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April 29, 2006 straight up! forum We want to inform you that all problems were fixed and "Straight Up!" forum came back online. We are sorry that forum was offline so long time. Please >>>visit "Straight Up!" forum again and discuss all things Paula Abdul. » Posted by Igor at 11:28 AM | Discuss April 28, 2006 paula visits seacret's radio show On his morning radio show in Los Angeles Wednesday, Ryan Seacrest and Paula Abdul finally addressed the bad blood that had come between them in recent weeks. After a fair share of back-and-forth comments between the “American Idol” host and judge through the press and on “The Tonight Show,” the two finally talked things out - via a phone interview - and came to the conclusion that the media had gotten things at least partially correct. Seacrest’s rep told People magazine last Friday that the host was joking about having a tiff with Abdul, and that "reports of a feud are ridiculous." But on his radio show, Seacrest admitted that he wasn’t kidding at all. "I spoke the truth," he said. "There were some awkward moments in the last week or two between Paula and I. … And before the show last week I went down to try to talk with her and I couldn't get in." Seacrest added: "You made a couple of jokes about me, which I love. But then on the show that week, we weren't in sync. I just felt like, for us, it was a bit awkward and uncomfortable. Would you agree?" Abdul replied: "Actually, I thought you would be laughing hysterically. And then when I came out to see you, I don't know if you were preoccupied but [fellow judge] Simon [Cowell] goes, 'You're in the dog pound tonight, baby.'" In closing, Seacrest said: "So it's safe to say that we can move forward. We can poke fun at each other and when we do it, we're not feuding." "I'm trying to catch up with you and Simon!" Abdul replied. She added later: “I have nothing but love for you. Remember, I'm the one who told you when we first started that I had a crush on you. … (You) ignored me so I had to move on." » Posted by Igor at 9:22 AM | Discuss April 27, 2006 viewers react to paula abdul (AP)--Is Paula Abdul being odd? Or is she just a misunderstood talent? Depends who you ask. Abdul cried after one performance on last night's "American Idol." She's also been known to dance during the show and say strange things or slur words. The Associated Press posed the question to a random group of people in New York today. One female viewer of the show says Simon Cowell is "kookier" and it's okay if Abdul gets a little crazy because she's a woman. Another viewer says, "If somebody's going to cry, that's their sensitivity. " One younger fan says, "Yeah, she's halfway gone." Still another viewer says things don't seem to be going well between Abdul and her co-workers, and that may be why Abdul seems a bit off. One male viewer says he doesn't watch Abdul for her intellect anyway. As he puts it, "As long as she doesn't lose her figure, she can lose her mind all she wants." » Posted by Igor at 9:34 AM | Discuss April 26, 2006 abdul says she, seacrest aren't feuding Paula Abdul dismissed reports of off-camera animosity between her and her American Idol co-host Ryan Seacrest in a statement yesterday to the Associated Press. "Reports of a feud are ridiculous," the 43-year-old former pop star said. "We are one funny dysfunctional family. There's nothing but love." Seacrest, 31, told People magazine last week that his relationship with Abdul was "awkward" and that they weren't speaking. Nor have they talked about the apparent rift, he said. » Posted by Igor at 9:36 AM | Discuss pickler in a pickle Tuesday was not a good night for the "American Idol" singers, but it was an even worse one for Paula Abdul. She ranged from teary to goofy to pathetic. My goodness, woman: Pull yourself together. Oh, and there was a singing contest -- a dreary singing contest. Elliott Yamin was far and away the best singer with his smooth rendition of "A Song for You." I was so moved that I did something I've never done before: I voted. And I got through -- on the fourth try. It can be done. "You moved me," weepy Abdul said, the first sign of trouble. "You are an American Idol." Even Simon Cowell was impressed, calling the performance "superb." The two weakest performers were Kellie Pickler, who mangled "Unchained Melody," and Taylor Hicks, who garbled "Just Once." They should be among the lowest vote-getters tonight, and if they aren't, expect to hear howling in the land. "Very strange," judge Randy Jackson told Pickler. "Like the never-ending song," Cowell told her. In a cogent moment, Abdul said the performance wasn't great. Hicks was even worse, coming off tentative and wobbly on his song. "Weird karaoke," Jackson said. "It was not a winning performance," Cowell said. Then Abdul started squabbling with Cowell, jumped to her feet and told Hicks, "We love you!" Good grief, Paula: What's going on with you? Paris Bennett did just OK on "The Way We Were." A maturity problem keeps dogging her. The 17-year-old seems too young for her songs. "A bit old-fashioned for my taste," Cowell