good morning, america. breaking news overnight. relief for almost all americans right now. a tax cut extension for almost everyone who works. a lifeline for americans unemployed. whitney's final tribute. an invitation-only event. new pictures surface of the superstar right before her tragic death. high stakes in the honeymoon murder trial. the husband accused of turning off his new wife's air tank days after they were married. top dog. >> and the pekingese! >> the pint-sized pooch who took the canine crown. get ready to meet malachy.

you'll meet him. what it takes to be the best in show. still my favorite shot when he see the police officers like that coming in. good morning, everyone. hump day. wednesday. what a show stopper. that little pom-pom pooch. the big winner at the country's big dog show. >> he looks like your bedroom slippers. >> he does. very good, george. we also have new details on whitney houston. reports she was having financial troubles when she died. she earned woefrl $100 million over the course of her career. what happened? >> and the family decided to have the private service, invitation only for family and friends, on saturday. time for linsanity.

everybody is talking about the basketball phenom. >> you can't give him room like that. leading the knicks to their sixth straight victory. >> you cannot wait to get to that story. we have a lot of other headlines. we begin with the fbi and homeland security taking new precaution this is morning to protect you, people in the nation's largest cities. it's because of the bombings overseas this week. tensions raised hire whennize real's prime minister accused iran of destabilizing the world, saying their aggression must be stopped. pierre thomas has more. good morning, pierre. >> reporter: hi, josh. some officials worry that mounting pressure with iran may increase the probability of attacks here at home. a bulletin was sent to 18,000 police agenesis in the u.s.

it warns that iran and its proxies seem to be turning up the heat. police in new york city, los angeles, and philadelphia have quietly enhanced security. top administration officials have held conference quauls the nation's jewish community. security forces have identified no serious threats. but u.s. intelligence is on guard. one official said there is concern over what iran might do if backed into a corner. >> concerns we'll stay on top of. meanwhile, the tensions with iran do stem in part from its nuclear program. the pentagon wants to drastically reduce our own nuclear program. no final decision has yet been

made. meanwhile in syria, major oil pipeline has been attacked in the city of homs. civilians are growing ever desperate. hundreds lining up here outside a bakery hoping for scraps of food. doctors across the country are being around with about a cancer drug. a fake drug sent to some faci facilities are missing a key ingredient. there's no evidence yet that any patients have gotten the counterfeit drug. and alleged drunk driver going right through that living room wall. on the other side, a couch with a woman and her 2-month-old goddaughter sitting on it. remarkably, no one was hurt.

security scameras rolling a a woman forgets her watch. man came through,noticed it, scooped it up, off he went. police are hoping someone will see this, recognize him and turn him in. >> boy. i hope so. >> thanks, josh. republicans and democrats have reached a deal to preserve the payroll thakts means more take-home pay for 160 million american workers. jake tapper has more. the deal means more relief for millions of unemployed americans, too. >> reporter: that's right. it's about a $1,000 a year payroll tax cut extension affecting 160 million americans. it also affects extending unemployment insurance. in addition, the deal also fixes

what is called the medicare doc fix. that doctors that accept medicare don't have reduced. >> this is a fight neither side could afford to have in an election year. >> that's right. house republicans gave in on the issue of whether or not the payroll reductions needed to be paid for. they gave in -- republicans in the house decided they do not want this issue out there in an election year. >> and they're still working on it. it's pretty firm they'll vote this week? >> they worked through the night. it's still very tentative. they're hoping to introduce the bill today and have a vote by friday. >> thanks, jake. to the fight over who will face president obama in november. "your voice, your vote."

rick santorum has pulled ahead in michigan. david muir has more on that. it was not supposed to be this way for mitt romney. he won that state easily four years ago. >> reporter: you're right. as he reminds voters of his roots there, the morning headlines are reminding romney on something else -- rick s santorum's surge. michigan is where romney was raised. where his father was governor. >> i remember going to the detroit auto show with my dad. that was a big deal. >> reporter: michigan won't be easy. santorum is ahead of or tied with romney in the polls. the headlines over what romney once said about the autoautomak

saying, let them go bankrupt. the auto marks have made a comeback. gm posting $8 billion in profits last year. romney is acknowledging what george asked him about months ago. >> if you're saying what president owe what did was right if force managed bankruptcy along with managed funds? >> what president obama and president bush did was to write a check first. then realized that was not the answer. i was frankly right. >> reporter: in a position unthinkable just weeks ago, which is why this morning, a superpac backing romney is taking aim. >> santorum voted to raise the debt limit five times. >> reporter: overnight, arguing he is the authentic conservative. >> we have a track record of running as a conservative and

winning in states that are hard to win as a conservative. >> reporter: romney hoping that his support will carry him again in michigan. not without a fight. later today, they'll have welcome hope rallies. we'll be there. you also saw the poll in ohio, another rust belt state, where santorum is taking the lead there. now to the latest on the investigation into whitney houston's death. official now focusing on the prescription drugs found in her hotel room and who prescribed them to her. all this as her family is making plan farce private final fare well on saturday. linsey davis has more from newark, new jersey. >> reporter: funeral arrangements are being finali d finalized. it will take place here on saturday at noon. doctors and pharmacies where houston obtained her

prescriptions are pektsed to be subpoenaed in the next few days. ♪ alleluia >> reporter: it's fitting that the very first place she ever showcased that voice will now host the final tribute to the woman who was an international sensation. ♪ if i safail if i succeed ♪ >> reporter: the family has decided to keep the service private, at houston's childhood church, the new hope baptist church in new jersey. >> they have shared her for 30-some years with the city, with the state, with the world. this is their time now for their fare well. to their daughter, mother. >> reporter: the service will likely haerken to her gospel roots. gospel grate marvin winans will

reportedly give the eulogy. >> if you scratched the surface, it didn't take long to see she was still the girl from new jersey. >> reporter: the funeral home says it will be strictly invitation only. darlene love will be in attendance. knowing whitney as well as you did, how would she want her home going to be? >> i'm just hoping it will be lively, full of joy. because i know that's how she would want it to be. >> reporter: new tmz photos show her in the last days before her death, lounging by the pool on wednesday, a drink by her side. it's not clear if that drink contained alcohol. she was seen partying the following days at the same hotel. overnight, her former husband asked again for privacy for their daughter, bobbi kristina. who has been hospitalized twice since her mother's death.

