new album released this fall``xIgor``xAbdul straight up busy

New album released this fall; will debut line of accessories

Paula Abdul, center, performs her new single during Wednesday's "American Idol" results show.

HOLLYWOOD - "American Idol" viewers are accustomed to seeing the show's perennially positive Paula Abdul grapple for just the right words to deliver her verdicts.

But on Monday afternoon in a Burbank rehearsal space, she strutted across the floor without fear or uncertainty, directing six backup dancers, who kneeled in her wake, then lifted her to a platform about 15 feet high. There, she paused for the merest second at the edge, then dropped face-first toward the floor - rescued midplunge by the arms of her dancers.

"I'm fearless," she said. "The dancers were more afraid then I am. I was like, 'Guys, I know you're going to catch me. You're not going to drop me on my head.' I've always been taught to jump into the middle of fear. I'm a firm believer that if you jump right in, you'll find your way out."

While renowned for her nurturing ways, a lot of fearlessness will be asked in the coming weeks of Abdul, who finds herself at a major crossroads of her career. With a new album due out, she prepares to reintroduce herself as a singer-performer. In a showdown in which every twist and turn has been the subject of media scrutiny, with her contract expiring at the end of this season, it hangs in the balance whether Abdul will return to "American Idol."

Although it has been widely speculated that the show's producers would use this season's addition of the fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi, to squeeze out Abdul, sources confirmed that Fox has begun negotiations to renew her contract.

On Wednesday night though, Abdul crossed over the judges' desk and took the stage to perform "I'm Just Here for the Music." It is the title track of her album to be released this fall.
"It's got that magic feeling to it, and when that happens, you know it," Abdul said of the album.

Eight years into Abdul's run as a judge, her life seems full. Her activities include her album, a line of accessories and a Twitter feed.
Asked whether the many avenues she pursues are the first steps to a post-"Idol" life, she said: "Here's the thing with me. If you think 20 years ago, I was a Laker girl and having a No. 1 single with 'Straight Up,' and choreographing from 7:30 in the morning till 1 p.m. at 'The Tracey Ullman Show.' Then I'd leave I disagreeistant there and go down to Universal Studios and work on the George Michael 'Faith' tour, while two doors down I'd be working on the Jackson reunion tour. Then I'd go into the studio at midnight while at 5 a.m. I'd pull into the Fox parking lot and sleep for a couple of hours.

"So for me, I thrive on that. I do lots of things, and I feel like I'm circling back to where all the magic happened, and I'm having the blessings of being able to do that."``xEkuFlAAppunFqMzNlK``x1243899004``x(default) "idol" judge paula abdul back on singles chart ``xIgor``xNEW YORK (Billboard) - Twenty years ago this week, Paula Abdul scored her second No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart with "Forever Your Girl." (Her first, "Straight Up," held on for a final round at No. 90).

Fast-forwarding to the present, only one artist on that chart appears this week: the evergreen Abdul, who bows at No. 87 with "I'm Just Here for the Music."

Last year, the "American Idol" judge ended a nearly 13-year chart drought with the No. 80 debut of "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow," which was credited to Abdul and fellow "Idol" judge Randy Jackson. "Music" marks her 15th entry on the Hot 100.

Abdul premiered her new song May 6 on "American Idol," the same night Daughtry unveiled "No Surprise." "Idol" alum Chris Daughtry's band releases "Leave This Town," its sophomore set, July 14. The group's new hit, co-written by Nickelback's Chad Kroeger, blasts onto the Hot 100 at No. 15. That's the band's best bow, topping the No. 18 start of "What About Now" in April 2008.

After the act's "Idol" performance, Daughtry's self-titled debut album surged to No. 50 from No. 177 on the Billboard 200. Now in its 129th chart week, the set scores its highest ranking in eight months.``xEkukZuAApumAiwYEZu``x1242749904``x(default) billboard chart``xIgor``xPaula Abdul's “I’m Just Here for the Music” has made it to #87 on the Billboard Hot 100 at 1st week.``xEkukVlyyuVGVoQnlPe``x1242370800``x(default) paula on jimmy kimmel ``xIgor``xYesterday Paula was on Jimmy Kimmel show.

``xEkukVlyVlEChEwrQCF``x1242198000``x(default) straight-up style``xIgor``xAnthony Castro
The Journal Gazette

You know her, you love her. And now you can dress like her.

Paula Abdul - who has been glamming up the judges' table this season with her flashy yet elegant bling - has her own line of jewelry, handbags and accessories.

The collection, Forever Your Girl, is available exclusively through the Home Shopping Network.

A few pieces might be familiar to "Idol" viewers. There's the "Take Your Breath Away" Pavé Ring, which looks a lot like the one I was worried Abdul might accidentally poke her eye out with one week. I mean, it's nice, but watch out! (That one goes for $29.95.)

There are also several pieces of her cuff-style wristwear, which can go from sophisticated ornament to projectile weapon in the blink of an eye. Perfect if you have a Simon Cowell of your own buzzing incessantly in your ear.

To shop Abdul's collection, go to the HSN Web site and search "Paula Abdul."``xEkukEAFyElHtkgUVNs``x1242193618``x(default) itunes chart update``xIgor``xI'm Just Here For The Music:

#17 on the iTunes TOP 100
#4 on the iTunes Pop Chart

Dance like thereґs No Tomorrow:
--re-entry---
#1 on iTunes Dance Chart

Congratulations Paula with great results! ``xEkukppuEZuXIoxGgiX``x1242004174``x(default) paula abdul Hands over guide dogs``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul helped raise awareness for a guide dogs charity at a recent ceremony, by learning what it's like to rely on a canine companion.

The singer handed over seven new highly-trained pooches to blind U.S. military veterans at a doggy graduation ceremony at the Guide Dogs of the Desert facility in Palm Springs, California last month.

And she took the time to go through a training course, while blindfolded, so she could appreciate how reliant blind people are on guide dogs.

Abdul said, "The independence and mobility that a guide dog can bring a blind person is immeasurable. Seeing how vital these dogs are, and learning how much time and energy goes into training just one, is awe-inspiring."

According to the National Enquirer, Abdul also plans to hand over a guide dog to blind American Idol finalist Scott McIntyre.

A source tells the tabloid, "Paula was deeply moved by Scott's story."``xEkuEAZVluECcPaWvdN``x1241975841``x(default) paula on facebook``xIgor``xPaula opened her own official page on Facebook. >>>Check it out.``xEkuEAkupAkfpPgqwcW``x1241924092``x(default) kylie on paula``xIgor``xKylie Minogue talks about her new tour, her craziest outfits, and Paula Abdul

by Adam Markovitz

Q&A

“Um, my dog ate my homework. There was a flood... All those excuses.”

That’s Kylie Minogue, pop idol, gay icon, and global sequin ambassador, explaining why it’s taken her twenty-plus years to bring her live show to the States. It’s finally happening -- a six-date tour is scheduled to start this fall -- and EW got a few minutes today with Ms. Minogue at NYC’s Greenwich Hotel to chat about the good news.

In person, Kylie’s famously petite frame is every bit as tiny as you’ve heard, and her personality every bit as big. Charming and warm at the end of a long day of press that began with a Today Show spot, Ms. Minogue -- holding a paper fan for air and emphasis -- was all smiles as she shared the scoop on her upcoming tour, her American fanbase, and her thought’s on Paula Abdul’s new Kylie-inspired single.

Entertainment Weekly: Did you ever try to bring your other tours here?
Kylie Minogue: Oh yeah. We’ve discussed it many times. Financially, it made absolutely zero sense. Last year, I spent so long touring. And I've had a great time, and I have a band I’m just loving -- we’re really just vibing. So, it felt like it was now or never. I’m absolutely thrilled and amazed at the response so far.

Is there a possibility that more dates could be added? It seems like it’s going to be a whirlwind tour, and they’re already selling out.
I’ll try, yeah.

The title of the tour is For You, For Me, is that right?
It was For You, For Me. And maybe that’s going to stick, I’m not sure. I just thought: it’s not for an album. I’m not promoting anything. It’s for you, for the audience. And actually, it’s for me, because it’ll be an absolute pleasure to be here and to share a show with you.

Is that going to be a new single or anything? "For You, For Me"?
There’s thinking! Hmmm… [laughs]

So what kind of set list can we expect?
You’ll have the hits, for sure. Many of which will be remixed or in different versions. I’ll take you back to the beginning…

Is that embarrassing?
No, no. It was, but it’s not anymore. No, I mean, I’ve done these amazing, cool, cutting-edge shows; at the end, they’re all yelling for "I Should Be So Lucky." I do it in the old-fashioned way, complete with [she makes a record-scratching noise] ah-ah-ah-ah. The crowd go absolutely nuts.

