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April 30, 2005 paula abdul gives a girl scout cookies to idol cast (National Enquirer)--Two little Girl Scouts got a nasty scowl from Simon Cowell when they asked after an American Idol taping if he'd buy some of their famed fundraising cookies. Cowell mumbled, tried ignoring them - then finally groused, "I can't be bothered by this nonsense!" Spotting the hurt look on their faces, Paula Abdul told the girls, "I'll buy some cookies - in fact, I'll buy all you have!" Paula wrote the delighted Scouts a check for more than $300, and after they left she shouted to the cast and crew, "Everyone can have cookies... except for Simon!" » Posted by Igor at 1:31 AM | Discuss April 28, 2005 us weekly Click here to see new picture of Paula from US Weekly magazine, May 9, 2005 issue. » Posted by Igor at 9:37 PM | Discuss paula abdul gallery Paula-Online.com happy to inform you that our gallery has been updated with more than 1500 pictures of Paula. There you will find a lot of exclusive pictures, fan pictures, and many more... Enjoy the biggest online Paula Abdul gallery on the web. » Posted by Igor at 11:47 AM | Discuss April 27, 2005 tony danza show Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson are going to be on the Tony Danza Show, May 2, 2005. » Posted by Igor at 10:31 PM | Discuss s.j. 'idol' alum stands by abdul (COURIERPOST)--A former American Idol contestant from South Jersey has come to the defense of embattled program judge Paula Abdul in the wake of reports she had an affair with another Idol hopeful in 2003. "I strongly disagree with all the allegations against her," said Louis Gazzara of Mays Landing Tuesday afternoon, referring to an article in the Globe, a weekly gossip sheet. The story alleges Abdul, 42, paid Corey Clark's living expenses while he was an Idol contestant and promised him $2 million in return for having a romantic relationship with her. The bombshell accusations are reportedly contained in a book proposal Clark, 24, is pitching to publishing houses. The Web site www.contactmusic.com Tuesday quoted an Abdul spokesman saying the turn-of-the-'90s pop star "disputes the allegations contained in Corey Clark's book proposal." There have so far been no reports suggesting Abdul pledged to help Clark's chances in the episodic talent contest that is the most successful regularly scheduled program in the history of the Fox network. Gazzara suggested that would be an unlikely scenario, because he perceived Abdul had little clout with the other judges and show executives. "I always felt Paula was out of the loop," he said. Both Clark and Gazzara, who lived in Folsom when he appeared on the program, were part of the series' second-season lineup of musical hopefuls. Having passed a series of preliminary judgings, both young men found themselves up against two powerhouses, Clay Aiken and eventual champion Ruben Studdard. Gazzara was eliminated from the competition in the traditional way: He failed to impress Abdul and her fellow judges, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Clark, however, was dismissed from the program when producers discovered the Topeka, Kan., resident was arrested in March 2003. According to www.thesmokinggun.com, Clark was arrested and charged with battery on four law enforcement officers, battery on his then-15-year-old sister and endangering a child - all misdemeanors. The Web site, which specializes in documenting the legal woes of celebrities, reports that in June 2003, Clark pleaded no contest to a charge of obstructing legal process and was sentenced to six months' unsupervised probation and ordered to pay $116 in court costs. The counts involving his sister were dropped as part of the plea agreement. Gazzara, who is pursuing a show business career, spoke of Abdul as a mentor to the often naive young men and women who were featured during the second season. "She pretty much lent herself to anyone who wanted advice about the (entertainment) industry and career choices," he said. "I would describe Paula as kind of like a first-grade teacher. We really hadn't gone through this school yet, and she was always kind and gentle." That opinion was buttressed Tuesday by Cowell, who painted a similar picture on the Web site of the nightly show business TV magazine show Extra. "Paula, to be fair to her, will spend more time backstage with the contestants giving encouragement," the notoriously acerbic Englishman said. "But that's not a bad thing. I think (the accusations) are rubbish. I think this is a guy who's out there to publish a book." On the other hand, Gazzara, who said he never noticed anything unusual or suspicious between Abdul and Clark, painted a less-than-flattering picture of his erstwhile musical rival. Clark "was a real party animal," he recalled. "I didn't really hang out with him much. He'd be at the bar drinking." Clark's claims were met with skepticism by local Idol fans Tuesday afternoon. "I don't think it's true," said Ashley Beideman, a 17-year-old Haddonfield Memorial High School senior. "I think he is just bitter because he got kicked off the show." Beideman's friend and classmate Sarah Crosbie, 17, believes Clark, who has had no post-Idol career to speak of, is simply looking for a buck. "I think he saw it as a quick way to make money," she said. Nancy Treminio, a 32-year-old radiology student from Camden, is pretty certain Clark isn't telling the truth. But, she said, even if he were, it shouldn't be gossip fodder. "I think if they had an affair, they should keep it to themselves," she said. "Who cares who had what with who?" In a related development, the Internet news-and-gossip site Drudge Report (www.drudgereport.com) Tuesday reported Fox is threatening legal action if ABC-TV's Primetime Live goes ahead with plans to air what has been described as an explosive expose on the behind-the-scenes dealings at American Idol. According to the Drudge Report, Fox executives believe the program will charge that Abdul plays favorites when it comes to the contestants. The segment is scheduled for Tuesday's installment of Primetime Live. When asked to describe the story's content, ABC News spokesman Adam Pockriss replied: "We have no further comment at this time." » Posted by Igor at 10:44 AM | Discuss paula abdul responds to 'idol' allegations (AP)--Paula Abdul is taking pre-emptive measures to squash a controversy