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Showbiz Tonight
Reality Hosts Uncovered Countdown; Sharon Osbourne Leaves NBC after Network Fires Her Son; Big Bang Theory Fan, Mom of Three Wins A Free Trip to Space with XCOR
Aired August 07, 2012 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
NISCHELLE TURNER, HOST, "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT": Tonight, Osbourne outrage. Sharon Osbourne says, she`s quitting "America`s Got Talent" over an epic dispute involving her son Jack.
Did NBC really fire him from a new show because of his MS diagnosis? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT gets to the bottom of the explosive reality drama.
Hello, everybody. I`m Nischelle Turner. Tonight, The Showbiz Countdown. Reality Hosts Uncovered. Tom Bergeron, Ryan Seacrest, Nick Cannon, who are the top reality TV host? And can Khloe Kardashian possibly join their ranks?
But first tonight Osbourne outrage. Sharon Osbourne who suffered no foolishness when she was the mom on the reality show, the Osbournes is now hopping mad at NBC. How mad is she? She`s mad enough to leave "America`s Got Talent" where she`s a judge. Sharon is finally confirming rumors that she`s leaving the show and she`s revealing the reason. She accuses the network of firing her son Jack from an upcoming new show because he has MS. NBC says, no-oh, that`s not how it happened at all, but it looks like it`s a good old-fashioned network versus family feud.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TURNER (voice-over): It looks like "America`s Got Talent" no longer has Sharon Osbourne.
SHARON OSBOURNE, JUDGE, "AMERICA`S GOT TALENT": I thoroughly enjoyed that performance, and it was very, very well done.
TURNER: After weeks of hinting about a departure, Osbourne is confirming she`s living the NBC talent competition show and she`s revealing why.
She says it`s because NBC, the network that airs "America`s Got Talent" fired her son Jack Osbourne from an upcoming new show because he has multiple sclerosis.
ALEXIS TERESZCUK, RADARONLINE.COM EDITOR: Sharon Osbourne is furious at NBC.
TURNER: Sharon Osbourne tells "The New York Post," "I just can`t be fake. It`s discrimination, and it was badly handled."
TERESZCUK: The network denies that, they says, they absolutely do not discriminate.
TURNER: But the network is learning something that anyone who watched the Osbournes already knows.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: Shut the (BLEEP) up and go to bed. That mother (bleep). Where is he?
TURNER: You don`t mess with mama Osbourne.
The whole thing started back in June with the shocking and sad announcement that 26-year-old Jack Osbourne, part of the beloved Osbourne TV family was diagnosed with MS.
SHARON TURNER: He`s great. He`s doing really, really good.
TURNER: The day of the announcement, a sobbing Sharon could barely speak on her show, "The Talk."
SHARON TURNER: I want to thank everyone for all their good will and the love you sent to us.
TURNER: Two days later, Jack went on his mom`s show and revealed that he just lost a job opportunity because he got sick.
JACK OSBOURNE, SHARON OSBOURNE`S SON: I had just booked a job when I the got diagnosed, and unfortunately, the company that hired me didn`t think I could actually perform the job.
TURNER: At the time, Jack didn`t name the job he lost, but we will.
ANNOUNCER: Eight celebrities have been taken to a secret camp.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: I never thought I`d end up here.
TURNER: It`s NBC`s new show, "Stars Earn Stripes" which premieres Monday. It`s a reality show featuring celebrities going through rigorous military training exercises.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Real -- real explosions, real dangers.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: How did I let my agent talk me into this?
TURNER: Now, Jack`s mother Sharon who is also his manager tells "The New York Post," Jack was in talks to participate.
TERESZCUK: She says, he was contracted to be in the reality show but when they find out about his diagnosis, they got rid of him.
TURNER: Sharon`s response to NBC`s action.
SHARON TURNER: Those (BLEEP).
TURNER: OK. It`s not quite like that. But she is saying, she can`t work for the network that bounced her son, so she`s bouncing from "America`s Got Talent."
TERESZCUK: She`s so upset over it that she`s willing to break her contract. She wants to leave the show and leave the network entirely.
TURNER: Now NBC is trying to explain itself.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: There are no stunt doubles. This is real.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: I know there`s a chance I can die.
TURNER: Today the network told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT," it made all the potential contestants on the physically grueling show go through medical screening. An NBC exec tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT quote, "Although we did not ask Jack to participate in the competition, we were able to offer him two substantial alternative roles on the show, both of which he declined. This network does not discriminate on any basis."
JACK OSBOURNE: Out of everything that`s -- that`s what, you know, ticked me off the most.