Give the people what they want!
That’s what I’m here for! Maybe a couple covers, like I normally do in a show. Something unexpected. Sometimes we have to do the old medley, because I’m very pleased to say I’ve now got enough songs that, short of being on stage for way too long, we like to just almost scratch them in at certain points, which is something we started doing on the Fever tour. I’d love to bring back "All That Scratching Is Making Me Itch," that kind of thing. So, we’re all madly thinking about it at the moment. But we’ve got such a wealth of pieces to pick from to make a kind of “Best of” of different tours that I’ve done, and some new stuff. And then as a whole, it will be really new.

It must be tough to cut down your catalog.
It’ll be weird, because I’m so used to starting with "Speakerphone" now, but I’m not going to give you the same beginning to the show.

Some of the venues aren’t huge. How are you planning on adjusting?
Well, we’re kind of used to doing that. Last year, we had the beautiful huge skull that I descended on. It’s a shame but it’s a reality that you have to make compromises. And to be able to tour South America, for example, I could not have done that if I took everything with me. So, you just scale it down and do a B show. In certain places we did a C show. But in the end, I think it doesn’t take away from it. It creates a different show—some were more like a gig than a show. And you get a different dynamic. And I think they’ll work. I don’t mind it. It kind of changes it up for me.

So are we going to just get you on a stool with a guitar? Or will there still be a little spectacle?
Yeah, yeah, there’ll still be the razzle-dazzle, don’t you worry. It’s not going to be me with a banjo.

Some of the costumes you’ve worn in the past have been so funny and over-the-top. Have you ever seen something and said, “Nope, that’s too much”?
Yeah, but I’ve been coerced into wearing it. Let me think. Well, there was one dress I wore to sing with Robbie Williams at one of his concerts. And there was not a lot of this dress. And when I first saw it, I said, “You’ve got to be kidding me. No.” [pause] But I had two queens in my dressing room, so I ended up wearing it. It was a futile fight.

You can’t argue with two queens.
I couldn’t! And I guess they were right. And it looked good. But, yeah, very often -- well, not very often, sometimes -- I need a little bullying to get into something [laughs].

How do you pick the costumes for each tour?
It’s a balance. It starts with a set list, and then what kind of segments we’ll have. Which really seems to work, because I’ve got to get off and do a costume change. I mean, I have more quick-change anxiety than [anxiety about] the show. Because normally my costumes are not fully ready until opening night. Sometimes I’m just thinking, “How am I going to do that?”

Recently, I don’t know if you saw, but Paula Abdul was on American Idol…
I haven’t seen it! I’ve heard all about it.

She performed an unreleased track of yours that was leaked online last year.
"I’m Just Here for the Music". Yeah.

Did you know about that?
That’s just what happens with songs that are demo’d. I demo’d it, and it wasn’t on my album.

A couple months ago, she announced that her first single was going to be "Boombox," which is the title of your new remix album.
I know! What’s going on? [laughs]

My editor asked me if Paula was Single White Female-ing you.
If she comes out with feathers on her head, or in a leopard catsuit… [laughs]

The press likes to make it seem like America is your white whale. Is that the case?
It’s not my intention. I mean, I’m going to the places where I definitely have a market and where it’s a no-brainer. I mean, I’m not going to sell myself all around America, you know what I mean? It’s where I feel that I’ll be welcome, and where they get me. As always, I’ve maintained that, if things took off here and if I’ve got the time and I’m not doing other things, then I’d definitely come over.

We’re glad to have you.
Well thanks!``xEkuEAkkFEEPEDntqUi``x1241922311``x(default) paula abdul backpedals on painkiller addiction``xIgor``x'American Idol' judge now says she was never in rehab for addiction.

By Gil Kaufman

(MTV.COM)--Shortly after admitting that a decade-long addiction to painkillers nearly killed her, "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul has retracted the claims. Abdul explained in an interview with Detroit radio station WKQI on Thursday morning that Ladies' Home Journal got it wrong in its June cover story on her struggle with prescription meds.

"It was very stressful for me to hear that and to be quoted saying something I never said," Abdul told the "Mojo in the Morning" show. "I've never checked into a rehab clinic. I've never been addicted or abused drugs, and I've never been addicted or abused alcohol. I've never even been drunk in my life."

Abdul, who debuted her new single, "I'm Just Here for the Music," on Wednesday night's "Idol" elimination show, now claims that the magazine's report that she checked into La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California, to finally shake her dependence on pain medication was a misunderstanding.

In the Ladies' Home Journal interview, Abdul said the addiction caused some of her unusual past behavior. "I could have killed myself. ... Withdrawal — it's the worst thing. ... I was freezing cold, then sweating hot, then chattering and in so much pain, it was excruciating. But at my very core, I did not like existing the way I had been."

Abdul told Mojo that she was simply relaxing at La Costa, not being treated for addiction. "It's a spa," she said. "I was there for almost three days having fun doing spa stuff. It's not a clinic. It's not a detox place. It's a luxurious spa. It's like taking a mini vacation. I just wanted to chill out and get massages and maybe a manicure and pedicure."

According to E! Online, Abdul said in a statement released on Thursday that she's never been addicted to drugs or entered rehab, adding that she spent three days at La Costa, not 30, as reported in the magazine.

A representative for the magazine told E!, "We stand by our reporting and are happy that Paula decided to share her journey with us."``xEkuEAlEFkuLpWXcVjz``x1241766000``x(default) paula abdul hands over fuide dogs``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul helped raise awareness for a guide dogs charity at a recent ceremony, by learning what it's like to rely on a canine companion.

The singer handed over seven new highly-trained pooches to blind U.S. military veterans at a doggy graduation ceremony at the Guide Dogs of the Desert facility in Palm Springs, California last month.

And she took the time to go through a training course, while blindfolded, so she could appreciate how reliant blind people are on guide dogs.

Abdul said, "The independence and mobility that a guide dog can bring a blind person is immeasurable. Seeing how vital these dogs are, and learning how much time and energy goes into training just one, is awe-inspiring."

According to the National Enquirer, Abdul also plans to hand over a guide dog to blind American Idol finalist Scott McIntyre.

A source tells the tabloid, "Paula was deeply moved by Scott's story."``xEkuEAZVyFFAZZqPdvB``x1241766000``x(default) american idol performance``xIgor``xFinally it happened! 1st Paula's live performance in many years. Check it out!

``xEkukppuZVERvgedKKi``x1241679600``x(default) paula abdul remakes, improves on kylie's 'here for the music'``xIgor``xOn her new single, "I'm Just Here for the Music," Paula Abdul's singing voice is little more than an electronic squeak, Auto-Tuned into submission behind a thumping bass line that sounds inspired by Indeep's disco classic "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life." And yet while the track, which premiered this morning on Ryan Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show and is streaming at PaulaAbdul.com, is the musical equivalent of a Funyun -- wholly unorganic, void of nutritional value, likely to leave behind a trail of chemical flavoring -- I cannot lie: I thoroughly enjoyed tilting my head backward and pouring every last worthless crumb down my gullet.

Interestingly, "I'm Just Here for the Music" is actually a remake of a leaked (but never released) recording from Kylie Minogue's 2003 Body Language disc, and a definite improvement on the original. Not that the electronically enhanced squeak of one pint-size dance diva is necessarily better than the other, of course. It's just that Abdul's old cohort Oliver Lieber -- who produced much of her breakthrough Forever Your Girl album -- provides the kind of muscular production that transforms the track from album filler to viable single. Indeed, Abdul's version gives you the feeling of rediscovering "The Way That You Love Me" or "Knocked Out" -- pumped up with a regimen of post-millennial steroids. (I say that in the most complimentary way possible.)

Check out Abdul's "I'm Just Here for the Music" as well as Minogue's (both are embedded after the jump!), then tell us what you think. I'll multi-task by reading your message-board postings and chair-dancing with abandon. (Yeah, I'm working from home today, so it's a total no-shame zone.)





``xEkuEAkkZZFqIuFcWYC``x1241506800``x(default) paula abdul duped by sacha baron cohen’s “bruno”``xIgor``x(RollingStone.com)--Paula Abdul will make a cameo in what’s expected to be one of the funniest movies of the year — but she didn’t even know it. The American Idol judge recently went on the Johnjay and Rich radio show to talk about being duped by Borat actor Sacha Baron Cohen, who fooled Abdul into participating in a off-the-wall interview for his upcoming film Brüno. “It is the most interesting, whacked-out situation that happened to me. I was scarred for life for a year,” Abdul said.