sparked by an upcoming ABC special on "American Idol." Though the exact nature of the "Primetime Live" special, "Fallen Idol," remains unknown, ABC has said it will "explore explosive claims about behind-the-scenes activities" at the Fox talent contest. Reports have speculated that it will hinge on Corey Clark, a contestant who was dropped from the show in 2003 after producers learned about a past arrest. He is reportedly trying to sell a tell-all book about his experiences with the program, including an alleged affair with Abdul, one of the three judges on the show. On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Abdul released a statement to syndicated entertainment show "Access Hollywood": "Paula Abdul will not dignify the false statements made by Corey Clark with a response. Mr. Clark is an admitted liar and opportunist who engages in unlawful activities. He is communicating lies about Paula Abdul in order to generate interest in a book deal." Further, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday that Abdul's lawyer, Marty Singer, has sent a letter to ABC threatening legal action if the network airs the special. Simon Cowell, the show's more critical judge, defended Abdul on the syndicated entertainment show "Extra" Tuesday. "Paula, to be fair to her, will spend more time backstage with the contestants giving encouragement. But that's not a bad thing," Cowell said. "I think (the accusations) are rubbish. I think this is a guy who's out there to publish a book." The third judge, Randy Jackson, and host Ryan Seacrest also appeared on programs Tuesday to defend Abdul and "American Idol." Efforts by The Associated Press to reach Clark have been unsuccessful. Clark was booted from the show for not disclosing that he was facing assault charges for allegedly assaulting his teenage sister and resisting arrest. He later pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of obstructing the legal process. The hourlong "Primetime Live" report by anchor John Quinones is scheduled May 4 (10 p.m. ET). No mention was made of the ABC special on Tuesday night's episode. One of the remaining six contestants was to be eliminated Wednesday night. » Posted by Igor at 10:08 AM | Discuss paula abdul's lawyers fight idol expose (CELEBRITYSPIDER)--Paula Abdul's lawyers have written a letter to the makers of a TV expose about her offscreen antics on reality show American Idol, warning them not to claim she paid a contestant to have a secret affair with her. Abdul is so worried about US show ABC News' report, set to air next Wednesday (04MAY05), she's asked her attorney Martin Singer to send them a threatening legal letter. The former pop pin-up fears the show will feature Corey Clark, 24, who is writing a book in which he claims she paid his expenses and promised to pay $2 million (#1.05 million) towards his pop career if he kept their romance secret. Abdul's spokeswoman tells website The Scoop, "There's a false story that's defamatory to Paula in the show. But her lawyer responded to that." Her fellow American Idol judge Simon Cowell, adds, "I think Corey Clark's claims are rubbish. I think this guy's out there to publicize a book." Clark - who was thrown off the show after TV bosses discovered he'd assaulted his teenage sister and resisted arrest - also claims Abdul threatened to ruin his music career plans if he told anyone about their relationship. » Posted by Igor at 10:07 AM | Discuss April 25, 2005 american idol: could paula abdul bring down franchise? (PHILLYBURBS)--There has been quite a lot of buzz and tabloid fodder in recent weeks that 'American Idol' judge Paula Abdul is a) on drugs and b) had a steamy fling with a previous Idol contestant that involved lots of hot groping and an exchange of cool cash. Just because Paula acts like a ditz whacked out on pills doesn't mean she's a ditz whacked out on pills. Paula even recently did a publicity blitz with a People magazine cover story saying she's not abusing drugs. But if anyone's getting high, it's the growing legion of viewers who find it increasingly necessary to smoke copious amounts of pot before sitting through another week of Ryan Seacrest and TV's #1 weapon of mass distraction. Nah, there's a much simpler explanation for Paula's spaced out demeanor – she's a natural born idiot. Think about it. She recently hit another driver on the freeway, then kept on going. Although no one asked for one, she's working on a "comeback" album. She married Emilio Estevez. Her highlight reel includes a performance with MC Scat Cat, an animated dancing feline. She's a judge who sugarcoats her comments instead of giving insightful, honest criticism. While Paula's camp has been quick to refute the drug charges, they really haven't addressed the other allegation – that she engaged in a fiery fling with former Idol contestant Corey Clark. In a book proposal Clark alleges that he had a sexy-but-secret affair with Paula Abdul. Clark claims Abdul offered him a whopping two million to keep the fling hush-hush and would help jumpstart his career. Does anyone actually give a crap if Paula was getting jiggy with an Idol hopeful? Not really. But Clark's charges do raise a serious question or two about AI's integrity. In any legitimate contest involving contestants and judges, interaction between the two is strictly forbidden. And whether we like it or not, 'American Idol' is a legitimate competition. While most news organizations (including this one) treat 'American Idol' stories as fluff, it's about time investigative reporters dig beneath the surface and find out if everything is legit. Idol is a mega-million dollar franchise that attracts millions of viewers each week. Idol has some of the biggest names in corporate sponsorship backing its franchise. And being a contestant on 'American Idol" has allowed several performers to spin-off their 15 minutes of fame into fledgling careers, regardless of talent. Even the judges have become celebrities in their own right. Idol has become a lucrative vehicle for all those involved and, because of that, allegations of judge/contestant improprieties should be closely examined. And that is what ABC News is apparently working on. The network that brought us Martin Bashir's scandalous documentary on Michael Jackson is at work on an expose that examines the relationship between Idol judges and contestants. It will be interesting whether the