bobbi kristina is doing much better. we continue to provide love and support. you see the wall of flowers, cards, balloons outside the church. the houston family is asking that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to the performing arts school in east orange, new jersey, that she attended that happens to be named after her. >> thank you, linsey. france heart broken about her death. it pales in comparison to what her family is feeling. the latest in the uva murder trial. the prosecution says that yeardley love died after george huguely attacks her. andrea canning has the story. >> reporter: they were tough words to hear for yeardley love's family. brain specialist testified tuesday that the uva senior

suffered a series of powerful blows to the head. the doctor told the court the injury was consistent with a head banging against wall. >> their testimony is contradicting what the defense is trying to suggest, an accidental death. >> reporter: love's former boyfriend, george huguely, is charged with first degree murder. they pointed to a menacing e-mail he allegedly sent her days before she died. i should have killed you. you should have killed me? love responded. he said when he went to see her the night of her death, he shook her a little. he claims that love repeatedly banged her own head against the wall. he admitted to grabbing her neck but said he didn't strangle her. he believes her death was kauds by blunt force trauma to the

brain. >> the victim was probably alive for a couple of hours after the injuries were inflicted. the defendant would have had the ability to get help for her. and he's the basketball phenom everyone is buzzing abou new york knick jeremy lin has been on a dramatic scoring tear, including, yes, that three-pointer last night. josh has been sitting here patiently waiting to tell you about linsanity. >> indeed, i have. >> not so patiently. >> and you know, let's face it. they say it's all because the teams that the knicks are playing are bad, he's in a good system, it's only been six game. a tiny blip in the rightful making of a legend. they're right. six games. oh, what a six games they have been. >> drives, for the layup, and it's good! >> reporter: score tied.

clock dwindling. jeremy lin doing something everyone expected him to do. >> lin, puts it up, bang! jeremy lin from downtown! and the knicks take the lead. >> reporter: even if no one saw him coming. >> i think it's a miracle from god. i don't think anybody expected this to happen. >> reporter: after six straight wins, he's become the biggest star in sports. he was unrecruited out of high school. blossomed late at harvard. he would go undrafted and spent a forgettable rookie year with golden state. this year, the warriors cut him. as did houston. >> i have no hard feelings toward any organization, especially the warriors. they gave me a whole year to develop. >> reporter: then came a call from the knicks. not knowing if he would last a week, he did what so many semiemployed 23-year-olds do. he couch-surfed.

hitting up his brother and then teammate. by his third game, he scored 76 points, the same as his rookie year total. in his fourth game, at home against the lakers, he scored 38. and linsanity was born. >> he's playing great. >> reporter: a few weeks ago, he didn't have a job. after last night, that doesn't seem to be a problem anymore. i know it's tough for you, george. we can turn that word on its ear over and over again. it's great story. you'll be happy to know, he's a couch surfer no more. he's subletting that apartment in white plains at the trump tower. it's where amar'e stoudemire believed before he moved into the city. subletting it from david lee. fair to say, i think he's home for awhile. >> moving on up. >> indeed. >> that's great story. even sam champion knows

linsanity. >> i even know. almost as exciting as that, pictures of snow on cactus. there you go. tucson metro picking up about an inch opinion the first time they have had measurable snow since 2002. this storm mostly known for its gusty winds. there will be a good, strong hit of mountain snow. strong storms popping up in east texas, louisiana, jackson, mississippi, you're in for a line of these as well. a possibility of one or two tornadoes popping up. and the warmth just continues. this is the winter without winter.

temperatures right now are freezing, 44 in the with a mild start to the dead. -- to the day. clouds andf sun and afternoon and a northwesterly breeze into more rain by midday and afternoon. showers and it will clear out for friday. >> all of america's morning waefrt, piping hot and fresh in the next half hour. robin? george? josh? >> thank you, sam. time to meet the nation's new top dog.

a tiny 4-year-old grandfather. dan harris was there for the action. >> reporter: backstage is like the bar scene from "star wars" only with more kibble, more drool -- i just took a shower of dog something. and an astonishing level of pet pampering. >> she gets breakfast made for her in the morning. hot breakfast. >> reporter: eggs? >> oh, yeah. >> reporter: what do you thing about cat people? >> they're a little off. a little offbeat. >> reporter: so who would win? cowboy? are you going win this whole thing? >> yes. >> reporter: you think so? >> i think so. it's time for a big dog win the show. >> reporter: grace, or isabelle? >> we hope so. >> reporter: she's the susan lucci. she's never gone best in show.

the pekingese, the underdog, the mommy, the blue pooch. and the one who took out martha stewart's chow, who she dined with at the plaza hotel. >> the working mom. >> reporter: the dogs were judged on how they looked, moved, behaved. in the end, the wirn was -- >> best in show -- the pekingese. >> reporter: malachy. an 11-pound, 4-year-old pekingese. the twitter reaction has been harsh. he's been called a muppet, an alien foot stool. he's been compared to punk -- what's his name? pu punxsutawney phil. and he's been liked to a cat. fighting words. >> he was compared to a bedroom slipper.

