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Showbiz Tonight
Why the Tom-Kat Divorce Could Get Ugly; BET`s Tribute to Whitney; Why Did NBC Fire Ann Curry?; Alec Baldwin Gets Married; The Softer Side of Gene Simmons; Ryan Seacrest`s Media Empire
Aired July 02, 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: Brand-new mysteries of the Tom Cruise-Katie Holmes divorce. Was Tom blindsided? Does Katie want sole custody of Suri? And did scientology have something to do with their split? Tonight, why the Tom-Kat divorce could get nasty.
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Hello. I`m Nischelle Turner. Tonight, "Today" show fallout. Explosive new reaction after Ann Curry got the boot at the "Today" show. How now an NBC executive is giving new insight into the decision. And former "Today" co-host, Katie Couric, is revealing what she really thinks of this whole mess.
But first, tonight, this could get ugly. Talk about fallout. The Tom Cruise-Katie Holmes divorce is sparking a wave of dramatic headlines. Tom blindsided. Katie supposedly tailed by scientologists. And at the center of this personal drama, Tom and Katie`s six-year-old daughter, Suri.
Will Tom and Katie figure out a way to resolve their differences without a messy legal battle? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you it doesn`t look good from here.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Katie Holmes apparently moved out the same day she filed for divorce from Tom Cruise.
TURNER (voice-over): Today, everyone had something to say about the split that`s rocking Hollywood - Katie Holmes` decision to file for divorce from Tom Cruise, and that includes Tom`s divorce lawyer that tells "The Los Angeles Times," "I would hope it`s not a contentious matter."
But while Tom may be hoping for a peaceful divorce, all signs are pointing to a possible fight.
MELANIE BROMLEY, SENIOR NEWS CORRESPONDENT, E!: This divorce isn`t something that`s going to be an easy one by all accounts.
TURNER: E`s Melanie Bromley tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT even more shocking than Katie`s decision to file for divorce is her reported decision to file for sole custody for her and Tom`s six-year-old daughter, Suri.
BROMLEY: It`s just a shocking thing for Tom, I think, that she would want to take Suri away from him.
TURNER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you there are reports that Tom`s devotion to scientology and the role it plays in Suri`s upbringing may be a big part of this shocking Hollywood divorce. As almost the entire world knows, Tom Cruise is a devoted scientologist.
TOM CRUISE, ACTOR: I think it`s privileged to call yourself a scientologist. It`s something that you have to earn.
TURNER: In this video leaked on YouTube in 2008, Cruise speaks very passionately about the Church of Scientology.
CRUISE: It`s our responsibility to educate.
TURNER: Now "E! Online" reports scientology was a factor in Tom`s split from Katie who was raised Catholic and introduced to scientology by Cruise.
BROMLEY: It wasn`t something that was necessarily the most natural thing for her. She didn`t fully embrace it.
TURNER: And now that Suri has reached school age, numerous media outlets are reporting Holmes is concerned about bringing Suri into scientology. That could explain why Katie took the shocking step of filing for sole custody of Suri in New York City instead of in Cruise`s base in L.A.
BROMLEY: There have been reports that Katie had filed in New York because of Suri and her scientology links. And it would make it easier for Katie to be able to kind of pull Suri away from that. We`ll have to wait and see what happens.
TURNER: It`s an issue Tom`s previous wife, Nicole Kidman, has had to deal with. Like Katie Holmes, Kidman was raised Catholic. And like Holmes, Nicole reportedly had issues with scientology especially in regards to teenagers, Connor and Isabella, whom Nicole and Tom adopted in the mid `90s.
BROMLEY: Tom definitely seems to have spent more time with the children since they divorced. For Nicole, it`s very rare to actually get pictures of her with the kids.
TURNER: In a curt statement about her kids, Kidman told "Marie Claire" in 2007, "Yes, they`re being raised as scientologists. I don`t want to go there."
And in 2010, Kidman, who is now married to country star, Keith Urban, told "Hello" magazine she misses her kids saying, quote, "They live with Tom, which was their choice. I`d love them to live with us, but what can you do?"
So the big question now is, did Katie file for sole custody in part to prevent Cruise and scientology from coming in between her and Suri? It`s possible, but there could be other complicated issues at work, too.
BROMLEY: She wants Suri to be able to go to school. Tom`s other children have all been homeschooled and she wants Suri to have more of a normal life.
TURNER: So with reported questions about custody, religion, and location, it`s looking like this is one Hollywood divorce with a high potential for trouble.
BROMLEY: This all kind of indicates to us that this divorce is not going to be very smooth.
TURNER: You know, this is sad. It really is. Tom and Katie did seem like they were a happy couple. But now, it really does seem like we could be headed for a contentious divorce.
Joining me now from New York is divorce attorney, Vikki Ziegler, author of "The Premarital Planner." Also in New York tonight, "People" magazine executive editor, J.D. Heyman.