respected news organization can substantiate the recent rumors and whether they can demonstrate that the show's outcomes are 100% legit, or if there's any monkey business at hand. Go to American Idol phillyBurbs style for the latest Idol news. » Posted by Igor at 10:27 PM | Discuss 'american Idoi' under attack (FOX)--Over the past week or so, "American Idol" has found itself under attack, with the most unflattering assault coming from a former contestant who claims to have had an affair with judge Paula Abdul. But now, Paula's friends are firing back against the comments made by season two contestant Corey Clark. "I haven't spoken to Corey or seen anything that he has written or heard anything that he has said so I guess I am a bit in the dark," host Ryan Seacrest told Access Hollywood. The former "Idol" wannabe's claim of romancing Abdul has raised a lot of questions. But the toughest response came from fellow judge Randy Jackson when he recently spoke with Access' Shaun Robinson. "Do you remember Corey Clark -- the guy that looked kind of like Justin [Guarini]?" Shaun asked. "He's coming out with a book saying that " "Is that the guy that got booted early?" Randy interjected. "For alleged what, misconduct with his family?" "Yes," Shaun replied. "Ok, well there you have it. The question and the answer is all together," he smirked, apparently dismissing Clark's claims. Ironically, ABC's "Primetime Live" is also looking for answers, airing an "Idol" expose that includes an interview with Clark. But Ryan Seacrest isn't worried about anyone finding any skeletons in the "Idol's" closet. "I don’t know what is going to be on that show," Seacrest told us. "I don't know what they have found, if anything, to be honest with you." What we do know is that this year's "American Idol" is now down to its final six wannabes. Who will get the boot next? Find out when "Idol" airs on FOX Tuesday and Wednesday night. "Fallen Idol," a special edition of "Primetime Live" reported by co-anchor John Quiсones, will air Wednesday, May 4 on ABC. » Posted by Igor at 10:25 PM | Discuss new choreography project Paula will be choreographing Kelly Osbourne's new music video. » Posted by Igor at 1:41 PM | Discuss April 24, 2005 simon plays cupid for paula Paula features in In Touch magazine, May 2 issue. Here you can see a scan from magazine with article about new love of Paula and how Simon introduced Rav to Paula. » Posted by Igor at 6:57 AM | Discuss complete woman magazine Paula on the cover of Complete Woman magazine, June/July 2005 issue. Here you can see scans from magazine. >>>Picture 1 >>>Picture 2 >>>Picture 3 » Posted by Igor at 4:08 AM | Discuss paula abdul contact Do you want to write Paula Abdul a letter? There are official fan mail and email addresses to write Paula a letter. Fan Mail Address: Paula Abdul Inc ATT: Fan Mail 9200 W. Sunset Blvd Ste 815 Los Angeles CA, 90069 USA Fan Email Address: fanmailpaula@aol.com *Note: Paula's email address is for fan related contact only. Not for interview requests or appearances. [Special thanx to JJ] » Posted by Igor at 1:37 AM | Discuss April 23, 2005 paula comments on corey clark Corey Clark, a 24-year-old former contestant, was claiming that he had a "secret affair" with the 42-year-old judge Paula Abdul from the hit show "American Idol". Today on Inside Edition, Paula Abdul released a statement saying "What Corey Clark is alleging is absolutely false. He's an admitted liar. He lied to get on American Idol. He's lying now to sell a book." » Posted by Igor at 8:55 AM | Discuss April 22, 2005 all of us Catch Paula Abdul as she guest stars on "All Of Us", UPN, Tuesday, May 3 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. When Robert starts to get attention as a correspondent on "Entertainment Tonight," his rising celebrity status and swelling ego begin to rub everyone the wrong way. Keysia Cole also guest stars. » Posted by Igor at 3:38 PM | Discuss people magazine scans Here you can see scans of People Magazine, May 2, 2005 issue. >>>Picture 1 >>>Picture 2 >>>Picture 3 >>>Picture 4 >>>Picture 5 >>>Picture 6 » Posted by Igor at 2:51 PM | Discuss rsd may affect more than 1.2 million Early Diagnosis and Appropriate Treatment Key to Any Possibility of Recovery MILFORD, Conn., April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Paula Abdul's story about her struggle with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) highlights this complex and poorly understood disorder. CRPS/RSD is a neurological syndrome characterized by severe and relentless pain that, according to the McGill Pain Index, is greater than that experienced by cancer patients. A common complication after surgery or minor injury, CRPS/RSD is a major cause of disability-only one in five patients is able fully to resume prior activities. The continuing tragedy is that many physicians are not familiar with its telltale symptoms and do not consider the diagnosis in their examination. Experience has shown that early diagnosis promotes more successful outcomes for people with the syndrome. Telltale Signs and Symptoms of CRPS 1/ RSD CRPS/RSD is a diagnostic consideration for patients who have pain (moderate to severe) that is disproportionate to any inciting event (surgery, sprain, fracture, etc.) and has some of the following characteristics: * Pain is described as deep, aching, cold, burning, and/or increased skin sensitivity * The presence of an initiating noxious event (surgery, sprain, fracture, etc.) * Continuing pain (moderate to severe) associated with allodynia (pain due to stimulus that does not normally provoke pain) or hyperalgesia (excessive sensitivity to pain) * The pain is disproportionate to any inciting event. * Abnormal swelling in the affected part * Abnormal hair or nail growth * Abnormal skin color changes * Abnormal skin temperature (greater than 10C asymmetry) * Abnormal sweating * Limited range of movement, weakness, or other motor disorders (paralysis, dystonia, etc.) * CRPS/RSD is excluded by the existence of conditions that would otherwise account for the degree of pain and dysfunction Treatment options generally include pain management-nerve blocks and analgesics-plus physical therapy; psychological therapy helps people manage their pain. RSDSA is a national not-for-profit organization, headquartered in Milford, Connecticut, that promotes greater public and professional awareness of CRPS/RSD and