As the story goes, Abdul was told by Cohen’s crew, acting as the producers of a German awards show, that she was the recipient of Germany’s “Artist of the Year” award. Seem a little ridiculous? Keep in mind that country showers David Hasselhoff in love. An interview was arranged, Abdul showed up at a house in the Hollywood Hills and encountered Cohen playing Brüno. “I walk into the home and I’m greeted by this futuristic Captain Nemo–looking dude with a mohawk — and he’s flaming,” Abdul said. “And I’m going, ‘Oh, this is going to be one of those fun Japanese game shows.’ I’m like, OK, this is weird.”

And it got weirder. With no furniture in the room, Brüno snapped his fingers and summoned two Mexican gardeners, who proceeded to get down on all fours to serve as a chair for Abdul. “He says to me, ‘Sit down.’ And I said, ‘I’m not doing that,’ ” Abdul told the DJs. “And I’m in a dress, so I’m tipping and holding my core muscles to not sit on them. And he pushes me down on them, and I’m like, ‘I’m sorry.’ And these two Mexican gardeners don’t speak a word of English, and I’m like patting them and I’m like, ‘I’m so sorry.’ ” After Brüno kicked one of the gardeners and had everyone tumbling to the ground, Abdul decided she had had enough and bailed on the interview without even picking up her award.

There’s more to the story, but we don’t want to ruin the surprise for when Brüno hits theaters on July 10th. New York Magazine has the full account if you don’t mind spoilers. According to the word on the street, Ben Affleck, politician Ron Paul and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger also fall victim to Cohen’s shenanigans.``xEkuEAZVuyyOvGXxMhR``x1241161200``x(default) emi sues hi5, videoegg over user-uploaded videos``xIgor``x(CNET)--Some people might be embarrassed if their friends found an old copy of Mr. Big's "To be with you" or Paula Abdul's "Cold hearted (snake)" stashed away in their CD collection. But not EMI. They own those songs, and they want the world to know it.

The music giant is suing social-networking site Hi5, video advertising start-up VideoEgg, and 10 unnamed defendants for allegedly infringing on the copyrights of those and hundreds of other pop throwbacks.

The lawsuit alleges that Hi5 users have uploaded and disseminated hundreds of music videos the company owns rights to. VideoEgg is on the hook because it's a former partner of Hi5, and those allegedly infringing videos were uploaded to its servers. (On May 31, VideoEgg stopped hosting videos uploaded by the public and refocused efforts on its ad network, prompting rumors that the company was on its way out.) The lawsuit doesn't say much of anything about who the 10 John Does are.

The companies had attempted to work out some kind of deal for more than a year, a source told TechCrunch, but those efforts eventually failed.``xEkEuZFpuVptjalFXqI``x1214730450``x(default) paula ‘doing fine’ after breakup``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES - Paula Abdul and boyfriend J.T. Torregiani have ended their relationship after dating for a little over a year.

The couple split two months ago, according to Us Weekly.

J.T., a restaurateur, has reportedly moved out of Paula’s LA home.

As for Paula, friends say she has put the split behind her.

“She’s doing fine,” a source close to the “American Idol judge told the mag. “She has moved on with her life.”

Paula and J.T. started dating in April 2007 after they met after a taping of her hit Fox reality show.``xEkEupFFVlkMDHTPrkT``x1214033582``x(default) paula at stk ``xIgor``x>>>Picture 1
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``xEkEFAZyZuARVcHsycY``x1213976749``x(default) happy birthday paula``xIgor``xPaula turns 46 today. Happy birthday Paula!``xEkEFlyEVApfACNlxsB``x1213861590``x(default) reality tv's top 10 rock 'n' roll revivals``xIgor``xby Lyndsey Parker in Reality Rocks

There's little doubt that reality television can be a fabulous launching pad for a career in music. Just ask Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Leona Lewis, Danity Kane, or even old-school Star Search country band Sawyer Brown. They've all done just fine...and they have TV to thank!

But reality TV may be an even better re-launching pad for some artists. The old adage used to go something like, "Old musicians never die, they just fade away"--but now it's more like, "Old musicians never die, they just star on reality shows."

Yes, many musicians whose glory days of groupie-shagging, stadium-headlining, and royalty-collecting seemed far behind them have managed to resurrect, or even redefine, their careers on the small screen. And sure, such career moves may have cost them credibility in the long run, but hey, credibility won't feed and clothe Flavor Flav's seven (and counting) kids, pay off Bobby Brown's divorce attorney bills, or keep Bret Michaels' bandanna closet well stocked, will it?

There are many B-, C-, and D-listers who deserve honorable mentions on this list, including: Gene Simmons (Family Jewels, Rock School, Celebrity Apprentice); Dee Snider (Gone Country, Rock The Cradle, Celebrity Duets); Vanilla Ice (The Surreal Life, Hit Me Baby, Remaking); Danny Bonaduce (Breaking Bonaduce, I Know My Kid's A Star); Ted Nugent (Supergroup, Surviving Nugent, Wanted: Ted Or Alive); Tommy Lee (Rock Star: Supernova, Tommy Lee Goes To College); Pepa (The Surreal Life, The Salt-N-Pepa Show); and Da Brat (Celebrity Fit Club, The Surreal Life). But THEN there are the not-so-proud, the few...the celebs who have truly created full-fledged, phase-2 careers for themselves as reality show superstars.

So here, in ascending order of soul-selling successfulness, are music's top 10 reality resurrections:

10) Sebastian Bach - I have two words for you, dear readers: "SAVAGE ANIMAL!!!" When this loudmouthed ex-Skid Row mouthpiece repeatedly, and futilely, screamed this phrase--in a desperate attempt to convince his Supergroup co-stars that that should be the name of their new allstar band--he instantly entered the reality TV hall of fame/shame. He also managed to do the seemingly impossible: Make his bandmate Ted Nugent seem sane by comparison. By the end of the maddeningly short-lived Supergroup series, Sebastian had nearly been punched in the face by Biohazard's Evan Seinfeld, had coerced his wife Maria into doing a bi-curious lingerie photo shoot with Evan's porn-star wife, and had drained every wine bottle in the Supergroup mansion's cellar. Savage, indeed! Naturally such a star turn made Bach a much-in-demand reality rock star-for-hire, and soon the bigmouthed, bighaired rocker was back on the small screen, barking out LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out" on MTV's Celebrity Rap Superstars. No word yet on whether or not he has any other reality shows planned, but real Bach-heads can always hope to catch a 3am rerun of the 2004 VH1 rockumentary I Married Sebastian Bach, all about Seb and Maria's dysfunctional yet functioning relationship.

Below are a couple clips...the first is of Bach in his Skid Row prime; the second is of the Savage Animal enjoying his reality-televised second wind. This is a pattern that'll be repeated for all the people on this list:

9) Jewel - Miss Kilcher sold about 20 jillion copies of her debut album, but that was a long, long time ago; nowadays she's seemingly so desperate for a reality TV resurrection, I wouldn't be surprised if she auditioned to be a bachelorette on Rock Of Love 3. First she appeared as a guest judge on American Idol, where she not only had to keep her cool while watching the female answer to William Hung yodel her way through a tone-deaf Jewel impersonation, but--according to rumor--had to contend with queen bee Paula Abdul, who reportedly was none too pleased to have to share screen time with a prettier, younger, less doped-up female panelist. Then Jewel joined forces with Nashville Star--hosting the show last season, and becoming a judge this year. Between NStar seasons, she also appeared on Fast Cars & Superstars (basically a very boring version of Skating With Celebrities, except with racecars instead of iceskates and William Shatner instead of Todd Bridges) and Ty Murray's Celebrity Bullriding Challenge, hosted by her longtime boyfriend, um, Ty Murray. So, what's next for Jewel's reality career? Will she go on Extreme Makeover to finally get those snaggleteeth of hers fixed? Will she compete against Gwen Stefani on Yodeling With The Stars? Will she become the host of season 2 of Bachelorettes In Alaska? Whatever show she signs up for, it'll probably a GOOD career move, oddly. These days Jewel is doing all right--her first country album, Perfectly Clear, debuted at number one on the Billboard Country Album Chart and at number eight on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, so all this boob-tube exposure has obviously paid off.

8) Joey Fatone - Our poor pal Joey. While his ex-bandmate Justin was off becoming the biggest pop star on the planet, bagging Jessica Biel and Cameron Diaz, and making steamy music videos with Scarlett Johansson, Joey was all but forgotten. And it didn't help that, as the portliest member of *NSYNC, his last name literally spelled out "F-A-T O-N-E." But then Joey competed on season 4 of Dancing With The Stars, and with all those years of choreography experience under his belt, he nearly won. He took that belt in a few notches, too, as he lost more than 20 pounds while on the show. Soon the offers were pouring in. OK, maybe they were just trickling in, but still. At least he had offers, right? Joey soon signed on to host the don't-confuse-it-with-Don't-Forget-The-Lyrics game show The Singing Bee, then he emceed an even worse barrel-bottom-scraping show, Celebrity Circus. Next, he's slated to co-host, along with fellow DWTS alum Melanie "Scary Spice" Brown, The Singing Office--which looks like it's gonna be bad enough to make Celebrity Circus seem like The West Wing. But hey, at least Joey is gainfully employed again...and at least he never had to go on Mission: Man Band like that other ex-NSYNC dude, Chris Kirkpatrick.