said. "Sounded a bit like you were trying to impersonate an older artist." Katharine McPhee, who sang first, looked lovely in yellow and tried hard on "I Have Nothing." The judges were not impressed. Cowell told her: "By choosing that song, it is like coming out here and saying, 'I'm as good as Whitney Houston.' You're not." Hey, Simon, Whitney Houston isn't Whitney Houston anymore. McPhee did all right, and she came off better as the night went along. Chris Daughtry sang last and performed "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" The judges were effusive, but it wasn't that great. He seems headed to the finals, no matter what. Abdul stood, waved her arms like a hyperactive cheerleader and told Daughtry, "Love you, love you, love you, love you." People are going to remember her more than the singers. Is that what the producers want? Tuesday was a strange, strange night. » Posted by Igor at 9:34 AM | Discuss April 25, 2006 ryan & paula disagree on feud (ACCESSHOLLYWOOD)--"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest says he and judge Paula Abdul aren't speaking to one another, but Abdul calls reports of a feud "ridiculous." Seacrest told People magazine last week that his relationship with Abdul was "awkward." "I don't know what the deal is. It's very awkward," he was quoted as saying. The 31-year-old Seacrest, who openly spars with "Idol" judge Simon Cowell, told the magazine: "Simon and I go back and forth with each other, but it's in a different way." Asked if he was speaking to Abdul, Seacrest answered, "No." Seacrest also said he hadn't talked to Abdul about the apparent rift. "You know, I walked past her dressing room the other day and there was a group of people gathered in front of the door, so I can't even talk to her," he said. Abdul dismissed reports of off-camera animosity in a statement Tuesday to The Associated Press. "Reports of a feud are ridiculous," the 43-year-old former pop star said. "We are one funny dysfunctional family. There's nothing but love." Any tension between the "Idol" host and judge might have come after their separate appearances on "The Tonight Show." In Seacrest's March 30 guest spot, host Jay Leno joked about Abdul's "loopy" behavior in an "Idol" episode, to which Seacrest replied: "Well, have you listened to her album?" And when Leno playfully asked whether Abdul had been drinking alcohol, Seacrest said, "Hey look, I don't look in their cups to see what's sitting before them on that table. But at times I feel like we have reeled her in." During her April 10 appearance, Abdul shot down rumors that Seacrest was dating "Desperate Housewives" star Teri Hatcher. "He only kisses the mirror," Abdul said. "And honestly, do you think Teri Hatcher is that desperate of a housewife?" » Posted by Igor at 1:28 PM | Discuss ryan seacrest & paula abdul clash off set American Idol host Ryan Seacrest has downplayed his onscreen feud with Simon Cowell, insisting his real nemesis is Paula Abdul. The star admits relations on the hit talent show are "icy" with the former pop star, who even refuses to speak to him when the cameras stop rolling. Seacrest says, "It's awkward. I don't know what the deal is. It's very awkward. You know, I walked past her dressing room the other day and there was a group of people gathered in front of the door, so I can't even talk to her. Simon and I go back and forth with each other, but it's in a different way." Difficulties began when Seacrest appeared on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" and intimated Abdul was a heavy drinker, saying, "Hey look, I don't look in their cups to see what's sitting before them on that table. But at times I feel like we have reeled her in." And when Abdul appeared on the same show earlier this month, she hit back, sniping about his rumored romance with Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher: "He only kisses the mirror, and honestly, do you think Teri Hatcher is that desperate of a housewife?" » Posted by Igor at 1:27 PM | Discuss April 24, 2006 straight up success: sell-outs of paula abdul jewelry make her forever QVC's girl WEST CHESTER, Pa., April 24 /PRNewswire/ -- With enthusiastic fans waving signs and calling her name from the live, jammed-packed studio audience, renowned recording artist and American Idol judge Paula Abdul launched her Paula Abdul Jewelry Collection in two one-hour live studio audience shows on April 21, 2006. Nearly 34,000 units of the jewelry collection were ordered in the two shows, with 15 sell-outs between both hours. Designed by Abdul herself, the line is an eclectic mix of necklaces, charms, bracelets and earrings that feature different metals, textures and finishes. Delicate charms are a focal point of the collection, and feature meaningful messages and symbols that Abdul says are a way to inspire a positive attitude. Pieces in the collection range in price from approximately $20 to $90. Abdul arrived early to the broadcasts to greet audience members and thank them for coming. She surprised and delighted the crowd even further during the broadcast when she walked through the aisles to give