educates those afflicted with the syndrome, their families, friends, insurance and healthcare providers on the disabling pain it causes. For more information, please visit http://www.rsds.org. For interviews with physicians, researchers, or patient, please call toll-free (877)662-7737. » Posted by Igor at 2:42 PM | Discuss 'idol' judges face the music on abc The talk about ``American Idol'' drowned out the music this week, including reports of a ``potentially explosive'' ABC news expose on the top-rated Fox show. ``Primetime Live'' is working on a story about ``Idol'' for May sweeps that Variety says will include an examination of the relationship between judges on the show and the contestants. ``Idol'' didn't return a call, and ABC declined comment. That report surfaced just as judge Paula Abdul tried to explain her recent erratic behavior in an interview in this week's ``People'' magazine. In the interview, Abdul insists that her recent onscreen antics - clapping like a seal, kissing Simon Cowell, dancing wildly - are not due to a substance abuse problem. ``I want America to know that I have never been addicted to anything,'' she tells the magazine. Instead, her behavior stems from the relief she feels at conquering the debilitating pain of the rare medical disorder Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. ``I'm dancing for joy at the fact that not even a year ago I was in so much pain I could barely get up.'' Finally, indie label Koch Records announced that it has set a May 10 release date for the debut album by the band called Pray For the Soul of Betty featuring ``Idol'' finalist and former Boston resident Constantine Maroulis. The hard rock album was recorded before Maroulis auditioned for ``Idol.'' » Posted by Igor at 12:44 PM | Discuss anwar gets booted from 'idol' America's gotten one step closer to picking their new "Idol." Singer Anwar Robinson was voted off the show Wednesday night, leaving six contestants left in the popular competition. Robinson, 25, sang Earth, Wind and Fire's hit "September," on Tuesday's disco-themed show -- but the performance and mixed feedback from judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul apparently contributed to him being one of the bottom three vote-getters. Anthony Federov and Scott Savol were also in the bottom three, but escaped elimination this time around. Next week they'll face off against Bo Bice, Constantine Maroulis, Vonzell Solomon and Carrie Underwood. Earlier in the season, Abdul called Robinson technically the best singer. Despite being voted off the show, Robinson will still have his chance to be heard by music buyers. He and the show's other 11 finalists recorded a charity single to benefit the American Red Cross for tsunami relief. » Posted by Igor at 12:43 PM | Discuss April 21, 2005 paula abdul: my secret battle (PEOPLE MAGAZINE)--Pills made her 'loopy.' Surgery left her in agony. How the American Idol star finally ended her long battle with chronic pain. During her battle with pain, "everything that was joyous to me was removed from my life," says Abdul. Today, "it's like I'm brand new again." When Paula Abdul hit the American Idol Web site last weekend, the show's "nice judge" was in for a nasty surprise. "I started to read the message boards and saw one of them had to do with me seeming weird," says Abdul, whose antics during the current Idol season have ranged from frequent on-air dancing to boundless gushing. "One said I was on drugs. Another described me as acting like I was spaced out. Then someone else criticized me for being animated – they wrote something like, 'Look at Paula dancing up there with the contestants. Only someone on drugs would do that.' It was so hideous and mean. Drugs? I'm not addicted to pills of any kind." "I love the kids," Abdul (with Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini) says of Idol. The truth, says Abdul, 42, is that she has never felt better. After a 25-year battle with debilitating chronic pain, which she says began with a cheerleading accident at 17, the singer-songwriter-choreographer was diagnosed in November with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, a rare neuropathic disorder that causes intense, unexplained pain. With the diagnosis – and a successful treatment course that includes Enbrel, a medication used to treat arthritis and psoriasis – came an end to years of failed treatments, including 12 surgeries and heavy medications that she says made her chronically nauseous, sleep-deprived and so "loopy" that she chose instead to live with the pain. Much to her frustration, "I'm not on anything now and people are accusing me of being on drugs," she says. "If people only knew what I've gone through with pain and pills. I'm dancing for joy at the fact that not even a year ago I was in so much pain I could barely get up." Abdul spoke with assistant managing editor Todd Gold about her private battle and the long road to a recovery that she calls "beyond amazing." It all started when I had a cheerleading accident at 17. I was dropped and injured a disc in my neck. Back then, there was nothing I could do. Surgery wasn't an option; the odds of an improvement were too iffy. I was also a kid. You shake it off and go on. During her ordeal, "I isolated myself," says Abdul, whose first marriage (to actor Emilio Estevez, in 1993) lasted two years. A few years later I was a Laker girl and I was in a couple of car accidents. As a result, I had some serious neck problems. But as a dancer, you learn control and discipline, and you learn not to complain. So I had stiffness that lingered until over time it turned into chronic neck pain. When I was recording my first album, I had to wear a metal brace that went from the top of my neck to the bottom of my tailbone. The pain was terrible. I'd have these bouts where I'd get numbness down my arm and I couldn't feel anything. Or it felt like pins and needles. It scared the heck out of me, but I didn't want to tell anyone and interrupt the incredible things that were happening to me. [On tour in 1992] I'd performed in St. Louis and then got on a plane for Denver. About 40 minutes into the flight, an engine [caught fire]. I remember coming to after we landed in a cornfield. I hit my head on the top of the plane. I tore up my knee, but I was off only one day and then back onstage. As sore as I was, I had to get out there. But I had problems. I