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>> live and in hd, this is an abc 7 news update. 7:26 is the time of this wednesday, february 15. no school in bethesda at the

elementary school. responsibility the deadly 2009 redline crash that killed nine people. the transit agency and three manufacturers filed papers admitting liability significant risks and costs. a number of lawsuits have been settled. prosecutors could finish their georgeday against charlottesville. thatal experts testified his ex-girlfriend died from injuries caused by a blunt force trauma. newschannel 8 will have a more in-depth report coming up in a few minutes. thes get a quick check on morning commute with lisa baden. good morning, everyone. have no major accidents to region.round the have a stalled car in northbound 95. we will go to newschopper7 looking at the baltimore washington parkway traffic at not too badch is laurel with normal

volume. we take you to 395 near the pentagon. let's go to the weather center. we have a beautiful picture the nation's capital early with the sunshine -- through the parted 43 degrees in manassas and 36 degrees in quantico. temperatures are not that bad. mild for thisy of year and this afternoon, will hit the low to mid 50's areas of bring to more by the afternoon. we will be back at 7:56.

that is a stunning picture, shown during the dramatic opening statements of the so-called honeymoon murder trial. jurors seeing it for the first time. it could put this man behind bars for the murder of his first wife. also whitney houston. she made millions and millions over the course of her career. what happened to it all? we'll go inside the superstar's finances in just a little bit and find out what is left for her daughter. also ahead, nicki minaj and ricky martin, both here live. we'll tell you what they're teaming up for. we're looking forward to sitting down with both of them, live, this morning in our 8:00 half hour. and a musical surprise

coming up, too. >> the little girl from the grammy commercial. a dramatic start in this half hour. in the trial of the alabama man charged with murdering his wiven hair hon -- wife on their honeymoon. elizabeth vargas is back. dramatic stuff. >> reporter: it is. both the prosecution and defense lawyers painted two starkly different pictures. was he a newly wed who panicked and failed to save his drowni i bride? or was he a calculated killer? he arrived for the first day of his murder trial. listened intenty as prosecutors accused him of killing his wife of 11 days. tina's family has waited nearly ten years for their day in court. >> i'm not here to sentence him.

i'm here to get justice for my daughter. >> reporter: it was this picture of her lifeless body on the ocean floor that they showed the jury first. >> tina watson, on the bottom, her regularity in, her mask on. not breathing. >> reporter: they claim watson turned off the air in her tank while they were underwater. they allege watson's story changed over several police interrogations. >> her hand hit my mask. um -- it knocked my mask sideways. got back to the anchor rope, where some people were, and i remember shouting through my regulator,tina, tina, tina. >> he keeps changing his story. the fact that he's lying. more problems. >> blow the camera a kissy. >> reporter: prosecutors say he killed her to collect on her life insurance. they allege he tried to take her

engagement ring from the funeral home. >> he gained by taking. the engagement ring was the last act of contact with her. >> reporter: then defense lawyers had their turn. they argued tina's death was not a scheme to make money. her beneficiary was her father, not her husband. >> you'll hear a horrible story of a terrible and tragic accident. >> reporter: defense lawyers argued the death was a result of a novice diver who panicked on her first dive in the ocean. >> it's about did he intentionally kill her? and you're not going to get that evidence. >> reporter: the honeymoon dive was 100 feet underwater, exploring a century-old ship wreck. this australian journalist and experienced diver said this.

>> she should not have been in that deep of water if diving for the first time. >> reporter: they ignored their own policy. defense lawyers said tina had 20 pounds on her weight belt, far too much for a woman her size. >> and putting too many on. because she didn't --descend. she overweighted herself. >> reporter: having too much weight on your weight belt would have caused her to sink rapidly. an experienced diver would know what to do to counteract that. both tina's and gabes families were in court yesterday. at times, they were very emotional. watson already spent 18 months in an australian prison because of being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. the jurors will not be told

about that. bottom line for the prosecution, dan? >> they have to try to convince the jurors that in essence, his story doesn't make sense. what he's saying happened could haven't happened that way is the best argument they have. he's changed his story. other witnesses won't back up his account of what occurred. we talk about motive in the context of this case. you don't have to prove motive. but it's important in the context of this case. the motive here is not that strong. this guy kills his wife of only days for $100,000-plus that he's not going to get. in the end, the shurnts policy was not in his name. >> her father's name. >> that's right. that's a pretty weak motive, in my view. you have to have pretty strong evidence that says, there's simply no way this could have happened in the way he's laid it out and his store i have clearly a lie.

>> what about the witnesses they say they're going fly up from australia? they feel that their testimony will be strong. >> that's a logistical difficulty. you're talking about flying people in to talk about an ens dent that curd almost nine years ago at this point. that's not something that the prosecutors ought to be relishing. they're going to do it. they're going make sure the key witnesses, the people that were there who spoke to him in the immediate aftermath of this, come in and testify about what happened. this is a tough, tech dal canic. you have to understand the ins and outs of scuba diving to understand how much air she could have used. how deep he should have gone. what his reaction should have been. these are all crucial questions. >> and the prosecutors are trying to say his behavior was

bizarre. the engagement ring. and that he did some things at his wife's grave site. >> items brought to the grave site, the authorities believe he was removing them, some there with chains. he would take them from the grave site. that's, to me, not as significant. if they're going get a conviction in a case like this, it's got to be about what happened there. what happened at the scene. and the story that the prosecution presents has to make sense. i always say in cases that are like this, motive is not that important. i do think mote sif important here. you have to figure out why would he do this in this way in the days after his wedding if you, like me, don't view this -- um, this insurance policy as significant. >> they're not going to know he plead guilty in australia to manslaughter.

>> no double jerpdy. two totally different legal communities. he can plead guilty and serve time there and then be tried here adds well. >> we'll see what happens here. dan, thank you. let's get another check of the weather with sam. >> if you weren't watching "good morning america" yesterday, likely, you got in trouble with this. more than 100 accidents between 8:00 and about maybe earlier, between 7:00 and 9:00 yesterday morning. today, things are better in that area a little bit. there is not any snow or ice with this storm system in february. it's rain all the way to chicago. strong to severe thunderstorms temperatures right now are in the lower 40's and a few upper 30's here and there but a mild start today and a pleasant becoming sunday with

temperatures in the mid >> all of that weather was brought to yi by ally bank. what really happened to whitney houston's millions? we're following the money trail. this is $100,000. we asked total strangers to watch it for us. thank you so much, i appreciate it, i'll be right back. they didn't take a dime. how much in fees does your bank take to watch your money ? if your bank takes more money than a stranger, you need an ally. ally bank. no nonsense. just people sense.

