In seven seasons of “American Idol,” Paula Abdul has definitely had her moments.
But her gaffe on Tuesday night’s episode was either the “Kookiest Paula Moment Ever” or a sign of the judges’ apparently not-so-spontaneous evaluations of contestants’ performances.
Abdul on Wednesday sought to explain the blunder as a simple misunderstanding. “We all just screwed up everything,” she told Entertainment Tonight.
It was Neil Diamond night, and after each of the show’s five remaining contestants sang their first of two songs for the evening, the judges were asked to comment on their performances.
Randy Jackson quickly rattled off his impressions, and then Abdul launched into a lengthy analysis of contestant Jason Castro’s two performances. Yes, that’s right. Abdul remembered TWO performances. When Castro, and all of the other contestants, had only performed ONCE.
“Oh my God, I thought you sang twice,” a flustered Abdul said when Jackson gently pointed out that Castro had only performed one song so far. She added: “This is hard!”
“You’re seein’ the future baby, you’re seein’ the future!” host Ryan Seacrest said.
Abdul tried to cover for the mistake by saying she had been reading her notes from both Castro’s performance and contestant David Cook’s performances.
The flub was enough to convince some fans that Abdul must have prepared her notes on both songs before the live performance.
On the “Idol” forums, some fans pondered whether the judges’ comments were a function of who the show’s producers want to win rather than the content of the performances. Others gave the show the benefit of the doubt, saying Abdul must have taken notes at the dress rehearsals
Abdul explained on Wednesday that Idol producers had thrown the judges a last minute curveball during the show. “I am feverishly trying to write notes for every performance,” she recounted, saying her notes got mixed up.
“I was just trying to give my critique for Jason Castro, and scribbled Jason’s name, and that was David (Cook)’s. “This is live television. This is fun!,” she said.
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Paula does have Parkinson’s, and is taking meds (which do not alter behavior, but help motor control). Simon (like he says….the English are synical) always appears bored and critical. Randy is usually right on, but does appear to agree w/Simon. Paula is a kind person, and I believe she dislikes leaving the contestants feeling miserable. The show did seem rushed and I think we all felt badly for Brook and Jason. Jason is an entertainer, but does not have the best voice. Syisha has a great voice and should not be dismissed so easily; she will get a recording contract and Brook will too (just my opinion). Game shows have always had a script and I believe A.I. follows some guidelines. These soon-to-be stars (all of them) are being watched by Record Labels and will do well after A.I., even if they lose.
- Posted by JeanneOk, its time to select who leaves us this week. I think there need to be two exits. First, Paula. She no longer deserves to be on this show. She is an embarassment. Even if the show was shown out of sequence with her having seen two performances of Jason, she was obviously not listening to Ryan and not with it. Whether its her whackiness or a bigger scarier problem either way its past the time for her to go.
Overall, as a great fan of Neil Diamond I was ready for a great show as his music is felxible, melodious, big orchestra/ big beat material and often deeply emotional. What we got was quickly thrown together performances by young talented people who had not a clue how to perform this music. It was a shame as Neil Diamond deserved better. His mentor comments, however were not very helpful but mentor comments usually are not.
- Posted by StevenThe best song of the night was Cook’s second song. David A., Syesha, Brook and Jason simply “walked through” at least one of their songs. Jason’s Bluejeans was ok as was David A’s Sweet Caroline. Brooke’s I Am I Said was passable with at least some emotion. The change to “Arizona” from N.Y. was not a good idea by Neil.
Syesha sings everything well but exactly the same, boring. She lost all emotion from Hello Again. Big winner…Cook…Big Loser…Syesha.
Paula is able to express some disjointed, oddball thoughts immediately after a performance, but she just doesn’t have the brainpower to assess 10 performances all at once, which was the original concept for the show. So, someone had to provide her with notes. It’s as simple at that. With the notes in front of her, she didn’t even bother to pay attention to the performances, so she didn’t even realize that only one of the songs had been sung. It would be sad if the show hadn’t resurrected a stalled career and made her a multi-millionaire. The joke’s on us.
- Posted by kathyPaula never ceases to amaze! But I think it was her usual spaced out blunders. She should stay as she is the only suspenseful thing left on the show.