TURNER: But speaking about his experience on the talk last month, a still angry Jack said, he didn`t appreciate being treated differently because of his illness.
JACK OSBOURNE: It`s like don`t tell me what I can and cannot do.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: When they call from the police station, I just say lock the (BLEEP) up.
TURNER: Sure Jack and his mom had their shares of clashes on their reality show, but in real life, they`re showing that family is more important than show business.
TERESZCUK: The Osbournes are notorious for their crazy fights, but the thing is they are the tightest family in Hollywood. Nobody is going to mess with Sharon`s son, Jack, at all.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TURNER: Yes, the Osbournes are a tight family indeed. There is no doubt about that. So, the real question tonight is, will NBC let Sharon off the hook from "America`s Got Talent," or will this be a battle royale?
Hanging with me in Hollywood, Maggie Furlong of the "Huffington Post." Also, joining us, Michael Yo, who is a correspondent with "Extra." So, guys, the way Sharon sees things is that NBC discriminated against her son Jack. But NBC says, no, no way because they offered Jack not one but two alternative roles on this show, and Jack turned them down. You know, Maggie, I guess, is this just sour grapes on Sharon`s part, or do you think she really has a valid point here?
MAGGIE FURLONG, WEST COAST EDITOR, "HUFFINGTON POST TV": I don`t necessarily think her point is invalid. I just feel like she has to step back and look at the bigger picture. It`s a very physically grueling show. No matter what Jack offered to do. He offered to pay for his own insurance coverage, to do the show. It doesn`t matter. If anything happened to him while they were shooting, NBC would take the blame. In the media, everywhere else, it`s on them to do what`s right and what`s best for their contestants.
TURNER: Yes. And NBC wants to also do what they think is best for their network.
FURLONG: Yes.
TURNER: And not to be liable in a situation like this. But Michael, I want to ask you this big question that remains. Do you think NBC now is going to let Sharon out her contract as a judge on "America`s Got Talent" if in fact she does leave the show like she proclaimed, you know, in the "New York Post" interview. She said, quote, "They can`t make me do something I don`t want to." I don`t know about that. Michael, do you think NBC is just going to cut her loose if that`s what she wants?
MICHAEL YO, EXTRA SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT: No, she`s going to be on the show. She`s a great part of that show. And anytime something happens like this that`s in the press, money gets people to stay. NBC is going to say, you know, what? We rebid your contract, we`ll give you a little bit more cash. Because no matter how much money you have, these people, they can always use a little bit more. So, I think they`re going to throw the money at her. She`s going to stay. Because their chemistry is great, and the show is doing very, very well in ratings.
TURNER: You know, and the NBC executive in their statement today did start out the statement by saying, Sharon Osbourne is a valued member of this network.
YO: Absolutely.
TURNER: We love her.
FURLONG: I know.
TURNER: They did do that.
YO: Yes.
TURNER: You know, let`s go from one reality show showdown to another. Jamie Foxx now, he`s got a brand-new challenge out to "American Idol" tonight. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT just sat down with the Oscar winner, actor and soul legend Gladys Knight to talk about their new show that`s called "Apollo Live." And Jamie and Gladys revealed to us why the show that`s filmed at the Apollo Theater in Harlem is going to give "American Idol" a run for its money. Watch this with me, guys.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JAMIE FOXX, ACTOR: "American Idol" is in the twilight of what they`re doing right now, and it`s more based around now, it`s more based around their judges and not necessarily the talent now. What we want to do is have great judges, and trust me, our judges I think are great. But what we`re trying to do is really give the artist an opportunity to shine, because now, you know, "American Idol" is hard to shine when all of the shine is really on the judges right now. So it`s like -- there`s nothing wrong with that, because that`s great TV. But what we`re trying to do is have great judges people know and live and at the same time when the artist comes there, we want the artist to be able to take advantage of how great they did that night. Yes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Take that, idol. But you know, I do think that Jamie makes a great point. Because it seems like it is difficult for the talent to shine on "American Idol," especially given the fact that judges including Jennifer Lopez have performed on the same stage as them. You know, Maggie, what do you think? Do you think Jamie Foxx is onto something here? Could this show give "American Idol" a run for its money?
YO: Ratings-wise, no. Because you got network, you got a cable. But here`s the two different philosophies going to the show, "American Idol," when you`re on that show, people hope you do well. When you`re at the Apollo, people are like you better entertain me.
TURNER: I hope you don`t do well.