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that's why my doctor recommends citracal maximum. all your pet's favorites are on sale now... ...during petsmart dollar days! find great deals for $5 or less or $10 or less. friday through monday only, at petsmart. more now on whitney houston and reports she was in financial

troubles. banks were closing in on her debts when she died. jim avenue laz more. >> reporter: whitney houston was once one of the richest women in the world. entourages, body guards, champagne, and her admitted use of cocaine are expensive. it's a cruel irony. her death may provide the final comeback she so desperately wanted ♪ baby you give good love >> reporter: her music and movies now generating record profits. that will do little to soothe her sole heir. >> she'll have money coming in from the singles, from album sales. whitney houston has a movie coming out this summer. >> reporter: this morning, "i will always love you" is the number one best seller on itunes. ♪ how will i know if he really loves me ♪

>> reporter: it is not her first windfall. the voice, as she was known, earned her a fortune. more than a decade ago. now with her death, her albums have gone from the discount bin to billboard's top ten again. >> people loved her. ♪ and i >> reporter: her signature movie, "the bodyguard" earned her $33 million and made her one of the richest women in america. that was capped by a 2001 music contract, one of the biggest deals in music history, $100 million. but her lifestyle was expensive. >> she had a body guard, stylist. all these things cost money. clothes, chauffeur, and, of course, drugs. >> crack is cheap. i've made too much money to ever

smoke crack. >> reporter: how much of her fortune was squandered? banks recently tried to foreclose on two of her homes. a source familiar with her situation says she was far from broke. in her final days of life, she was planning a comeback. in the crass world of entertainment, her death put her back on top. >> whitney houston is one of these celebrities who is foenlly worth more dead than alive. it's a sad thing to say, but it's probably true in this case. >> reporter: there are management company that specialize in profiting and making profits off dead celebrities's estates. we talked to one of them yesterday. they said whitney houston has lots of potential to make money for her family, though they probably don't want to hear about it today. coming up, josh has "the play of the day." and nicki minaj and ricky martin. two superstars. one super reason they're here live. [ male announcer ] the 2012 m-class continually monitors blind spots,

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here's "the play of the day." >> robin this is something you saw yesterday on the espn family of networks. as did i. 32-32. and if you thought jeremy lin's game winner was something. look at this. look at briana. >> look that. she wasn't looking. >> you run it back, it just keeps going in. just keeps going in. >> how is that even possible? >> can we effort the booking? briana-sanity. i want to take you off the hook, sam. you're getting hit on twit person a big shout out to hockey town. the detroit red wings, 21 consecutive wins at home. >> that's amazing, josh. >> they love their hockey in

detroit rock city. as well that s should. 21 straight at home. what do you think, sam? >> i think they have red wings, josh. >> we have a 1 million th coat, at long last. and a healthy quick quiz. the florida department of citrus. counting the carbs in your diet? how much thiamin should adults have reach day? go now to goodmorningamerica.com on yahoo! for the answer. [ female announcer ] kiss everything you know about cookies goodbye.

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coming up, the 11-year-old

girl with the great big voice here to sing adele's "rolling in the deep." >> live and in hd, this is an abc 7 news update. the time is 7:56 on this wednesday morning, february 15. we have one school closing -- we could soon find out how much to use the dulles future.d in the analysis of long-term toll rates should be released today up to a $11 tost trip.he entire the tolls will pay for most of the cost of the second phase of metro extension to dulles airport.

funeral services start today for alexandria paramedic. he died last week after falling from 395. a visitation will be held funeral willis take place tomorrow. newschannel 8 will have an in- depth report at the top of the hour. let's find out what is happening the road with lisa baden. there is not much happening the beltway with normal volume and good on 66 with a eastbound.wdown 95/virginia is recovering from issue at lorton on is shoulder and this with delays in the to the 14th street bridge. is stop and go on new look ate avenue but that sunshine. beautiful sunshine out there and temperatures are well above freezing right now. it is mild for this time of year. a mild, sunny afternoon with 53 temperature and warmer

certain spots in tomorrow, want your umbrella because areas of lightme the middayd on from through the afternoon and evening. we will be back at 8:27 very . ♪ like any parent, i have questions about the food my daughter eats. things like high fructose corn syrup. so, i started looking for answers from medical and nutrition experts. and what i discovered e that whether it's corn sugar or cane sugar, your body can't tell the difference. sugar is sugar. and knowing that makes me feel better about what she eats. and that's one less thing to worry about. [ female announcer ] learn more at cornsugar.com.

♪ you've got my heart beat running away ♪ what is it, lara? boom bah doom boom boom? >> dan had it going there. >> dan was singing nicki minaj. >> nicki minaj and ricky martin, both here live. we're thrilled to have two big superstars here this morning. they're joining forces for a very special cause. they'll tell us all about it in minutes. we're also going to take to america's next big music superstar. there she is right there, denise in that target ad. she's here in our studio this morning.

♪ my heart inside of your hand >> i cannot wait. ki cannot wait for this. today, we have the best actor nominee giving george clooney and brad pitt a run for their money. >> dem demian bichir. and anne rice, revealing her new novel. first, the news and josh elliott. news that one way or the other affects just about every american's take-home pay. republicans and democrats have struck a tentative deal allowing 160 million american workers to keep more of what they earn. the payroll tax set to expire at the end of the month will be extended. the deal preserves long-term

unemployment benefits and will prevent a scheduled medicare cut for doctors. and a new poll in ohio shows mitt romney trailing rick santorum by seven points. he's also shown trailing in michigan. harsh word this is morning from israel's prime minister. benjamin netanyahu today accused iran of destabilizing the world. it follows twin attacks linked to iran this week. in the wake of the attacks, the fbi and homeland security officials have sent warnings to police to be on guard. we're following breaking news out of central america. a fire inside a prison in honduras, about 90 miles north

of the capital there. at least 270 people killed. many of the victims suffocating in their cells. no word on what started the blaze. new photos show whitney houston by the pool at the hotel last wednesday. final arrangements have been made for her funeral at noon on saturday. the family asked in lieu of flowers that donations be sent to the performing arts school that now bears her name. the fcc is expecting to put into place tough new rules today. apparently, companies are finding loopholes in do not call laws. they will need written permission before placing automatted calls. here's diane with a preview of tonight's "world news." >> what about ply planes over your backyards?

