Why did Paula Abdul cancel Today Show (again)?

Paula Abdul may be burning her bridges over at the Today Show. She was supposed to perform her single "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" on the morning show's concert series in April. But she bailed because of "production commitments" and reskedded for August 29.

But last Friday, she canceled that show as well, because of "'American Idol' commitments."

Stage fright? Or perhaps fear of looking/sounding like Ashlee Simpson on "Saturday Night Live?"

One source told the New York Post, "Please. She can't perform live. Her voice on the single is so mixed and electronicized you don't know what she really sounds like any more."

Wait, you mean Paula wasn't really singing at her Superbowl pregame so-called LIVE performance in the above video clip.

Watch it and tell us what you think. We can't be sure if she's really singing or not but she sure does do a mean microphone wrestle.

Maybe Paula Abdul was just afraid that Matt Lauer would ask her (again) if she's ever been drunk or on pills, like he did last time she was on the show in 2007.

For her reply and to find out why it's amazing that she can walk, much less dance, keep reading...

"I'll have an occasional sip of wine or a drink that has an umbrella in it and sugar," she told Lauer then. He then asked about a report that she is addicted to painkillers. "I've never been addicted to painkillers," she said. "Painkillers don't work for me."

What she is on -- or rather in -- is constant pain.

In 1992, Abdul suffered serious neck injuries in a plane crash and for years was in constant pain that, she has said previously, no drugs could combat.

"I've had 14 cervical spinal surgeries," she told Lauer then. "The hardest thing for me is I've had to learn to live in pain."

Frankly, it's amazing she can dance -- much less sing at the same time -- given her spine problems.

You go, Paula! Who cares if you do it live or lip-synched.

Comments

[golexa]

I think u r totally right. Paula has been through a lot and I think the press should give her a break!! She is really cool and i think her song is great.

[susan]

Thank you for stating the truth and giving Paula a break. She works very hard, and she has a kind heart.

[Gloria]

She's not the first performer to cancel appearances and she won't be the last. People need to just give this woman a break because she's been through enough and to stop making mountains out of molehills. She seems like a nice and sweet lady.

[Lisa]

she actually Can sing live.. i have seen proof of it on youtube. but even if she doesnt wanna sing live anymore, who cares,??most pop stars get away with lip synching, and so should she

[Amanda]

celine dion also cancelled the today show but to no attention.. whereas paula's cancellation was all over the place. i think the media should just give her a break! and she actually Can sing live, she has proven herself in the past and shouldnt have to prove herself over and over. if she lip synchs now, i dont think it matters since she, like I said, already has proven she can sing Live

[Bev]

I don't know why people are so harsh when it comes to Paula, maybe because she is so kind and compassionate they can't standing seeing what they know they lack. She's working on a new album and probably doesn't want to perform until closer to its release date. Seems smart and professional to me. According to Rich of JohnJay and Rich, her tracks and vocals are outstanding on this new project. I do worry though because she is very thin right now, so I hope she isn't sick.

[TROY W]

PAULA IS HOT PERIOD! ITS FUNNY HOW WHEN A TRULLY NICE PERSON COMES ALONG PEOPLE WANT TO PICK AT THEM. SHE HAS DONE NOTHING BUT SHOW LOVE.

[I know]

Shes in the Hospital.

[Rachel]

I'm so happy that you have decided to give Paula Abdul a break. She's a lovely person and if it doesn't suit her to sing live that's her decision. We love you paula !!!!