Thanks, guys, for joining us. By the way, J.D., "People`s" new cover story, "Why Katie left Tom," is on newsstands right now.
And I`ve got to ask you, this cover story has some really fascinating tidbits into Katie`s decision to leave Tom. One of the things that you report is that she was feeling really isolated in the marriage.
J.D. HEYMAN, EXECUTIVE EDITOR, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: Well, that`s true. Certainly, people close to her recount that she was unhappy and unhappy for a while and that her world and Tom`s world was incredibly, you know, difficult.
That said, obviously, he has a very different take on it and as recently as a month ago was more than ecstatic about being married and very effusive about the marriage.
TURNER: Yes, you know, it`s really interesting when couples do get divorced and the stories of why are so completely different. Vikki, you know, it`s been widely reported that Katie is filing for sole custody of Suri.
There have been other reports, too, that say scientology could be an issue here. So if this is true, how could a religious dispute play out if a judge ultimately has to decide who Suri should live with?
VIKKI ZIEGLER, DIVORCE ATTORNEY AND AUTHOR: Yes, this gets ugly really quickly, I have to tell you. And judges really don`t want to stand in the way of parents raising their children in their religious beliefs.
The problem is when you have a couple potentially like this one that does not agree on how to raise their child, what religious upbringing, the judge may have to make a decision. The problem is what is in the best interest of the child is always paramount.
And number two, is there any type of harm that may come to this child if the child is raised under the scientology belief system. So this could get extremely very difficult. This could be a contentious battle.
And unfortunately, the child is in the crossfire. And that`s what happens time and time again with these cases. So I mean, if it`s so sensitive, but if you have two parents that don`t agree on how to raise their child, you have to bring it to the court`s attention, and we`re going to see how this plays out.
HEYMAN: I mean, that`s true.
TURNER: Yes, you know, Vikki -
HEYMAN: I was just going to say one thing.
TURNER: Go ahead, J.D.
HEYMAN: We don`t necessarily know yet if this is going to be the thrust of both of their arguments. I mean, certainly, we know that Tom is a devoted scientologist and we know that Katie has an evolving view on the Church of Scientology and may not want her child to be brought up that way.
But we`re not there yet. We don`t really know if it`s going to play out that way.
TURNER: But Tom is also, and we should say, a devoted father. And you know, you guys also have an inside look at how he`s feeling right now. What is he feeling about Katie just basically leaving him?
HEYMAN: Well, it`s clear that he`s very upset and he was surprised by this move. People on her side of it said she`s very, very firm about her decision. This is a long time coming for her. But it`s also clear that he didn`t see it. So that`s what makes this so spectacular.
TURNER: Well, Vikki, let me ask you, because like you heard J.D. say that Tom`s pretty much shattered that his marriage is over, but now, he may actually have to fight for custody of his daughter and defend his religion at the same time.
If he was your client, what advice would you give him about the best way to handle all of this?
ZIEGLER: Wow. Just keep it out of the media. I know we all don`t want to hear about it because that`s all we`re talking about. But if he was my client, we want to take it to mediation or arbitration.
We don`t want to display this for the world to watch. And we really want to work out with a parent coordinator what is in the best interest of the child. Really, you don`t want to bring this child to psychologists.
You don`t want them to, you know, to look - to be looked under the microscope with the forensic psychologist. This could get very traumatic for the child. And that`s the last thing these people want to happen for the daughter they love so very much.
So it would absolutely be to try to work it out behind closed doors to make sure you have a priority of what`s in the best interest of the child.
We haven`t heard much of went wrong in their marriage and money yet because we do believe that it`s reported that there`s a pre-nuptial agreement although we don`t specifically know what`s in there.
So it`s interesting we`re only hearing about the child. We haven`t heard much about the money other than she may be getting $15 million for every year - for the entire 5 1/2 years of marriage.
HEYMAN: I think that`s exactly right. And what we`re talking about here is going to come down to parenting. What is clear -
TURNER: Yes.
HEYMAN: With both of this people is that they love this little girl very much. They`re both very wealthy people. This is not going to be about their assets. This is going to be about how they raise this child.
And I think both of them want a very strong role in her life. I don`t think either one of them expects it`s going to come down to one person controlling her destiny entirely.
TURNER: Well, J.D. and Vikki, great stuff. Thank you guys so much for joining us. We really appreciate it. Now, you know what?
I want to hear from you guys. It`s our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive poll - "Tom Cruise-Katie Holmes Divorce Drama: Whose side are you on, Tom Cruise`s or Katie Holmes`? Vote at HLNTV.com/ShowbizTonight. You can always E-mail us as well at showbiztonight@hlntv.com.
Tonight, Whitney Houston`s mother pays tribute to her famous daughter.
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I was right there at the BET Awards for the touching tribute by Cissy Houston for her late daughter. I`ve got star reaction and the heart-moving tributes from Whitney`s famous friends.