what does it mean for safety and privacy? we're going tell everyone about it tonight on "world news." i'll see you then. >> nobody wants to see my backyard. finally, one of the most elusive and rare animals in the world is caught on video. look at the snow leopard. an endangered species, apparently thriving in south asia. the snow leopard population has declined some 20% in recent years because of poaching. what a beautiful, beautiful man. >> boy, you never get to see that. that was great. >> "pop news" for us? >> you never know what you're going to get. today, you'll be happy. remember the ultimate dog tease? listen up. >> steak, juicy. i that, too. i went back to the fridge. >> gets george every time. >> and put something together really special.

you're going love to this. >> i just love this dog. >> chicken. some cheese on it. covered it -- >> covered it with what? >> i'm not supposed to let it go that long. the dog, listening in agony to his owner. paramount is in talks to turn the video into a full-length feature film. the youtube version watched more than 94 million times. we can only hope the dog gets what he so badly wants in the film version. it could be great idea. i know one person who will go efrl times. >> i'm glad you played it long. >> just for you. hollywood's leading lady, meryl streep, had a cinderella moment. she runs right out of her jimmy

choo heels. colin firth retrieved the shoe. placed it back on her foot. not quite a perfect happily ever after moment. backstage, she admits she became emotional because all of the shoe drama made her forget to thank her makeup artist of 35 years. let it be said she wants to thank her makeup artist of 35 years. >> how elegant is colin firth? and michelle obama. she dazzled in a, get this, $35 target dress. love that. she's wearing a sweater over it. if you look closely, it's from the jason woo line for target. and after the line launched on february 5th, that dress sold out ever where. mrs. obama has connections. woo is the guy that designed her

inaugural gown. and finally, as we wait to see what the stars with wear, we may be closer to solving a bit of a fashion mystery. best actress nominee viola davis was on last week. >> do you know what you're wearing? >> yes, but i can't tell you. just saying. >> well, i have yoel la. we may have a clue. here she is sitting next to than wintour at the vera wang show. think it was karma. in the library, with the kacand stick. am i any closer? i'm down to three. i'm waiting for robin. we want to -- we have to look perfect together. she gets to pick first. >> why thank you. >> of course. >> i don't know. >> what do you got?

>> i don't know. let's go sam. >> good morning, everybody. lara, robin, have we seen any choices? i don't thing we have seen your choices. i think you should put them up so we can see them. we have a little low clouds hanging over new york city. we're standing out in a little bit of misty drizzle. sorry, gang. this is gone by late morning, midday. we get the breaks of sunshine. we have to pull the low off the coastline in order to do it. that's happening. it's getting the timing right is the big deal. dryer on the northwest coast. nice days. you have had day after day after day of rainy skies. the last one is moving out. it will be crazy in southwest. some wait -- there was a big scream over there. ricky martin must have gone into the -- we heard it. bright sunshine over had the

area and 43 degrees down town. a mild start to the day with one exception and that is oakland, maryland. sunshine this afternoon and 53 the high temperature and a up to 50erly breeze per hour but overall, a mild wednesday and to have yourwant with a few areas of rain and clearing out for friday. a chance >> lara, it also could have been nicki minaj. she has a lot of fans out here today. >> funny you should mention that. >> nicki minaj is in the house, ladies and gentlemen. >> oh, there she is. looking good. >> we can't wait. >> and ricky martin. >> i love george's expression -- >> there's only two shakes. not three. >> quickly, the "gma morning

menu" we have nicki and ricky. and by popular demand, that sixth grade singing phenom live, singing the adele song that's turned her into an overnight star. and counting down to oscar sunday. the best actor pick who gives brad and george a run for their money. coming up on "gma." [ female announcer ] introducing coffee-mate natural bliss. ♪ made with only milk... cream... a touch of sugar... and pure natural flavors. ♪ who knew being natural could be so delicious? coffee-mate natural bliss. from nestle. add your flavor naturally.

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three levels of softness and the gentle clean you want. clean comes first. and really soft is really important. quilted northern ultra plush®. for a comfortable, confident clean, or your money back. they're not just pressed up against the windows. they're banging at them. they want to get in here. we have two of music's biggest names here in the studio.

we're going talk live to nicki minaj and ricky martin in just a moment. he's a grammy winner. she's music's hottest newcomer. seven singles in the billboard hot 10 0 at the same time. they're combining their star power. here's a look. ♪ you got my heart beat running away beat you like a drumming that is coming your way ♪ ♪ boom bah boom boom >> reporter: and with madonna in the super bowl. and in a daring gram my performance that raised plenty of eyebrows. now she's teaming up with another pop superstar. ♪ outside inside out >> reporter: ricky martin, the latin heart throb is everybody where these days. including a recent episode of

"glee" where he played a spanish teacher and sang this -- ♪ i'm sexy and i know it >> reporter: and he's take the new york stage at part of "evita." they're both supporting the mac viva glam campaign to help fight aids and hiv. joining us now to talk about the campaign for viva glam, welcome superstars ricky martin and nicki minaj. >> before we start, baby you're hot. you're hot. >> i am not hotter than you, ricky. >> you're beautiful, baby. >> that is the fun you had in shooting this campaign. did you find out things about each other. what surprised you most? >> i was blown way by his humility. a big, megastar.

he was sexy body and haul that. i'm not thinking he's going to be so humble and down to earth. he had a pure spirit. that surprised me. >> and you, ricky? >> he's amazing. she's sexy. a hard-working woman. she's doing a beautiful thing and she's bold and beautiful. that's the way it should be. >> she pushes the envelope. she's going to go out there. >> of course. >> this campaign, and we have had lady gaga here before. 100% of the money raised goes to awareness in latin america for hiv and aids. your lip conditioner and this hot pink lipstick. was it natural for you the be in involved with your latin roots? >> it is. we are here because we want to make a difference. i have been working with my foundation against human trafficking. fighting it. unfortunately, kids are being infected with hiv and aids.

