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Showbiz Tonight
Mysteries from Lindsay Lohan`s Car Crash; Robin Roberts` New Health Crisis; Kim Kardashian`s Lavish Gift to Kanye West; Timothy Poe`s Tearful Plea
Aired June 11, 2012 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
NISCHELLE TURNER, GUEST HOST: New mysteries from Lindsay Lohan`s horrible crash scene. Could Lindsay be in even bigger trouble for what happened moments after her nasty crash?
(MUSIC)
Hello, everybody. I`m Nischelle Turner. Tonight, Lindsay Lohan`s crash mystery deepens. Just when everyone thought Lindsay was on the right track - I mean, she was actually making news for her acting, then, crash.
Lindsay slammed into a truck and totaled her car. She`s physically OK, but now, wild reports are running rampant about what really happened at the scene.
But first, tonight, Robin Roberts` emotional revelation. "Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts brought us all to tears this morning revealing live on the air that she is facing yet a new health crisis.
Roberts had beaten breast cancer five years ago. Now, she`s going back into the ring to battle a rare blood disorder, a courageous fight that she`s once again sharing with the world.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ROBIN ROBERTS, CO-ANCHOR, "GOOD MORNING AMERICA": It`s about focusing on the fight and not the fright.
TURNER (voice-over): Another emotional health struggle for Robin Roberts and another defiant promise.
ROBERTS: Bottom line, I am going to beat this.
TURNER: For fans of "Good Morning America," it was a scene that was sadly familiar. An emotional Robin Roberts, a breast cancer survivor, sat side by side this morning with her on-air colleagues and revealed a new health crisis.
ROBERTS: Sometimes treatment for cancer can lead to other serious medical issues, and that`s what I`m facing right now. It is something that is called MDS, myelodysplastic syndrome. It is a rare blood disorder that affects the bone marrow.
TURNER: The 51-year-old anchor said she`ll start treatment today to prepare her for the radical procedure required for her disease, a bone marrow transplant. Her donor, Robin`s older sister, Sally-Ann Roberts, who was also on hand today.
ROBERTS: My big sister is a virtually perfect match for me.
TURNER: Dr. Gail Roboz is the director of the leukemia program at Cornell University. She tells CNN Robin`s MDS, which used to be known as pre- leukemia, is serious.
DR. GAIL ROBOZ, DIRECTOR OF THE LEUKEMIA PROGRAM, CORNELL UNIVERSITY: This, unfortunately, is a very serious diagnosis that can happen not only after breast cancer treatment but after treatment for any type of a cancer with radiation or chemotherapy or both. And it can also happen to patients who have never been treated for any type of cancer.
TURNER: Ironically, Robin got the terrifying news on the very same day she celebrated one of her biggest professional accomplishments.
ROBERTS: We are so grateful to you. You there at home, the viewers, for making us the number one morning show in the country last week.
TURNER: She said she was first diagnosed with MDS in April on the day she learned "Good Morning America" beat "Today" in the ratings for the first time in 16 years.
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS, CO-ANCHOR, "GOOD MORNING AMERICA": You`ve actually been carrying this with you for a little while.
ROBERTS: Yes.
STEPHANOPOULOS: And no one would know it for a second.
TURNER: But as her "Good Morning America" co-host, George Stephanopoulos, said this morning, in the weeks since her diagnosis, Robin has dealt with her pain quietly and heroically.
STEPHANOPOULOS: I am just in awe of the way you`ve handled this, such professionalism.
TURNER: It was the summer of 2007 when Roberts made another shocking on- air announcement.
ROBERTS: I have breast cancer.
TURNER: After that, Roberts made it her mission to share her cancer fight with her viewers, sharing the most personal details of her treatment.
ROBERTS: My hair started falling out, so I decided to shave my head.
TURNER: In 2008, inspired by other cancer patients who reached out to her, Roberts got rid of the wig she started wearing after chemotherapy and radiation robbed her of her hair.
ROBERT: Just like India Arie, it`s what - it`s for all of us. We are not our hair. We are not our skin. We`re the soul that lies within.
TURNER: And as she faces this new health crisis, Roberts is once again getting support from her fans and from her colleagues who moved her to tears this morning with their encouraging words.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The love that you give out every day is rushing back to you.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want you to know, it is our fight. It is not your fight. It`s a fight you`re going to win.
ROBERTS: Yes, and I believe that.
ROBOZ: She is enormously courageous in making all of this public. And it does such an incredible, incredible service to the world and to patients out there for making this known.
TURNER: Robin says because of her age and her overall fitness, her prognosis is good. And almost five years after she beat cancer, Robin expects this new health struggle to have the same result.