Plus, Alec`s big wedding day. Alec Baldwin marries his 28-year-old bride. But why the heck did he suddenly quit Twitter? Is this a new, quieter, more peaceful Alec? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
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TURNER: A brand-new twist in the Usher custody drama. Usher and his ex, Tameka Raymond, locking horns again next month in court in the battle over custody of their two sons.
Now, listen to this. Tameka is reportedly going to drag in Usher`s stalker drama to prove their kids aren`t safe with him. The alleged stalker apparently showed up to his home while the kids were with Usher.
So what happens now? Well, we`ll find out next month when the custody standoff continues in court.
And coming up, why did NBC really fire Ann Curry? An NBC executive tells all. That`s next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Goodbye, Ann. Hello, Savannah. Tonight, "Today" show fallout.
The pressure is on now for new "Today" show co-host, Savannah Guthrie, to really bring the "it" factor after Ann Curry`s tearful and, yes, cringe- worthy departure.
The leaks, the jabs, that awkward goodbye after what some are deeming a very public humiliation. Tonight, some "Today" show fans are asking, really? Did it really have to end this way?
With me, from New York, pop culture expert, Brian Balthazar, who is a former senior producer on the "Today" show, and entertainment reporter, Zain Meghji.
Stating the obvious now, guys. Ann Curry is not what NBC wanted. We know this. When they gave her the main job though, it seemed like the clock was already ticking.
And this is what the president of NBC, Steve Capus, told "The Hollywood Reporter" just after Curry`s last appearance on "Today."
I`m going to read this to you. He says, "We gave her a year to prove herself. And ultimately, we came to the conclusion that she had played at the highest level she could."
"When you`re in the major leagues of our profession, you`ve got to continue to be at peak performance in order to stay there." Ouch. Brian, I mean, if they didn`t have faith in her in the first place, why hire her?
BRIAN BALTHAZAR, POP CULTURE EXPERT AND FORMER SENIOR PRODUCER ON THE "TODAY" SHOW: Well, you know, there are always behind-the-scenes stories of what may have happened when she lost the job to Meredith.
So there probably were some discussions there about what would happen if that slot were to become open again. I`m quite certain of that.
And so, you know, they also didn`t want to risk - you know, disillusion people when Meredith left to not bring Ann up. She has fans. Maybe she`s a member of the family. They don`t want to lose her.
So there`s a lot of behind-the-scenes considerations that take place there. And I think that`s probably why this happened.
And you know what? The truth is it`s all about ratings. If they had gotten the ratings, this wouldn`t be happening.
TURNER: Yes, you`re right about that. But you know what? There are a lot of people who feel sorry for Ann Curry. Katie Couric, who spent 15 years in that seat, is one of them. Let`s look at what Katie said here. This is from her Web chat on Spreecast. Look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KATIE COURIC, FORMER CO-HOST, THE "TODAY" SHOW: You know, it really broke my heart this morning to see Ann because I know she`s suffering and is feeling a lot of pain with this transition.
And I know that it`s really hard for everyone on the show. I still have a lot of great friends that I made over those 15 years on the "Today" show. And this kind of tumult is really hard for everyone.
TURNER: So Zain, what do you think? Do you think the rest of America feels like Katie Couric as if Ann got a raw deal here?
ZAIN MEGHJI, ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER: Well, from what I understand, a lot of America didn`t particularly like Ann Curry in this role. But they do like Ann Curry for what she is good at.
And that is what I think is getting lost in all of this, that she is a great hard news reporter telling international news.
But what they did here as Katie talks about the experience is when she left the "Today" show, there was a big fanfare. When Meredith left the "Today" show, big fanfare.
And it got leaked out that she wasn`t going to stay longer, so there`s a speculation. Is she going to stay? Is she not going to stay? What`s going on?
And now, it felt that it was like she was shamed into her situation where what they could have done was just say, "Hey, we`re promoting her to lead her new international news team that`s going to start with the London Olympics. This is a huge deal. Let`s do this with pride."
Whereas the way it came out, it`s kind of like, "Oh, you know, we`re going to keep her around. You still get your money but you get this job."
TURNER: Yes.
MEGHJI: And it is a great thing. And you know what? She has a million reasons to stay at NBC as in dollars. But really, it looks like she got the shaft. And really, why? (UNINTELLIGIBLE) that way.
(CROSS TALK)
TURNER: Yes. Well, listen, Zain. Listen, understood. But Brian, let me ask you. What is your guess? Savannah Guthrie - is she going to have a different chemistry with Matt or is it just NBC filling the hole?
BALTHAZAR: Well, first of all, I just want to say no one would have bought the fact they were giving her a promotion because this has long been considered the top job.
TURNER: Right.
BALTHAZAR: But that aside, you know, the chemistry is certainly going to be different. And I know that people really love Savannah.