(LAUGHTER)
YO: I`m going to boo you if you don`t entertain me. It`s a two different mentalities where -- like Jamie Foxx said, they have coaches on "American Idol." These people just rolling out of bed, going to the Apollo and perform, and so, entertainment value, it`s going to be fun to watch Apollo, because people get booed.
TURNER: Yes.
YO: And they do not care.
TURNER: No, they don`t.
YO: They do not care. If you`re bad, you get booed.
FURLONG: Jamie Foxx has been booed at up Apollo.
YO: Absolutely. Dave Chappelle, the first time he ever got booed was at Apollo, the only time he ever got booed was at the Apollo.
TURNER: Yes. Guys, I appreciate the -- that`s really funny. Maggie Furlong, Michael Yo. Thank you very much.
So, how do reality competition judges look so guide on live TV in front of millions of people watching at home? And how did idol front man Ryan Seacrest host his hosting gig into this massive media empire?
(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? Ryan light`s taking you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Ryan light`s taking me. Well, tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is showing is revealing all of the secrets of reality TV`s most successful host. So, which amazing host will grab the number one spot on our special showbiz countdown, Reality Hosts Uncovered?
Plus, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT goes one on one with Jennifer Garner, the superstar mom of three reveals to showbiz why she can`t stop being a helicopter mom. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: Like father like son? Tonight, Kim Kardashian`s brother Robert is announcing he`s headed to the University of Southern California`s law school here in L.A. next year. Rob`s father was famous for being part of the dream team that helped O.J. Simpson beat his murder rap back in the `90s.
Now, Rob who finished second on "Dancing with the Stars" last winter is following in his father`s footsteps. He just tweeted his four million fans, going to law school very soon, and so excited. Good for you, Rob Kardashian.
Up next, an amazing SHOWBIZ TONIGHT special report about the stay at home mom who is about to journey into space.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: Tonight, a showbiz special report that`s out of this world. We`re bringing you inside the life of a stay at home mom who is about to become a space cadet. She went to Comic-Con to get a real life look at one of her favorite actors from the super hit "The Big Bang Theory." And she left with a ticket for a once in a lifetime trip to outer space. So, how did she go from suburban mom to astronaut to be in light speed? Well, I made a special visit to her home to show you how it all went down and how she`s getting ready for space.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MERCEDES BECERRA, WINS A FREE TRIP TO SPACE: What goes through your mind, child?
TURNER (voice-over): Meet Mercedes Becerra. She`s a happy state at home mom living in Paso Robles, a quiet little town in Central California. Things may appear ordinary for this suburban mother of three.
BECERRA: I`m going to order you guys a pizza.
TURNER: But she`ll soon be experiencing something extraordinary. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can report that Becerra has won a trip that is truly out of this world.
BECERRA: Now, I`m going to space. How amazing is that?
TURNER (on camera): That blows my mind.
BECERRA: It`s mind-blowing.
TURNER (voice-over): What perhaps even more mind-blowing is how this soon-to-be space traveler won her journey to the stratosphere.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: I love this part.
TURNER: It all started with the season finale of CBS comedy "The Big Bang Theory" where Engineer Howard Wolowitz played by Simon Helberg launches into space.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: "The Big Bang Theory" going where no sitcom has gone before.
TURNER: In celebration of the episode, the show teamed up with engineering company XCOR Aerospace for a give-away at Comic-Con last month where they announced plans to actually blast one lucky attendee into space. Mercedes says, she is a huge fan of "The Big Bang Theory" which is produced by Warner Brother`s television which has of course the same parent company of CNN. She just happened to be in the audience with her kids and wound up with quite a surprise.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: We have a winner --
TURNER: Back at the Becerra home in Paso Robles, Mercedes, her husband John and their three kids Johnny, Gabriel and Aaliyah are still wrapping their heads around the fact that mom is actually space bound.
BECERRA: I`m definitely still in shock and super excited. My kids are excited for me. I can`t wait to come back and tell them about my experience.
TURNER (on camera): You have your family here. They`re so well- behaved, so cute.
BECERRA: Thank you.
TURNER: So, take me through a normal day of yours.
BECERRA: Pretty regular. I mean, the average, you know mom taking care of her kids, taking them to school, fixing them breakfast and lunch and dinner and didn`t think in a million years this would ever, ever happen.
TURNER: Do you think like I really kind of get to do something for myself on my own?
BECERRA: Yes. Also that I could tell my family about, especially my daughter. I mean, just because you`re a girl, it doesn`t mean that you can`t do things. So, this is going to be a testimony to her as well.