ROBERTS: It`s getting up off the mat and fighting. This, too, shall pass. God is good all the time. All the time, God is good.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You`re going to beat this.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TURNER: And Robin Roberts says she expects her bone marrow transplant to take later this summer or in the fall, after which, she will likely be out of the "Good Morning America" anchor chair for a while.
And you know what? She is such a strong and brave woman. And we certainly, certainly wish her well.
All right. Let`s move on to brand-new developments in Lindsay Lohan`s car crash mystery. Lindsay, who was traveling to the set of her new Lifetime movie, "Liz and Dick," made an unexpected trip to the hospital after her rented Porsche slammed into an 18-wheeler. But what happened after the wreck is sparking some big debate tonight.
With me now, in New York, Quddus, who is a friend of Lindsay and also the host of "Duets," ABC`s new singing competition. And also in New York, Midwin Charles, who is a criminal defense attorney.
Now, guys, let`s run down what we know so far. First of all, Lindsay was driving on Pacific Coast Highway when she slammed into the back of the truck. She went to the hospital before returning to work.
And now, the driver of the 18-wheeler has apparently hired an attorney. Now, there were some reports of some sort of pink bag that was taken from the scene and that Lindsay`s people asked the driver to settle the accident right there on the scene, but he declined.
Now, Midwin, the question, does Lindsay now have anything to worry about?
MIDWIN CHARLES, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Well, she might, if these allegations are true, right? We don`t even know if that is the truth.
But if she does, you`d have to ask yourself whether she was trying to bribe this person to lie, perhaps, in a later dispute.
As we all know, whenever you have a car accident, what naturally follows is a lawsuit. And so who`s to say that she wasn`t trying - or her people, rather, weren`t trying to encourage this guy to lie in the future, should that be the case?
TURNER: Now, Midwin, you`re right. We don`t have a lot of information. But Lindsay reportedly claimed that the brakes failed on the car.
We reached out to her publicist to confirm that part of the story, but her rep only said Lindsay was back at work filming her Lifetime movie.
Now, the production company had reportedly provided car service to take her to and from work. And Quddus, I know you`re buddies with Lindsay. I know she`s your friend.
So I`ve got to ask you, why is she still driving herself around knowing her track record behind the wheel?
QUDDUS, HOST, "DUETS": That`s a great question, and I wish I could really answer it. But you`ve got to talk to Lindsay about that. Obviously, she felt compelled to drive herself.
And it just seems like the whole thing is just adding up to not being funny anymore. I think, at first, when Lindsay was kind of getting derailed in her life, people were like, "Oh, you know, young girl going through a phase."
But now it`s getting troublesome, and I`m really concerned about her myself.
TURNER: Well, I want you to tell her friend that because you`re right, it`s not funny anymore. But let`s go from Lindsay`s worries to Kris Humphries` legal battle against his ex. And we`re not talking about Kim Kardashian. No.
Lawyers for Kris Humphries have reportedly called the FBI claiming that a woman that he dated, Myla Sinanaj, tried to extort money from him by demanding a large sum of money or else she was going to release damaging information about their relationship to the media.
Now, Kris and his attorneys had reportedly been trying to get this girl to sign a confidentiality agreement when negotiations broke down. Midwin, what does this sound like to you? Does Kris Humphries have a case?
CHARLES: He does if what he`s saying is true. Listen, whenever you are trying to extort money from someone, if you say, "Listen, give me this money, or I will do X," and that person feels as though they have no other option and they are threatened, that is extortion.
And if that is the case, Miss Thing might be looking at some jail time.
TURNER: Mr. Thing has no luck in relationships either because this woman reportedly claims that she has texts and e-mails that could hurt Kris if they became public. Quddus, any advice for him, Mr. Unlucky in Love?
QUDDUS: Pray, my brother, pray. I do not know what to tell this man. He`s having the worst week ever. Between this and Kanye getting a Lamborghini from Kim, I don`t know what to tell this man.
TURNER: That is such a good point. Poor Kris Humphries. Yes, I think that he all needs our support this week because he`s not having a good one.
Midwin Charles, Quddus, thank you guys very much. And be sure to catch "Duets," Quddus` show on ABC this Wednesday.
Well, "Basketball Wives" has become must-see reality TV, not for the insight into the luxurious lives of the rich and famous, but for this hot mess.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh (EXPLETIVE DELETED).
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What the (EXPLETIVE DELETED)?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Yes, that`s "Basketball Wives" cast member, Evelyn Lozada, in the brawl that caused Star Jones and others to demand that the show be canceled.