7) Carnie Wilson - Sadly previously best known as Brian Wilson's daughter and "the fat one" always forced to stand behind strategically placed grand pianos or large potted plants in Wilson Phillips videos/photo shoots, Carnie first came to the small screen in 1995 with her short-lived talk show, then broke reality ground when she allowed her stomach-stapling surgery to be live-webcast in 1999. Years later, when the post-surgery, post-pregnancy pounds crept back on, Carnie joined the cast of VH1's Celebrity Fit Club, and this put her back in the public eye in a big way (no pun intended). Soon she signed up for CMT's Gone Country (on which she inexplicably lost out to Julio Iglesias Jr.) and then the show with the stupidest name in TV history, VH1's magic competition Celebracadabra (on which she was the first elimination, losing out to C. Thomas "Ponyboy" Howell and one of the Pussycat Dolls). Next up is Outsider's Inn with her former Gone Country co-stars Bobby Brown (more on him later) and Maureen "Marcia Brady" McCormick--on which they'll run a rural bed & breakfast, and wackiness will surely ensue! But personally, I'm still waiting for Carnie to do a reality show with her dad...

6) Bobby Brown - OK, Being Bobby Brown was one of the best reality shows ever. EVER! This is a fact, and anyone who disagrees with this statement can just stop reading now. I see no valid reason why BBB only had to run for one season--why should a little thing like a divorce from Whitney Houston stop season 2 from going into production, huh? If anything, it would make the show ever better. But anyhoo, Bobby's show was such a smash that it opened up many more reality doors for him. He became the fan favorite on the aforementioned Gone Country (his original tune from the finale, "The Man I'm Gonna Be," was actually pretty good). And his proud-papa act as a very involved audience member on Rock The Cradle--cheering on his shirtless, talentless son Landon and nearly having a Whitney-style diva meltdown when Landon was voted off--was awesome must-see TV as well. But of course, it was Bobby's howlingly funny Gone Country sleepwalking incident, during which he nearly urinated on his unsuspecting bunkmate Dee Snider, that was real reality gold. Bedwetting-averse lodgers on Outsider's Inn better make sure their rooms are nowhere near Bobby's sleeping quarters.

5) Bret Michaels - The Poison frontman's hair-metal heyday may have been long gone--much like, rumor has it, much of his hair. But clearly he knew that there were plenty of buxom rock babes in America who were still willing to open up and say ahhh for even a (supposedly) washed-up heartthrob. So VH1 put out a casting call to find 25 skantastic, Lycra-sheathed, silicone-and-alcohol-engorged, Elimidate-esque metal groupies, stuck them in McMansion with seemingly bottomless supply of booze (and no one around to stop the "ladies" from pouring gallons of said booze straight down their deep throats--but plenty of cameramen around to film what transpires after they did)...and a real reality star was born! Sure, Bret had already dabbled with reality as a smartmouthed judge on Nashville Star (he remains my fave NStar judge ever, and I still miss him three seasons later), but it was on his dating show Rock Of Love (and Rock Of Love 2, natch) that Bret found his true calling. Rock Of Love was like one big season-long extendo-mix of Poison's "I Want Action" video, and the result was nothin' but a good time, of course! Now I'm just waiting for Bret and his winning season 2 bachelorette, Ambre, to decide to be "just good friends," so Rock Of Love 3 can start shooting already.

4) Jessica & Ashlee Simpson - Some readers might be surprised to see these alleged A-listers on a countdown like this. But those readers probably don't realize that it was MTV's Newlyweds that made Jessica a superstar in the first place. Before the show debuted in 2003, Jessica was just a poor man's Britney, a B-lister. Sure, she had a few pop hits, swapped spit with Ashton Kutcher on That '70s Show, starred in some Bally's Fitness ads, and published a wedding-themed coffeetable book that's probably on the $1 table at Crown Books by now. However, after Newlyweds she became America's most beloved dumb blonde since Marilyn Monroe--or at least since, well, Britney Spears. Little sister Ashlee followed with The Ashlee Simpson Show, which chronicled Ash's grueling life as she attempted to learn how to actually sing in time to make her debut album. Both Simpson sisters subsequently enjoyed great chart success while their respective shows were still on the air. So, is it a coincidence that since Newlyweds went into MTV2 reruns, Jessica has a) gotten divorced from Nick Lachey; b) recorded a flop album; c) been dumped by John Mayer, and rumor has it, Tony Romo; and d) starred in straight-to-Netflix movie turkeys like Employee Of The Month and Blonde Ambition? Or that since The Ashlee Simpson Show wrapped, Ash's third album Bittersweet World--despite being her best artistic achievement yet and featuring the work of sure-thing producers like Timbaland and the Neptunes--has not even gone gold? I think not. If these girls know what's good for them, Ashlee and her new hubby Pete Wentz will sign on to star in Newlyweds 2, and Jessica, who's reportedly in Nashville recording her first country album, will at the very least agree to make a cameo on CMT's Outsider's Inn. Reality TV is the Simpsons' only hopem really.

3) Ozzy Osbourne - For better or worse, metalman Ozzy and his kooky clan reinvented the entire reality genre with MTV's The Osbournes; soon after its massive success, the basic-cable airwaves were cluttered with tons of "we're crazy but we love each other and take out the garbage like everyone else" dysfunctional-family fare, like Meet The Barkers, Run's House, Gene Simmons' Family Jewels, Snoop Dogg's Fatherhood, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, et al. But none of these ripoff shows--surprisingly, not even Snoop's--offered the lovably, highly watchable, extremely bleepable appeal of Ozzy's TV tour de force. The Osbournes also introduced the former Black Sabbath-fronting, bat-biting, mush-mouthing rock god to a whole new audience three decades into his career, and launched a new side career for his wife/momager Sharon, who went on to host her own short-lived chat show and serve as a tough-loving judge on America's Got Talent and Britain's X Factor. One of the infamous Osbourne offspring, Jack, also starred on the Travel Channel's Adrenaline Junkie, and both Jack and his sister will probably end up on Celebrity Rehab 3 someday, too.

2) Flavor Flav - Ah, it is the ultimate Russian-nesting-doll paradigm of the Celebreality world: The Surreal Life begat Strange Love. Strange Love begat Flavor Of Love seasons 1, 2, and 3. And Flavor Of Love even spun off I Love New York, I Love New York 2, and Flavor Of Love Girls: Charm School, on which Flav never even appeared but still made Viking-horned his presence felt. (Twelve contestants from Flavor Of Love and I Love New York are also going to compete on the sure-to-be-Emmy-winning VH1 game show I Love Money, too, starting in July.) Man, who knew that one chance encounter between Brigitte Nielsen and Foofy Foofy in the Surreal Life's mansion pool would lead to all this, huh? Well, maybe Flav knew: As the wackiest and wildest hype man is all of hip-hop, he must've known that his gold-grilled, clock-slinging image was just made for TV. He's capitalized on his clownish persona quite impressively over the last few years, spitting out TV catchphrases like he used to spit hard-hitting rhymes, gradually becoming an even sillier caricature of his already silly self, and cackling all the way to the bank. After all that, it's almost hard to remember that Flav is a member of one of the most important, pioneering, and politically outspoken hip-hop acts of all time, Public Enemy...and it's actually kind of sad that the younger generation is probably more familiar with the time Sumpthin' took a dump on his floor than the time that, say, Flav and P.E.'s Chuck D rallied to make Martin Luther King Day a legal holiday in Arizona. Flav's recently gotten serious again, pledging to make an honest woman out of his real-life babymama Liz (to whom he was allegedly engaged BEFORE Flavor Of Love 3 started filming), so there will be no new seasons of his ratings-grabbing trainwreck of his Bachelor-style dating show. Also, he's trying his hand at "real" acting on the sitcom Under One Roof, on which he basically plays himself. But don't expect Flav to stay off the VH1 airwaves for too long. I'm personally hoping for a two-hour Trista-and-Ryan-style wedding special, starring Flav, Liz, baby Karma, and a whole lot of unsuccessfully Charm School'd bridesmaids.

