Steven Tyler on Paula Abdul: 'I guess she had problems with substances'

New "American Idol" judge Steven Tyler recently spoke out about former panel member and "real character" Paula Abdul.

"The world [criticized her] her for nodding out, something I'm not unfamiliar with. I guess she had problems with substances," he told XfinityTV.

The Aerosmith frontman finished a 90-day rehab program last February.

"She's a real character and she's great," Tyler said. "She's an artist. People are gonna look to see what she's got going next. I wish her luck."

See Tyler with veteran judge Randy Jackson and divalicious newbie Jennifer Lopez on the show, which starts its 10th season Wednesday, hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Check out our brother blog Hero Complex's recent "Idol" scoop, and give us your thoughts on Tyler's Abdul musings in comments.

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-- Matt Donnelly
Twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photos: Steven Tyler, left (Lucy Nicholson / Reuters); Paul Abdul (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press

Comments

[kwhy8strm]

Steven, your face still scares me!!!!