TURNER (voice-over): Becerra tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, she`ll soon start training for her commercial flight on the XCOR Lynx Spacecraft and expects her supersonic adventure to launch within the next couple years. Once she`s hovering above earth, she`ll take in amazing views of the planet that only a few have ever experienced firsthand. Quite a contrast for a woman who says, she boarded an airplane for the first time in her life just three years ago.
(on camera) Now, you know the take-off and landing to space is a little different than the take-off and landing on a regular plane?
BECERRA: Oh, yes. They said it`s going to around three-and-a-half Gs (ph) going straight up. You know, take only a couple of minutes, four minutes to get up there. And we`ll float around for a little bit and start their descend back. That will be around 45 minutes horrible trip.
TURNER: Forty five minutes will last a lifetime.
BECERRA: It will absolutely. Last a lifetime.
TURNER (voice-over): And create a lifetime of memories for the whole Becerra family.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
That is so, so cool. Mercedes also told me, she can`t wait to get into space so she can share the amazing experience with her family. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s A.J. Hammer went one on one with Mercedes and the former NASA astronaut who will take her to space. We`ll reveal her training secrets for this amazing mission and what she can expect when she rockets through the stratosphere.
So, we are moving on to secrets of celebrity reality host. How did "America`s Got Talent" host Nick Cannon go from unsure green horn to a true pro, ready to roll with the big dogs on live TV? Just how do reality TV hosts do their thing so well in front of millions of viewers looking on?
Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is exposing all the secrets of the top hosts in our special countdown. Reality hosts uncovered. Nick Cannon, Ryan Seacrest, Chris Harrison. Who will take the number one slot? This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: We don`t want anyone to make fun of you. That`s what this is about? What do you think?
UNIDENTIFIED BOY: OK. Go for it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: That`s the look at the new film, "The Odd Life of Timothy Green," starring Jennifer Garner. It`s a touching story of a childless couple who find a mysterious boy in their garden and raise him as their own.
Now, for showbiz true confessions in "The Odd Life of Timothy Green," Jennifer Garner plays Cindy Green, a woman unable to conceive who one day wakes up to find a 10-year-old child on her doorstep. It was a role Jennifer says, she wanted to play so much that she begged for it. As a mother of three young children, Jennifer reveals to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT how she pulled from her own experiences as a mom to play this mom on screen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JENNIFER GARNER, ACTRESS: Well, I think when you have kids, it just kind of -- whether you like it or not and it`s so cliche to say but it changes you so much fundamentally that you can`t help but any role you play from them on is informed by the fact that you`re somebody different than you were before you were a parent. And of course, that rang true here. But there were so many times that, so many moments where I had lived them. And I could play them. I could talk to Joel about them or C.J. and say, yep, this is what it`s like, guys.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: And Garner also admits to hovering over her kids, but she says, she has relaxed a bit as a mom after she and her husband Ben Affleck had their third child earlier this year.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GARNER: I catch myself, and I say, back off. But it`s hard. That`s just the time that we`re in now. We`re all so focused on our kids, and I`m sure it`s too much. I mean, I think back, and I realize my parents gave me a lot of space to become who I was and to be quirky and they didn`t really worry about it too much. And Cindy Green is so wrapped up in if her child is going -- how is going to be perceived. If he`s going -- in order for him to be happy, he has to be perceived as normal, and will he be all right if he doesn`t have every possible thing in his backpack to take to school on his first day?
I mean, this movie is all about that. It`s about familial love and it`s all about just the tangled web of a family, but that in the end that`s what you have. So to let go of judgment, to love yourself for who you are, I mean, when you`re a first-time mom, that`s where you are. You can`t help it. You really do walk around with five different kinds of diaper cream in a bag and 50 diapers and seven changes of clothes. And OK, that`s not going to kill anybody. That`s fine. Now, with my third I toss a diaper in my purse and I`m good to go, I can figure the rest out as I go along.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: You have it down to a science it sounds like?
GARNER: You know, it`s not that. You just realize that none of it is that important. You know, if the clothes are a little bit dirty, the kid`s going to be all right.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Yes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: I just love her. She`s a full-on best friend in my head. And by the way, "The Odd Life of Timothy Green" hits theaters August 15th.
Tonight, Khloe Kardashian "X Factor" host? Brand-new reports say, Khloe is being seriously considered for the hit singing competition show. So, what will it take for her to become the hostess with the mostess? We`re revealing all the secrets from reality TV`s top hosts, from Tom Bergeron staying power to Cat Deeley`s incredible candidate. It`s our special SHOWBIZ TONIGHT countdown Reality Hosts Uncovered.