unsuspecting fans pieces from her collection. A gracious guest, Abdul stayed for hours after to do a "meet and greet" with the group. In turn, Abdul was on the receiving end of a surprise when taking a call from a QVC customer at home. These calls, know as "testimonial calls" are an opportunity for show hosts and guests to interact with people from around the country. Abdul was delighted that her mother Lorraine was the caller, who congratulated her and wished her success. "My debut on QVC was everything that I dreamt it could be," said Abdul. "I wanted to share my creative vision and passion for jewelry with people everywhere, and QVC was the perfect way for me to do so. I hope the messages in my pieces prove to be sources of inspiration and that whomever is wearing the jewelry feels the joy I experienced in creating it." "We knew that Paula's jewelry would resonate with the QVC customer," said David Markstein, director of jewelry merchandising for QVC. "She captivated the audience with her sense of style and passion for the collection, and it is easy to see how much of herself she put into designing each piece. We are thrilled with the results, and look forward to bringing her next creative vision to life." Abdul's next QVC show is scheduled for May 22, 2006 to be broadcast live from the Hollywood and Highland complex in Los Angeles. About Paula Abdul Abdul's extraordinary music career is exemplified by worldwide album sales exceeding 50 million copies, two Number One albums, six Number One singles, a Grammy® Award and two Emmy® Awards and seven MTV awards. She has also been honored with her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Behind the camera Abdul is known as one of the most gifted and recognized choreographers in the industry of film, television, stage, video and live performance tours. About QVC, Inc. QVC, Inc., a $6.5 billion company, is an e-commerce leader, marketing a wide variety of brand name products in such categories as home furnishings, licensed products, fashion, beauty, electronics and fine jewelry. QVC reaches over 160 million homes worldwide. Other divisions/subsidiaries include QVC.com, QVC @, QVC Local and QVC ProductWorks. The QVC Studio Tour is located at the company's world headquarters in West Chester, Pa. QVC is a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation. » Posted by Igor at 12:00 AM | Discuss April 21, 2006 why is 'idol' such a ratings giant? Cowell's bitter comments, viewers' power to create stars make show a winner By Maria Elena Fernandez, Tribune Newspapers. These interviews were conducted by Los Angeles Times staff writers Greg Braxton, Maria Elena Fernandez, Matea Gold and Lynn Smith LOS ANGELES -- Now in its fifth year, "American Idol" has become a ratings juggernaut and a national obsession. It handily defeats even the toughest competitors, even the Winter Olympics and "Lost." This season, the singing contest has hit its highest note yet: An average of 31 million Americans are tuning in to watch Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Hicks and the others vie for instant success and celebrity, to follow in the recording contract footsteps of previous Idols Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia and Carrie Underwood. Last year, the show that effectively handed Fox its first trophy in the race for 18-to-49-year-olds for the whole season became a bona fide phenomenon with an average of 26 million viewers. So, what is it that has so captivated America? Is it Simon Cowell's biting way with words? Paula Abdul's antics? Randy Jackson's lingo? Perhaps it's the sardonic interplay between Cowell and Ryan Seacrest? Or is there something in the show that speaks to the wannabe celebrity in all of us? The Times asked network executives, writers, historians, music executives and even a comedian to dissect the show to solve the mystery of why "American Idol" has come to rule the airwaves. Kurt Andersen (novelist and host of public radio's "Studio 360"): I am fan, I admit guiltily. I don't care about the actual music. I like the really terrible people and watching Simon Cowell telling them they're rubbish. When I was a kid, we had "Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour" and "Star Search," so it's not like an entirely new genre. In this age, many millions of Americans are obsessed with celebrity for its own sake, and obviously people who participate have a chance to become famous. And people watching get off on that vicariously. The idea that the door to celebrity is permeable was proved after its first season. Most of the contestants on "The Amateur Hour" and "Star Search" were never heard of again. These winners get more than 15 minutes of fame. It gave credibility to the audience that it was the real thing, not just a TV stunt. Also, unlike those previous incarnations, it is all about Simon Cowell. There's a guy who's being blunt and honest about his professional opinion. It's interesting, this pure-fantasy aspect of people out there, normal Joes and Jills who are capable of greatness and fame combined with the brutal honesty that is part of the show, it's a