Booking War Brewing Between Letterman and Leno

By Rob Shuter Posted Jan 25th 2010 08:00PM

Now that David Letterman and Jay Leno will be going head-to-head once again, the bad blood between the late-night enemies will carry onto the guest couch. Word is Letterman won't play ball with anyone who goes on Leno's 'Tonight Show' first, setting up some serious celeb-snagging competition. More on that, plus Mariah's bubbly stash and Sarandon's bouncy night out with her rumored boy toy after the jump!

Dave and Jay: Now It's War

If you think the attacks from David Letterman and Jay Leno about chins and personal scandals were bad, you haven't seen anything yet, a source close to both late-night hosts tells me. As Jay is preparing to return to 'The Tonight Show' job he held for many years, Letterman is determined to hold onto his new ratings crown by playing some late-night hardball.

"Jay's image has taken a huge bashing during the whole Conan disaster. It was Leno who came off as the bad guy and this is something Dave and his team are going to exploit, especially when it comes to booking celebrity guests," a network source told me. Letterman's 'Late Show' staff is turning up the heat, already making it very clear to celebrities that Dave will not follow Jay with guest booking.

So, if you want to sit on Leno's couch, don't expect to be sitting next to Dave anytime soon.

Oh boys, can't we all just get along and play nice? There is always room for an extra bottom on my Pottery Barn sofa.

Does Mariah Travel With Her Own Champagne?

Remember Mariah Carey's nutty acceptance speech a few weeks ago? You know, the one she blamed on a few too many glasses of champagne ... How could you forget? Well, sources tell me no one was more surprised by the bubbly confession than the other guests at the Palm Springs Film Festival, who were offered only wine and cocktails!

"We had no idea you could order bubbly," a guest told me. "Mariah must have been the only one in the entire place that got any. They must have gotten it just for her."

Which is entirely possible when you are as fabulous as Miss Mariah -- or maybe the divine singer travels with a stash of her own Angel brand of champagne? Sneaky ... and smart! Cheers to you, Mariah.

Susan Sarandon Plays Ping-Pong With Rumored New Boyfriend

Susan Sarandon, who recently announced her split from long-time partner Tim Robbins (goodness, I love 'Shawshank Redemption'), spent an evening looking very cozy with new rumored boyfriend Jonathan Bricklin last week.

I saw them at ping-pong club SPiN (don't ask ... Sarandon co-owns the club with Bricklin) in NYC at an event that raised nearly $20,000 for Haiti. Watching larger-than-life movie executive Harvey Weinstein trying with everything he's got to hit that little ball is still making me giggle, but all for a great cause.

The event was hosted by Modelinia, your guide to supermodel beauty and style. Because who doesn't want to look fabulous?

Remembering a Friend
One of the most wonderful ladies I ever knew passed yesterday morning, her name is Mera Lome. She might think that I didn't know how she lit up the newsroom at 'Extra TV' doing her best Rob Shuter impersonation ... but I did, and was honored. I love you very much and will miss you every day "my little frosty."

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Tags: Dave Letterman, david letterman, jay leno, mariah carey, MariahCarey, Susan Sarandon

Comments

(127)

Tuesday 26 January

By Elizabeth

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Leno's ratings were always higher than Letterman's. He still had higher ratings when NBC execs screwed everything up. If he goes back to the same exact staff and guest bookings, he'll do just as well as he did before, unless enough idiots blame him for NBC's mistakes.

By ROLLANDO

Does it really matters if Letterman does not invite Leno's guests? I doubt it has to do with loyalty to the show host. It is about business. I have to wonder if either talk show hosts' guests are paid to appear on their show. If it is voluntary, I would pick Jay Leno over Letterman any day.

By Diane

The only reason Dave's ratings went up is because Conan is just like him (maybe a little worst) and there was no other choice. I much prefer Night Line over either one of those no talent talk show hosts. I can hardly wait for Jay to return to late night. He is a gentleman and gives his guests respect not like the two dumbells. Jimmy Kimbel's ratings went up because people were watching Night Line and just stayed tuned to that station. Diane

By J

I havent been a fan of late night for many years . Jays act is a little stale but he does remain light hearted from what I can see . Letterman is a sarcastic & sad excuse for a host . He is not amusing in the least . Karma

By Butch

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The only person that laughs at Jays jokes is Jay. And Lettermen is out there somewhere just to corny for me. They need to give the job to Rosie,Ellen,Sarah Palin,etc. I'd rather watch Johnny Carson reruns than keep those to on the air. And it doesn't get any better the later the night goes on. Its a shame tv sucks now days.......

By bz

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LETTER MAN IS AN UGLY LOOKING F L U C K E R. JAY'S OKAY. BUT NOBODY IS LIKE JOHNNY HE WAS THE KING OF ALL LATE NITE AND THE FATHER OF THE MONOLOGUE.

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

you know your idea for Johnny reruns isnt bad . Back in the mid seventies when late night was stale they did the late night movie of the week instead of these annoying talk shows . Why not try that ?

By Al Tam

Be smart and don't get emotionally invested in a peeing contest between celebrities.

By snake plissken

Who Cares?

By msskt

What goes on between the shows makes little difference to me. The one thing I know is that Letterman is the same ass, the same guy that takes advantage of his staff regardless of what Leno does.

By Pat

Neither my husband or I can stand Letterman. He thinks he's such hot stuff but he's really nothing but a pervert! Leno is just a honest, down to earth guy and I think he is very funny. Letterman is a jerk! I hope Leno screws Letterman to the wall!

By t-bone

Dave is still the best. Best band, best guests and far and away the best music guests. F all you haters, you wouldn't know talent if it bit you in the ass.

I'm so happy Leno is returning! He does not deserve the bashing he is getting. Letterman has never been funny and is such a narcissist. Can't wait to see ya Jay!

By Wolveinsocal

Champagne IS a type of wine, albeit sparkling. What juvenile hayseed writes these columns? If no one knew enough to order it, don't blame Mariah.

By Dawna Adams

THEY BOTH NEED TO GO !!!!

By tootbuc

Ah yes, the Favre of show business! The diva's of late night and the nut in the NFL. They both waste time and space. Both are has beens and should leave the world to the younger people. Lotsa great potentials out there, but they can't get past these old geezers that just won't let go. The class of Carson is gone and so is the Tonight Show. Leno can go thru the motions again, but it will never be the same. He killed it!

By maggie

Personally I would like to have seen Jimmy Fallon get the spot that opened up on the Tonight Show. Dave I think you are childish to feel so threatened by Leno. Grow Up.

By splat

mariah WHO ?? is that jim carey's (rubberface claim to fame) daughter or somethin ??

By pj

LETTERMAN LACKS CLASS BUT HAS ALOT OF PIG IN HIM.

By Jimmy newton

I'd like to see"Leno" make A secrete guest appearance on the "Letterman"show,I think both raitings would skyrocket & i'd like to see them hash it out face to face,that'd be super cool!

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