started to have mini seizure-like episodes. My teeth chattered uncontrollably. My fingers locked. I brought a Chinese medicine man out to help me get through the tour. He did everything on me from acupuncture and massage to live leech therapy. He had me give up those comforting, familiar foods like sugar, flour, wheat, meat and chicken. Everything was fish and monkey gallstones. Just gross, disgusting crap. The pain would beso excruciating I'd cry all the time. I knew something was wrong but I hid it from people. No one knew. Her second marriage (to clothing manufacturer Brad Beckerman, in 1996) lasted just 17 months. When that tour was over, I took time off to heal. But the second I stopped, I fell apart. In 1994, I dealt with my eating disorder [bulimia], and through it all the pain got worse, and the seizure-like episodes increased. One day in 1998 I couldn't get out of bed. I woke up and my whole right side was paralyzed. I had to go to the bathroom, except I couldn't get up. Half my body was dead weight. I just laid there until my housekeeper Marina came. She called an ambulance and then she called my mother, who helped me get to the hospital. There, I got an injection that helped me move again. The paralysiswas temporary. But it scared me. Soon I had my first major [neck] operation, the first of 12 that I'd eventually have between then and the end of American Idol's first season in 2002. Each time I had an operation [for everything from herniated discs to a painful bone spur], the doctors said it was successful. I'd get excited. But then it didn't work. I'd ask, "Why am I still in terrible pain?" By 1999, everywhere I went, I'd look for something sharp to lean up against and jam a corner into my neck – something to fight the pain. I went to pain-management doctors, all of whom make you sign consent forms because you're dealing with hardcore pain pills, and they don't want to be liable if you became addicted. I always laughed at this because I knew no drug ever worked for me. Over the years I tried so many of them, and I knew enough to say, "Don't give me Vicodin; it doesn't work. Don't give me OxyContin; it doesn't work. Don't give me Soma . . ." In 1989, she scored a Grammy for her "Opposites Attract" video off her hit debut album, Forever Your Girl. I was always in the worst mood. I cried all the time. I laid in bed and my doggies would be licking my eyes. I lived with ice packs on my neck and back. I dreaded nighttime because I couldn't sleep. I was in too much pain to calm down. I was so depressed. No one wanted to be around me because they couldn't stand seeing me in pain. I didn't know how to deal without feeling like a burden. That's the insidious mystery of pain. You can't see it. You can't explain it. It's hard to diagnose and treat. People think you're crazy. And you feel that way. After my 11th operation, in early 2002 I was just saying my prayers, asking God to let me get something where I can get back to my career and at least be in a situation where I could divert my mind and my energy from the constant pain to something else. Then about three months after my surgery, I got a call to go down to FOX and meet about American Idol. I did the whole first season in pain. I tried taking the different medications the doctors prescribed, but it was the same old story. No one on the show knew I was in pain. I gritted my teeth. Or I chewed the side of my mouth. Or I sat on my hands and pulled my fingers or pressed down on my hand – something to distract me from the pain. I lost a lot of weight. After giving up my eating disorder, I promised I'd never get on a scale again, but I think my weight dipped into the 80s. Last summer I was around 95 lbs. when a friend urged me to see Dr. Daniel Wallace [a rheumatology expert at UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A.], the man who changed everything. At the time my sadness and pain was almost unbearable. My assistant said, "Just see him. You don't have anything to lose." "Me on that [Idol] panel is me being me," says Abdul (with Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell). "I have a lot of passion, and it shows." Right when he saw me, he gave me hope. I started to see results almost immediately. Enbrel is all I take. Nothing else. I get a shot once a week. I give it to myself. My life is changing. I'm dancing and [I've] put myself in class three times a week. I'm also choreographing. Kelly Osbourne just asked me to do a video – I might do that. My advice for others suffering pain: Find a support group. It's so isolating, you can easily fall into a deep depression. It affected relationships. Now that I'm out of it, I'm ready for a relationship. I'm in such a good place. It feels great. I'm beyond grateful. I'm looking for someone who wants to get to know me. The funniest thing is there are kids in the audience who go, "Paula, I've got a guy for you . . ." It's hysterical. The other week the kids I'm thinking about msaid, "Hey, Paula, I know a guy for you. He's a dentist. He makes good money." I laughed. I wonder how I got through all the time. Every time I bend down to pick something off the floor, I can't believe it. I used to have to get down on both knees. I couldn't move. The best feeling of all is in the mornings when I am able to stretch and not cry. And I don't wake up in the middle of the night crying. From where I was to where I am is a miracle. It's beyond a miracle. I love modern medicine. A medicine for skin disease is helping my nerve problem. I knew there was going to be a happy ending – somewhere. I'm a strong girl. » Posted by Igor at 12:02 PM | Discuss hollywood walk of fame Television host Ryan Seacrest poses with American Idol judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 20, 2005 in Hollywood, California. >>>Picture 1 >>>Picture 2 >>>Picture 3 >>>Picture 4 >>>Picture 5 >>>Picture 6 >>>Picture 7 >>>Picture 8 >>>Picture 9 >>>Picture 10 >>>Picture 11 >>>Picture 12 >>>Picture 13 >>>Picture 14 >>>Picture 15 >>>Picture 16 >>>Picture 17 >>>Picture 18 >>>Picture 19 >>>Picture 20 >>>Picture 21 » Posted by Igor at 10:28 AM | Discuss paula's secret battle (ET)--Nothing interests the tabloids more than dishing on well-known celebs, and right now on TV, nothing is hotter than "American Idol." So it isn't surprising that "Idol" judge PAULA ABDUL has been splashed across the front pages with allegations of drug abuse