fresh kind of entertainment. Barry Weiss (chief executive/president of the Zomba Label Group): This is really the new pop. If you see what's happened with "High School Musical" from Disney Channel/Buena Vista Records, and you look at what's happened here with "American Idol," music on TV is a huge phenomenon outside of America. It's been untapped in America. It's just been totally untapped. I don't think anybody who is not from America is surprised at all by the success of "American Idol" and what it has meant to the music industry at large. It's a salient point that music and television go together really, really well -- and real exposure of music, not necessarily an artist doing one song on a TV show sort of thing. The other element is plain-old human interest. People love a competition. They love a beauty contest. And they love rooting for people. It combines everything that people love. They love rooting for the underdog. All those things combined have helped make it the phenomenon that it is. I don't think that Kelly Clarkson's Grammy awards or 5 1/2 million records has anything to do with it. I just think people love this show. It combines great TV and music. It's like lightning in a bottle, sort of like one plus one equals three. Neal Gabler (cultural historian and author of "Life the Movie: How Entertainment Conquered Reality"): The most important thing is the sense of empowerment. It truncates the process of someone becoming a star. Ordinarily it takes years of training, years of hits and misses, years of working in clubs trying to land a recording contract. The show makes us the ones who are ultimately responsible. It says to the whole entertainment industry, "You are not in control. We are." Generally, the winners are not the kinds of people who would ever have made it. Kelly Clarkson is too fat. Ruben Studdard is too fat. Runner-up Clay Aiken is too geeky. It operates on the principle that people who never would have made it otherwise will make it because of us, our magnanimity. Whoever wins is going to be a star. It's not only dramatic, but there is something almost moving in taking a Kelly Clarkson and giving her that gift. That is the greatest gift you can give in modern America. It's about our empowerment. Lauren Zalaznick (president of Bravo): What is so great about the popularity of "Idol" -- although no other network enjoys being steamrolled every Tuesday at 8 and all the other hours that it's on -- is that, especially in the corporate world, we're ever more obsessed with the alchemy of a hit. "Idol" proves that you're not in control once creative media hits its designated end point: the viewers. It drives people crazy. I don't know why it's happening. It's a little bit of vaudeville. It's a little bit of "The Gong Show." But that still doesn't guarantee why this particular incarnation of this particular genre is this outsized of a hit. It's a phenomenon -- meaning that it is not reproducible. It speaks to the quirkiness of consumers and the unknowability of the alchemy of a hit. That's the essence of the fascination for me. Jacob Austen (author of "TV-a-Go-Go: Rock on TV From American Bandstand to American Idol"): Through the '60s, families watched TV together. All the shows were designed for the entire family. It didn't break up demographics. "The Ed Sullivan Show" would have an act for the kids, but it would be a pop singer, an opera singer or a juggler -- things that would be for the whole family because people only had one TV. So "American Idol" is a throwback. It's a very simple idea, but it's actually pretty revolutionary at this point because things are really broken up into "now-casting" instead of broadcasting, "now-casting" of a demographic. The other thing that makes it different is that there's an idea these days that everybody wants to be an insider. Everybody has to know what the box office is for different films this week and what the ratings are. This show feeds to that. On the one hand, on any game show you're supposed to be watching at home and pretending you're playing, but this one, instead of pretending that you're a person singing, you're sitting in the same chair as the three judges. It's really a key that Paula and Randy are inarticulate because the viewers feel like they are as good or a better judge of talent than these professionals. Simon is entertaining, the fact that he's British and he's witty. People wouldn't watch if a lot of time was devoted to three people who don't know what they are saying. It's important to have one person who can articulate. People like that bitchiness. That's entertaining. But if it was three people being bitchy, people wouldn't dig that either. That goes against the family aesthetic. The music reflects the pre-rock 'n' roll era, the kind of pop music that was popular before rock. Nobody ever does anything that alienates the older viewer. But because they're all young and cute, it still appeals to younger viewers. The whole viewing audience has such an investment, and that's what keeps people intrigued. Chris Spencer (comic and host of "Chocolate Sundaes," an urban comedy showcase at