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Showbiz Tonight
Robin Roberts Returns to `Good Morning America`; Kelly Clarkson Blasts Clive Davis Memoir; Teen Gets to Meet Bruno Mars; `American Idol` Vs. `The Voice` News; Oscar Pistorius Trial; Interview with Mindy McCready`s `Celebrity Rehab` Cast Mate; Interview with Hugh Jackman
Aired February 20, 2013 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
A.J. HAMMER, HOST: Tonight on the SHOWBIZ Countdown, the top three "SHOWBIZ Investigations" of the day, including the chilling Justin Bieber kidnap plot tapes.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did he go over the Bieber thing with you?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No. No. Like, the way I work, dude, the way I work is I like to know as little as possible. We went and we bought some -- you know those (EXPLETIVE DELETED) hedge clippers? You`re going to give me five large for each one I get.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: How close did they get to Justin?
Plus, new Blade Runner murder mysteries. Which will be today`s top case?
Hello, I`m A.J. Hammer in Hollywood. Tonight, getting ready to cover the Oscars for you this weekend. Thank you for watching.
We begin tonight with our first big SHOWBIZ Countdown of the night, and I am so pleased to bring this to you. It is Robin`s miraculous return.
Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT counting down the top five most incredible, emotional, and breathtaking moments today as the great Robin Roberts returned to "Good Morning America," exactly five months to the day that she had a bone marrow transplant to save her life.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ROBIN ROBERTS, CO-HOST, ABC`s "GOOD MORNING AMERICA": Hi. It`s Robin, and I have been waiting 174 days to say this. Good morning, America.
HAMMER (voice-over): It`s certainly the moment Robin Roberts fans have been waiting for. The beloved "Good Morning America" host returned to the show five months after leaving to undergo a bone marrow transplant to treat the rare blood disorder MDS.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Welcome back, Robin.
HAMMER: And as her colleagues welcomed her back this morning, it`s clear today couldn`t have come a moment too soon for Robin.
ROBERTS: Faith, family and friends have brought me to this moment, and I am so full of gratitude.
SHARON COTLIAR, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: Robin was really excited about this day.
HAMMER: "People" magazine`s Sharon Cotliar interviewed Robin for the current issue on newsstands now.
COTLIAR: That`s really a big step for her.
HAMMER: And today was a big treat for fans watching Robin`s long awaited return, and SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has the top five moments from Robin Roberts` return to "Good Morning America."
At No. 5.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There`s a big sign up on the NASDAQ: "Welcome back, Robin."
HAMMER: The site of New York City`s Time Square is turned into a giant, bright welcome-home banner for Robin, and well-wishing fans braving the cold outside "Good Morning America`s" studio to welcome Robin back.
ROBERTS: I can see the signs and see people out there and it really warmed my heart, and it felt wonderful.
HAMMER: The No. 4 moment from Robin Roberts` return to "Good Morning America."
JIMMY KIMMEL, LATE-NIGHT TALK SHOW HOST: Welcome back, girlfriend.
HAMMER: All the videotaped "welcome back" messages from celebrities.
OPRAH WINFREY, MEDIA MOGUL: Hey, Robin, I always knew this day was coming. It came a little sooner than I thought.
HAMMER: From fans of all ages.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hi, Robin. I had a bone marrow transplant, too, five years ago. Woo-hoo!
HAMMER: From country star Josh Turner at the Grand Ol` Opry.
JOSH TURNER, COUNTRY MUSIC STAR: I have a few friends here that want to say one quick hello to you.
HAMMER: And from the first family.
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We`re all excited to start our morning with you once again.
HAMMER: Our No. 3 favorite moment from Robin Roberts` return to "Good Morning America," the sight of Robin`s ABC co-workers banding together to make her work environment a safe one.
COTLIAR: Robin`s doctors warned that she`s not out of the woods yet. Her immune system is like that of a five-month-old baby.
HAMMER: So Robin`s co-workers scrubbed the place and even took a needle or two.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is for Robin. Otherwise there would be no flu shot.
HAMMER: All to make sure Robin`s welcome is a safe one.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We are going to be on your case.
HAMMER: And this morning on "GMA," her doctors warned they will keep their eyes on her.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don`t care who the interview is with, if you`re not well enough to go, you`re not going.
HAMMER: Our No. 2 favorite moment from Robin Roberts` return to "GMA," today`s loving truce in the morning show wars.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We want to say thank you to our friends across town at "The Today Show."
HAMMER: "The Today Show," which is locked in a fierce ratings battle with "Good Morning America," sent over a basket to welcome Robin back to the fray.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We want to give a warm welcome back to our colleague at ABC, Robin Roberts.
HAMMER: And "The Today Show" took some time out of its show this morning to give her a shout-out.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We send her our best wishes and a big hug from all of us.