But you know what? She has witnessed firsthand that there is not an unlimited timeframe to make this work. The Olympics will guarantee some great ratings in the morning because they just do.
So that`s a great way for people to get to know her and hopefully stick around. But the fact is "Good Morning America" has a great ensemble now as well.
So I don`t know that this is necessarily going to tip the scales right away. They have a fight ahead of them and I`m sure they`re up for the game.
TURNER: Sure. Sure. Let the battle continue. Brian Balthazar, Zain Meghji, thank you very much, guys.
Now, we are moving on to the softer side of rock guy, Gene Simmons, you know, the tongue-lashing KISS bassist as one of the legendary bad boy of rock. But did you know that he`s got a soft spot for kids?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GENE SIMMONS, MEMBER, KISS BAND: My father left us when I was about six or seven. And one day, a box came in. It was a cardboard box. Later, I figured out it was a care package. And all of a sudden, I had the idea that somebody cared.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Tonight, it`s the Gene Simmons you probably never knew. I go one on one with him as he tells me about his new mission to save starving kids in Africa in a must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: "Why Alec Baldwin just can`t shut up" - that`s the headline screaming on the cover of the brand-new august issue of "Vanity Fair" revealed just two days after Baldwin tied the knot. But if he can`t shut up, why did Baldwin just delete his Twitter account?
Alec Baldwin is a happy man today after marrying his 28-year-old bride, Hilaria Thomas, over the weekend. But after tweeting a photo of his ring in his post marital bliss, he mysteriously deactivated his Twitter account.
This just days after he confronted another paparazzo on the streets of New York. So come on, what`s the deal here?
Joining me from New York, Amanda Seales, who is the host of MTV`s "Hip Hop POV."
All right, Amanda. Alec signed off for yet a second time on Twitter. He said, "It`s been fun." And at the same time, he admits to "Vanity Fair" of giving the Heisman - which is the stiff arm - to people in Hollywood and the media.
Amanda, is Alec now leaving his outspoken kind of crazy past and starting a more peaceful Zen, less public future with his new marriage?
AMANDA SEALES, HOST, "HIP HOP POV": Well, you know, his new wife is a yogi, you know.
TURNER: Yes.
SEALES: So it`s all about being centered and peace and namaste. But you know, let`s be real. She`s 28 and Alec is not, and he`s very set in his ways.
So I applaud his effort, but I feel like a lot of us love Alec because he`s so outspoken, and Twitter is addictive, so I don`t think he`ll be able to stay away for long.
TURNER: Exactly, and we saw that last time. He said, "I`m done. I`m out." And then he came back with a vengeance. So you know, he`s had these recent face-offs with the press.
And he did tweet about wanting some moments of privacy. But I opened up "The New York Times" on Sunday to find, what, his wedding announcement.
They revealed, actually, how they met last year. And Hilaria tells "The Times" about a meeting at a restaurant in New York. I want to read a little bit of it to you.
She says, "I was standing near the door with my friends when he walked up and took my hand and said, `I must know you.` `You must know me?` she replied. After which they stood chatting and then he gave me his card."
Now, Amanda, not much about Alec Baldwin surprises me, but I was a little surprised that he would be OK with sharing this kind of really intimate moment with the world. What do you think?
SEALES: Yes. I think this is probably part of their honeymoon. Like, "OK, I`m going to let you do this," because I feel like, Hilaria, you know, she`s younger.
She wants to talk about her marriage and talk about her relationship and talk about the beauty of her and Alec. So hopefully, you know, he said, "Hey, do your thing, sis." But it felt very "Sex in the City" to me.
TURNER: Yes, a happy wife, a happy life.
SEALES: Yes.
TURNER: I think that`s what the saying is. But this, of course, is the "New York Times." So we heard the other side of the story.
Alec actually talked to them about his decision to get married to Hilaria after his ugly divorce from Kim Basinger back in 2002, and here`s what he said to "The Times."
He said, "I`ve dated a lot of people since my divorce and I thought a lot about what I wanted and what I wanted to do. I thought too much about it, I suppose. I wasn`t really ready to take that chance and to act until I met Hilaria. I was ready."
I like hearing that from a man. Obviously, he is madly in love. He looks happy. You know, I`m not usually the May-December relationship type, but I like Hilaria for Alec. What do you think?
SEALES: I mean, he needs somebody. As we`ve seen, Alec is a very high- strung, volatile guy. And she sounds like she`s more even-keel. She`s calm. You know, she can definitely bring him some ease and peace.
And I really am an Alec Baldwin fan, so anything that`s going to make him happy, I`m all for it. I wish them the best.
TURNER: Me, too. And he`s lost like 25 pounds since he`s been with her. And you`ve got to admit, he`s been looking incredible since they got together.
SEALES: He must be doing his downward dog.
TURNER: Yes, exactly. And not eating any of those salty nuts and fruits and anything anymore. He said she`s made him stop.
