TCA Press Tour: Paula Abdul dishes and dodges

One of the most surprising things that happened at the Fox TCA press tour panel for "American Idol" is that judge Paula Abdul actually showed up. In years past, Abdul has been a last-minute no-show, frustrating the TV press to no end.

But the new year brought Paula Abdul to the Universal Hilton for a panel that included new judge Kara DioGuardi, the executive producers and a few of the behind-the-scenes gurus, such as Deb Byrd and Miles Siggins. Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson did not attend.

First questions out of the gate were for Abdul, who in December did a radio interview with Barbara Walters and said that the woman who committed suicide outside of her home last year had been stalking her for almost 18 years. When the woman, Paula Goodspeed, showed up at "Idol" auditions, Abdul told Walters that she objected to producers, but they ignored her saying "they wanted the entertainment value."

On Tuesday, Abdul, who was asked how she feels about the show now, denied confrontations with producers over what she brought up with Walters.

"First of all, I did not have any confrontation with any of the producers at all. At all. At all," she said. "I mean not one thing. I was not quoted as saying anything disparaging about 'American Idol.' At all. If people listen to the transcript that Barbara Walters did, you would hear that I didn’t say anything disparaging at all. I’m a big fan of the show. I am blessed to be the show. It’s the greatest show on television all around the world."

When a journalist pressed that she told Walters that she had tried to stop the woman from auditioning and it fell on deaf ears, Abdul replied: "That is true, but that’s that. I can’t talk about it anymore. It’s an ongoing police report."

Executive producer Ken Warwick jumped in then, "I can't actually remember the details," he said.
"You weren't there," Abdul shot back at Warwick who was sitting next to her.

"Generally speaking, we let fans in," he continued. "It’s quite good for us. We have the strictest security because we’re worried that’s someone’s going to try to hurt the judges during the confrontations. Sometimes it can get really mean."

At this point, executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz interrupted:

"You know what? I don’t think we should spend any more time talking about Paula," she said. "What’s happened is really, really sad. We’re terribly sorry for what’s happened to her and her family. The truth is we did know she was an extreme fan of Paula’s, but from being a fan to what happened is a big difference. And nobody could know that it would actually happen, and we’re terribly sorry for her and her family.  I don’t think it’s fair to keep on talking about it."

That ended that discussion, but not the attention on Abdul. The critics really wanted to know about the relationship between Paula and DioGuardi, who have been friends for 10 years. When it was announced in August that producers were hiring a fourth judge, Abdul said on a Phoenix radio show that she was excited but added, "I am concerned about the audience and acceptance. Time will tell. We'll see."

Today, she denied have any problems with the change. DioGuardi lived with Abdul for about a year when she was beginning her song-writing career.

"I was never quoted that there were any problems in hiring Kara," Abdul said. "I’ll let you all know that Kara and I have a 10-year friendship. Kara was a stranger to me that I met in New York and I moved her into my home in L.A. and I introduced her to the some of the top publishers and songwriters because I believed in her talent so much."

Asked if her role is to help Abdul gang up on Cowell, DioGuardi replied:

"At times, definitely, there’s that element of girl power," she said. "But at the end of the day I’m going to tell the contestant what I feel and what my gut’s telling me and when it’s harsh, I try to deliver it with heart. And I respect Simon and there’s a lot of times that I do agree with him. But sometimes the way he delivers messages, especially with talent that at times needs to be nurtured, I don't agree. And I do believe in second chances. I believe that if no one had given me a second chance, I wouldn’t be here today."

-- Maria Elena Fernandez

Comments

[Katt]

Are you sure Paula

[Flower]

I am only watching Idol because of Paula abdul. She's passionate, and sincere, very sweet.

[Ronny Van Lom]

I hope this gets to Paula! Ha! But it's very unlikely... I have seen the very beautiful and living life you live . On the other hand, I've never seen the hurt or tears you have cried, but i've seen it in your eyes. Paula I want you to live your life huney and start singing again. I'm 37 and have always had a crush on you. I'm only 5'2 "Your height" I love your voice and your music!

I am by no means Mr. Bill Gates or Phil Knight! But if I could, you would be my Princess! People don't realize what you have. I always pretened I was the fox on your video.. Now I laugh. I'm writing a book now called "Be Ourselves." Funny thing about it is that were all going to die, and God doesn't care because to him were all equal. Doesn't matter if your worth 15 million and I'm poor were all treated the same in gods eyes.
I just wish that some time I could take you out to a nice dinner, and show you that money isn't everything in life. As for me I spend a lot on charities. Theres a lot more unfortune people then me. I'll give them every last penny even tho sometimes I don't have it.
Why arn't people like that anymore? I have so many bills, but you know what ,I don't care because there are so many people in this world worse off then me. I'm a very giving person. If i did perhaps win the lotto. First I would ask your permission to take you to dinner, then I'd like to join forces with you, and set up a charity for children.
Sorry for bugging you.. I'm sure you'll never read this but it okay, I'm always thing of the children and you..
Ron

[Plumblossom]

Is life really that black and white?

In my experience you can love your job (like Paula does Idol) and still be pissed at them for putting you in a dangerous situation (like the producers did with Paula).

Are you guys journalist or sensationalist?

I'm not even sure if journalism exists anymore. With all the libel and lies that get printed all the time.

And next year if Simon and Randy show up are you going to act like it is amazing that they are there, or do they get a pass on not showing up, because its no fun to pick on them?