HAMMER: And our No. 1 favorite moment from Robin Roberts` return to "GMA," just seeing Robin again after such a painful health and personal struggle.
COTLIAR: What Robin had to go through behind the scenes was really, really difficult.
HAMMER: As Robin was beginning her grueling treatment this summer, her beloved mother passed away.
COTLIAR: That was really a hard time for Robin. She -- she said, "I don`t care how old you are. When you`re sick you want your mom, and I wanted my mom."
HAMMER: Then came painful chemo, a complicated transplant with bone marrow donated by her sister, and grueling physical therapy.
ROBERTS: I just love how much stronger I feel.
HAMMER: And this morning Robin was moved by all the love and support that helped bring her back to the job she loves.
ROBERTS: I have said this before, that I know how blessed I am and how lucky I am. There are many people that take an extended medical leave, and they don`t have a job to come back to. And I have a wonderful job. And thank you, thank you so much.
COTLIAR: I think she has a renewed sense of purpose. She really wants to inspire people and show people that, you know, there is another day. You can fight through things and, look, she`s back.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Such great news. And we here at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT would also like to send our very best wishes to my friend, Robin Roberts. So great to have you back, Robin.
Well, we move now from a big return to a big showdown tonight. Kelly Clarkson is blasting music icon Clive Davis as a bully with a bad memory.
Clarkson is lashing out over statements in Davis`s just-released new memoir, where the music legend opens up about going head to head with some of the biggest names in the music world. In the book he claims, among other things about Clarkson, that she broke into hysterical sobbing when he demanded that her smash hit, "Since You`ve Been Gone," be included on Clarkson`s album.
Well, now Clarkson is all fired up, saying that`s not how she remembers it at all, posting this open letter to fans, where she said among other things, "I refuse to be bullied, and I just have to clear up his memory lapses. It feels like a violation."
I want to bring in actor and comedian Bill Bellamy. His "Ladies` Night Out" comedy tour set to premiere this Friday night on Showtime. Bill with me in Hollywood.
And with me from New York, Janell Snowden, who`s a host for VH1 News.
So Kelly Clarkson is at the top of the music game right now. She has totally made it.
BILL BELLAMY, COMEDIAN: Yes.
HAMMER: Bill, what do you think? Does she really need to set the record straight here?
BELLAMY: Well, I think Kelly is like a no B.S. type of chick.
HAMMER: Right.
BELLAMY: You know what I mean? I don`t think she would have any other reason but to tell the truth and fight for herself and, you know, make sure everything is clear. Because you know, when people come out with books they always, you know, what I want to say is like they embellish.
HAMMER: Embellish.
BELLAMY: They embellish a little bit of this.
HAMMER: And they don`t always get it exactly right, although -- although Clive claims he had fact checkers who were present for everything that went on, but I`m with you. Kelly has absolutely no reason to make any -- what does she have to gain by going...?
(CROSSTALK)
JANELL SNOWDEN, VH1 NEWS: Nothing.
HAMMER: Well, today Clive appeared on Wendy Williams` show, and he said that he`s sticking to his story. Let`s watch what she said, and he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CLIVE DAVIS, MUSIC PRODUCER: Of course, initially there was a taint to an "American Idol" winner, and writers did not want to give their songs to her.
I believed in her from the start. I still believe in her. I gave her those songs.
Yes, our memory might differ about some of the -- some issues that have come up. I stand behind my book on my memory. I submitted it to five independent people who were there every day during the whole period. They thoroughly verified every fact that`s written.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. And let`s not forget Clive Davis has also worked with some of the biggest names in music, people he`s discovered: from Whitney Houston, of course, Barry Manilow, Bruce Springsteen. He`s helped to launch "American Idol" stars into the stratosphere, people like Clay Aiken, Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson. Of course, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry. It is such a big, big list here. Really, really amazing to me.
Janell, do you think that Clive actually owes Kelly Clarkson an apology here?
SNOWDEN: I think he may, but I don`t think it`s ever going to happen. Basically, Clive is like "I`ve got more people. No one believes you. I had five people who can all verify my story." They`re also people that admittedly on his payroll. So I mean, you be the judge there.
As far as Kelly is concerned, I mean, there was always a bit of tension between them. Because she claims that, you know, he didn`t like the songs that she ended up putting out as hits.
And then when the new CEO of RCA, her label, her current label, Peter Edge, took over, she made it a point to be like, "You know what? I like Peter. He`s a song guy, and it`s not just about sales for him."
So it seems like these two have kind of always taken quiet jabs at each other and now that Clive is putting out a book, of course, he needs controversy that`s going to sell. Who knows who`s telling the entire truth? But I think wherever there`s smoke, there`s fire.
HAMMER: Bill, let`s flip the script here. Do you think, with all of the stars, when you consider all of those big names that Clive has worked with, that maybe Kelly should apologize to Clive?