And so, you know, I`m with you. I`m just a fan of Alec`s and I really like to see him happy. And maybe this newfound happiness will give him a little peace. Find that inner chi, Alec, and just go with the flow. Don`t sweat the small stuff, right?
SEALES: Ohm.
TURNER: I like it. I like it a lot. Amanda Seales, thank you very much. I appreciate it.
SEALES: No problem.
TURNER: And now, the SHOWBIZ lineup - here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Did Jay-Z just pull a Kanye on Kanye West?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KANYE WEST, SINGER: I want to thank BET -
JAY-Z, MUSIC MOGUL AND RAP ARTIST: Excuse me, Kanye, I`m going to let you continue but -
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: I`m pretty sure Jay-Z is the only one who could pull that off. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was there at the BET Awards for all the big must-see moments. And we`ve got the best ones coming up.
Ryan Seacrest, king of the world? He`s the host of "American Idol," a radio personality, a producer, and now, an NBC correspondent. Does the man sleep?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LARRY KING, TV PERSONALITY: He loves the business end of the business. He likes the figures. He likes meetings. He likes meetings. Who likes meetings?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Tonight, a SHOWBIZ special report inside the world of Ryan Seacrest, media mogul. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: Right now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, a tearful tribute to Whitney Houston. I was at the BET`s headline-making tribute led by Whitney`s own mother. I was right there in the middle of it all, and I have the heart- wrenching reaction from the stars who gave it up for Whitney.
Plus, Gene Simmons` own heartfelt confession. The tough guy rocker reveals to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT why helping needy children in Africa hits close to home.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SIMMONS: My father left us when I was about six or seven. And one day, a box came in. It was a cardboard box. Later, I figured out it was a care package. And all of a sudden, I had the idea that somebody cared.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: KISS` bad boy shows his softer side in a must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
TURNER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Tonight, a tearful tribute. People are still talking about the moving and emotional tribute to Whitney Houston at the BET Awards last night.
We saw Whitney`s mother, Cissy Houston, sing for the very first time since her daughter`s death. And also, there were stirring performances by Whitney`s brother, Gary, and singers Brandy, Monica, and Chaka Khan.
But it was Mariah Carey who started the tribute, choking back tears while talking about her friend. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARIAH CAREY, SINGER: I miss my friend. I miss hearing her voice and laughter. But we`ll always - we`ll always have the music.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Now, this tribute is just one of the big headlines. The megastar couple that went head to head and somebody finally pulled a Kanye and Kanye himself. We`re talking award winning drama.
So joining me from New York Amanda Seales, host of MTV`s "Hip Hop POV," and entertainment reporter, Zain Meghji.
I was there last night, guys, covering the awards. And I have to say a highlight of the night was definitely the Whitney Houston tribute.
And of course, when Cissy Houston sang to her daughter, there was not a dry eye in the house. Just listen to this.
(MUSIC)
TURNER: Just like she was pouring it all out there. I still get chills watching that clip there. Amanda, what do you think about the tribute? Did it do Whitney justice?
SEALES: I really think BET did what they needed to do. And I really watched this and I felt good about how Whitney has been honored more so than anything I`ve seen up until this point.
You know, the songs that were chosen were so poignant. The performers were all connected to her in some way. I mean, of course, her mother singing blew my entire mind.
I mean, I was just sitting there crying like, is this happening right now? I mean, let`s not forget the single tear from Beyonce lets you know that everyone in the room is understanding that this is not just, you know, this show for Whitney.
It was heartfelt. It was honest and it was truthful. And I think that more than even the Grammys, I wanted this from BET, because BET is Black Entertainment Television. And let`s be real, Whitney`s from the church.
TURNER: Right.
SEALES: And Whitney is one of the first sisters to really break through for, you know, female singers. So BET did a great job. I`m really happy about it, and I miss Whitney.
TURNER: Yes, I think we all do. And you know, Brandy Norwood - she did a really good job with Whitney`s hits. "I`m Your Baby Tonight" and "I Want to Dance With Somebody."
You know, I got to talk to Brandy after the show. And it was actually a night of mixed emotions for her. Listen to this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRANDY NORWOOD, SINGER: I feel overwhelmed. I feel happy. I feel excited. I felt like she was looking down. I felt like she was looking through. I felt like she was in the building tonight, like I felt her spirit.
And right before I got on stage, I was like, "Whitney, I`ve got you. I`m going to give it everything I`ve got," you know what I mean?
And I was just talking to her like she was right there, so it was a lot of fun. And I didn`t want to get off the stage.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: You know, Brandy told me her emotions were everywhere, Zain. And it`s a lot of pressure for anybody to take on Whitney. What were you thinking? Were you feeling this tribute?
MEGHJI: Well, I can say about this is that, further to what Amanda said, is that with the Grammys, when Jennifer Hudson did her number of "I Will Always Love You," it was a last-minute thing.