But are the ladies ready to act like ladies when the cameras start rolling next season? Reality star and author, Evelyn Lozada, is here breaking big news in this headline-making SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
And the national guardsman who allegedly duped the fans and judges of "America`s Got Talent" with his dramatic war story and then wowed them with his voice is making a teary new TV plea. You have to hear what he`s telling America now.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: Madonna pops her top. Madonna had an intentional - yes, I said intentional - intentional wardrobe malfunction, exposing her breast on stage during her concert in Turkey.
She hints at going even further like unzipping her pants, but then she turns around to expose a message on her back that reads "no fear."
Some fans believe that Madonna`s nip slip was in protest of a proposed ban on abortions in Turkey. Love it or hate it, the clip has gone viral today, and it`s doing exactly what Madonna wants it do - people are talking about Madonna.
And this is not the first racy stunt by Madonna on her MDNA tour. During her show in Israel, she displayed a swastika over a video of a French leader.
We`re moving on to a TV talk show showdown, "The View" versus "The Talk."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: SHOWBIZ at the Daytime Emmys. Tonight, a battle of the network talk stars. "The View" is squaring off for the first time against "The Talk" at this year`s Daytime Emmys.
"The View" is kind of like the Susan Lucci of talk shows with only one win in 14 nominations. "The Talk" has finally hit its stride and is getting some big buzz since its 2010 debut.
So will it be the wily veteran or the young upstart? Or will there be a dramatic twist just like a daytime soap opera? Here`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s A.J. Hammer.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
A.J. HAMMER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT HOST: One show features a respected network journalist leading a panel of celebrity women to talk about news of the day.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": Hello and welcome to "The View."
HAMMER: And the other features a respected network journalist leading a panel of celebrity woman to talk about news of the day.
JULIE CHEN, CO-HOST, "THE TALK": Hello and welcome to "The Talk."
HAMMER: If you can`t tell the difference between ABC`s "The View" and CBS` "The Talk," there may be one big difference come Emmy time. One of these shows might have a Daytime Emmy award, and one may not.
MAGGIE FURLONG, "HUFFINGTON POST": "The View" versus "The Talk," it`s a battle of the women.
HAMMER: ABC`s "The View" and CBS` "the talk" are each nominated for Daytime Emmy Awards in the outstanding entertainment talk show category.
TOM O`NEILL, GOLDDERBY.COM: They`re squaring off for the first time ever.
HAMMER: It`s the talk`s first outstanding talk show nomination since its debut in 2010.
(on camera) I must congratulate you on your three Daytime Emmy nominations.
(voice-over) And when I visited the hosts of "The Talk," they couldn`t contain their excitement over their nomination.
CHEN: I`ve never won a thing in my life, and literally now, I get it when people say it`s just an honor to be nominated. I`m just so happy to be invited to the dance. That`s all.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I`m so surprised and thrilled that we`re just considered good enough to be in that group.
SHARON OSBOURNE, CO-HOST, "THE TALK": Oh, give me a break.
BARBARA WALTERS, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": So proud of all of us for our little daytime talk show.
HAMMER: As for "The View," it`s definitely used to Emmy attention, but its Emmy history is spotted.
O`NEILL: "The View" won the Emmy for best talk show in 2003, but it`s lost 12 times.
HAMMER: GoldDerby.com`s Tom O`Neill tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT both "The View" and "The Talk" might have something else in common once the Daytime Emmys are handed out.
O`NEILL: Neither one is going to win because this is Regis` farewell.
HAMMER: "Live with Regis and Kelly" is also nominated in the entertainment talk show category for Regis` farewell episode. And Maggie Furlong tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Regis may make things hard for "The View" and "The Talk" come Emmy time.
FURLONG: I really do think that if anyone deserves one last win for his daytime efforts, it`s Regis.
HAMMER: Plus, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," the reigning outstanding entertainment talk show winner, has dominated this category since its debut.
It`s nominated again this year, but Regis, Ellen and "The View" be warned. "The Talk`s" Sheryl Underwood tells me, if someone else wins the Emmy, they may find themselves Taylor Swifted.
SHERYL UNDERWOOD, CO-HOST, "THE TALK": Whatever happens, we`re going to do a Kanye.
HAMMER: So the big question is will "The View" -
GOLDBERG: Take a little time to enjoy the view -
HAMMER: Be enjoying the view from the Emmy stage or will "The Talk" -
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It`s always the right time to have - "The Talk."
HAMMER: Talk its way into the winner`s circle? You can bet that will be a big hot topic at the Daytime Emmys.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TURNER: And you can find out who will take home that prize right here on HLN. The 39th Annual Daytime Emmys are coming to HLN, live on June 23rd at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.
I will be right there on the red carpet with all of your favorite daytime stars for a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT at 7:00 p.m. Eastern right here on HLN.