- Posted by RuthThe whole fiasco may be a blessing in disguise. The producers sensed Jason’s star quality but could not figure it out Jason since he demystify various things. They may feel Jason would be a threat to their original D/D final plan and do anything. Those who could tell that Jason was crucified strategically go to YouTube and would listen to the studio version and appreciate his music more. And determined to keep supporting him since his music touched many and fight back to the dumb producers/judges. BTW, Jason is not dumb. By all means, he is in one of the top universities. He has earned respect and trust. Not so many young kids can tackle with this kind of brutality with grace like Jason.
It’s about time AI should change drastically.
- Posted by aw[...] Source: “American Idol”: What was UP with Paula? [...]
- Posted by Video: Paula Abdul’s Blunder - Is American Idol Rigged? - Shallow NationDavid A. is for the teeny bopper girls. He’s boring. Does anyone really listen to him. Who would buy that album?
- Posted by amypaula have another cocktail! did anyone notice after Syesha Mercado sang her 2nd song, paula called her brook!
- Posted by cathyJason Castro is absolutley terrible and has no business still being on the show. All of his songs are the same boring thing. People who say he had a great performance are either deaf or brain dead. He won’t go home though because of all the little girls voting for him. It’s time American Idol changed their voting rules and had people vote for who they think should go home. That way people like Jason and Brooke wouldn’t still be in while singers like Carlie sit at home.
- Posted by CoryWell, the fact is that Randy is meant to be “hip” and cool, Paula’s suppose to be sweet and comforting, while Simon’s the brutally honest guy you love to hate. It’s all stereotyped! (However I’m not above finding Simon’s in-your-face personality somewhat amusing.) I also have noticed that Ryan has been acting a bit odd as of late, especially when it comes to duking it out with Simon.
. . . go David A!!!
- Posted by LisaI’ve always thought that Paula has on a few occasions had one too many !! Last night she had a few too many. She has to go Please bring in someone who actually knows what they’re talking about !!
- Posted by LeighIf I have to see smiley Brooke one more show I am going to puke!!!! She acts as if she is so sweet but if you will notice, she gets ticked off real quick and she makes comments and tries to act so “help me”. It is sickening. I will dance and sing when she is finally gone. And, she is too old for the show!
- Posted by jaguarjodyIt’s called Parkinson’s disease, and she’s doing the best she can. Give her a break, this is a terrible disease.
- Posted by DudeAnybody remember the movie Quiz Show? Considering the amount of money Fox is making on American Idol, not only from advertising but from the calls and text votes, there should be some kind of investigation. Paula’s “mistake” was a clear red flag. America has been duped.
- Posted by mojojojo in singaporeLet’s wait to see what the produces of American Idol have to say on this one !
- Posted by PavithraI’ve always had a doubt that the real public votes are not being taken into consideration…. if they can make up the judgement even before the performance, they could easily be making up the vote counts. They’re fooling the public !
You guys are nuts!!! Has no one every seen what a stoned or drunk woman looks like…? Let me help you! It was Paula last night. It had nothing to do with Jason being pushed under the bus it was all Paula. Note, even Simon didn’t give her a hard time last night! HELLO!! She was totally stoned!
- Posted by Foxy7I think whe was high on something. I have watched American Idol since the first season. I have to tell it is becoming a “teeny bopper” show like “Hannah Montana” this is when I stop watching.
- Posted by GAILPaula should be replaced next season. We have seen and heard enough.
- Posted by CarlaPaula just seems to be drugged up lately. She wanders off in her speech and fades in and out. Now she can’t recall and critique what she’d just listened to. GET HER SOME HELP!
- Posted by Lee-UsaPaula’s opinion never really counted. Half the time she looks like she’s high on something or bored to tears. She should be replaced by another judge who can contribute and really help the contestants. It does not help her image either, nor the contestants when she gets up and dances around while the contestants are singing. What is wrong with that woman? Each judge gets their turn to express his/her opinion, and I think that it is downright rude for Randy and Paula to interrupt and hackle Simon when he is giving his honest opinion. Simon is the only honest voice in there, and he is genuinely helping the “wanna-bes” become better singers by not stroking their egos. America has ears too…..Randy & Paula! And Ryan….quit with the “put-downs” already…it is getting irritating and boring.
- Posted by Cassie