This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: Right now on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, could a Kardashian host "The X Factor." Tonight, the mind blowing possibility that Khloe Kardashian could become host of Simon Cowell big show. Yes. She knows reality, but does she know how to host? Not to worry Khloe because we`ve got hosting tips from the best in the business. It`s The Showbiz Countdown Reality Host Uncovered.
Who`s the top TV host right now? Tom Bergeron, Nick Cannon or "Idol" favorite Ryan Seacrest? Khloe, listen up, because we have got their secrets to success in our special SHOWBIZ countdown, "Reality Hosts Uncovered." SHOWBIZ TONIGHT continues rights now.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Nischelle Turner. Tonight, it`s a special edition of the SHOWBIZ countdown, "Reality Hosts Uncovered." There are brand-new reports tonight that Khloe Kardashian Odom is on the short list of favorites to host season two of Fox`s hit singing competition, "The X Factor." Yes, that Khloe, Kardashian sister. Reality TV star and wife of basketball star Lamar Odom. But while Khloe has been living her life on reality TV for all the world to see, is she really ready to stomp with the big dogs hosting a live TV show with millions of viewers looking on? Well, tonight SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is revealing the lessons Khloe can learn from the top five TV hosts America has grown to love.
Kicking off our countdown at No. 5, Chris Harrison, host of the ABC hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHRIS HARRISON, HOST, THE BACHELOR: Doug, got first impression rose. Nothing to worry about tonight. Congratulations.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you.
HARRISON: As for the rest of you, if you do not receive a rose, you`ll be going home immediately. I wish you all the best. And if you`re ready, here`s Emily.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Now, America thought Chris might just have the secret to long-lasting love, having been married for 18 years. But the sudden collapse of his marriage stunned fans of the show. You know, but even with the scandal surrounding his sudden breakup, he`s still thriving as a host.
Let me bring in Maggie Furlong from the Huffington Post, who is here in Hollywood with me, and from New York, Stuart Brazell, who is founder of the DirtyandThirty.com. Now, Stuart will be hosting the 2012 U.S. National Texting Championship in Times Square tomorrow.
OK, ladies, so I think I almost have to be a hopeless romantic, you think, to jump on the "Bachelor" series bandwagon. But you know, even with Chris`s breakup, the fans have stood behind him. So Maggie, I guess the first question would be, what is the lesson to be learned about surviving a scandal here? How did Chris Harrison make this whole thing work and come out unscathed really?
MAGGIE FURLONG, HUFFINGTON POST: He didn`t talk about it. And I think that`s the biggest thing. You know, scandal is going to happen no matter what. Khloe is no stranger to her own scandals, so I feel like not feeding into the media beast is rule No. 1 in being a good host. Not making it about yourself.
TURNER: You know, watching Chris on TV, he`s just a likable guy, you know? So, Stuart, I want to ask you, is it possible that his breakup might have made him I guess maybe even more popular with viewers? He`s showing that he`s just as vulnerable as everybody else out there.
STUART BRAZELL, FOUNDER, DIRTYANDTHIRTY.COM: I agree. I think everyone wants to see that we`re all human beings, we all make mistakes, and life isn`t picture perfect. You might find the man or woman of your dreams and it doesn`t always work out. But I think as women, we like to see a cool, calm, collected guy, and he`s a man`s man and totally datable and on the market now.
TURNER: And from finding love to finding fame. So you think you can dance host? Cat Deeley is No. 4 on our "Reality Hosts Uncovered" countdown.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAT DEELEY, HOST, "SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE": And as the top 20 are revealed, they`ll be dancing live right here on our stage in Hollywood. Welcome to "So You Think You Can Dance."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TURNER: Now, I`ve just got to say, I love her. And Cat just shines when she takes the stage from the contestants to the judges. She just really pulls that show together. So, Maggie, what`s the lesson here about Cat`s -- I guess it`s just kind of her candid TV personality.
FURLONG: It is. I feel like Cat Deeley has one of the hardest jobs in the business, because she has to make you care about these dancers. And her job got even harder this year, because they moved from two nights to just one night a week. She has got half the time now to make the judges and the audience know who these people are and really let them shine.
TURNER: I think she is super, super, likable.
Now, in the No. 3 spot, "America`s Got Talent" host Nick Cannon, who replaced Jerry Springer in the show`s fourth season in 2009. You know, those were really big shoes to fill, considering Regis Philbin is the one who helped launch the show as host. But Nick has found a way I think to really connect with the viewers, and the show`s, you know, ever-changing roundtable of judges.