And you can join me and A.J. Hammer in the middle of all the action if you enter the HLN red carpet sweepstakes at HLNTV.com/DaytimeEmmySweeps.
You will win a trip to the Daytime Emmys, a red carpet makeover, going to the Daytime Emmy show and appearing with A.J. that night on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. And don`t forget to watch the Daytime Emmy Awards live Saturday, June 23rd at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on HLN.
Michael Jackson`s daughter talks about the horrors of cyber-bullying.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OPRAH WINFREY, TV MOGUL: People have tried to bully you?
PARIS JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S DAUGHTER: Yes.
WINFREY: Really?
P. JACKSON: Some people try to cyber-bully me. They try to get to me with words.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Tonight, Paris Jackson`s incredible confessions to Oprah Winfrey about facing the world after her dad`s death.
Jersey snore no more. Everyone thought our favorite wacky reality stars were cleaning up their acts, but fear not. Seems like they`re back to their old antics.
Deena gets arrested. Snooki`s nude photos are leaked. But SHOWBIZ TONIGHT dares to ask, is this all a plan to get us fist-pumping about "the shore" again?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHARLES WEGMANN, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT DIRECTOR: Nischelle, I have made it here to the red carpet. New York City - it`s the 66th Annual Tony Awards where Broadway shines the brightest. This is their night.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Look! Oh, my gosh, a new star is born. That is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT director Charles Wegmann, playing an outstanding part as special correspondent on location for the Tonys.
Now, Charles was right there on the red carpet with Hugh Jackson, Josh Groban, Sheryl Crow and three-time Tony host, Neil Patrick Harris, just moments before NPH kicked off the show with a bang.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NEIL PATRICK HARRIS, HOST, 66TH ANNUAL TONY AWARDS: Welcome to the 66th Annual Tony Awards, or as we like to call it, "50 Shades of Gay."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: And it was history-making night for Audra McDonald. She was the actress who was most recently on TV`s "Private Practice," and she won her fifth Tony for her role in "Porgy and Bess."
Moments before, Audra humbly reflected on her historic nomination with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
AUDRA MCDONALD, ACTRESS: It`s such an honor to be nominated. I know everyone says that, but it truly is, especially for a piece like this. There`s been a lot of blood, sweat and tears put into it. So I`m just so thrilled about all the nominations the company got.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: We love per. It was a big night though for veterans of stage and screen. Stockard Channing was nominated for best actress for "Other Desert Cities."
But it was her co-star Judith Light who went home with the Tony for best featured actress. They both tell SHOWBIZ TONIGHT why they love their wildly dysfunctional roles.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JUDITH LIGHT, ACTRESS: It`s fantastic. Actually, it`s not that she`s just an alcoholic on stage. The fact is that she is a fascinating, multifaceted character that John Robin Bates wrote this glorious play. So there`s a lot for me to mine with that character.
STOCKARD CHANNING, ACTRESS: It happens on the stage with my fellow actors. It happens because of the situation, the story we`re telling.
It has massive resonance which the audience doesn`t know at the beginning, but they find out at the end. It`s a fantastic piece.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: And a true triple threat, that snacky Hugh Jackman, accepted his Tony award for his dedication to the Broadway community offstage.
Hugh was recognized for his work with the charity Equity Fights Aids and others. Hugh knew about the honor but what really blew him away was the exceptional presenter. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DEBORRA-LEE FURNESS, ACTRESS: It gives me great pleasure to present a special Tony award tonight to my husband, Hugh Jackman.
(APPLAUSE)
Hugh has just finished principal photography on the movie version of "Les Miserables," but he`s home now. Yes. And let`s face it, there`s nothing more romantic after not seeing your husband for four months than to have our first night back together on a Broadway stage with 12 million people watching.
HUGH JACKMAN, ACTOR: I love you with all my heart. I know how much you hate public speaking. This is probably the greatest thing you`ve ever done for me. And really, it means the world to me. I love you. Thank you so much.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Aww. And by the way, the musical "Once" was the night`s big winner with eight Tony Awards.
And now the SHOWBIZ lineup - here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Lady Gaga`s scary on-stage mishap, and why she also caused injury to another legendary singer with an on-stage smack- down.
Plus, if Kanye West isn`t dating Kim Kardashian, then you know, I want to be friends with her, too. You will not believe the gift that Kim just gave her friend, Kanye, for his birthday.
We`ll give you a hint. You can probably buy a couple of homes for the price of this one lavish gift.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: SHOWBIZ reality fight club. The big debate over grown women getting violent on "Basketball Wives." should the show just stop the madness?