when i was invited to be part of this campaign, every issue is interconnected. some people think this is an issue of the '80s. no, we're still dealing with hiv aids. it's a disease that doesn't discriminate. men, women, and children are being affected by this virus. let's talk about it. i want to be part of it. >> it hits close to home with you with your uncle. >> i had an uncle that passed away from aids. he was living in trinidad. it's dually important. it's my family and my country. when mac reached out, we spoke a lot about us -- going the caribbean islands and raising awareness there. and you know, of course, we want to do everything everywhere we can. but it's important for people -- from the islands, to understand that -- you know, it's not

something that should only be discussed in america. this is something that is killing a lot of actually black women and young black women. and so for me, it hit home because i don't want people to think that this is a gay disease. i don't want people to think this is -- like ricky said, an '80s disease. this is something killing everyone, no matter your preference, your religion, your race pip have such a young fan base. i want them to start now protecting themselves. being smart. i want them to -- >> you see them there. they're here with you. >> i want them to abstain, first of all. that's the best decision i can give them. i don't want them to ruin their lives. >> you're always preaching. always talking to your barb. >> very important to you both. >> if you choose to be sexually active, use a condom. the most important thing is that viva glam has given millions and

millions of dollars. we want to help, we don't know what to do. hey, look. >> the conditioner. >> the conditioner. you can go, buy it. can help. every penny goes to -- >> 100%. you don't hear that anymore. y'all are so active. it's great you're giving of yourself and so much into this campaign. saw you at the grammys. you really raised a lot of eyebrows with your performance. what were you trying -- you hear your fans outside. what were you going for? what were you wanting people to walk away thinking? >> i created these characters, martha and roman over two years ago. i never had a format to put them in front of the world. i had the grammys. this is a great way to show who roam season. he's a character who has been rid could, torn apart, pulled down. i wanted to show, i wrote the song. i envisioned it being in a

monastery. he gets shipped way by his mother who thinks there is something wrong with him. there's nothing wrong with him. there's nothing wrong with him being different. i wanted to show how ridiculous people look when they try to change -- you know -- someone, because they're creative. just because they're different. >> and your new music is coming out. this is an indication. your man here, he's hitting broadway. "evita." what is the challenge there? >> i'm happy and honored to be part of the broadway community. we start march 12th. it's been amazing. we have been locked in a studio rehearsi rehearsing. a great cast, great directors, great producers, great choreographers. to be able to revive this beautiful classic, it's an amazing experience. i am, my life is "evita" now. >> it's full now, too.

you have two adorable -- your twins. >> thank you. >> they're beautiful. >> they love new york city. >> look that. see that. >> they're 3 years old. i'll show new pictures. >> you have to share that. super bowl. you were here. we thank you for being in the summer concert series. >> that was the most fun i have ever had. >> you said you wanted to work with madonna. and then, boom, super bowl! what a thrill that had to be. >> i have to reveal something. i knew that i was going work with madonna that time. >> i knew you did. i knew you did! and you didn't give it up. >> you know what? honestly, the request came in from madonna. i still did not believe it. i said, i'm not going believe it until i meet her. until i meet this little lady bug. and then, there it is. >> we said that you knew that. i hope you'll come back and rock the concert again. you'll be back in a few weeks

with us. appreciate it. all the money going to hiv aids research. and latin america. >> i want to thank mac for giving us this opportunity. i wanted to be a mac viva glam girl since i can remember. it's so incredible to be part of something like this. >> thank you, viva. stay here. you have a front row seat. have you heard her? >> no. >> we have a budding superstar here. all of you saw 11-year-old denise in that gramny night ad. she belted in adele's "rolling in the deep." ♪ we could have had it all rolling in the deep ♪ ♪ you had my heart inside of your hands but you played with the beat ♪ >> and denise is here right now.

welcome to "good morning america." so, did you ever think you would be sharing a bill with ricky martin and nicki minaj? >> no, not at all. >> we were so excited to see the ad on sunday night. what it must have been like you watching. what did everybody say at school? >> people i didn't know would give me random hugs. my teemps, my prin-- teachers, pala principals. so supportive. >> now you're a veteran. you performed at the academy awards last year. now the ad for the grammys. a veteran. what are you going to do next to top it all? >> i don't -- >> i sure how many owe are going to be. denise said she saw you come in and didn't get a chance to meet you, nicki. she wants to meet you before you

leave today. >> i would love to meet her. >> and you haven't had the chance yet to meet adele. what would you say to her? >> she's very inprispirational. she teaches me a lot. her music and my music, too. >> ready to sing? >> yeah. >> let's hear it. ♪ there's a fire starting in my heart reaching a fever pitch and it's bringing me out the dark ♪ ♪ finally i can see you crystal clear go ahead and sell me out and i'll lay you shirr bear ♪ ♪ see how i'll leave with every piece of you don't uds estimate the things that i will do ♪ ♪ we could have had it all rolling in the deep ♪

♪ you had my heart inside of your hands and you played you played it you played it you played it to the beat ♪ whoo! >> man! >> yeah. [ cheers and applause ] >> go ahead. >> come on, nicki. think nicki wants to say hello. >> you sound so good, little lady. congratulations. >> thank you. >> you sound pretty. >> congratulations. >> that was so great, denise. we have a lot more coming up. we're going to reach 1 million coats, thanks to nicki minaj. we'll be right back.

>> live and in hd, this is an abc 7 news update. the time is 8:27. we have one school closing this morning -- in the district of columbia, the candidates running for harry thomas's seats are facing a today.e today to until 5:00 from 500ignatures voters in ward 5. month afterlast embezzlementty to charlottesville, parle -- prosecutors could finish their case against george huguely. yesterday, medical experts testified that his ex- love, died yeardley

by a bluntes caused force trauma. will have an in- depth report in a few minutes. let's get another check on traffic with lisa baden. we are getting word right now been a police chase that has just ended on 295 northbound near malcolm x ave. all lanes are closed as a to 95 northbound for oxon hill toleaves the 11th street bridge, all lanes are blocked and that hasolice chase ended near malcolm x avenue on the 11th street bridge. you could go to south east on avenue or take south capitol street. a lot of sunshine outside and overis a live look fairfax. nearly total sunshine, just a distance and the of town.moving out in fairfax and winchester is a little bit cooler.