Hollywood's the Laugh Factory on Sundays): My girl got me into "American Idol" a few years ago. She would watch it, and I would say, "How stupid is this?" Then I got caught up in it. But we need a whole separate show for those parents and friends who told these people they could sing. They should be punched in the face at the end of every episode. I love watching the judges. Simon wears those tight T-shirts even though his body is as smooth as a 13-year-old girl. Paula is so mesmerized by bad singing, the way she gazes and says, "You're so fantastic." And then there's my man Randy. I like to see how much Randy is going to weigh each week. He's the Luther Vandross of reality TV. I think the show is popular because America is obsessed with watching people fall on their faces and then cheering for the underdog. It makes us feel like we deserve a break too. » Posted by Igor at 12:00 AM | Discuss will abdul add syndie series to her resume? Add American Idol judge Paula Abdul to the list of prospective syndication series candidates for 2007-08 first-run launches. CBS Paramount Domestic Television wasn’t commenting Friday on a report that Abdul, a special correspondent for Entertainment Tonight, was discussing a syndicated project with the studio. The syndicator had left open the possibility that it would bring back court show Judge by Jury for fall 2007 after pulling it from the market this past year. But it is uncertain what impact an Abdul project, or other potential court-show development projects, would have on the show's chances. Two years ago, the syndicator produced a pilot for ET and The Insider’s Steven Cojocaru, but Cojocaru's serious illness forced the studio to put it on the backburner. The project is still alive, according to those familiar with the project. NBC Universal, meanwhile, is said to be considering a fall 2007 version of its successful network game show Deal or No Deal. That is believed to have led King World and Sony Pictures Television, partners on Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, to announce last week that two unspecified game shows—one thought to be an updated classic and another an original—are in development as a one-hour block. The move was seen as a time period placeholder, so stations don’t commit to Deal if it comes out first. Other prospective projects mentioned as possibilities for next year include a morning talk show from the NBC-owned stations and a Patricia Heaton chat show at Buena Vista Television. » Posted by Igor at 12:00 AM | Discuss tv producer? If Simon and Ryan can do it, why can't Paula? American Idol's perkiest personality is looking to expand her media empire and develop a new TV project focusing on her. Per the Hollywood Reporter, Paula Abdul is in talks with CBS Paramount Domestic Television to develop and produce the proposed syndicated series. Outside of her day job--she recently signed a three-year contract extension to keep sparring with Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson over whether a wannabe was too pitchy--the 43-year-old Grammy winner has plenty of extracurriculars. The "Straight Up" singer has served as a special correspondent for Entertainment Tonight, distributed by CBS Paramount, since the 2002-03 season. She has also guest-hosted the syndicated Good Day Live, appeared on a variety of other gabfests and acted in such TV shows as ABC's Less Than Perfect and Disney Channel's That's So Raven. Right now details of Abdul's new TV project are sketchy. Neither Abdul nor CBS Paramount would comment on the trade report. Meanwhile, there's been a development in Abdul's alleged nightclub fight. The singer had filed a police report earlier this month claiming that a man had roughed her and her companion, Dante Spencer, at the Hollywood hot spot Xenii. Some clubgoers accused Abdul of making up the story after she was initially denied entry into the party. However, according to various online reports, a photographer who was at the scene reportedly snapped a shot of Abdul lying unconscious on the floor while Spencer and security guards yelled at one another. Los Angeles police have purportedly been using the photo while they probe the incident. There was no immediate comment Friday from the LAPD. But fans hoping for more positive Paula news will be happy about this. Abdul is planning to unveil the Paula Abdul Jewelry Collection, an exclusive line of bling she designed herself, in two one-hour shows airing on QVC tonight at at 9 p.m. ET. » Posted by Igor at 12:00 AM | Discuss April 20, 2006 abdul snapper captures fight moment (CONTACTMUSIC)--PAULA ABDUL has a quick-thinking photographer to thank as she prepares to fight an assault charge - she now has a picture to prove her claims. The former pop star-turned-AMERICAN IDOL judge claims she suffered spinal cord injuries as the innocent victim of a club brawl at Xenii in Los Angeles. And now a picture showing Abdul passed out on the floor as her ex-boyfriend DANTE SPENCER and security guards scream at each other is being used as part of the police investigation into Abdul's claims. Some revellers have mocked the fallen pop star's