Tonight, we have controversial "Basketball Wives" co-star, Evelyn Lozada, right here. Is she ready to call a truce?
Plus, "shore" drama. Nude photos of Snooki leaked. Deena`s brand-new arrest and the boys getting sued over a bar brawl. "Jersey Shore" is kicking off its sixth season with a bang. SHOWBIZ dares to ask, is this all just a grand plan to make sure the new "Shore" isn`t a snore?
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
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TURNER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Tonight, ready to rumble? Some of the most jaw-dropping, cringe-worthy reality TV moments are playing out each week on VH1`s "Basketball Wives."
But with each big blowup comes more backlash with fans of the show screaming enough is enough. So what will it take to stop fists from flying?
Well, who better than to ask, Evelyn Lozada, breakout star of "Basketball Wives" who joins me tonight from New York. Evelyn is the author of the new novel "Inner Circle," which is set to be released tomorrow.
Evelyn, first of all, congratulations on your first book. Really happy for you in that case. This book, though, is all about the lives of women married to professional athletes.
And you say, come on, it`s a novel. But really, is this more reality than fiction? Spill it.
EVELYN LOZADA, REALITY TV STAR, "BASKETBALL WIVES": Yes. I would say there`s definitely a good balance of, you know, a lot of real stories that not only I experienced, but - you know, I witnessed some of my friends, acquaintances, just living in that world, things that you can`t necessarily talk about or want to talk about publicly because, you know, you`re protective of your relationship. But yes, a lot of the stories in this book are real.
TURNER: Right. So basically, read between the lines. That`s what you`re trying to say.
LOZADA: Yes. Read between the lines, and I will never tell you what happened to me.
TURNER: Exactly. You know, this book is based on a lot of your experience with women, just like your co-stars on "Basketball Wives."
And a lot of people are criticizing the show, particularly African-American women. And I have to admit, Evelyn, I am one of those, you know, people who`s criticizing the show.
People want you ladies to just stop fighting. You know, Shaunie O`Neill, who is the executive producer of the show, told the viewers, you know, this is really just a work-in-progress. Watch what she said with me.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHAUNIE O`NEILL, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: We`re going to do our best, you know, moving forward to show you some better content, more positive, intelligent women that, you know, we got our act together.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Evelyn, you know, it`s easy to say, "We`ll work on it." But what will it take to just say, once and for all, "We`re done, the fighting is over"?
LOZADA: Well, you know, with the recent controversy and the, you know, boycotts, it`s been tough, and it forced us all to say, OK, why is this happening?
I will say this. You know, we have - we filmed other, you know, charity events, other positive things. But you know, the frustrating part is that we are not in control of what`s aired on TV.
And I think now, with all of the controversy, they`re now finally hearing Shaunie`s voice, because I can honestly say not just because Shaunie and I are friends, she`s been an advocate since season one trying to find some type of balance for the show.
And unfortunately, it took boycotts and, you know, everyone being upset at the fighting, you know, on the show.
But I think that for season five - you know, I don`t know what the cast is going to look like, but for season five, I can guarantee that it`s definitely going to be different.
TURNER: What about you, Evelyn? Do you cop to, you know, "I had bad behavior, and I did a lot of things that I shouldn`t have"? What`s your responsibility in all of this?
LOZADA: My responsibility is - listen. I handled a lot of situations not - you know, not in the greatest of ways. I take full responsibility.
You know, my family was upset. My fiance was, like, "What are you doing?" And you find yourself, you`re watching it and you`re, like, "Wow! Why did I handle that situation that way?"
And I always say I`m happy that I have that mirror which is TV to, you know, show me that I need to deal with things differently. You know, this season was a rough one.
TURNER: And your fiance, of course, is Chad Johnson who was just released from the New England Patriots. You`re the breadwinner now, so you`ve got to make sure this book does well.
LOZADA: Yes, ma`am.
TURNER: Because you`ve got to take care of the family. All right. Evelyn Lozada, thank you very much for coming in today.
LOZADA: Thank you.
TURNER: And again, you can check out Evelyn`s new book, "Inner Circle," available online and in stores everywhere starting tomorrow.
Moving on from those mega reality TV blowups to one wild super-sized reality TV breakdown. Tonight, "Shore" drama from Deena`s drunken arrest and Snooki`s leaked nude photos to J-Woww`s crutches. What a weekend.
So what happened to all of that buzz about the "Shore" gang growing up and getting boring? Well, SHOWBIZ dares to ask, is this all just a grand plan to make sure "The Shore" isn`t a snore?
With me in Hollywood, entertainment journalist, Hyla. And from New York, Noelle Nikpour, who is the columnist for "The Florida Sun-Sentinel."