1) Paula Abdul - Let's be honest here: Poor, forgotten Paula would likely be lying in a ditch somewhere, with her yappy chihuahas licking her feet and plaintively wailing, if American Idol hadn't come along and rescued her back in 2001. Pre-Idol, this onetime MTV it-girl had been on musical hiatus since 1996, after the failure of her 1995 album Head Over Heels. The former Mrs. Emilion Estevez/MC Skat Cat duet partner simply seemed doomed to footnote status; the best she could hope for was a segment on one of those VH1 "Where Are They Now?" or "I Heart The '90s"-type shows. But AmIdol changed all that. While Simon Cowell took on the role of the judge everyone loved to hate, the kinder and gentler Paula became the judge everyone just loved to love. And nothing--not a rumored affair with contestant Corey Clark, not her critique of a Jason Castro performance that hadn't even taken place, not her seeming drunkenness during live TV interviews, not her hot mess of a reality show Hey Paula, not even her terrible musical comeback attempt "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow"--could dethrone this beloved queen of reality TV. So in a way, Paula Abdul is American Idol's biggest success story. ``xEkEFZAFFpknrArbwgY``x1213793302``x(default) paula at nba``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 15: Singer Paula Abdul attends Game Five of the 2008 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers on June 15, 2008 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

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>>>Picture 3``xEkEFypkZZkKMiQWHtG``x1213602772``x(default) paula says she's straight-up single``xIgor``x(E!)--Abdul's publicist, Jeffrey Ballard, confirms exclusively to E! News that Abdul and her boyfriend, restauranteur J.T. Torregiani, have been not together for at least two months.

"They broke up months ago," Ballard tells E!, adding that the couple, who moved in together last year, are no longer cohabitating. E! has learned that J.T. is now living with a friend in the Hollywood Hills.

Abdul, 46, announced she was dating Torregiani, who is 12 years her junior, last July.

The American Idol judge told the Today show's Matt Lauer at the time that Torregiani was "a good guy" and that her personal life was "looking upwards."
"Things are looking good right now," Abdul said.

Torregiani is one of the partners of the Dolce Group, a restaurant and nightclub enterprise, which includes Los Angeles hot spots Les Deux, Geisha House, Bella, Ketchup and Dolce.
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They were last spotted together celebrating Torregiani's birthday at Beso restaurant in Hollywood on May 19. According to Abdul's publicist, the couple still remain on good terms.

They "still are friendly, though," Ballard tells E!

But apparently someone hasn't gotten the memo from Paula’s publicist.

When contacted by E! for comment, a rep for Torregiani insisted they are still dating.``xEkEFuFEFuZIHLokZXg``x1213431347``x(default) caught in the act``xIgor``xPaula Abdul, dining on the porch overlooking the yachts on Huntington Harbor at Prime Restaurant in Huntington, N.Y. While the eatery usually closes at 9, staff kept the dining room open to accommodate the American Idol judge, who arrived for supper around 9:45 p.m.``xEkEFkVkAAunkFvbNti``x1213252994``x(default) new 'dance liike there is no tomorrow' remixes``xIgor``xAlmighty 12" Anthem
Brothers In Rhythm Mix
Hani's Extended Mix
Jason Nevins Mixshow Edit
Tommie Sunshine Club Mix

Click >>>here to download them all in zip archive (57.5mb).``xEkEFEyZpVlEVsignND``x1213167058``x(default) in airport``xIgor``xPaula was spotted in airport last week. Here you can pictures.

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>>>Picture 13``xEkEFEklllkhclvPafy``x1213128882``x(default) paula scores her second biggest dance single``xIgor``xMulti-platinum recording artist, world renowned choreographer and beloved American Idol judge PAULA ABDUL's latest single "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" (remixed by notable DJ Paul Oakenfold) is currently No. 2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart, marking her second biggest hit single in her 20-year career on this chart, since she scored the No.1 position with "My Love Is For Real" in 1995. PAULA originally made her debut on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart with the track "Knocked Out" in 1988, and her highest ranking single after "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow," is the hit song "Straight Up' which peaked at No. 3.

"Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" continues to make history as well on the iTunes charts - debuting at No.1 on iTunes' Dance chart, with the video to follow suit, topping the iTunes' Video chart (not once, but twice). "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" is the featured first single off of fellow idol judge-producer-musician's latest album, Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1, which was released earlier this year.

PAULA ABDUL continues her reign as one of pop music's royalty as exemplified by her illustrious musical career, which includes worldwide album sales of over 50 million records, two #1 albums, six #1 singles, a Grammy award, seven MTV Awards, two Emmy awards, two People's Choice awards, and two Nickelodeon Kid's Choice awards. She has also earned the prestigious honor of her own star on Hollywood Boulevard's famous "Walk of Fame" and was inducted into Nickelodeon's Kid's Choice Hall Of Fame.

Click here to check Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart this week.``xEkEFEkVVAyOMzuBvmF``x1213125596``x(default) abdul to replace 'ex' judge sharon ``xIgor``xAfter ITV officially announced that Sharon Osbourne has decided to leave The X Factor, the rumors started circulating regarding her replacement.

Bookies have mainly targeted 3 people - Britain's Got Talent Judge Amanda Holden, Singer Kylie Minogue, and the current frontrunner, American Idol Judge Paula Abdul.

Paula Abdul: 2/1
Amanda Holden: 3/1
Kylie Minogue: 20/1

ITV sources are saying Simon Cowell has already invited Paula Abdul to join the panel, and as Paula has guest-judged on The X Factor before, this looks almost certain.

"It's up to Paula. She's thinking about it." says one source.

Some have said Dannii Minogue was only invited to join the panel after Paula turned the offer down in 2006.

Abdul's publicist Jeff Ballard could not be reached for comment at the present time.``xEkEklypykAzWQmAwHR``x1212860629``x(default) spring gala dinner``xIgor``xPaula Abdul looked gorgeous in white at the Spring Gala Dinner for the Neuromuscular Disease Foundation held at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Friday night.

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>>>Picture 13``xEkEkAVpVVAASImWYsy``x1212822000``x(default) making of "dance like there is no tomorrow"``xIgor``xTarget has an exclusive DVD of the making of the "Dance Like There Is No Tomorrow" music video when you purchase Randy Jackson's Music Club Vol. 1.

The DVD is about 25 minutes long and features great behind the scenes footage of Paula on the making of the video. The music video itself isn't included.

Making of "Dance Like There Is No Tomorrow"

Part 1:



Part 2:



Part 3:



Special thanx to David Pierce (Dr. Bombay) from Straight Up forum``xEkEkyykFykcSucZAGE``x1212662362``x(default) sabrina the teenage witch``xIgor``xPaula appeared as herself in the Fourth Season of "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" back in 1999. That season is going to be released on DVD June 17.

Here is a compilation of Paula's scenes from her episode:



Click >>>here to pre-order the Fourth Season of "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" DVD. ``xEkEkyZEyupafBOLfAt``x1212562800``x(default) paula abdul and j.t. torregiani still dating?``xIgor``x(Bosh, NY)--J.T., who co-owns Beso with Eva Longoria Parker and chef Todd English, was snuggling and cuddling with the Idol judge. "When Paula arrived, J.T. had an ear-to-ear smile, and they hugged for a long time before she planted a kiss on his lips," a witness tells OK!.

After dining with friends for almost 3 hours, J.T.,33, talked privately with Paula,45, before walking her to her car. Says the insider, "They are definitely on again!"``xEkEkyVlyZkpJBGzrMC``x1212390000``x(default) abdul's 'dancing' dreams shattered by 'idol' boss``xIgor``x(San Francisco Chronicle,USA)--Paula Abdul's dancing dreams have been shattered by the producer of "American Idol" -- he doesn't want his top judge appearing on rival show "Dancing with the Stars."

Abdul, a former choreographer, has made no secret of her desire to compete on "Dancing with the Stars," revealing in a recent interview, "I'd be honored. I want to wear the pretty dresses!"

But "Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe hates the idea of Abdul waltzing away to another show on a rival TV network.

He tells In Touch magazine, "As far as I'm concerned, Paula is 'American Idol' and our judge. It's like asking Simon (Cowell) to sing. Why would I want that?

"It's not that Paula wouldn't be good at it. She would be brilliant. But she was a dancer, so why would a dancer go on a dancing show? That doesn't seem fair to me!"

But the opposition hasn't put Abdul off: "I'm hypothetically thinking about it ('Dancing with the Stars')."``xEkEkyVluVZhVaSfcNE``x1211958000``x(default) new paula pictures``xIgor``xSinger and former Lakers cheerleader Paula Abdul listens to a friend as she watches the Los Angeles Lakers play the San Antonio Spurs during Game 2 of their NBA Western Conference final basketball playoff series in Los Angeles, May 23, 2008.

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Pictures of Paula Paula Abdul at American Idol television show's season finale in Los Angeles, California May 21, 2008.