BELLAMY: Well, you know what? I think it`s all around the book, man. She said it right. It`s about selling the book. It`s a little bit of heat right now.
Kelly is so crystal clean, down-home type of girl.
HAMMER: Yes.
BELLAMY: He`s the big exec. I think that`s what the story is. But it`s interesting.
HAMMER: Yes, it is.
BELLAMY: I`m going to read the book.
(CROSSTALK)
HAMMER: All right, Bill. Thank you so much.
BELLAMY: I am going to read the book. I want to know who lying, A.J.
HAMMER: Janell, thank you, as well.
SNOWDEN: I do, too.
HAMMER: And make sure you catch Bill`s "Ladies` Night Out" comedy tour Friday night on Showtime. Great having you both here.
We have got another tremendous SHOWBIZ Countdown coming up. The top three "SHOWBIZ Investigations" of the day, including the newly-released Justin Bieber kidnap and castration plot tapes.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did he go over the Bieber thing with you?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No. Like, the way I work, dude, the way I work is I like to know as little as possible.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: It is so disturbing. Also, new Blade Runner murder mysteries, which will be today`s top case?
Also ahead, Bruno. Bruno Mars makes hits, but he also makes dreams come true. Bruno meets the girl who wanted the singer to be her prom date, and I think she got more than she ever imagined. Tonight, Emily Torres, right here to tell us about getting the thrill of a lifetime.
This is SBT, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
And I am in Hollywood all week as we get ready for the biggest night, the Academy Awards, of course. We`ve got all the big Oscar showdowns covered tomorrow with our special, "SHOWBIZ Road to Gold." Don`t miss our one-on- one interview with host Seth MacFarlane. Plus, Oscar nominees Jennifer Lawrence and Denzel Washington talk to us right before the big night. That`s tomorrow at 11 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, right here on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Geico`s 15 minutes of fame.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(MUSIC)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That is 16-year-old Emily Torres` soulful ode to Bruno Mars on YouTube. She reworked Bruno`s hit song "Locked Out of Heaven" to try to convince him to be her date at her junior prom, coming up next month.
And while she is not exactly getting her wish, she did get something almost as good, or perhaps even better. And there she is with us tonight. Emily joining me from her hometown of Fort Gratiot, Michigan. Great to have you back, Emily.
EMILY TORRES, MADE YOUTUBE VIDEO FOR BRUNO MARS: Hi, A.J.
HAMMER: So good to have you here. And in your video we remember you asked Ellen DeGeneres to help you out. And you joined us here when you first posted the video on YouTube. And at the time you were really only dreaming that Bruno or Ellen would actually see the thing.
Well, your dreams came true times two when you got to meet him on Ellen`s show. I want to watch now as Bruno asks you for a dance.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRUNO MARS, SINGER: We brought the prom here. And I would love to have a dance with you.
TORRES: OK.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: How spectacular. Your face says it all there. I have to imagine you were on cloud nine in that moment. You`re probably still on cloud nine. Emily, what was that moment like for you?
TORRES: Oh, my gosh, I can`t even explain how I felt. Bruno was real to me before but now he is, oh, man, it was awesome.
HAMMER: You actually got to touch the guy. I mean, pretty incredible. Not only did he dance with you. He also surprised you with something that was great, and that happened on Ellen`s show, as well. I want to watch that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARS: I can`t make it to your prom.
TORRES: That`s OK.
MARS: Help me out. Help. But my friends from Gucci are going to hook you up with a dress to make you look just as beautiful and amazing as you are.
TORRES: That`s so nice.
MARS: And -- and when I come to the city near you, I`ve got four tickets for you and your friends so you can see me. And they`re going to be front row, and you`re going to be my guest when I come and do a show.
TORRES: Thank you so much.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Holy mackerel. All right. Emily, he can`t make it to your prom, but I`m thinking, you know, not a big deal. He`s getting you the Gucci dress to wear to the prom, some front-row tickets to his show. I`m guessing you`re OK with how things worked out.
TORRES: Oh, my gosh, I am 100 percent OK. It actually worked out a lot better than I thought it was going to be.
HAMMER: So what would you like to say to Bruno Mars right now, who really has made your dreams come true and so much more?
TORRES: I just want to say thank you so much for making my entire life. I can`t wait to see you on tour. And I`m so excited because that will be my first real concert.
And thank you to Ellen and everyone and you guys at CNN for making this all come true. And thank you guys.
HAMMER: It was great being a part of it. And make sure your dad shoots some video of you getting ready for the prom, and we can play that here as well, Emily. Great having you here.
TORRES: Thank you.
HAMMER: Well, tonight as we move on, we have an explosive SHOWBIZ Countdown I`ve got to get to: the top three "SHOWBIZ Investigations" of the day. The Blade Runner murder mystery, so many questions, so few answers. Did Oscar Pistorius act in self-defense? What`s his family saying?
Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is in South Africa tonight with CNN`s Robyn Curnow, getting the very late breaking details.
And here at home, there is another "SHOWBIZ Investigation" with new breaking details today: the death of Mindy McCready. Tonight one of her friends from "Celebrity Rehab," Lisa Matto (ph) is right here for a "SHOWBIZ Newsmaker" interview. Lisa remembers her friend and talks about Mindy`s private pain.
This is SBT, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, on HLN.
I`ve got to tell you, I`m so psyched to be back in Hollywood and here all week as we get ready for the Academy Awards. And before you fill out your Oscar pool ballot, well, check in with us, because we`re handicapping all of the big-name showdowns.
Tomorrow it`s our special "SHOWBIZ Road to Gold." Do not miss our one-on- one interview with host Seth MacFarlane, plus Oscar nominees Jennifer Lawrence and Denzel Washington right here to spend some time. Tomorrow at 11 p.m. Eastern and Pacific on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SWEET BROWN, YOUTUBE SENSATION: Well, I woke up to go get me a cold pop, and then I realized my tooth was hurting. Then I said oh, Lord, Jesus, it is a toothache. Ain`t nobody got time for that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Did you see this? That is Sweet Brown, who became the latest quotable YouTube sensation, and she`s got a couple of new gigs. Here she is in an ad for a dental practice in her Oklahoma hometown, and tonight there are reports that Tyler Perry has cast Sweet in his next Medea movie. I`ve got the time for that.
Get ready now for the "SHOWBIZ Showdown" is coming your way. on "The Voice" and "American Idol." Now, "Idol" just announced that rockers Bon Jovi are going to be performing live on the show. That`s going to happen on March 14 on the season`s very first live results show.
And in just a couple of weeks I hope you`re ready, because we are going to see some brand-new judges on "The Voice." It is time for Usher and Shakira to come on board, replacing Christina Aguilera and Ceelo Green, who are taking a break to go back to make music and head out on tour.
Here with me to break it down, from New York, Christy Tanner, who is the CEO of TVGuide.com and TV Guide Mobile and their excellent TV Guide app, which is available on iTunes.
So let`s start off with "American Idol." In just a few weeks we`re finally going to get to see "Idol" judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj live together for the first time. Christy, of course, we`ve seen, you know, their contrast so far and the battles and that now-infamous tape of them going at each other in additions, but that`s all been taped. Are we going to see the same kind of fireworks on live TV?
CHRISTY TANNER, CEO, TVGUIDE.COM: I think you will. If -- if the producers feel like that`s been working for their ratings and generating interest in the show, I think you`ll see the same thing live.
I`m not sure anybody believes this feud is completely real. And everybody loves to see a cat fight between two women, which is kind of the most cliched story line in the book. But it seems to be working on some level for attracting attention to "American Idol," and I think if they feel like that`s a good thing for the show you`ll see it continue when the show goes live.
On March 25 when "The Voice" returns, we`re going to see Usher and Shakira`s big debut. And I have to wonder if we`re going to see fireworks anything like we saw between Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHRISTINA AGUILERA, JUDGE, "THE VOICE": You put your little feet up, and you think you`re all badass and whatever, trying to be Justin Timberlake. But I mean...
CEE LO GREEN, JUDGE, "THE VOICE": Sexual tension there.
AGUILERA: You didn`t turn your chair around so shut up.
ADAM LEVINE, JUDGE, "THE VOICE": You`re not the boss of me.
AGUILERA: That`s what you think.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Christy, I`ve got to tell you: I don`t see Usher and Shakira fighting at all with each other like Christina and Adam did. Do you?
TANNER: Probably not, but "The Voice" really has tried to position itself as being more about the music, less about the judges, less about sort of the negativity of judging other people, and more about how to make people into great performers and great musicians.
HAMMER: Yes.
TANNER: And the show really does take a different tack. And you know, I think some of what came out between Christina and Adam was tied to some real-life tension, but at the same time, they`re all getting paid so much money. I don`t see why any fighting should be real.
HAMMER: And that`s why the people love that show.
Christy, thank you so much. I`ve got to tell you, I am thrilled to be a part of the celebrity watch list on TV Guide`s amazing app. I urge everybody to check it out. You will see me talking about all the TV shows that I love to watch. I`ve gotten such a great response from friends and fans. And you yourself can download the TV Guide app by going to iTunes.
Well, tonight we are hearing the newly-released and chilling Justin Bieber castration plot tapes.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did he go over the Bieber thing with you?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No. No. Like, the way I work, dude, the way I work is I like to know as little as possible.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: How close did they really get? It`s the SHOWBIZ Countdown, the top three "SHOWBIZ Investigations" of the day.
