashton is back. Ashton Kutcher returns to "Punk`d." Sunday, his victims, Kim Kardashian and Drake.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Ashton Kutcher returns to punk Drake.
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I thought we were about to get blown up.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And Kim Kardashian.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Something weird is really going on.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This club is totally out of control. (inaudible) this ends tonight!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Why are you so uptight? (inaudible). We built this city on rock and roll!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Russell Brand giving Catherine Zeta-Jones some lip service in their new movie, "Rock of Ages." But wait until you hear what he had to say about kissing Alec Baldwin`s lips in the movie. I got to say, Russell Brand really knows how to rock out in the new flick "Rock of Ages," and he had "Showbiz Tonight"`s Nischelle Turner rocking and rolling in their interview. Nischelle, it looks like you just had a great time with Russell.
TURNER: You know, AJ, this could have been one of the most, if not the most fun interviews that I have ever done. It was hard to keep Russell in his seat for the interview. And really, I`m not playing, A.J. You know, Russell has some serious star power alongside him in his new movie "Rock of Ages," everyone from Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Alec Baldwin star in the `80s rock homage. Even Russell, though, was overwhelmed by all the star power. Look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TURNER: So I just saw the movie.
BRAND: Right.
TURNER: "Rock of Ages." And I thought--
BRAND: I`m presuming you`re about to say you enjoyed it.
TURNER: I did. Because like, you were just asking me how old I am. And we`re the same age. And I felt like--
BRAND: 12.
TURNER: Yes. I`m a child of the `80s, too.
BRAND: Oh, yes.
TURNER: And I was singing along. When you hear that music, is that what you grew up on? Is that what you loved?
BRAND: No, I mostly had milk.
TURNER: That`s it.
BRAND: It came out of a lady.
TURNER: You listened to Yanni?
BRAND: I lived in there for a while, then I came out here, then the milk, now this. No, I listened to, like, the Smiths and the Cure, like English bands. But these things, I like them, like Def Leppard, they are English. Foreigner, Journey, Poison, REO Speedwagon, Twisted Sister, all good. I mean, the music in this film is amazing. It`s very exciting.
TURNER: Yes. And you got to lend your voice to it as well. Were there any nerves? I know you have done a little music, but were there nerves, like I`m really going to--?
BRAND: Be nervous, you mean?
TURNER: Yes!
BRAND: No. Like because it`s only pretend. It`s just pretending. If they said I wasn`t very good, I`d just go, I`m only pretending.
TURNER: You`re still doing it, though.
BRAND: Oh, because it`s real, it`s really happening.
TURNER: Yes.
BRAND: Yeah, all right, no, I was nervous about how it would be. I liked it, because I was with Alec Baldwin, and I love him so much. He makes me feel so happy inside. Tom Cruise was there sometimes. I became friends with him there. I love him so much. Catherine Zeta-Jones. She`s very beautiful, (inaudible), and Paul Giamatti. The people in this film are good. Paul Giamatti, he`s so lovely. And then look at the two young people, Julianne and Diego. They`re so good-looking.
TURNER: You are no slouch. I mean, you`re giving everybody else praise. But you were pretty good your darn self.
BRAND: Thank you.
TURNER: You had a couple of like hip thrusts in there. Now, was that choreography planned or was that you just freestyling?
BRAND: I just do that every so often. I`m obliged to. I have got a contract with Warner Brothers studio that every 30 seconds or so I have to go like that. Like dogs do.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Nice, Nischelle. He busted quite a move on you there.
TURNER: Yes, he did have a couple of moves, AJ. I am still wondering, though, how that whole thing happened. Well, wait until you hear what Russell told me about his character`s relationship with Alec Baldwin in their new movie. Here is a little peak.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Take me back to the point where you and Alec Baldwin were going for the man love. Take me step by step through that.
BRAND: In what sense did you enjoy that scene? As erotica?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Kissing Alec Baldwin. Bad boy Russell Brand actually locked lips with Baldwin in their new movie, "Rock of Ages." "Showbiz Tonight`s" Nischelle Turner is back with me now. So Nischelle, you`ve got Alec and Russell kissing. I am betting it will go down as the hottest on-screen kiss ever.
TURNER: I don`t know about that, A.J. But you know, they were passionate. I`m going to give them a thumbs-up. So I asked Russell, you know, just what kind of kisser Alec Baldwin really is. And here is what he told me.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Now, tell me, take me back to the point where you and Alec Baldwin were going for the man love. Take me step by step through that, because I thoroughly enjoyed that scene.
BRAND: In what sense did you enjoy it, that scene? As erotica?
TURNER: It was a bit erotic. It was awkwardly awesome.
BRAND: I really liked it. I didn`t feel -- I mean, Alec and I by this time had become friends. He`s a person I regard with love. So I was very happy to be with him in any context.
It was late at night. It was only us two really there, and he was talking to me and giving me a little wisdom and advice. And then every so often, we`d have to do some dancing and then go and kiss each other, and then start again.
The people who were making the film didn`t make us kiss each other many times because they thought it would make us self-conscious, but secretly inside myself, I thought, well, at least it`s attention!
TURNER: I liked it. Now, what kind of kisser is he? Soft lips, rough lips, does he--?