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Paula Abdul of "American Idol" arrives at the Fox Upfront after-party at Wollman Rink in Central Park in New York City May 15, 2008.

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>>>Picture 1``xEkEkyZllkVFOLHUoXA``x1211612400``x(default) american idol doesn't want paula abdul on dancing with the stars``xIgor``xWill there be a crossover promotion between American idol and Dancing with the Stars? It would seem quite odd as they often go head to head and battle for ratings but there is a report that idol judge wants to participate on Dancing with the Stars. She is a former professional dancer (she is a one-time Lakers girl as well) so it seems odd that she would even be considered.

But In Touch Weekly says it likely won't happen and don't look for Paula Abdul to go Dancing With the Stars. Although the American Idol judge has made no secret of her desire to compete on the ABC dance show (“I’d be honored — I want to wear the pretty dresses!” Paula told In Touch), Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe isn’t a fan of the idea of his star fox-trotting away from Fox.

"As far as I’m concerned, Paula is American Idol and our judge,” Nigel tells In Touch. “It’s like asking Simon [Cowell] to sing. Why would I want that? It chips away at you, and not that Paula wouldn’t be good at it, she would be brilliant."

He then adds the obvious, "But she was a dancer, so why would a dancer go on a dancing show? That doesn’t seem fair to me!” “I’m hypothetically thinking about it,” Paula says about going on DWTS."``xEkEkVEVAZuqeCZbmlb``x1211526000``x(default) idol finale warmup: paula abdul on record for tonight``xIgor``x(M&C Smallscreen)--Paula Abdul talks about finalists, and defends David Archuleta’s father, reveals finale performance secrets and admits to wanting a change next season on Idol.

Terri Seymour joined American Idol’s Paula Abdul for a day of beauty at a Spa in Los Angeles where she dishes about the Idol finalists, defends David Archuleta’s father, reveals a secret about the finale and admits to wanting a change in next season’s Idol!

As for the two remaining David’s, Abdul says, “It seems split down the middle…The adults are talking Archuleta and the kids are talking Cook…” Abdul offers Archuleta advice saying, “Take risks…I want him to break out of his comfort zone.”

When asked about Archuleta’s father who has been labeled a “stage dad,” Abdul comments, “He [father] has taken up a lot of publicity right now and kind of taken away from the strength of his son’s talent, so hopefully that will just be put to rest once David gets on stage…” She adds, “The public’s just hearing lots of stuff…I think David’s dad has done an excellent job of getting David to the point he is right now.”

According to Idol’s Nigel Lythgoe, the biggest star in the world will be performing at the Idol finale and Abdul gives “Extra” a hint! “I think it’s MJ,” Abduls reveals. When asked if she really believes Michael Jackson is performing, Abdul responds, “Yeah, I have a sneaking suspicion.”

Since the Idol finale is just around the corner, Abdul tells Seymour how stressed she is exclaiming, “[I] just want to change my phone number, crawl into a hole, put up a sign: No more tickets left, no more tickets left. People have crawled out of the rocks for tickets. Driving me crazy.”

Abdul tells Seymour that she hopes to be more involved in next season’s Idol. “I’d love to really be able to work with the kids and have time to talk to them…just give them a bit of wisdom. I’d love to do that. Love to be able to choreograph some of the medleys…”``xEkEkyVlApuWCBVAnHS``x1211266800``x(default) 'american idol' top boss: paula abdul isn't going anywhere``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES -- For starters, Paula Abdul isn't going anywhere. "Why would we get rid of Paula?" wonders Cecile Frot-Coutaz matter-of-factly, when questioned about possibly nixing the wacky "American Idol" judge now infamous for - among other things - critiquing both of Jason Castro's songs after he'd sung only one.

All the chatter about Abdul's slip-up during Tuesday's "Idol" performance show doesn't faze the FremantleMedia North America CEO and "Idol" executive producer. Nor did the subsequent speculation about the singing competition's authenticity.

And really, why should it?

"I love that everyone was talking about it," she told The Associated Press over lunch in her office two days after the show. "It was so unexpected. It was something that took up 2 seconds of airtime. You'd think there was no other news on television."

To Abdul's credit, the incident happened following an on-the-fly format switch.

"We thought it would be a good opportunity for the judges to give the contestants a good kick in the butt and tell them they were going to have to kick it up a notch for the second song," said Frot-Coutaz. "That decision happened during the live broadcast. It was at the very last minute, so Paula wasn't planning on doing any judging."

In the moment, Abdul claimed she skipped ahead to her notes on another contestant. It was later revealed the gaffe happened because she had scrawled some impressions on Castro when - gasp! - she saw his dress rehearsal.

This practice, revealed many times over in seasons past but not scrutinized until now, is hardly grounds for termination. To Frot-Coutaz, it's not even cause for blame.

"It's not her fault," she said.

Frot-Coutaz - who oversees development, production and business operations of "Idol" and several other U.S. series, including NBC's "America's Got Talent" and the CW's "Farmer Wants a Wife" - said Abdul is "great for the show" and called her a "great team player."

It's just the latest in the long line of "Idol" follies that have popped up since the show debuted on Fox in 2002 and went on to become the most-watched show on TV. Frot-Coutaz brushes off presumptions that "Idol" is manipulated.

Instead, she points to the fact that the show is very big - and very live - as the cause for all brouhaha.

While controversy isn't new for the franchise, slipping ratings have been. Viewership for the Tuesday performance show featuring Abdul's blunder were the lowest for "Idol" in five years. On Wednesday, over 22 million viewers tuned in to watch Brooke White eliminated from the competition, according to Nielsen Media Research.

"Nobody's alarmed by the ratings dip," said Frot-Coutaz. "We're still 7 million viewers ahead of the second-biggest show. And let's face it. TV has taken a huge decline this year. All the networks are down by quite a bit. I think the writers strike really hurt. A lot of viewers haven't come back. You can't just look at an isolation in the environment."

Addressing rumors about potential changes for season eight, Frot-Coutaz said adjustments may be made to evolve the show, but insisted there are no plans to rework or remove the audition episodes that have started each season. And - besides Abdul - there's also no plan to replace Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell or Ryan Seacrest.

"They're a great cast," said Frot-Coutaz. "They work very well together. If it's working, don't fix it."

One thing Frot-Coutaz is considering reworking: "Idol Gives Back." She was uncertain about how much the second "Idol" charity event would raise "when a lot of people can't afford to pay their mortgages," although she was "very pleased and surprised" with the $67 million in donations.

Despite that generous figure, she's not sure the segue will return next year.

"I would like to take a break, personally," said Frot-Coutaz. "In the U.K., they do 'Comic Relief' every two years. I think that's the right amount of time. I don't think you should go back to the country and ask them to donate every single year. I think it's too much. Every two years to me feels right."

Not so for "Idol" itself. Frot-Coutaz doesn't see an end in sight. She points to the longevity of another FremantleMedia-owned show.

"If we're smart about it, there's no reason why 'Idol' wouldn't keep going," said Frot-Coutaz. "Just look at 'Price is Right.' It's been on for over 35 years."``xEkEkyyEFkZxqUnsxUH``x1210834800``x(default) paula abdul on her long absence from the music industry``xIgor``xVH1.com caught up with pop legend and American Idol judge Paula Abdul to speak about her new song and video (see it here), “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow,” off of Randy Jackson’s Music Club, Vol. 1 We’ll be breaking down Abdul’s comments over the next week in a variety posts. In today’s installment, she talks about her plane crash, injuries and the painful road to recovery.

Paula Abdul on her long absence from the music industry:

I wish they had [a way for me to show what was going on] behind the scenes. Because when [I was at my peak in the ’90s], I had a plane crash. That’s something I quietly made go away — no paparazzi or tabloid stuff. I took care of that. I didn’t want people to feel sorry for me or to count me out. The truth of the matter is that when I got into a plane crash, it was on my birthday. [I was flying from] St. Louis to Denver. I had a day off in Denver.


A month prior to the crash, an agent at CAA, Kevin Huvane, threw me into the mix with the late, super-famous casting director Howard Feuer for a job [the 1993 film Fearless]. The director was Academy Award-winning director Stephen Frears. They were intrigued by having a pop star possibly be in this film. I read for the casting director and he loved it. He had me read with other actors and actresses in the business, which scared the nuts out of me. Then he screen-tested me. I got the call-back. They wanted me to come back to L.A. and screen-test in front of Stephen Frears. I did, and then Stephen Frears wanted me to screen-test with Jeff Bridges. So I screen-tested with Jeff Bridges . . . and then it was down to two actors, me and Rosie Perez.