This is SBT, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did he go over the Bieber thing with you?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No. No. Like, the way I work, dude, the way I work is I like to know as little as possible.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Right now the SHOWBIZ Countdown, the top three "SHOWBIZ Investigations" of the day, including the chilling Justin Bieber kidnap plot tapes, plus new Blade Runner murder mysteries.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He is grieving. He`s in -- he`s in extreme shock. And so he`s -- he`s grieving, and he`s -- and I don`t expect him to get over it even soon.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The uncle of Oscar Pistorius comes to the Olympian`s defense as more questions than answers arise in the case that`s gripping the world. Was it really self-defense?
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is in South Africa with CNN`s Robyn Curnow getting the late breaking details.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT continues right now.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you for watching. I am A.J. Hammer in Hollywood and we`re kicking off our top three SHOWBIZ investigations of the day with the brand-new courtroom bombshells from the Blade Runner murder mystery.
Olympic star Oscar Pistorius was back in a South African court today where the murder case against him really came into focus. Prosecutors revealed chilling new details about the bloody bathroom in his home where Pistorius shot his model girlfriend dead. And prosecutors also insisted that the man known around the world for his amazing talent as a runner might in fact try to do just that, run and flee South Africa if he`s given bail. But perhaps the most stunning news of all today, was a bombshell revelations that steroids and needles were found in the fallen athlete`s home.
CNN`s Robyn Curnow is in South Africa for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the very latest.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ROBYN CURNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT: More (INAUDIBLE) details on what prosecutors say happened Valentine`s Day morning and counter charges from the defense. According to prosecutors, witnesses heard arguing coming from the Pistorius home for an hour before the shooting, the defense saying the witness`s house was 300 meters, about 1,000 feet away.
On the stand, the investigating officers said Pistorius used a cricket bat to break down the bathroom door. That bat and a cell phone found splattered in blood. Using a diagram projected on the large screen, the officers say Pistorius aimed his gun at the toilet pointing out that he had to turn and fire in angle in order to hit the toilet. Police also say a witness heard a gunshot, then heard a female scream, then more gunshots. The defense say no female screamed.
Defense attorneys pressed the police officer who admitted that Steenkamp`s body had no signs of an assault or signs of her defending herself. The officer also conceding he could find nothing inconsistent with Oscar Pistorius` version of events. Pistorius said he thought he was shooting at an intruder. Prosecutors say police found bullets in a safe in the home. They say that will lead to charges of possessing illegal ammunition. But later the investigators say they did not establish whose ammunition it was.
Authorities say they also found two boxes of testosterone and needles which defense attorneys contend it`s actually herbal medicine. Prosecutors say there is no way the killing of Reeva Steenkamp was self-defense and Pistorius knew his girlfriend was in the bathroom when he opened fire. They cited two previous incidents of police encounters with Pistorius that suggest he could be prone to violence adding that since they consider Pistorius a flight risk he should be held without bail. And with that court is adjourned until tomorrow.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: That was CNN`s Robyn Curnow in Pretoria, South Africa for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you, Robyn.
So we have so many big revelations to talk about today in the Oscar Pistorius case and what prosecutors say went down on Valentine`s night when he shot his girlfriend dead.
I want to bring in criminal defense attorney Midwin Charles and sports reporter and founder of Pepperonsport.com, Jackie Pepper right now. Such big news today that police say they found boxes of testosterone and needles in Pistorius`s bedroom. The defense, of course, claiming it was an herbal remedy, not steroids, but that new bombshell revelation does lead to our first big SHOWBIZ Countdown question tonight, it is this, was Pistorius in a steroid rage when he shot his girlfriend?
Jackie, is this the motive that police have been looking for?
JACKIE PEPPER, SPORTS REPORTER: Well, sure. It is plausible. But, first, the prosecutors have to prove that it actually was testosterone. The investigator on the stand today first called the substance steroids, then he changed it to testosterone, then the defense attorney was hammering him and he said he wasn`t sure what the substance was, so I think until the prosecutors test the substance and come to court with an exact scientific answer of what was in there, we can`t know if it was, quote, "`roid rage", but when guys are on chemicals, you never know what could spur an instant reaction of violence like that. It is possible.
HAMMER: Yeah, they`d better get their mixed messages together. I want to get to the disturbing new details that police disclosed today about the way Pistorius` girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp was killed. Now, they`re breaking down the exact angles of gun fire that Pistorius used to shoot his girlfriend through his bathroom door and police insist they prove he could not have been acting in self-defense the night of the killing.
Midwin, here is our SHOWBIZ Countdown question. "Is there any way Pistorius could have been acting in self-defense given what we learned?"
MIDWIN CHARLES, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Well, you know, I like to say there is something in the milk that`s not clean, at least with this case. I do not understand how you can wake up and think that there is a burglar in your house and not for the first thing you do check to see if your girlfriend is in the bed next to you or whether she is at all safe. Instead, what you do is you reach for a gun and you shoot at this particular angle that he is accused of shooting and it really, really boggles the mind that he would have been doing this in self-defense, especially since that bathroom door was locked, A.J.