Here, for BET, they got to plan things out. And the night that Whitney passed away, she had been coaching Brandy and Monica to do a number at the Clive Davis party.
So obviously, they were in no state to give a tribute the next day because they were very close.
TURNER: Yes.
MEGHJI: And here, we got to see it. I loved it when Brandy came out. She had the swagger. She had the hair. She had the moves. When she did "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," she did a head bobble and whatnot.
And you know, she brought the video back to life, the deep, throaty vocals. It kind of was like she was channeling Whitney, not just out of love and friendship, but out of spirit and style and I loved that. And I thought she nailed it.
I thought the other ladies from "Waiting to Exhale" - they did good justice. And also Chaka Khan, when she said, "We`re all going to be every woman." Indeed, everyone in that house, the divas, the thugs in the backward hats and the church, you know, they were all praising. They all wanted to be every woman.
TURNER: Yes, everybody was celebrating. Let`s talk about Brandy`s brother, Ray-J, because he was very close to Whitney for years.
And he`s been pretty reluctant to speak out since she died. But I talked to him last night, and he wanted everyone to know the truth about his real feelings for Whitney. Look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RAY-J, SINGER: I just know that I love Whitney. I love her more than anybody could ever imagine. And for me not to be here would be a problem. So I - you know, my sister did a great job and Monica and Ms. Houston.
I`m just happy to be here in support of it all. It was beyond love. It was beyond that. And all in due time, I`ll really explain how I really felt, what was our plans, you know, what the future had - you know, what God had in store for us.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: You know, obviously, Amanda, he`s still having a hard time with this. You can see it on his face. But it sounds like he wants to talk more about it. He wants to talk about his real deep relationship with Whitney, doesn`t it?
SEALES: I just hope it doesn`t come out in a book. That`s all I`m saying about that.
TURNER: Very good point.
SEALES: I hope it`s not a trumped up book about "me and Whitney" and all of that. You know, it`s a very, very sticky, sketchy situation that they were both involved in.
And I`m just glad to see his sister, who has been such a reality star for the past couple years, come back to where she really shines, which is on the stage singing. She was amazing.
TURNER: Yes. But you know, there`s more to the story. And we - let`s move on, because there`s a lot more to the BET Awards from last night that people are still buzzing about so much.
The star couples who stole the spotlight last night - crazy. This was the front row. Jay-Z and Beyonce, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. And finally, onstage, somebody manages to pull a Kanye on Kanye. Look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WEST: I want to thank BET for -
JAY-Z: Excuse me, Kanye. I`m going to let you continue but -
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: The crowd loved it, but I have to ask you, good move or would this only really work if this was Taylor Swift herself who can create that move?
MEGHJI: You know what? I think it would be amazing if Taylor Swift would have done that. I think that she had the opportunity in previous award shows. That kind of bode (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
And I could never imagine her doing that, because she would probably be scared of what Kanye would do. But Jay-Z - he`s not scared of Kanye. And what I like about that is that they`re acknowledging that Kanye brings the crazy.
Yes, he does good music, but he`s an entertaining entertainer. We want to see all the crazy stuff he does. And you know, kudos to Jay-Z for calling him out on it.
TURNER: Right. He brought last night something besides the crazy. He brought his girlfriend to the BET Awards, Kim Kardashian.
And you know what? I have to ask you, guys, because today, people are kind of giving her a little bit of heat saying that she looked awkward.
But I saw them and she actually just looked like she was chilling and having a good time. Amanda, what do you think about that?
SEALES: I mean, you know, she`s Kim. People are always going to have something to say because she`s put herself in that position. I thought it was hilarious that they were both matching in all white looking like two iPods, so that was funny for me.
TURNER: All right, Amanda. I`ve got to take up for her and we got to get out of here because she is a fixture in pop culture so she belonged there like everybody else. Amanda and Zain, thank you guys so much. I appreciate it.
Let`s move on now to confessions of a rock star. KISS front man, Gene Simmons, is revealing his softer side tonight to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SIMMONS: My father left us when I was about six or seven. And one day, a box came in. It was a cardboard box. Later, I figured out it was a care package. And all of a sudden, I had the idea that somebody cared.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Why a rock legend known for kicking butt on stage is campaigning for needy kids in Africa.
Plus, is Lauren Hill headed to the slammer? Lauren pleads guilty to failing to pay nearly $2 million in taxes. So why didn`t she pay what she owed? And is she about to spend some time behind bars? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SIMMONS: I need to make sure that when they come to school, they don`t have empty stomachs.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let`s go to his office.
(CROSS TALK)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, sir.
SIMMONS: I`ll pay for it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: That`s KISS` Gene Simmons in Africa with his wife, Shannon Tweed. They were visiting the impoverished children he sponsors in Zambia so they can go to school and, hopefully, get access to basic health care and better nutrition.