It was known that if Stephen Frears directs you, you will be automatically nominated — he brings the best out of people. So this was really exciting for me. So I get in a plane crash, by the way, when I’m on my way to Denver to take a day off. Stephen Frears and Howard Feuer really wanted me, but the studio was skeptical because I didn’t have anything under my belt. So I get into a plane crash and I’m like, “nuts! I’m getting this job! I know more than anyone else what it’s like to experience a frickin’ plane crash! [the subject of Fearless] It’s going to happen! It’s going to happen!” I remember saying this while I had a cartoon [sized] bump on my head, like three golf balls piled up on top of each other. I was like, “I’m OK. It hurts, but I’m OK.” The other seven people on the plane, they all had gashes here and there. My hair and makeup guy had a gash over his eyebrow. They were all very minor injuries. Well, I broke my seatbelt and hit the top of the plane with my head. I was in a lot of pain.

I ended up not getting the role. I was so bummed. At the time, I was like, “This makes no sense at all. Why do I have to work so hard and even experience a plane crash, and not get the role?” It was really heartbreaking. I kept really quiet. There was very little press, but we went down in flames in a cornfield in Iowa. It was terrifying. Afterward I was quietly experiencing a lot of pain. It got so bad that I was paralyzed on my whole right side, from head to toe. That started my five-year journey of fourteen cervical spinal surgeries. Everyone thought that I’d up and quit the business.

It was right at the time that my next album release was very much anticipated. At the same time, EMI bought Virgin. Everyone I knew and grew up with and had such great rapport with was no longer there. My album that I worked really hard on, EMI kind of went in the direction of [anti-radio promotion]. They tried to set a precedent, and [wouldn’t promote my record on the radio even if I was] the pope. Coming off of close to thirty million in sales, EMI didn’t stand behind [my new record]. It was a tough time for me. I went straight into having surgery after surgery after surgery, and my sister developed breast cancer. Being a celebrity, one of the greatest things is to be able to be fearless and call people. I got my sister into surgery the next day. All the while, no one knows what’s going on with me because there’s nothing definitive you can say . . . I was scraping bone on bone, with no discs. I had spinal cord damage and nerve damage. After every surgery they’d ask me if they’d fixed it, and I’d go, “Yeah,” but the truth was that I was in excruciating pain. The nerve surgeons, they don’t want to know you. And they especially don’t want to know you if you’re famous. So you start to slip between the cracks.

It was the same story every single surgery. It went on and on. They kept entering from the front, and on the twelfth surgery, my vocal cords got damaged. I didn’t have a speaking voice for almost two years. I worked with speech pathologists, but even still I was at my most creative. People don’t know that I know how to read and write music, and that I play woodwind instruments. I was first-chair flute all throughout high school. The last semester of high school, Janet Wolf took over first chair and I was so bummed, so I moved over to piccolo and oboe. The thing is that my mother is a virtuoso, an award-winning pianist in Canada. She played in all the philharmonics and on the radio. My mom has perfect pitch. I love when she comes to American Idol, because I’ll just look over to her [and check her reaction]. I have perfect pitch. I can’t always sing with perfect pitch, but my ear hears it. I know when I go off. I can clearly hear when the kids go off. I’ll look over to my mom, and she’ll be smiling at the stage — with one eye closed. [Laughs] Anyway, during that time, I wrote [some of my] best songs because I knew one day I’d be able to sing again. I worked very hard.

When you have severe complicated pain disorder, it starts messing with you. No one knows what to do. I developed RSD [Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy]. If you’ve ever had a sciatic nerve flare up . . . well, imagine that, only having your whole body flare up. There’s no cure for it. I became a guinea pig for trials. I barely weighed a hundred pounds when this all started, and I dropped down to like eighty-two pounds. It was horrible. But through it all I remained calm and I fought the fight. If I can get through it, I’ll help anyone else get through it, too. I’m very empathetic to people who suffer pain. Being a dancer, my threshold for pain is extremely high. I mean, being eight years old and in toe shoes, cramming your feet into metal and having blood blisters that form on top of blood blisters . . . it’s painful. So my threshold for pain is really high. When you’re a cheerleader being thrown all over the place, and being dropped . . . that’s where [my chronic pain] started. But it was a car accident and the plane crash that put the nail into the coffin.

When I had my fourteenth surgery, EMI convinced me to start selling my songs. I’d never done that before. When I got out of the hospital, I got a call [from a guy at EMI] telling me that there was this girl who came up behind me, selling gobs and gobs of records in Europe and the U.K. She had one hit here and was on a soap opera, and I knew it was Kylie Minogue. He told me that she hasn’t even been able to be arrested here for seven years. I’m all for the underdog. She wanted the first song I’d written, which was post-divorce. It was a retro-disco type of dance record . . . I demoed the songs I’d written . . . and by the way, [EMI] dropped me when I disappeared. No one knew my name, and it was the first time that I’d felt how crappy this business is and how much inner strength you need to prevail. Even though I was gone for five and a half years, my brand, my likeness, never went away. My catalogue sales were still bigger than the Spice Girls on Virgin now.``xEkEkyykAyFGmBcmrZy``x1210748400``x(default) how she helped build virgin records ``xIgor``x“Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow,” that title alone makes me cry. I was told that I’d never dance again, and I was told I’d never sing again. People don’t know. I’m completely misunderstood because I sit next to a guy who gets off on trying to make me look like an idiot. People don’t know that. It’s not a joke. It’s real. We are who we are. For whatever reason, he has fun doing that.


I was given $65,000 to make my record [Forever Your Girl] when I came to Virgin. They were artsy-fartsy and they didn’t want to mention that they’d signed me. But they were like, “You’re unbelievably popular and likeable, and your demos are decent.” I never told anyone I was signed to Virgin. But [A&R guy] Jeff Ayeroff, I worked a lot with his artists — from Prince to ZZ Top to choreographing Duran Duran — and Jordan Harris from Janet Jackson, my two favorites, came together and met me in New York. I was working on a Duran Duran video. I had to pick beautiful extras to be in the video, model-looking girls. I was walking down the street, looking at the girls, and I picked one who looked extraordinarily different. It was Christy Turlington. There’s so many people whose careers I’ve started . . . Elijah Wood, Nikki Cox, just a bevy of people you would not believe. I found directors like David Fincher, always searching for the next new big thing. Anyway, when I was in New York, Jeff and Jordan took me for dinner at Indochine and they asked me to be an artist. I didn’t tell anyone I was still a Laker Girl! I was still a choreographer!

Getting back to the first album, when I got $65,000 to make my record and Virgin Records was a studio apartment on Doheny [in L.A.] with no A&R person, I just made it. I pulled favors. I was working with Kool & the Gang, and I was like, “I’ll do the choreography for free, just write me a track.” I asked Prince to write me a track — I asked everyone. I bargained and bartered. “Straight Up” came to me by my mother, who worked for Billy Wilder as his personal assistant. Honest to god, my life is crazy. Get a load of this. Roy Orbison was signed, and he died that year. Warren Zevon was signed. These are the kind of artists . . . oh, yeah, and the Cutting Crew. And me. And little ol’ me, for $65,000, broke records and stayed on the Billboard charts the longest of any pop artist. I had four consecutive number ones. Anyway, my $65,000 turned into close to $200 million for them, bought [Virgin CEO] Richard Branson two more planes, built Virgin Records, and enabled them to buy Janet Jackson for $50 million. It was fun for me. I think I got raised to $175,000 for my second album. Then they bought Tina Turner for probably $30 million. Then they bought an island called Necker. I would watch and see . . . the Stones, Janet and Tina over there, and I’d be like, “Huh. Where’s my invite?”

I didn’t know that when I signed up for [American Idol] I’d be defending the kids . . . and myself. And my career. You can only imagine kids coming in and seeing me. They didn’t know anybody else, and then they’d see me and be like, “Oh my god!” Well, that didn’t sit well. So you’ll notice in season one that there’s no recollection of my music career. But I held my own. Even though I had to sit there and be accused of things, becoming an object of satire and a caricature. I’ve had to have dignity and grace. I’ve watched my reputation fall down and I’ve felt helpless. Did you ever see me in clubs? Did you ever see me photographed? Absurd! I’ve never been drunk in my life and I don’t do recreational drugs. I’ve watched myself be mocked.