HAMMER: And Jackie, really quickly, he has been breaking down in front of this judge every single day, and a jury is not hearing it. It is just a judge. Could this help or hurt him, do you think?
PEPPER: I think it helps him. It shows that he is sensitive, that he is remorseful, regardless of what the motive was. But I talked to some of his friends and peers, other Paralympic athletes, and they`re just shocked. If you think we as outsiders are surprised to hear this, the people who know him best cannot believe it. They say he does not have a bad bone in his body, that he is the most humble, thankful guy. They are really surprised.
HAMMER: Such a stunning story all around. Jackie Pepper, Midwin Charles, thank you both so much.
Now, from the courtroom investigation of a South African star athlete to the tragic death of an American country singing star. That is next in our SHOWBIZ Countdown of the top three investigations of the day.
Coming in at number two, Mindy McCready`s friend and former "Celebrity Rehab" cast mate Lisa D`Amato. Mindy and Lisa forged an incredibly strong bond together where they were battling their addiction demons on celebrity rehab. You also know Lisa as a winner of America`s Next Top Model. She is with me tonight in Hollywood. Sorry it is under these circumstances. But I appreciate you coming in.
LISA D`AMATO, FORMER CAST, "CELEBRITY REHAB": Absolutely.
HAMMER: I have to imagine like everybody you were just devastated to hear the news.
D`AMATO: Absolutely devastated. Especially because out of my season half my cast is dead, so I don`t -- I am a bit numb.
HAMMER: And everybody trying, obviously, to figure out exactly what happened, what was on Mindy`s mind before this happened over the weekend. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT just spoke with private investigator Dan O`Hanks who worked with Mindy on what appears to be the last song that she ever recorded, this was a song originally meant to raise awareness for suicide prevention and I want to listen to a bit of it with you right now.
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(MUSIC)
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HAMMER: Really, a powerful and moving song. And Dan O`Hanks told us that he thinks that Mindy knew she was going to kill herself when she recorded that song and decided to transform it into a suicide note.
Now, Lisa you knew Mindy well from all of those rehab sessions and the time that you guys spent together and really bonded. Do you think that was her intention with the song?
D`AMATO: I think after the killing of her or the suicide of her boyfriend at the time, I don`t really know where her head was. I think that, you know, she was probably in a very desperate, sad state and I don`t really know where her mind was at that time. But I do know that she was -- after celeb rehab she definitely wanted to be the best she could be. So, I think that just a huge trigger happened and I don`t know where that must have led her to this.
HAMMER: And she was thankful for her time on that show.
D`AMATO: Oh, God.
HAMMER: ... from everything I understood.
D`AMATO: We completely admire Dr. Drew, and we loved help -- we loved helping being a force of educating the world about addiction in general, and so we loved being on "Celeb Rehab", we loved Dr. Drew. So, I mean -- I`m just devastated.
HAMMER: How do you think she wants to be most remembered? Because I think the music stands for itself certainly.
D`AMATO: I think she wanted to be remembered as somebody who tried her hardest to shine as bright of a star that she was. She was incredibly talented as a song writer, as a performer and she really loved her children with all of her heart. But she did have a very devastating life. And she tried the best that she could.
HAMMER: Well, Lisa, I appreciate you being here ....
D`AMATO: Yes.
HAMMER: And sharing your thoughts on Mindy. Thanks so much.
Well, we still have the number one slot to get to on our countdown of the top three SHOWBIZ investigations of the day. This one is just unbelievable. I am talking about the Justin Bieber murder plot.
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DANA MARTIN: He was going to kill the pit bulls. And, uh, you`re going to castrate them.
Tie is really, really tight. Knot in the front once, really tight, and put in a knot. That cuts off the oxygen. And then you tie it in the back again, really tight. And that uh, just seals the deal.
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HAMMER: This is so wild. A real life plot to kidnap and kill Justin Bieber. You are not going to believe the chilling details. It is the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT investigations countdown. Also, we`re switching gears right now to Humble Hugh, Best Actor nominee and former Oscar host Hugh Jackman has been a fan of the Academy Awards long before he was a star. But you`re not going to believe what odd ball thing that he used to look forward to every year during the show.
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HUGH JACKMAN, ACTOR: When the accountants used to come on the Oscars, remember with their little brief cases, that really awkward ten seconds of TV, we would go crazy.
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HAMMER: Really, Hugh? The accountants, not the movies? Not the stars? Wait until you hear how Hugh explains this one.
And Hugh is not the only one telling all as SHOWBIZ TONIGHT spends Oscar week in Hollywood. We will help you get ready for all of the Oscar showdowns. Tomorrow it`s our special SHOWBIZ "Road to Gold." Do not miss our one-on-one interview with host Seth MacFarlane and Oscar nominees Jennifer Lawrence and Denzel Washington. That all happens tomorrow 11 p.m. Eastern and Pacific right here on HLN.