So that brings us now to No. 2 on the SHOWBIZ countdown of "Reality Hosts Uncovered," and he is Tom Bergeron, host of ABC`s hit show, "Dancing with the Stars." Now, get this, Tom has been at the helm, hosting more than 20 different radio and TV shows, and what that proves is basically he`s got staying power. Now, Stuart, you have seen him in action on "Dancing with the Stars" and "America`s Funniest Home Videos," so what do you think makes Tom Bergeron so special?
BRAZELL: What makes Tom so special is Tom is always Tom. He has such confidence, he owns who he is. It doesn`t matter what show he`s on. He`s going to give his opinion, his two cents. And he slips in some of the funniest little one-liners on "Dancing with the Stars." He cracks me up all the time.
TURNER: He`s like your next door neighbor, the one that you actually like and that you want to hang out with at the neighborhood barbecue.
BRAZELL: The crazy uncle.
TURNER: Definitely. Yeah, you know, Maggie, Tom`s staying power is unmatched. We don`t just see those TV hosts that are able to move from show to show and do it so well. What do you think it is that makes people want to invite him into their homes night after night, year after year?
FURLONG: He does these things like someone you know, like you said, the neighbor, the uncle. He`s such a likable, normal, down-to-earth guy, and he has no problem kind of being self-deprecating, when he makes jokes about the dancers and himself. And he always just seems to be enjoying himself and to be in the moment. And I feel like that makes a very good host, someone that can actually enjoy the show happening around them.
TURNER: Yes, you know what, Stuart, you know what, it seems about Tom Bergeron as well? It seems like he just kind of likes his job, he likes what he does.
BRAZELL: He`s always having the best time. He`s floating around, talking to the audience members. He is cutting it up with Max. It doesn`t matter what he`s going to say. It`s going to be entertaining, and he has a great smile on his face. He has the best job ever, and it shows.
TURNER: And we`re just minutes away from the No. 1 spot on this special edition of the SHOWBIZ countdown: "Reality Hosts Uncovered." Who will be No. 1? Stay with us.
Ever wonder what it would be like to jet off into outer space? Tonight we`ve got the story of a "Big Bang Theory" superfan, who is getting the chance to do just that. We`ll talk to her and the former NASA astronaut who will be taking her into space next. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is counting down the top 5 reality show hosts. And here is where we are so far. No. 5, "Bachelor" host Chris Harrison. Bouncing back from a scandal when it was revealed that his 18- year marriage was over, setting the mark on how to keep yourself in the game.
No. 4, Candid Cat. "So You Think You Can Dance" host Cat Deeley brings on the charm, endearing herself to contestants, who are risking it all for that big shot at fame.
And No. 3, Nick Cannon`s got talent. The host of NBC`s hit talent competition easily transitioned from rapper and comedian to actor and host. I mean, is there anything that Nick can`t do? Probably not.
And No. 2, Tom "Staying Power," Tom Bergeron. The "Dancing with the Stars" host has been at the helm hosting more than a dozen TV shows. Talk about staying power. Can a sister get a job?
Well, that brings us to the No. 1. on the SHOWBIZ countdown, "Reality Hosts Uncovered." Ryan Seacrest is now ruling over a massive media kingdom. He has got a syndicated radio show, he`s hosting a top rated TV show, and he is producing the megahit "Keeping Up with the Kardashians." SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`S Kareen Wynter is taking a closer look at the Seacrest empire.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KAREEN WYNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: According to the New York Times, Seacrest earns more than $50 million a year between his radio and TV deals. But how did he do it? Radio was his first love, but it was TV that changed his life forever.
RYAN SEACREST, HOST, "AMERICAN IDOL": This is "American Idol."
WYNTER: In 2002, Seacrest landed the 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 ClearChannel for his radio program, "On Air with Ryan Seacrest."
SEACREST: We`re just a couple minutes away from the New Year.
WYNTER: Then on TV, when in 2005 he joined the late Dick Clark for New York`s Rockin` Eve, and just a year later joining E! to host and produce several shows. And now NBC.
LARRY KING, CNN: Ryan should be everywhere. That is Ryan`s goal.
WYNTER: 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: What did he say?
KING: 50/50. He loves the business end of the business. He likes the figures, he likes meeting. Who likes meetings? Who likes meetings? Ryan likes taking meetings.
WYNTER: Whether it`s meetings for his next hosting gig or his next blockbuster producing deal, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you Ryan`s 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: Our thanks to Kareen Wynter. Now, was there any doubt that Ryan Seacrest tops our list on the SHOWBIZ countdown, "Reality Hosts Uncovered?" Probably not. So let me bring back Maggie Furlong from the Huffington Post, and Stuart Brazell, founder of the DirtyandThirty.com.