allegations, claiming she made up the assault charges after she was refused access to the trendy club. » Posted by Igor at 12:00 AM | Discuss April 12, 2006 abdul makes awkward tv appearance HOLLYWOOD - American Idol judge Paula Abdul made an awkward appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Monday night, criticizing the talk show host for making fun of her. The “Straight Up” singer walked onto the show wearing a party hat and carrying a Martini glass and party horn. Abdul then announced to the audience, "I don't understand why everyone is so obsessed over the fact that I have a drinking problem. "Don't think I don't watch your show. Last week you had Ryan (Seacrest) on, and you did this really crazy Paula Abdul impression." She had appeared on the show the week before, where Leno imitated Abdul by using a slurred voice. Abdul pretended to be angry with the late night host as he apologized profusely, to which she replied, "Keep going, Conan," making a reference to rival late night talk show host Conan O'Brien. The singer then offered up an explanation for her actions, saying, "You do know everything I said is not true, obviously I'm kidding. "That's how I deal with things when I hear crazy rumors that usually start with late night talk show hosts. It hurts my feelings though and it's not true and it's humiliating and it's unfair." Leno then asked Abdul about the allegations that she was attacked at a private party on April 2 in the Hollywood Hills. She explained, "It is something very serious and I'm really not at liberty to talk about the details. I can say I was shoved down to the ground and I actually was knocked out unconscious, which means I saw stars, which therefore means I didn't see Simon Cowell anywhere. "But that's all I can talk about." » Posted by Igor at 12:00 AM | Discuss cowell blames 'mad' paula abdul for clashes London, April 12 (IANS) Simon Cowell has blamed fellow 'American Idol' judge Paula Abdul for the spate of spats on the TV talent show saying she is 'mad'. According to contactmusic.com, Cowell says the range of judges, from producer Randy Jackson, artist Abdul and himself, makes for a volatile show. But he singled out Abdul as the most temperamental of the three. He says: 'Producers are, by nature, optimistic people. Record company people are cynical. And artists are just... mad. So maybe that's why you have different opinions on the show.' » Posted by Igor at 12:00 AM | Discuss paula abdul to launch new jewelry line Paula Abdul, in collaboration with QVC, is planning to launch a new line of jewelry called the Paula Abdul Jewelry Collection. Abdul will appear on QVC on April 21 to promote the new line. The jewelry, which ranges in price from $20 to $90, is somewhat based on the pieces of jewelry Abdul would create for the contestants on American Idol as inspiration. Abdul plans to launch 26 pieces of jewelry during the April live broadcast, with more planned to roll out during the month of May. There's also a QVC page on her Web site, though it contains no information on the product line at this time. » Posted by Igor at 12:00 AM | Discuss April 6, 2006 Abdul Says She Was Assaulted At Party CBS/AP)--Police are investigating a report by "American Idol" judge and former pop singer Paula Abdul that a man assaulted her at a private party over the weekend. On Tuesday, Abdul filed a report at the Hollywood station claiming she had been a victim of battery about 1 a.m. Sunday, police Lt. Paul Vernon said Thursday. "According to Abdul, the man at the party argued with her, grabbed her by the arm and threw her against a wall," Vernon said. "She said she had sustained a concussion and spinal injuries." Abdul provided police with the name of the man, but Vernon withheld it pending further investigation. The man had not been charged, Vernon said. Abdul's publicist Michelle Bega declined to comment. The incident was first reported by Us Weekly. Abdul, who shares judging duties on Fox's hit singing competition with Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, appeared as scheduled on this week's "American Idol." Last week, she signed a deal to remain on the show for another three years. Abdul and Cowell are known for their bickering on the program, which is drawing bigger audiences than ever in its fifth edition. While Cowell often slams contestants, Abdul takes a gentler approach in her comments. Cowell and Fox reached a deal in November that will keep the British record executive and TV producer on the show for at least five more seasons. Last month, Abdul caused a stir when she was allowed to board a plane at the Las Vegas airport without passing through a security checkpoint, prompting all passengers and luggage to be screened when they landed in California, officials said. A worker led Abdul and a companion around the mandatory screening process before they boarded a Southwest Airlines flight headed to Burbank, Calif., said a spokeswoman for McCarran International Airport. She said she could not confirm reports that the employee was trying to help the pop star avoid a swarm of fans. » Posted by Igor at 12:00 AM | Discuss