and more. With all the untruths swirling about, the former Lakers Girl felt she had no recourse but to set the record straight. Her side of the story is in the upcoming People magazine. In the issue, on newsstands Friday, April 22, Paula explains why she disappeared from the limelight for several years, why she became rail thin and the doctor who was finally able to get her back on track. "Through a series of multiple car accidents, where I was hit, and an unfortunate plane crash, I ruptured so many disks, I knew something was going on in my neck," the pop star tells MARY HART. "I had numbness and tingling. I was in such excruciating pain. I just kept going. That is what dancers do. We go until we can't go anymore. When I had to shut my life down, I shut down." During that time, Paula had a series of 12 surgeries, which according to the doctors were successful. She still had the pain, and she lost weight because, as she says, "when you are in that much pain, you don't have an appetite." She prayed for relief and for something to take her mind off her troubles. "When I got 'American Idol' it was after my last surgery," she continues. "My prayers came true and I could actually get back to what I do and help other people realize their dreams. Still, I was in a lot of pain. I would be in my dressing room with my friend DANIEL. He would constantly be having to reapply my makeup because I would be shivering and having miniature seizures." Then Paula met the doctor of her dreams, who told her he knew what to do without another surgery, and today, she is pain free. (I highly doubt that sheґs pain free now... ) "I want America to know that I have never ever been addicted to anything," the "Idol" judge explains. "No chemical dependency. I have never taken anything for recreation or for my injuries." Now that Paula is finally in a great place, she was ready to tackle the tabloid articles and online message boards that were claiming she was a drug addict because of her wild behavior on "American Idol." "I have been through the kind of journey that I would never wish on anybody," she concludes. » Posted by Igor at 10:01 AM | Discuss abdul says odd behavior not drug-related (USATODAY)--American Idol judge Paula Abdul, responding to questions about her erratic behavior on the hit Fox talent show, says she is suffering from a rare neurological disorder and does not have a drug problem. Abdul: Idol judge says she has a rare neurological disorder. "Drugs? I'm not addicted to pills of any kind," Abdul says in the new issue of People magazine (on newsstands Friday). Abdul, 42, says she has been battling chronic pain that began after a cheerleading accident at age 17 left her with an injured disc in her neck. The pain got worse after "a couple of car accidents" in the 1980s and a plane crash in 1992, which led to seizures, bulimia and depression, she says. In search of relief, Abdul had 12 operations and used medications she says left her so "loopy" that she chose to live with the pain. The turning point came last summer, she says, when she began taking Enbrel, an anti-inflammatory drug normally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. A spokeswoman for the drug says it does not have psychological side effects. In November, Abdul says, she was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (aka Complex Regional Pain syndrome), a chronic neurological disorder that causes severe, debilitating pain. It affects 500,000 to 1 million Americans and is more prevalent in women, according to the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association. The disease is treatable and usually involves physical and sometimes psychological therapy, says Norman Harden, director of the Center for Pain Studies at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. "People can do well and get on with their lives." Abdul says she kept her condition secret from her fellow Idol judges but decided to go public after reading message boards about her behavior on and off the set. "Between getting up and dancing at the drop of a hat, and her refusal to let Simon (Cowell) finish a sentence ... she's become both distracting and annoying," says Idol fan Steve Walker of Memphis. Abdul says she is now pain-free, and her happy-go-lucky demeanor is proof of how good she feels. "If people only knew what I've gone through with pain and pills. I'm dancing for joy at the fact that not even a year ago I was in so much pain I could barely get up," she tells People. Last month, she was sentenced to two years' probation after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor count of hit-and-run driving. Idol producers and her castmates declined to comment on Wednesday. "It was getting ugly with the lies people were saying," Abdul tells Entertainment Tonight in an interview airing today and Friday. "It was time to set the record straight. I want America to know that I have never been addicted to anything, no chemical dependency, nothing for recreational purposes." » Posted by Igor at 9:57 AM | Discuss ex-‘idol’ contestant claims abdul affair Has Paula Abdul been judging more than the singing talents of the hopefuls on "American Idol"? Corey Clark, a 24-year-old former contestant, is claiming that he had a "secret affair" with the 42-year-old judge from the hit show, according to the new issue of Globe magazine. Clarke reportedly is claiming that he had sex with Abdul in the guest room of her house, that she paid some of his expenses and promised to fund his career to the tune of $2 million, and that she made him vow to keep their relationship a secret. The allegations are reportedly from a book proposal that Clark has been shopping to publishers. "[Abdul] told [Clark] she wanted to look out for him and be his 'special friend,'" according to the Globe article. "But he claims she warned him that he couldn't tell anyone or she'd make things very hard for him, cautioning, 'Don't screw me or you'll be sorry.'" The proposal apparently also describes how Abdul once came up behind Clark, rubbed his neck, and then they began "kissing passionately and feeling each other up" as they moved to the guest bedroom. Clark got booted from the show after it was revealed that he faced charges of assaulting his teenage sister and clashing with police while resisting arrest. The article also says that Clark was told that another "American Idol" contestant, Justin Guarini, "bragged