Well, legendary rocker, Gene Simmons, is really putting the spotlight on kids in Africa who are in serious need. His reality show, "Family Jewels," has shown that Gene is a lot more than just a self-proclaimed rock god.
And now, we`re finding out Gene is also seriously engaged with helping kids that don`t even have access to things as basic as classrooms and doctor`s offices.
I just went one on one with Gene Simmons and I can tell you the result is a must-see SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. It`s a true window into a rock icon`s heart. It`s confessions from a rock star.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(on camera) I think the jig is up with you, Gene Simmons, because you introduce yourself after the beginning of "The Family Jewels" as "I`m Gene Simmons" -
SIMMONS: Oh, you mean "Gene Simmons Family Jewels."
TURNER: Yes, "Gene Simmons Family Jewels." And you say, "I`m Gene Simmons, rock god." But this reality show has shown a different side of you.
SIMMONS: Well, you know, if you stick around long enough, then you get to crawl on to the skin of the bad guy.
TURNER: Dare I say that you even come off a bit sweet especially with the kids in Africa?
SIMMONS: Two, three.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
SIMMONS: This will be a lifetime memory. And I wish all the schools in America, the school kids, could experience seeing another side of life on planet earth, because we live here and you`re in L.A. or you go to New York and this is the world, and it`s not.
And there are - I don`t know what the numbers are, but clearly, half the world is going to sleep hungry, many of them children. And it`s not an unbeatable idea. We can beat this and everybody can do something.
TURNER: If you don`t mind me asking, what is the cost of that?
SIMMONS: About $30 a month will feed a child, which really means the family, because they will apportion foods and stuff like that. So I`m taking over. I`m going to do thousands and thousands of children.
Do some of them come to school hungry?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, of course.
TURNER: I love that passion. I really do.
SIMMONS: My father left us when I was about six or seven. And one day, a box came in. It was a cardboard box. Later, I figured out it was a care package.
I picked up my first can of food. It was canned peaches. I had never seen a can. You know, we didn`t even have a toilet when I was growing up.
She opened it with a knife. She had to break through and opened it up. And I remember tasting - this gets a little emotional for me. So I remember tasting those canned peaches, sweetest things I`d ever had.
And all of a sudden, I had the idea that somebody cared. And once I grew up, I promised myself I`ve got to make a difference. You can`t go through life and die and leave things the way they are.
TURNER: Is that what you pass on to your kids?
SIMMONS: You betcha. Sophie, my daughter, who`s 19, on her own, raises money, goes there and visits the kids, consoles them, comforts them, so that these kids - when you`re abused, when you`re hungry, when you`re alone you have the feeling nobody cares. Sophie makes sure they know somebody cares.
TURNER: You talked about how talented your kids are. I remember seeing Sophie sing "At Last" at the wedding. Crazy.
SIMMONS: Well, they all - everybody can sing except me. Shannon can sing. Sophie can sing. Nick sings. They love blues and (UNINTELLIGIBLE) songs all sort of stuff. I can`t sing. I`ve got a long tongue. That`s about it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Yes, that tongue is world famous. And I want to add that Gene met 12 of these children that he sponsors on that remarkable visit that he made to southern Africa. Good guy.
All right. Moving on to another entertainment mogul, Ryan Seacrest. Is he the most powerful man in Hollywood?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KING: He loves the business end of the business. He likes the figures. He likes meetings. He likes meetings. Who likes meetings? Ryan likes taking meetings.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: From hosting "American Idol" to producing the Kardashian reality franchise, Ryan Seacrest is building an entertainment empire. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT investigates just how big a media mogul Ryan actually is. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: Tonight, Ryan`s enviable empire. Ryan Seacrest is now ruling over a massive media kingdom. It`s so enormous, in fact, if Ryan quit "American Idol" today and gave up his two-year, $30 million deal, he`d still be worth about $40 million.
Gosh. So how did he manage to spin reality TV success into being Hollywood`s top mogul? Oh, and did you know that he recently signed a deal to own part of a new network? You`d think Ryan never stops working. And as SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter discovered in a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT special report, he wouldn`t have it any other way.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANNOUNCER: Ryan Seacrest -
KAREEN WYNTER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Ryan Seacrest is more than just a TV host, but could he be the most powerful person in Hollywood?
He`s got a syndicated radio show. He hosts one of the top rated shows on TV. He`s the heir apparent to Dick Clark`s "New Year`s Rocking Eve" and he`s also a megahit behind the camera, producing the reality show of all reality shows, "Keeping Up With the Kardashians."
And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can report Seacrest is adding NBC special contributor to his credits. He recently cut a deal with NBC Universal where he`ll contribute to the "Today" show and specials like the Summer Olympics and the elections.
MAGGIE FURLONG, WEST COAST EDITOR, "HUFFINGTON POST TV": You look at that. You just can`t help but wonder like, wow, how does he do all this?