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HAMMER: Welcome back. I am A.J. Hammer in Hollywood. Tonight at the SHOWBIZ COUNTDOWN, we`re counting down the top three SHOWBIZ investigations of the day.
Coming in at number three, the Blade Runner murder mystery with chilling new details emerging and the Oscar Pistorius bail hearing. What really happened that fateful night?
And number two, Lisa D`Amato, a former friend and celebrity rehab co-star of Mindy McCready opens up about Mindy`s troubled life.
That leads us to number one on our SHOWBIZ Countdown, stunning new details just revealed in a reported plot to kidnap and murder Justin Bieber. Now, police reportedly foiled the plan in December, but tonight we`re getting our first look at just how far a prison inmate and his two fugitive friends went to try to kill the pop star.
You`ve got to listen to a bit of this newly revealed phone call.
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DANA MARTIN: Did you go over the Bieber thing with you?
TANNER RUANE: Wuh-uh. No, like the way I work, dude, the way I work, is I like to know as little as possible. We went and we bought some, uh, you know those (EXPLETIVE DELETED) hedge clippers? You`re going to give me five large for each one I get.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Wow! So disturbing to think that this plan was obviously in full effect. I want to bring in Midwin Charles, who is a criminal defense attorney with Midwin Charles and associates. So, Midwin, this guy, Dana Martin, reportedly launched this murder for hire plot because the Biebs didn`t respond to his fan letters. Are you surprised how close these guys seem to have gotten to carrying this thing out?
CHARLES: Well, you know, it`s stunning. Just when you thought things couldn`t get more bizarre, here comes along this case. They did get actually really close, at least to discussing the details or the sort of details of this plot. A good thing they were stopped while making an illegal U-turn trying to get into Canada in terms of being able to carry this out. It just boggles the mind when you think about what these guys were up to. It seems incredibly random and seedy, but yet they were on their way to try to kill Justin Bieber and in such a gruesome way, A.J.
HAMMER: Yeah, and you hear the reality playing out in these tapes. I actually want to listen to a bit more of one of them. The men are using code words referring to Bieber as a pit bull while they plotted how to suffocate the pop star using his signature paisley scarf. Listen to this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARTIN: He was going to kill the pit bulls. And, uh, you`re going to castrate them.
Tie it really, really tight. Knot it the front once, really tight and put it in a knot. That cuts off the oxygen. And then you tie it in the back again, really tight, and that uh, just seals the deal."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The details are just unbelievable to me. I want to bring in Janell Snowden, who is a host of VH1 News. Janell, I mean obviously, we listened to this, and it is really scary stuff, and this is stuff we`re hearing about. Do you think that this maybe happens to stars much more often than we ever even know about?
SNOWDEN: I am sure it does. But because Bieber has such a high profile and because he is so all over the map and he is so active on social media telling everyone where he is, I think maybe he is a more accessible target or at least one that we`re going to hear about more because his fans are so rabid and, you know, are so into everything that he does down to, you know, what his -- what he is eating for breakfast. I think that because he is Bieber, obviously this is going to be made a big deal about. But I think there are certainly other stars who have these threats. We just, you know, don`t hear about them.
HAMMER: Yeah, and you would think it could be a cautionary tale, don`t put so much out there about every little detail of your life, or where you are going to be, but they are stars, they do live a public life, Midwin, so what can be a takeaway specifically from what happened here with Justin Bieber for other stars, perhaps?
CHARLES: I think the takeaway is to be extra cautious when it comes to social media. You just can`t let everyone know exactly where you will be and at what time. It is fine to let your fans know where you have been after you`ve left. This way you can prevent people, too, who are stalkers, you know, from trying to do this.
SNOWDEN: Yeah.
HAMMER: Yeah. And unclick the "use my location" on your Twitter picks.
CHARLES: I never use this.
HAMMER: Even if you`re gone on from where you were.
CHARLES: Never use it.
HAMMER: Turn it off.
CHARLES: It is a Stalkers R` Us, come on, stalkers, that`s what the scary stuff
SNOWDEN: Don`t do it.
CHARLES: Scary stuff.
SNOWDEN: Don`t do it.
HAMMER: Thanks, guys.
All right, we`re going to move on now with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT travels on the "Road to Gold", Oscar Gold SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is going one on one with Best Actor nominee and former Oscar host Hugh Jackman. He just revealed a pretty weird childhood memory of the Academy Awards.
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JACKMAN: When the accountants used to come on the Oscars, remember with their little brief cases, that really awkward ten seconds of TV, we would go crazy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The accountants? Not the movies or the fashion? Well, Hugh will explain all of that coming up next.