Maggie, the first question to you. Ryan just seems to have that it facts or the X factor or whatever you want to call it. Is this smart business on his part?
FURLONG: I think it`s absolutely smart business. You know, Ryan Seacrest has branded himself in all these different arenas. He`s got the radio, he`s got the TV. He can do it all, but I definitely feel like he`s also a really good host. They wouldn`t have kept him on "Idol" for this long if he did not love doing it and if audiences didn`t love having him. So I feel like that`s the job for him.
TURNER: You know what, he makes it look easy, and it`s not easy. And I think that`s why so many people think they can do, because he makes it look so easy. And I`m sure that we`re going to see a lot more of Ryan. So Stuart, what do you think? Is there any chance of Ryan Seacrest becoming overexposed?
BRAZELL: You know, with his latest stint over at the Olympics, I felt like a lot of people were talking about it. Why is Ryan Seacrest at the Olympics? But come on. As a host myself, he is someone that I look up to so much. And Khloe Kardashian should take some serious tips about how to run a live competition show like he does. He`s amazing. He has an empire. It doesn`t matter if he never does a TV job again. With everything he does behind the scenes, he`s got it going on. And his fashion isn`t so bad. He is no Cat Deeley, but he dresses amazing.
TURNER: Oh, yes, he does, he definitely does. You know, and I think she makes a good point there. He makes about $15 million on "American Idol," Maggie, but he makes so much more being an executive producer of all of his other shows. So she`s right, he didn`t have to host another day, and he is just fine.
FURLONG: But he likes it. You can tell.
TURNER: Well, he does like it, because now he`s doing this stint with NBC News, and now that he`s associated with them, here`s a question, though. Do you think people will take him seriously on a news program? If they are not seeing him saying, "We`ll be back after the break."
FURLONG: It is sort of one of those things, and she mentioned a lot of sort of mixed reviews of his Olympics coverage. I`m really curious to see how he makes the transition and really how he goes into being this non- hosty kind of host. He has to sort of be Ryan Seacrest and not be on all the time. He needs to show a little bit of himself if he`s going to do this NBC gig right.
TURNER: Yes, because we see Ryan Seacrest the host, but it`s not often that we see Ryan Seacrest the person.
FURLONG: Exactly.
TURNER: And so that`s the transaction he has to make there. But I`m with you, Stuart. I think that he -- that Khloe Kardashian needs to go to Ryan Seacrest hosting bootcamp, and she would be just fine.
Maggie Furlong, Stuart Brazell, thank you very, very much.
So tonight, it`s the reunion that you thought you`d never see. Roseanne and her ex Tom Arnold. The one-time bitter exes come together for a big laugh. And we have got a guy who was right there to give us the scoop of what really went down and how they got these two in the same room together. That`s coming up. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
Time now for the SHOWBIZ buzz list. Here`s what the SHOWBIZ staff is buzzing about this week. We`re booking our plane tickets to see Faith Hill and Tim McGraw in Vegas. They just announced their residency at the Venetian. We`re taking the Postagram up on our summer vacations. You take the pick, and the app will send your postcard through the mail for a buck. JR Ewing and the gang wrapping up a season finale of "Dallas" August 8th on TNT. And we are keeping the novel "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn in our beach bags this summer. It`s a dark thriller about a marriage gone terribly wrong.
And you probably can`t go wrong with Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis in "The Campaign," out this Friday.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WILL FERRELL, ACTOR: Are you trying to trash talk me?
ZACH GALIFIANAKIS, ACTOR: You might want to decide whether or not you`re going to buy toilet paper or aftershave, because your face is like a butt.
FERRELL: Oh my God. You don`t know how to trash talk, do you?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: Tonight, out of this world. Mercedes Becerra is going to get a chance to do something that many of us only dream of. She`s going to space. Becerra is a stay at home mom who won a contest when she went to Comic-con to meet actors from her favorite show, "The Big Bang Theory." The show teamed up with Xcor Aerospace for an amazing give-away, sending one lucky person into space. And Mercedes Becerra was the lucky winner. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`S A.J. Hammer spoke to Mercedes about her trip to space, and was also joined by Colonel Richard Searfoss, the former NASA astronaut taking Becerra on the adventure of a lifetime. Check out AJ`s SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
AJ HAMMER, HOST, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: Well, let me start with you, Mercedes. I have got to tell you, I`m just thrilled for you, even if I am completely jealous. You have to tell me how you even wrap your head around the idea that you`re going into space. You must be just over the moon, pun intended.