TURNER: Snooki`s too pregnant to party. Situation`s fresh out of rehab. But the wild antics just continue. Hyla, do you think that the rest of the gang now is saying, "Hey, don`t forget about us, we can still be wild and crazy. Please, still watch our show"?
HYLA, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST: I think that`s what the producers are saying, "We need you and other people to step up." Italy was kind of a snooze for me.
The last season was a snooze other than Pauly D and Vinny doing their pranks. Love that. But there was nothing amazing.
This, we`re starting to see, was amazing. Plus, it`s also good publicity for the upcoming season of J-woww and Snooki`s show. So it`s all kind of a perfect storm.
TURNER: Yes, I think it`s good timing. I agree with you there, Hyla. Noelle, what do you think? At this point, do you think "The Jersey Shore" has enough, I don`t know, oomph for staying power, or will it be the last season?
NOELLE NIKPOUR, COLUMNIST, "FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL": Oh, my gosh, it`s the sixth season. They`ve got to go out with a bang. I mean, look, you`ve got Snooki with nude photos.
You`ve got the sprained ankle. You`ve got the bar brawls. You`ve got exactly what "Jersey Shore" is about, being tan and fighting and just being plain trashy.
TURNER: But you know what? I still cannot wait to see this Snooki offspring. I mean, this one, for me, is almost destination TV.
But talk about reality TV staying power and you`ve got to talk about Kim Kardashian, right? Well, she is raising eyebrows tonight over the unbelievable gift that she reportedly gave her man, Kanye West, for his 35th birthday.
I almost have trouble saying this. She gave him a $750,000 Lamborghini.
HYLA: That`s love. That`s what I call love.
TURNER: You bet your bottom dollar that`s love.
HYLA: I`m loving this. I`m loving this relationship. It`s so ridiculous and it`s so over the top. I might buy my woman chocolates, you know what I`m saying? That`s what I would do for $7.50. Kim is stepping out with a $750,000 car. I love it.
TURNER: You know what? Hyla, you know - Hyla says, Noelle, that this is love because of that gift. Her ex, Kris Humphries, never got a gift that extravagant. Look how that ended. What do you say, true love?
NIKPOUR: Excuse me, but I think this is a big publicity scam. I mean, please. She got married, that was a scam. Her ratings are going low. People are mad.
So what bigger thing to do than give Kanye a Lambo? I`m sure their publicists and everyone else is in on this gig.
TURNER: You know what, though? If that`s a publicity stunt, Noelle, then count me in. I want to be in on that publicity stunt if you get a $750,000 car for something like that. Don`t you think that it`s a little bit more than that? That`s a really big gift.
NIKPOUR: That`s what I`m saying. That`s a really big gift. You don`t go giving someone a million dollar basically - a $750,000 automobile, a Lamborghini. There`s no way. I bet he has got the car for like a month on a special lease.
TURNER: I like that thinking. You get it at a special rate, a discount. Noelle Nikpour, Hyla, we thank you very much for that. Thanks, guys. Great stuff.
Right now, I want everyone to know that the 39th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are coming to HLN. Yes, live on June 23rd at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, I will be right there on the red carpet with all of your favorite daytime stars for a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT at 7:00 p.m. Eastern right here on HLN.
And you know what? You could join me and A.J. Hammer in the middle of all the action if you enter the HLN red carpet sweepstakes at HLNTV.com/DaytimeEmmySweeps.
You know what? You`re going to win a trip to the Daytime Emmys. You get a red carpet makeover, go to the Daytime Emmy show and appear with A.J. that night on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Wow!
And don`t forget to watch the Daytime Emmy Awards live Saturday, June 23rd, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on HLN.
Moving On to the teary apology from the man being called the "America`s Got Talent" fraud. Tonight, Timothy Poe tells the world he`s story about amping up his stories about wartime injuries, but he still insists he didn`t lie.
And Paris Jackson`s bully bombshell. Her dad, Michael, was one of the most popular entertainers ever, but she`s having trouble fitting in.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WINFREY: People have tried to bully you?
P. JACKSON: Yes.
WINFREY: Really?
P. JACKSON: Some people try to cyber-bully me. They try to get to me with words.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Michael Jackson`s 14-year-old daughter reveals how she`s fighting back against bullying. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: Britney Spears isn`t the only judge accused of walking off "The X Factor" set. This time all four judges walked. Yes.
A contestant ticked off the judges by singing with his back to them. And on top of that, we`re told he was pretty bad. Yes, that led Britney, Demi Lovato, L.A. Reed and Louis Walsh, who was filling in for Simon Cowell, to leave.
But here`s the kicker. Since the contestant had his back to the judges, that joker had no idea they left.