WYNTER: "The Huffington Post`s" Maggie Furlong tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that, as overwhelming as it may seem, it isn`t just work for Seacrest.
FURLONG: It`s the kind of thing where he actually really enjoys going, chatting with people, playing some new music, breaking new exclusives, getting to know, you know, Hollywood personalities.
He lives for this stuff. And even on the "Idol" stage, he gets really close to these contestants and he loves the banter with the judges.
WYNTER: One of the judges, Jennifer Lopez, who is known for her own crazy work schedule, says Ryan`s work ethic is like nothing she`s ever seen.
JENNIFER LOPEZ, "AMERICAN IDOL" JUDGE: Sometimes when I`m not feeling so great, I look up (UNINTELLIGIBLE) in the morning. He was on the radio. If he can do it, I can do it, you know what I mean? He`s inspiring in that way, and he`s built quite an empire for himself.
WYNTER: And at the age of 37, well, that empire is quite impressive. According to the "New York Times" Seacrest earns more than $50 million a year between his radio and TV deals.
How did he do it? Radio was his first love, but it was TV that changed his life forever.
SEACREST: This is "American Idol."
WYNTER: In 2002, Seacrest landed a hosting gig on "American Idol." And that set him up for one deal after the other.
SEACREST: Hi, it`s Ryan Seacrest.
WYNTER: First, with Clear Channel for his radio program "On Air with Ryan Seacrest."
SEACREST: We`re a couple minutes away from the new year.
WYNTER: Then, on TV, when in 2005, he joined the late Dick Clark for "New Year`s Rocking Eve." And just a year later, joining E! to host and produce several shows. And now, NBC.
KING: Ryan should be everywhere.
WYNTER (on camera): Everywhere.
KING: That is Ryan`s goal.
WYNTER (voice-over): Larry King, broadcast icon and close friend to Seacrest, tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Ryan is dialed into the business side of show business just like his mentor, Dick Clark.
KING: I asked him the other night we had dinner, "Would you rather produce a successful show or host a successful show?
WYNTER (on camera): What did he say?
KING: 50/50. He loves the business end of the business. He likes the figures. He likes meetings. He likes meetings. Who likes meetings? Ryan likes taking meetings.
WYNTER: Whether it`s meetings for the next hosting gig or his next blockbuster producing deal, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you Ryan is on top of the entertainment world.
Forget the Kardashians. Try keeping up with him, a man who shows no signs of slowing down.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TURNER: The man`s amazing. That`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter. And I can tell you, Ryan`s career shows no signs of slowing down. His next big project? Well, he recently told Larry King he`s itching to hear a little pitter-patter of little Seacrest feet. So Ryan`s next empire may be a very personal project.
Moving on to a Will Smith shocker.
(MUSIC)
Tonight, this amazing video that proves Willow can sing her heart out and she`s only 11. Next, SHOWBIZ reveals why everyone is saying Willow is about to become a singing sensation.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC)
TURNER: Can you believe that`s Will Smith`s 11-year-old daughter, Willow? What a voice. That is Willow`s new ballad, "I am Me," and that video debuted at the BET Awards` pre-show last night.
I think it`s just amazing how mature Willow seems. And wow, what a talent. Acting, singing - is there anything that this little girl can`t do?
Well, tonight, is it jail time for Lauren Hill? The superstar pleads guilty to tax evasion, so what`s her future? Plus Adele`s big baby news. It looks like she may wind up having it all afterwards.
And Alec says I do. The "30 Rock" star ties the knot with his 28-year-old fiancee. That tops "The Buzz Today."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) Baldwin`s big day. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you Alec Baldwin is no longer a single man. Alec and 28-year-old yoga instructor, Hilaria Thomas, tied the knot on Saturday.
Baldwin`s rep tells us the couple got married at St. Patrick`s Cathedral in New York City. Hilaria wore a silk magnolia trumpet Amsale gown while the groom donned a suit by Tom Forbes.
Lauren`s guilty plea. Lauren Hill could face jail time after pleading guilty to tax evasion. Hill admitted to not paying taxes on the $1.8 million in income she made from 2005 to 2007.
The Grammy-winning singer could face up to three years in prison plus fines. Sentencing is scheduled for November 27th.
Adele`s big baby news. Singing superstar Adele might be changing her tune from love songs to lullabies. The 23-year-old Grammy winner announced Friday that she and her boyfriend are expecting a baby.
Adele took to her Web site to share the news saying, "I`m delighted to announce that Simon and I are expecting our first child together. I want you to hear the news direct from me. Obviously, we`re over the moon and very excited, but please respect our privacy at this precious time. Yours always, Adele."
Tonight, addicted to Adderall. It`s the alarming new epidemic among American suburban moms, getting high so they can do it all. Dr. Drew reveals the epidemic right now.
END