about having an affair with Paula." Guarini's rep denies there was any affair. Abdul's spokesperson couldn't be reached for comment, but the Globe article says that Abdul "disputes the allegations contained in the book proposal." Separately, ABC is reportedly working on a "potentially explosive exposй" on "American Idol," possibly about "the relationship between 'Idol' judges and contestants," according to Variety magazine. » Posted by Igor at 12:00 AM | Discuss April 16, 2005 attorneys turning thumbs down on abdul's nail suit? (CJ)--Though she's known as "American Idol's" "nice" judge, offering the contestants words of praise, Paula Abdul has nothing good to say about a swanky Los Angeles nail salon she claims caused her excruciating pain and mental anguish. But we've learned Paula may have a hard time proving it in a court of law -- because she's apparently having a little trouble finding a lawyer. "CJ" broke the news last year about Paula's broken thumbnail. She claims it happened after going for a manicure at the Chinoiserie salon. At the time, Paula could be seen sporting a white bandage on her right thumb. "The truth is I've had manicures forever," Paula told us at the time. "I've never run into a problem like this. It's so frustrating." Paula underwent surgery at LA's Cedars Sinai hospital to have the thumbnail removed. And we're told she's been complaining of pain ever since. Now a lawsuit seemed likely, despite the salon's denials that it caused Paula's problem. But Paula's gripe against the salon may not go anywhere. We're told one high profile lawyer has already rejected the case. The buzz in legal circles is that Paula is making this a far bigger deal than what it really is. That should be no surprise to salon owner Tammy Lee, who told us in the past that the manicurist who worked on Paula warned Abdul her about her thumb. "When she came in, her nail already sick," Lee told us Last month, Paula was caught up on the other side of a legal complaint. The singer with the epic '80's hit, "Straight Up" (which included the lyrics "when I'm caught in a hit and run") was involved in a real life hit and run. Abdul pleaded no contest to charges that she clipped another car while changing lanes on a busy LA freeway. Paula had to pay nearly $800 in restitution, plus a $300 fine. The question remains whether Paula will have any success when it comes to trying to nail the nail salon. » Posted by Igor at 2:12 AM | Discuss April 15, 2005 mtv's trl Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson of American Idol made an appearance on MTV's Total Request Live on April 14, 2005 in New York City. >>>Picture 1 >>>Picture 2 >>>Picture 3 >>>Picture 4 >>>Picture 5 >>>Picture 6 >>>Picture 7 >>>Picture 8 >>>Picture 9 >>>Picture 10 >>>Picture 11 >>>Picture 12 >>>Picture 13 >>>Picture 14 » Posted by Igor at 12:14 PM | Discuss April 14, 2005 paula's "all of us" guest star appearance UPN Announces May Sweep: UPN's Tuesday night comedy ALL OF US will feature guest star appearances by Paula Abdul ("American Idol"), Mary Hart ("Entertainment Tonight"), hip-hop entrepreneur Damon Dash and singer Keyshia Cole; while Sharif Atkins ("ER"), Phil LaMarr ("Mad TV"), Richard Gant ("Kingdom Come"), Daphne Maxwell-Reid ("Fresh Prince Of Bel Air"), and hip-hop artist Ludacris guest star on EVE. » Posted by Igor at 12:48 PM | Discuss 1985 lakers championship team reunion LOS ANGELES - APRIL 11: (2nd-L-R) Paula Abdul, Ashton Kutcher, Diane Cannon, and Byron Scott gather pre-game for the reunion of the 1985 Lakers Championship Team before the Los Angeles Lakers play against the Phoenix Suns on April 11, 2005 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. >>>Picture 1 >>>Picture 2 >>>Picture 3 » Posted by Igor at 10:49 AM | Discuss abdul, jackson 'voice coach' package a dud By Ron E. Harris Of The Associated Press ABDUL, JACKSON 'VOICE COACH' PACKAGE A DUD Many times you've probably thought for a fleeting moment that you could carry a decent tune. ''Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson Present Ultimate Voice Coach'' taps into that hidden wish for stardom by presenting a series of vocal-training exercises that may reveal what you should have known all along: You've either got it, or you don't. The good news is that the lessons are easy to follow and may help you learn how to hold a note while properly controlling your breath. The bad news is this 3-disc collection of DVD video footage and CD audio lessons is mind-numbingly boring and made on what appears to have been the lowest budget ever. Abdul and Jackson say hello and goodbye within minutes on the DVD introduction and quickly turn everything over to Gary Catona and Ron Anderson, billed as ''voice coaches to the stars.'' You get static, unimaginative scenes with Catona and a singing student sitting in what appears to be a budget hotel room practicing making the ''eeeeeeee'' sound. Anderson kicks it up a notch by playing a short scale of notes, and the student sings them with various mouth shapes. In addition to the DVD, there is an audio CD with similar vocal lessons and another audio CD with the music to classics such as ''Auld Lang Syne'' and ''For He's A Jolly Good Fellow.'' These pedestrian songs were likely chosen because they were free. If you can stay awake through the lessons, you'll be thrilling them at Bingo night in no time. Otherwise, this is a pure dud. » Posted by Igor at 10:41 AM | Discuss April 13, 2005 paula abdul being honoured at the bollywood awards (Radio Sargam)--Paula Abdul, the singer and celebrity judge of American Idol is being honoured at the Bollywood Awards, which take place in America on Saturday 30th April 2005. The event organisers state Paula Abdul is receiving an award because her talent and creativity have provided much inspiration to their Indian counterparts. Kamal Dandona, Chairman and CEO of the Bollywood Group said, “We are excited that Paula has confirmed her attendance at the Bollywood Awards. She is incredibly popular worldwide and has done a great deal for promoting the arts, which is what our Awards are all about.” In addition, Bollywood stars such as Rani Mukherjee, Saif Ali Khan, Fardeen Khan, Lara Dutta, Bhumika Chawla and Aftab Shivdasani are all performing at the ceremony. » Posted by Igor at 11:36 AM | Discuss April 5, 2005 paula abdul in another traffic accident By United Press International "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul has had more traffic woes. As her limousine was taking her to appear on "The Tonight Show" in Los Angeles Friday night, it hit another vehicle, she told host Jay Leno. "I was like, 'An accident! Go figure!' The limo hit somebody. It's kind of weird," the World Entertainment News Network quoted her as saying. Abdul was in a hit-and-run accident a few months ago for which she was fined and put on probation. "I wasn't even aware that my car had been in an accident," she said of the earlier incident. "There was no damage to my car ... and there was very minimal damage to the other one. When I found out there was damage to the other car I immediately was happy to pay the $775." » Posted by Igor at 9:29 AM | Discuss April 4, 2005 18th annual kids choice awards TV Personality Paula Abdul posed in the press room at the 18th Annual Kids Choice Awards at UCLA's Pauley Pavillion on April 2, 2005 in Westwood, California. >>>Picture 1 >>>Picture 2 >>>Picture 3 >>>Picture 4 >>>Picture 5 >>>Picture 6 >>>Picture 7 >>>Picture 8 >>>Picture 9 >>>Picture 10 >>>Picture 11 » Posted by Igor at 1:34 PM | Discuss what's wrong with paula abdul? by Sarah Harwood Entertainment Insider Paula Abdul has been a judge on American Idol for the past 4 seasons. During the first 3 seasons, Paula was a fan favorite who was known as the sweet, kind and caring judge. She has always been the "American Sweetheart" of "American Idol". Paula is well known for her music and dancing in addition to her stint as a judge on the top rated Fox show. Her love/hate relationship with Simon Cowell is something all American Idol fans have watched closely and highly enjoyed since day one. However, many (if not all) American Idol fans have noticed a big change in their favorite judge this year. You can not go in to an American Idol message board or forum these days without seeing many posts about Paula. Where the posts have been about her popularity and judging abilities during the past 3 seasons, that is not the case for season 4. Now you see people talking about the hit and run charges that were recently filed against her, the way she is drooling and flirting (heavily) with all the male contestants this year, including Simon, who she hangs on, kisses and can not seem to quit touching. But, the main topic is the obvious change in her, shall we say, sobriety (or lack thereof). Paula's speech is slurred, her eyes are glassy, her balance is off, she looks dizzy and pretty much spaced out at all times. Many fans are starting to become concerned with this. Some are questioning Fox's blatant disregard on the issue, many believing that by ignoring this, Paula is not getting the help she seems to need. The following are posts taken from American Idols official message board. These are just a few of the posts that were added one evening this week within the space of only a 30 minute time frame. During this short period of time, the fans said: *what is her deal this season? the slurring, the tackling and humping of simon, the remarks that don't seem to match the contestant. is she ill or what? *Funny how AI hires a judge who can't lay off the bottle and knows nothing about singing. *What is with Paula? I am so tired of her. She looks wasted and slurs her words and is beginning not to make sense. Look like on meds. Everything is beautiful is her theme song. Everyone is just great. LA LA Land, *I AM SO GLAD THAT SOMEONE ELSE NOTICED THAT! PAULA HAS BEEN REALLY LOOKING STONED LATELY (Although, I don't seriously believe that she is)!! SHE HAS BEEN REALLY GETTING ON MY NERVES!! *She seems Hung Over all Season so far............... just repeats whatever she hears Randy say regardless of her reactions to each contestant.............. Her juding ability as well as her comments at this point are Worthless!! *Every week she's high. Last week on the performance night she looked drunk, now this week she looked like she has been taking pills and getting stoned. They need to test her and the results will get her kicked off the show. *Yeah, what's with Paula this season? She's way out there. I'm very concerned. *Am I the only one who thought something weird was up with Paula last night. Her actions and speech seemed a little.... off...... *We think Paula is on drugs or something!! *PAULA PLEASE LAY OFF THE BOOZE/DRUGS ITS RUINING THE SHOW AND WHAT WE SEE OF YOU. *Paula seems to be on something quite often...probably painkillers, though, not alcohol, although who knows. At least she's sweet and cute...if she wasn't it would be REALLY obnoxious. *DID YOU SEE PAULA SLOWLY BLINKING AT THE ENDING OF THE SHOW WITH HER MOUTH OPEN? WHATS WRONG WITH HER? *Tell me if I'm wrong but did it appear that Paula was under some influence last night, I just watched last night's performances again last night and she looked a little bit drunk or possibly high, tell me if no one else saw it. *Did anyone see Paula at the end when they showed her right before it went off air and Jessica was singing? She looked like she was 3 sheets to the wind. Her eyes were barely opened. Was she crying or what? I swear sometimes she just looks as high as kite.... even the way she claps now is starting to annoy me. Sometimes she just looks really disoriented. *About Paula being drunk or something, the local radio station said the same thing this morning about her on last night show. *Did anybody else noticed when Jessica was singing her last song and the camera cut to Paula her eyes were half closed and glazed over, she looked REALLY out of it. *Am I the only one that thinks this, but is Paula drunk most of the time?!?!? Watch her, she's pathetic! *Paula please get some help for your problem. You are great on the show when you are sober. So, as you can see, fans are greatly concerned about Paula, some want the "old" Paula back, some want her gone and a new judge all together. I have seen many who are naming who would be a good replacement for her on the show. There are quite a few different perspectives and comments, but they all seem to have the same conclusion. That conclusion is that there is a problem that is so obvious you can not deny it. I miss the "old" Paula too, and I hope we see her back very soon. Paula, your fans love you, care about you and are deeply concerned about you. We wish you well and hope to see you back to your true self as soon as possible. » Posted by Igor at 11:30 AM | Discuss