Tonight, SHOWBIZ reality controversy. The "America`s Got Talent" contestant accused of lying about being a war hero is speaking publicly for the very first time since this whole scandal blew up.
Retired soldier Timothy Poe won over the judges with his amazing story. But not long after he hit the stage, big questions came out that Poe wasn`t telling the truth.
Now Timothy Poe is opening up about the controversy, telling CNN affiliate WFAA that he did not lie, but he was sorry for the big brouhaha. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TIMOTHY POE, "AMERICA`S GOT TALENT" CONTESTANT: I really don`t know right now what`s reality and what`s not reality.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Do you feel like you`ve lied about something?
POE: No. I don`t - I don`t feel like I`ve lied. That`s what`s driving me crazy is because I - I truly thought these things had happened to me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: So should America believe Poe, and more importantly, should he be allowed to move on to the next phase of "America`s Got Talent"?
Joining me is entertainment journalist, Hyla. Now, he did this, what you saw, the crying, a very emotional interview with WFAA TV where he said he thought - thought that everything he said about his brain injury in Afghanistan was true.
But now, he just can`t remember. He just has no idea because the brain injuries he claims that he sustained may have confused him about what actually happened when all of this was going on.
You`re looking at me like, OK. So what do you think about him now, Hyla?
HYLA: This whole story, it`s kind of sad in a way because it sounds to me - I`m no expert. I`m not a doctor, but he has some type of mental issues here. That`s what I`m defaulting to right now.
And if that`s the case, then he needs to get some serious help, and he doesn`t need to be hanging out on reality television shows.
This also puts responsibility on "America`s Got Talent." They`ve got to do better thorough research in finding out the history of these people whether it`s legit or not.
TURNER: You know what? Bringing that point up, the "America`s Got Talent" producers did confirm to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that Poe actually did advance on to the next round in Vegas, and they are still editing the show. So what do you think? Should they edit him out or kind of let this play out as reality goes?
HYLA: Yes, this is tough for me because you don`t want to encourage other people to come on shows and lie and exaggerate. But at the same time, we`re in this business. We know that reality TV show - it`s not reality. Everything is embellished and exaggerated.
I wouldn`t be surprised if they played a small part and say, "Oh, man, you were in the military. It`s enough research. Whatever you say goes." And now I think it`s going to bite them in the butt.
TURNER: You know, just today, Howard Stern said on his Sirius radio show that he thinks Timothy Poe should stay on the show. And America should decide if, after hearing all of this on the outside, should decide and vote for him if he should stay or he should go.
What do you think and how do you think all of this is going to play out?
HYLA: Yes. I would like for him to stay on in some capacity. Again, if there`s a mental element in all this, then they have to tread very lightly.
But yes, hearing Howard Stern on "America`s Got Talent" rip into this guy, I`m going to tune in for that.
TURNER: You know, if it`s reality TV, I think I`m on the side of Howard Stern. I want him to stay there and let this play out in real time and let people see, "OK, this is who you said you are. This is who you may be." What do you think?
HYLA: This is - this is a dangerous road to go down, only because you see people like Amber Portwood and you see what reality television does to them.
You know, it ruins lives. And these people, small little town in North Texas, they can`t handle the spotlight.
TURNER: But he brought it on himself, Hyla. Thank you very much. We appreciate you.
Now, Lady Gaga`s megahit. No, not another monster song at the top of the charts. This hit came on stage, and it nearly ended her performance in front of tens of thousands of fans. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT reveals video of the shocking accident that caused Gaga a serious concussion.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: Now, a SHOWBIZ reality check on "Duets." "Duets" is a new singing competition show hoping to give "The Voice" and "American Idol" a run for their money.
The new show pairs superstar music mentors like Jennifer Nettles, John Legend, Robin Thicke and Kelly Clarkson with undiscovered talent. Take a look.
(MUSIC)
TURNER: Man, that kind of has me rocking. Now, the host of "Duets," which airs on ABC, is the one and only Quddus and he joins me from New York. How you doing?
QUDDUS: I`m great. How are you?
TURNER: I`m good. How does it feel to be the new kid on the block?
QUDDUS: It feels fantastic because we have an awesome show that we`re very proud of. I think if we were a show that wasn`t necessarily as different and distinct as ours is, then I would feel a little bit intimidated by the competition.
But as it is, we`re really an evolution on what`s been going on in the genre.
TURNER: But you know, you talk about the competition, and you`re in what seems like a pretty crowded genre already. How does a new show compete when there are so many reality competitions on the air right now?
QUDDUS: Well, just be different, really create a different lane of dynamics on the stage for people to enjoy. What we`re doing, we`re pairing superstars up with complete unknowns.