53 degrees this afternoon with light rain tomorrow. we will be back at 8:56.

♪ you got my heart beat running away ♪ a little rain in times square never hurt anyone. we have so much coming up. we're about to hit, robin, that big number. >> we certainly are, george. we're so glad that nicki is still with us. she's going help us announce an amazing milestone. for months, we have been trying to get 1 million coats donated to our warm hearts, warm coats drive. we finally made it. we didn't just make it. this year, we collected more coats than any other year the coat drive has been around. we have a special plan to celebrate. let's take a look back at -- they love the shot they're getting from behind.

>> all the famous faces that have help us over the past years. ♪ >> that's great, everybody. >> oscar winner ben affleck kicked us off. >> this is my coat. i'll contribute that as well. >> we never would have dreamed this one donation would have set off an avalanche of giving. an unforgettable roll call. >> anything to collect coats. >> i don't think i can fit in this. i'm trying get down to my birth weight. >> shiny yellow trench. my antiques road show fleece. time to go. >> some humor. >> i don't want to give up my coat. >> come on. >> i don't want to give up my coat. >> come on. >> three points. ♪ party rockers in the house tonight ♪ >> a song in generosity.

hey, man. >> oh, i love it. >> give me just a few bars. >> absolutely. >> and hand me those coats. ♪ this world keeps spinning fast er to a new disaster ♪ >> the coats off your back. but dlsh 10,000? >> yes, sir. >> we're out here meeting ramses barden. >> a check for $1,000. >> we're part of the mothers of professional basketball players. >> giving, and giving. >> i decided i wanted to get involved. i cleaned out my own closet. >> here's one from me. >> and of theater. >> aaron carter. cool. thank you very much. coats. so cool. thank you so much. go ahead and load those up. >> the coat donations from countless stars, including ryan

seacrest, who gave every year. >> one more coat to get us closer to the 1 million mark. >> 14,000 from our friends at zinga. it's been a roller coaster of fun and possibility. from boys and girl scouts. cheerleaders, dancers, acrobats. all to help hundreds of thousands of kids and families stay warm. though it truly has been a wild ride getting to 1 million, we have made it. >> congratulations of reaching your goal of 1 million coats. >> i want to congratulate you. >> on behalf of all the new zis of new york. congratulations. >> congratulations. >> congratulations on 1 million coats. what an achievement. >> from all of us here at "the view" -- >> all: congratulations "gma." >> congratulations to my friends at "good morning america." a lot of warmth, a lot of heart. >> and again, thank, thank,

thank you at home. nicki is here to help us mark our 1 millionth coat. we're going to add it to the pile. i'm going outside. thank you for being here. >> thank you, my darling. go with love. >> wow. >> here we go. the 1 million ath coat. ♪ >> don't drop it. >> we're going. we're going, times square. to the giant tower. josh, i have my eyes on you. wait, there has to be tossing involved. >> you can do it, come on, sam. that makes you all-conference. as you know at home, it's been a long slog to 1 million coats. if not for the efforts of all of you, and the great people at burlington coat factory, we never would have made it. 1 million coats.

but -- with these three -- we have finally gotten there. the biggest total ever. and there you go. 1 million coats! let's take a look now at the big board. as we look at the new total. we're talking -- 1,022,345 coats. can i get down now? please? it's really high up here. turns out 1 million coats is a big, big pile. hey, lara. >> a major achievement also because josh is afraid of heights. we thank you and you guys. the chief of marketing for burlington and you must be feeling pretty terrific right now. >> we are. we have collected 1,022,345 coats. >> and it's not over yet. you can keep going, kreekt?

>> we can. >> that's correct. you can take your gently worn coat to any burlington coat factory between now and february 20th. >> we were asking off cram about the many people it takes. it's truly a village. >> it is. i want to thank the "good morning america" viewers, the burlington coat factory customers and one warm coat. >> where are the coats going? where do they go? >> all over the country. they're distributed in local burlington coat factories in the communities. >> 1 million plus and counting. you can still give. we can't thank you enough. we're so honored to be your partners in this mission. sam, go to you for one more check. >> i never thought we would get there. honestly. it's such a big number. >> there is no "i" in team. >> it's amazing. and we got to build the tower 'o

coats here. >> it's high. it's raping up there. >> here's our twirt and facebook pictures for the day. we had a little bit of snow. a gorgeous look at the skyline. east texas, louisiana, mississippi, you're a part of this. those 70 to 80-mile-per-hour winds possible here. and into the southwest, strong winds kicking up here. more of a wind event. some rain and mountain snow. we looked at the snow amount in the sierras, one of the lowest totals up there. a rough spring and summer if we don't get snow s temperatures are climbing mid 40's and on way to the 50's. have sunshine this of rainn and some areas

tomorrow. it will be mild this week and a >> all of that weather was brought to you by amazon. big, big, big morning. >> i wish you could have seen this man's dismount. coming up, watch out george clooney. watch out brad pitt. coming up, the new star giving them a run for their money

and we're counting down oscar sunday, now with the surprise pick for best actor who is giving george clooney and brad pitt a run for their money. you might know him from "weeds." he joins us now. congratulations. it's such a powerful, human

performance. it was ir spiring to watch yesterday. >> thank you. that's -- we all think the film moves you to tears. opens your mind. and teaches you about this issue coming out of perspective. >> it shines a light on people who are revild or invisible. >> that is right. >> and it was -- we're going to show a scene where you're talking to your son. he's right on the edge. we don't know which way he's going to go. you're talking about what you want for him. >> i want you to be able to be anything you want to be. that would make me feel worthy. if you became somebody.

that's why i love you. >> you said that character, carlos is one of the best mothers you have ever seen. >> that's right. you have this mexican macho become the best mother on earth, doing anything in his hands to overcome obstacles to give his son a better life. that is moving. that's fantastic. 11 million people like that. >> you immersed yourself in that culture for this part. >> first of all, i gained 20 pounds. i won't do it again. don't do it. i'm a pro. and then -- yeah, you have to go as deep as you can. >> you went out on the streets, you bought a truck? >> i did. i was finding all of his ways. i got stopped by some of my paisanos. my friends and neighbors. >> you're like george clooney in

mexico. >> that's an honor. >> and then some mexicans see you here and wonder, what happened? >> some of them told me, well, things are not working for you as an actor, right? i said, i'm playing this thing about us. about all of us. >> it's a story about so many people living in the country right now. >> 11 million. >> your life must have been completely transformed since the nomination. >> it's been beautiful, and great. i just talked to brad pitt and george clooney the other day. >> what is that like? >> it's amazing. i'm having lunch with them. there we are. jean, i don't speak french. we couldn't talk much. but george and brad with -- two great guy. we were talking about things. tequila. >> you sent them tequila?