And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is in Hollywood all week getting ready for Hollywood`s biggest night, the Academy Awards. I will help you get ready for all the Oscar showdowns tomorrow, our special SHOWBIZ "Road to Gold" where we go one-on-one with host Seth MacFarlane and Oscar nominees Jennifer Lawrence and Denzel Washington. It is 11 p.m. tomorrow Eastern and Pacific right here on HLN.
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HAMMER: The Academy Award Best Actor nominee Hugh Jackman will thrill the world live with his incredible voice on Sunday night. SBT just learned today that Hugh and his "Les Miserables" co-stars Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe will all perform at the Oscars as part of a massive tribute to movie musicals from the past decade. Also set to perform Barbara Streisand, Jennifer Hudson and Adele.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`S Nischelle Turner joining me now and you can add those officially to the growing list of things I cannot wait to see on Sunday night.
NISCHELLE TURNER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT CORRESPONDENT: I know it`s going to be a good night, and the thing that I love about Hugh, A.J., is that he is not only a talented guy, he is really very humble. I had a really great time speaking with the first time Oscar nominee about where that humility comes from. You know what? He confessed some really interesting childhood memories. Look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TURNER: So, obviously, you are a great actor, or you wouldn`t be here.
(LAUGHTER)
TURNER: But I have to say I buy into this whole thing because it feels like to me like you are having the time of your life.
JACKMAN: Yeah. You know, the thing for me is let me give you a little context for me. From Sydney, I`m from the northern suburbs of Sydney, 45 minute drive north of the city. My father worked for Price Waterhouse, the accountancy firm, his entire life. When the accountants used to come on the Oscars, remember, with their little brief cases, the really awkward ten seconds of TV, we would go crazy. And I remember one year my dad saying, I had a meeting with that guy once and I just thought my dad was it, so for me this is something beyond the realms of imagination and I`m not -- a bit the same as when I hosted it. I am like, I am a kid from Sydney. I am not going to finish this by complaining or saying I am tired or busy or nervous. I`m just going to enjoy it.
TURNER: Your daughter is a bit of the ham. Your son kind of shies away. So, are you ready for the next generation to do this business, because it does it seem like she is headed down the path?
JACKMAN: Yeah, I totally can see her going there and I just - the only thing Deb and I, we`re weary about them getting in too early. I am sort of lucky that I had a pretty normal childhood and got into it, you know, none of this hit until I was probably 30, which I think is a good thing.
TURNER: Quickly, I know you got to go, but do you have any advice for Seth MacFarlane hosting ?
JACKMAN: Just be really funny and gracious and extraordinary and an entertainer for three hours in front of a live audience of a billion people. I mean, that`s it.
TURNER: That`s it.
JACKMAN: Look, Steve Martin said to me, he goes the first 45 minutes, best audience you will ever have in your life, because the home room is nervous, way more nervous than you, right. So they are just going to laugh at everything. And from 45 minutes onto the next four hour mark, that room is way more filled with losers than winners, so just hurry up, just get that train moving to the end. That was it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TURNER: Almost positive Seth MacFarlane is taking all of the advice he can get, especially from somebody like Hugh, who has been in his shoes, you know?
HAMMER: Yes, I think he`s going to be amazing, but I also know you had the chance to talk with Seth MacFarlane about just that.
TURNER: Absolutely, I did. That`s just one of the not-to-be missed interviews in tomorrow night`s special, "SHOWBIZ: Road to Gold." I also go one-on-one with Oscar nominees Jennifer Lawrence and Denzel Washington. That`s tomorrow, 11 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, right here on HLN.
HAMMER: Can`t wait to do that with you. All right, well, tonight, as we move on, the return of one of the brightest, most sparkling stars I know. It really was a good morning in America as Robyn Roberts returned to GMA. Today`s moment of SHOWBIZ awesomeness is on the way. I can`t wait to show it to you. It is coming up next.
This is SBT, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
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HAMMER: Right now, it is time for SHOWBIZ awesomeness, where we name the most awesome moment of the day, and awesome really feels like too small of a word today to describe the triumphant return of Robyn Roberts to "Good Morning America." Robyn, of course, returned to the anchor chair today after leaving five months ago for a treatment of a rare blood disease. You could almost feel Robyn`s love and gratitude through the screen today. It is an awesome day that we won`t soon forget.
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ROBERTS: I keep pinching myself and I realize that this is real. This is actually happening. And I don`t have my froggy slippers on, or do I?
(LAUGHTER)
ROBERTS: But faith, family and friends have brought me to this moment, and I am so full of gratitude.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We didn`t plan anything big, Robin.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Not at all.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Just a banner might just read something like "welcome back, Robin. Light, love, power, presence."
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HAMMER: How does that not just make you smile? From all of us at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT as well, Robin, welcome back.
Coming up next on "DR. DREW ON CALL," it is the most anticipated testimony yet in the Jodi Arias trial. Details from the day Travis Alexander died from Jodi herself. Drew talks to Travis` friends and people inside the courtroom right now.
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