And that is incredible to see on stage every week. As somebody who`s been hosting for a while, I can tell you that I`ve never seen anything like this in my life.
And I love those other shows, but they don`t have what we have on this show. It is special to see Kelly Clarkson like you just saw singing with this girl who, when I met her, was so nervous, so just completely overwhelmed with the scenario.
And now, she`s got sass. Kelly has taken such an invested approach to working with her, so it`s electric to see what`s happening on our show.
TURNER: Well, Quddus, you talked about the competition. So let me ask you, what do you think is your toughest competition of the other shows out there?
QUDDUS: I would say it`s probably "The Voice" at this point. I mean, the numbers are obviously what they are. "American Idol" has kind of fell a little bit in ratings.
And now, "The Voice" seems to be the leader of the pack. And I like to think that I want to be in this spot very soon.
I`m feeling very good about it though, because like I said, it`s something else. It`s something else. And anybody who`s seen the show knows exactly what I`m talking about.
TURNER: Yes. You know what? I actually have to admit, I like the show a lot, but I think it`s just because I have a girl crush on Jennifer Nettles. I really do.
QUDDUS: She is so lovable. There is not a second I`ve been around her where I`ve questioned how incredible she is.
She`s one of these people that will consistently disarm you with how charming and just huge heart, real genuine personality, just quintessentially lovely in every way, shape and form. She`s amazing. She`s super talented as well.
TURNER: Well, quickly, do you need a mean guy or a mean girl? Do you need a Simon Cowell on the show?
QUDDUS: I think that`s why we`re breaking the mold a little bit as well in terms of how our superstars are. They don`t feel like pompous know-it- alls.
I`m sorry, but some of the other shows - the people are thoroughly unlikable. They might have insights about the performance. They might be credible in their own way, shape or form, but they don`t have to say the things they`re saying the way they`re saying them.
We don`t have to dislike you in order for you to get your point across. And you know exactly who I`m talking about. It does not need to happen.
TURNER: Yes, I hear you. I hear you.
QUDDUS: We have amazing, likeable people, you know what I mean? We have superstars who have better track records than any other show and they`re likeable, you know, so it`s great.
TURNER: Yes, and their record sales count for themselves.
(CROSS TALK)
QUDDUS: Absolutely. You know what? To your point, though, Robin Thicke is a guy with some edge even though he`s extremely likeable.
TURNER: All right. Quddus, got to leave it there. Thank you so much. Be sure to catch "Duets" on ABC this Wednesday.
Tonight, the shocking bully bombshell from Michael Jackson`s daughter.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WINFREY: People have tried to bully you?
P. JACKSON: Yes.
WINFREY: Really?
P. JACKSON: Some people try to cyber-bully me. They try to get to me with words.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Why the daughter of one of the most popular stars of all time is getting picked on.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: Tonight, the megahit that Lady Gaga wishes never happened. How a shocking on-stage blow to her head terrified fans, but still couldn`t put a stop to her show.
Plus, Paris Jackson`s bully confession. Why Michael`s daughter is getting picked on by the kids at her school. That story tops "The Buzz Today."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) Paris opens up to Oprah. Paris Jackson just revealed that she`s been the target of bullies. Michael Jackson`s only daughter, who was home-schooled before her father died, opened up in a brand-new interview on Sunday on "Oprah`s Next Chapter" about how hard it was when she started attending school.
The 14-year-old Paris confesses some of the girls at her private school bully her in person and online. But she tells Oprah she doesn`t let it get to her.
P. JACKSON: People have tried but it doesn`t always work at school. And some people try to cyber-bully me. They try to get to me with words, but that doesn`t really work.
TURNER: Lady Gaga`s monster hit. Lady Gaga took a hard hit at her New Zealand concert Sunday night against a pole. Concertgoers captured video of Gaga accidentally hitting her head during her performance of "Judas."
She went on to finish the remaining 16 songs in the concert despite suffering from a concussion. While on her New Zealand swing, Gaga also took a hit at Madonna for doing a mash-up which hinted that Gaga`s "Born This Way" was copied from Madonna`s "Express Yourself."
Gaga shot back saying, "It sometimes makes people feel better about themselves to put down other people or make fun of them or maybe make a mockery of their work."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
And I`m thrilled that the legendary Joan Rivers will be right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT tomorrow. She`s always freaking hilarious. But now, she also has a brand-new book out that is blowing the lid off Hollywood. I can tell you Joan is going off on everything she hates about the Hollywood star machine.
And tonight, on "DR. DREW," world-renowned psychic James Van Praagh. "DR. DREW" starts right now.
END