>> yeah, so they can talk great things about me. and they did. >> trying to butter them up. it's all coming up. you have to have a huge case of butterflies. keeping your mind off it, you're working right up to the end. >> i am. i'm glad i'm doing this play in mexico, by bruno, my younger brother. i would be thinking about this golden guy 24/7 if not for that. >> who can blame you. congratulations, good luck. you can all see "a better life" on dvd and blu-ray. coming up, rare

february is a big month for movie lovers and billy crystal.

where does he start the day? >> "good morning america." >> hey, we'll do anything for oscar. billy, too. >> good morning, oscar. i slept with oscar. countdown to oscar sunday with "good morning america" on abc. and now to the queen of vampires. best-selling author anne rice is turning her attention to werewolves. she talked to cameron mathison about this new chapter in her career. >> reporter: you think of eerie, scary, and supernatural, only one author comes to mind. anne rice. many scenes of horror were created in this tiny, cramped office in her modest home outside palm springs, california. it's a treasure trove of books,

ideas, and yes, movie scenes in the making. from page one, so visual and descriptive. i couldn't help but won't for you're already thinking about a movie. >> i love movies so much. i see it as a movie. i'm going on the keyboard, mumbling the lines out. i'm seeing every shot. e see what is happening. i'm dying for all my fwoox be movies. >> reporter: they already are in your mind. >> they are. >> reporter: keeping the pop in her culture, she checks her facebook page before anything else. >> i'm so ready to read "the wolf gift." thank you, tanya. >> you've been a very, very naughty little girl. >> reporter: the woman who brought vampires to modern day entertainment has a new novel, "the wolf gift." the center of the story, not a vampire but a werewolf named

ruben. i had to ask the "twilight" question. is anne rice on team edward or team jacob? >> i'm not on either. i'm team le stat. >> reporter: i wonder who she envisions to play the werewolf, ruben. who do you see playing ruben? >> matt bomer. he's a charming, womnderful actor. he's so fresh, funny, handsome. so unassuming and charming. i would love to see him play ruben. >> reporter: who else? >> tim dekay play his brother, a big white collar fan. >> reporter: she's a huge tv and movie addict.

i love how you dive in and devour the subjects. and dwruked about seeing movies as part of the reserge. research. >> i did. i went back to lon cheney jr. soup set. so miserable. and the movie was so great. the old black and white. the big mysterious house. [ werewolf howling ] >> reporter: so many werewolfs, who knew? >> i'm crazy about michael j. fox. >> remember jack nicholson in wolf? and benici oh, del toro.

who is your favorite? >> it's got to be lon. i love it. it's great. >> reporter: and at 70, with 100 million books sold, is it time to take a break? retire out there in the desert? you don't want to come out and hit some balls with me? >> some day. >> anne rice is terrific. when we come back, we'll [ female announcer ] more people are using wiress devices

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$1 million. >> that is our number for the week. we hit 1 million coats. we're going to do $1 million on friday. we want to thank nicki minaj and ricky martin for joining us today. you can go to goodmorningamerica.com on yahoo! for more. >> take a shot of josh. he's pouting. he's here. he's not. tomorrow, amazing deals and steals, only for josh's beloved "gma" viewers. and the men of desperate house

wives. he's desperate because he's not on. "gma" is giving you the chance to experience this high flying superhit musical for yourself. go to goodmorningamerica.com on yahoo! to find out how to enter. you just might win a vip trip to new york city. with round trip air fare and accommodations provided by delta. that's what we call a jolly holiday. >> live and in hd, this is an abc 7 news update. good morning @ 8:56 on this

wednesday morning. we have a school closing to pass --ng this is in bethesda. a bill that would legalize same- sex marriage is expected to be the full chamber of the maryland house of delegates today. committees approve the after about 1000 activists gathered in annapolis. governor o'malley supports the bill. u.s. senaten the abortions in the weeks ofafter 20 pregnancy. it was introduced yesterday and was filed a bill that month and the house. d.c. delegate eleanor holmes norton said she is working to measures. nothing disappointing on the roads. 95 and 66 and 395 have things improving. this is the beltway live in collisionecause of a

loop atuter pennsylvania avenue on your way to ritchie marlboro road with traffic trapped in between the accident cleanup. we will go to one more picture that is 395, the only delay at the 14th street bridge. >> it is a beautiful day. 50'sll be back in the afternoon and 44 degrees downtown right now. cooler northwest town. 40 degrees in quantico and 45 in lexington park. mid 50's this afternoon and tomorrow we will see areas of rain and it will clear friday. >> thanks for watching and we will be back at noon. "live! with kelly" is next. ♪

[ kareem ] i was fascinated by balsa wood airplanes since i was a kid. [ mike ] i always wondered how did an airplane get in the air. at ge aviation, we build jet engines. we lift people up off the ground to 35 thousand feet. these engines are built by hand with vevery precise assembly techniques. [ mike ] it's gonna fly people around the world. safely and better than it's ever done before. it would be a real treat to hear this monster fire up. [ jaronda ] i think a lot of people, when they look at a jet engine, they see a big hunk of metal. but when i look at it, i see seth, mark, tom, and people like that who work on engines every day. [ tom ] i would love to see this thing fly. [ kareem ] it's dream, honestly. there it is. oh, wow. that's so cool! yeah, that was awesome! [ cheering ] [ tom ] i wanna see that again.