MERCEDES BECERRA: I am really, and it`s really hard to just wrap my head around this. I`m just thankful for the opportunity to do this. Thank you, Warner Brothers, thank you, Xcor. It`s so exciting. I can`t wait.
HAMMER: So tell me how you reacted when you first got the news that you were the winner of this incredible space odyssey at Comic-con. Was it just pure shock and excitement, or was there maybe a little bit of fear mixed in?
BECERRA: It was shock and then complete excitement, absolutely.
HAMMER: And are you afraid at all? You`re going into space. Not a lot of us civilians get to do something like this. I know it`s exciting, but a little scared?
BECERRA: Not so much scared. Just, you know, excited. I just can`t wait to go. I can`t want to be able to tell my kids when I come back the experience that we saw, the sights that we saw, and the beautiful earth that we get to see from space.
HAMMER: Colonel, you`re a former NASA astronaut, you have flown dozens of missions for Xcor. That`s the company behind this space trip. So what can Mercedes expect as she heads off into space? I`m really curious what this is like.
COL. RICHARD SEARFOSS, FORMER NASA ASTRONAUT: It`s a very rapid take- off, not like a commercial airliner, about 1,000 feet or so. Right after that, immediately turn it into the vertical. Three minutes of boost, and then we`re on a coasting trajectory all the way up to 100 kilometers altitude. Experiencing weightlessness and looking out the window at the most sublimely beautiful view you can imagine looking at the earth from space.
HAMMER: I want to know from your perspective how you think her life is going to change, because my understanding is when you look down at the earth from that high up in the sky, you can`t help but shed a tear.
SEARFOSS: Yes. Absolutely. You know, test pilots are not known for being particularly emotional necessarily. But when you go up and see our home planet from that perspective, it really is a sublimely human and emotional experience. So she`ll have that. And I can`t wait to share it with her. The shuttle mission I commanded, I had five rookies on board, so it will be similar to that experience, taking them to space for the first time. And after all the hard work, and in her case being right place, right time, and ready to go, to have that just wonderful experience that she can then in turn share with others.
HAMMER: Mercedes, we`re so excited for you. Congratulations to you. Thank you so much for being with us.
BECERRA: Thank you.
HAMMER: Thank you, Colonel, and have a blast up in space.
SEARFOSS: You bet, thanks. All right, thank you.
BECERRA: Absolutely.
SEARFOSS: Take care, AJ.
BECERRA: Thank you.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TURNER: All right. I`m officially jealous. What an amazing experience Mercedes will have, and it was all just a simple luck of the draw. How great is that?
So you don`t have to be perfect if you`re Pink, but it just so happens a big cosmetics company thinks Pink has got the perfect face to sell makeup. We`ll tell you about her easy, breezy new gig next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TURNER: Tonight easy breezy Pink? Pink just nabbed a brand-new gig in the world of cosmetics, and Miley goes blonde. Wait until you see Miley`s brand-new do. Plus Roseanne`s reunion with none other than ex Tom Arnold. What was that like? Comedian Jeffrey Ross was there and tells me in "The Buzz" today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TURNER: Roseanne`s reunion with her ex. Roseanne Barr was in for a surprise this weekend at her Comedy Central roast taping. Barr was roasted by none other than her ex-husband, Tom Arnold. Roast master Jeff Ross tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT how the night went between the two exes.
JEFFREY ROSS, ROAST MASTER: Suddenly whether Tom Arnold walked out, I didn`t know. He was quivering, Roseanne was fidgeting in her seat. And it was a true, authentic moment, which you don`t see that often on TV. They were both really nervous, and I thought Tom was hilarious. He was a good sport to do it.
TURNER: Comedy Central`s roast of Roseanne premieres on August 12th.
Miley`s blonde new do. Less is more for Miley Cyrus. Miley has just hit Twitter to share photos of her latest haircut and color by her friend and celebrity stylist, Chris McMillan. Miley calls herself McMillan`s favorite angel, adding "I love you @chrismmcmillan" as she tweeted a closeup of her chopped locks.
Pretty as Pink. Rock star Pink has just announced she`s the newest easy, breezy, beautiful face of Cover Girl. In a statement to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Pink gushes about her big new gig for the beauty brand, saying, "Joining a group of women who have always inspired me to laugh out loud, let my guard down or play around with my beauty look is such an honor." Pink joins a long tradition of celebrities who have become official Cover Girls, currently including Sofia Vergara, Queen Latifah, and Taylor Swift.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TURNER: Tonight, the California mansion death mystery. A 6-year-old boy dies in an accidental fall. Days later, the woman watching him found dead, too. Dr. Drew talks to the boy`s mother right now.
END