BRAND: I`ll be honest, love. I don`t think he gave me the full Alec Baldwin package. Because he`s getting married, isn`t he? I reckon he saved something for the missus, like he doesn`t give to his co-stars. But I mean, it was certainly titillating. I certainly went home that night with a spring in my step and a bulge in my trousers.
TURNER: Oh, lord. No. Now, you had these choreographers doing the movie.
BRAND: What`s good about being called Nischelle is basically songs that are about people called Michelle can easily be adapted.
TURNER: Are you going to sing to me now?
BRAND: No, because it would cost too much money --
(CROSSTALK)
TURNER: Oh, well, I`ve got a couple singles. I mean, I could--
BRAND: Unless it sounded like Nischelle, my girl, these are words I say to you, Nischelle! But it`s not as good as the beat (ph).
TURNER: Russell, it`s a hustle. See?
BRAND: This is a bit like the film "8 Mile."
(LAUGHTER)
TURNER: So which are you, Rabbit, or which one were you going to be?
BRAND: I`m the one Eminem is.
TURNER: You are?
BRAND: I`m fuming about my childhood! I`m fuming about it!
TURNER: Did you have a good time doing this movie, though?
BRAND: Yes. Because I love all these humans. So that`s good. But like, yeah, but basically love for movies. That is my -- because I`m here to promote the movie. There is no point in giving you an accurate biographical portrayal of the intricacies of film making, which involves a lot of time waiting around and is actually rather laborious. Basically, Adam Shankman, brilliant talented director, creator of spectacle. Tom Cruise, one of the great movie icons.
TURNER: I thought he was fantastic in this movie.
BRAND: In the art form of cinema. Yes?
TURNER: I thought he was really, really good.
BRAND: He was sexy, wasn`t he?
TURNER: Yes.
BRAND: Sex!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: There you have it, AJ. I think Russell Brand now has two new bromances as a result of this movie, Alec Baldwin and Tom Cruise.
HAMMER: He`s out of his mind. So you thought Tom Cruise was great in the film?
TURNER: Yes. You know what, he really, really was. He is Stacee Jaxx in the best and worst parts of everything. He really is really good.
HAMMER: Oh, my god. I love that we just ended the clip there with Russell Brand saying "sex."
Nischelle Turner, "Rock of Ages."
TURNER: Sex.
HAMMER: In theaters on June 15. Thanks, Nischelle.
Well, moving on now to something I`m thrilled to share with you. Saturday, June 23 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern is when HLN is bringing you the 39th annual daytime Emmy Awards live. Action begins with "Showbiz Tonight" live on the red carpet special. All the stars will be arriving and talking to us before the incredible show, 7:00 p.m. Eastern here on HLN. You could be live on our red carpet show, too. Just have to enter the HLN red carpet sweepstakes at hlntv.com/daytimeemmysweeps. You win a trip to the daytime Emmys, you get a red carpet makeover, you go to the daytime Emmys show and you also appear with me that night on "Showbiz Tonight". And don`t forget to watch the daytime Emmy Awards Saturday, June 23, 8:00 p.m. Eastern on HLN.
And now "Showbiz" breaks news to Jada Pinkett Smith about her husband.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now, your husband just told us recently that he`s all about playing President Obama when that movie is ready to come out.
JADA PINKETT SMITH, ACTRESS: Did he?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Does she think it`s a good idea?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: "Showbiz Tonight" was recently on the red carpet with Will Smith for the New York premiere of "Men in Black 3." With the presidential race on everyone`s minds these days, we thought we`d ask Will if he would want to play President Obama when it comes time for a presidential bio pic. Watch what he told us about that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WILL SMITH, ACTOR: I told him I`d be interested, you know, but he has to finish the end of the story first. So he has to write a fantastic ending. So as he, you know, goes through in these next couple of months, he`s going to write us a beautiful ending.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Well, yesterday I was on location with Will`s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and her costar David Schwimmer to talk about their new movie, "Madagascar 3," and I broke some news to Jada in our "Showbiz" newsmaker interview.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Your husband just told us recently that he`s all about playing President Obama when that movie is ready to come in.
JADA PINKETT SMITH: Did he?
HAMMER: What he said, I`m waiting for the president to write the ending.
JADA PINKETT SMITH: Exactly.
HAMMER: What do you think of him in that role?
JADA PINKETT SMITH: Well, I`ll tell you what. I`m happy that he`s talking about playing the president and not actually being the president. OK? So I have seen a growth there. Because at one point in time, he was actually thinking about running. So I`m glad that it`s moved to playing.
HAMMER: President Will Smith. I`d vote. I`m in.
JADA PINKETT SMITH: Hey, I just think you wouldn`t want Jada Pinkett Smith as your first lady. That`s the only thing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: "Showbiz Tonight" breaking a little news there to Jada Pinkett Smith about her own husband. Those guys really need to talk more.
Now, Jada`s reason why we wouldn`t want her as the first lady, she says she still needs to be able to rock out at Ozzfest, and she didn`t think it was very first lady like. But I don`t know, I actually think it would be kind of cool.
Moving on now to a shocking new trend. Extreme murder. There`s been an alarming spike in extreme violent crimes in recent years. A terrifying recent example, the former porn star who is wanted in Canada for mailing a victim`s body parts around the country. Well, tonight, Jane Velez-Mitchell investigates extreme violence.
END