No one takes into consideration the idea that people have the ability to edit together whatever they want to. I’ve been doing satellite media tours for 20 years. I’m so good at it. I’m so good at never making people feel like they’ve asked me a question I’ve been asked 800 times before. I can always see the monitors, but this one time it was like ghetto media productions. There were no monitors to be seen. We were making fun of it. It was crazy. I was down to my last several [morning shows]. I’d been up since four o’clock in the morning doing this and coming off of no sleep, launching my jewelry from QVC in Pennsylvania. The boys didn’t want to do press. They all go, “Paula will do it!” They don’t want to be the first ones. Simon was in London, Randy was producing, Ryan was doing his morning show . . . so I had to do it. Everything went fine, until the end when they experienced technical difficulties. I was told that they were taking a time out to fix it. I started to eat my yogurt. I couldn’t hear one guy from a morning show ask, “How is the talent there?” It sounded like there was a lot of noise, so I was like “Wow, it sounds like there’s a party going on!” [The statement was broadcast as Abdul’s answer to the question.] It was the most cruel thing ever. I was on no sleep, trying to be charming and kind, and got edited together to sound like I’m out of gourd.

I’ve got to tell you, no one cares to know about that. It was very, very hurtful. It ruined my reputation and then all of my endorsement deals [started to disappear]. I’m a brand. I’m lucky to be a brand. Everyone knows who I am, but they don’t know all of who I am. I’m a smart girl. I have the toughest job as an Idol judge because I have to think, coming from my perspective as an artist and as someone with the spirit and psyche of an entertainer, [the kids] will not produce anything if they’re bashed from the word go. If you happen to make positive, constructive criticism after [a judge has panned a performance], it’s too late.

It’s a live show, so I’m always like, “I’m thinking. I’m thinking.” While Ryan throws to Randy, what you don’t see is Simon in my ear, telling me to say the most ridiculous things and bugging me. I’ve had to learn to tune him out as much as I can. Sometimes it’s hysterically funny, but oftentimes it isn’t rewarding. So then it becomes, “Oh, Paula is insane,” or “Paula is drunk.” For him to say there was something in my Coca-Cola cup was hideous. It was horrible. It’s not funny. He could have retracted it, but he perpetuated it.

Guys, I’m a good sport, but there’s a limit here. This is my reputation. I don’t care that you don’t care. I don’t care that you, Simon, don’t even know [the contestants’] names. You can hear what he does to me now, like, “What’s the girl from Ireland’s name?” I mean, come on. Only Simon gets away with that. But the truth is that I started to lose endorsements because of false accusations. Now I’m defending my own intellectual property. It’s not an easy job for me.

I understand Simon. He’s in a bad mood this season. His anger? People see it. It’s not warranted with this group. I know Randy and I worked extremely hard to get the talent. He’s bugged by that. He made Colton Berry feel so bad for being accepted by saying, “I didn’t want you. I wanted you, Kyle, and I’m going to go on record.” I’m like, “Great. Can you congratulate the other guy, Colton, now?” I know that everyone loves the candidness and brutality. But you have to have the yin and the yang. When I have been sick and not able to get up, and it’s just left to Randy and Simon, I get calls all day. “Are you better yet? Can you come down for a little? It’s dreadful.” You need the balance. It’s the sum of all parts. I’m the wizard behind the curtain that makes it a fun family show.``xEkEkyykyZZUedjwgcO``x1210748400``x(default) paula leaving 'idol'?``xIgor``x(EXTRATV)--"American Idol" is feeling some heat after all-time low ratings -- and now "Extra" has the exclusive reactions from every "Idol" insider on the rumors that America's #1 show is getting a makeover next season!

"We've suffered from the lack of personality because [the contestants] don't say anything," Simon said to "Extra," "people want to see emotion!" While this season's singers may have lacked emotion, judges Simon and Randy encourage viewers not to rush to judgment. "It's like the whole country's watching this show," says Cowell, "so I actually don't trust the system." Jackson agrees, saying "The last I checked, there's still more viewers than any show on TV -- it's all good, baby."

It's all good for the superstar show, but what about for their partner in judging, Paula Abdul? Tabloids are swirling with rumors that judge nice may be getting the "Idol" ax -- but host Ryan Seacrest nixed the speculation, confirming that Abdul isn't going anywhere!

Tonight, the biggest change on "Idol" will be for the contestant getting the boot. Watch as three become two -- tonight on FOX!``xEkEkyyEkEFCINbIDxm``x1210748400``x(default) paula interview for logoonline.com ``xIgor``xExclusive With Paula Abdul! Her Side of That Jason Castro Critique & Her Fight for a Gay in The Top 12

After Jason Castro went home this week on American Idol, he told MTV News, "I just really felt relieved. The pressure was off"; he also said he viewed Paula's now-famous judging mix-up the week prior as an "honest mistake" that didn't affect him.

But speaking of pressure! After accidentally critiquing Jason on a song he hadn't sung yet due to a last-minute format change from Idol producers, Paula told Entertainment Tonight, "We all wish that someone would have told us ... We all just screwed up everything. ... But we all went, 'This is live television. It's actually fun!'"

Weeell - that ain't what she told me! I was lucky enough to speak with Paula Abdul for a second time - our first interview got cut short, and this follow-up involved many cancellations and even an apology bouquet for me from Paula! - and since the whole Jason controversy had just happened when we spoke, Paula gave me a very emotional account of the night from her point of view.

Paula revealed Simon went Naomi Campbell on a few of the unlucky producers and that in fact none of the judges watched Jason's performance that night, to give you a few highlights.

Also - the real reason Paula and I chatted - we talked about her love and devotion to the gay community, and how she fought hard to keep gay contestant Danny Noriega on the show for just that reason.

Read it all after the jump!

[And so the impromptu interview begins! Paula was in L.A. - I believe - talking to me on her cell phone preparing to leave her house...]

Hi, sweetheart.

Hi! Thank you for speaking with me, Paula!

My pleasure. Like I said, I'm sorry it's taken so long.

No, it's totally fine. I know how crazy-busy you must be. And thank you for the flowers! I was so excited to get them.

I hope you put the card up.

Oh, yes ... I got flowers from Paula Abdul for consistently getting blown off!

So have you ever really done gay press? Like The Advocate or something? I couldn’t find anything.

There's been little things on me that were supposed to go in The Advocate ... God, it was two years ago. Could it have been three? Ay-yi-yi...

I know you’re dealing with all these swarms of blogging and craziness with Idol right now too – how are the Idol people treating you?

Well, they're kissing my butt because they kind of made me ... Let me just put it blunt: They made me the fall guy. The producers made me the fall guy and figured on, Well, we don't have to tell Paula what's going on. That'll save us because we screwed up, and Simon and Randy and Paula are really pissed off at us.

At the commercial break, Simon threw a pad of paper and a pen at the producers! Why in the heck wouldn't you tell us that you're suddenly going to change the rules? And the funny thing is, I'm the only one who heard Ryan say, After two songs each...

Oh, I didn’t catch that. [Starting here, Paula gives a blow-by-blow of a very confusing series of events. Also, she was pretty emotional while speaking with me - so for someone who didn't see the Idol episode in question, this next part might be a tad confusing.]

No, no one did because they made sure it was off-camera. Before the commercial break, one of the producers came crawling in saying, Don't blame me - it's the other producers. And we're going to have to write notes; we're not going to remember what [the producers] are saying. And sure enough, while we're doing this, we missed Jason Castro's first song.

Now, we all see the dress rehearsals. We're asked and required to; it's not a secret. But somehow, the producers are making it like it's a secret – but it's not. And when I came in to watch the rehearsal, I saw the kids sing what I thought was the only thing they were singing. I didn't know they were singing two songs.

So I remembered [Jason] singing "September Morn" and not "Forever in Blue Jeans," 'cause none of us heard "Forever in Blue Jeans," because we're talking to the producers underneath the table.

After that happened, apparently there was a big brou-ha-ha with the producers, and then a producer comes crawling in on Syesha's song – she was the last one – and whispers something to Randy, but Simon and I didn't hear. And we go, What did he say? And Randy goes, Uh … Uh… Ryan's coming to us right now after Syesha.

And then the lights go on, and the kids are being pushed onto the stage. They didn't know what's going on either.

So at that point, Ryan should have said, OK, ladies and gentlemen and America, we're going to do this differently. He never said that. So in my mind, it's two songs, two songs. And I'm trying to think, OK, they're going to us now to critique. Did they sing two songs? Oh my gosh ... I start to get nervous. And I'm writing notes feverishly, and Simon's got some of my notes and so does Randy. And I'm like, Oh my god... So I'm realizing, what I saw in rehearsal was the second round. So I'm trying to split my critiques from the second round into the first.

... But everyone starts laughing. And I'm used to that, because Simon's usually off to the side, off-camera, making fun of me. I've learned to just kind of stay focused on what I'm saying and just ... be strong, you know? And um ... this is tough ... it's really nerve-racking. I'm being the scapegoat for everybody ... and pulled into the center of controversy. [she starts to cry.] ... I don't mean to be crying. This is not right.

No, no...

No, what sucks is Ryan says, Oh, Paula's channeling the future. Doo-doo-doo. [Twilight Zone noises.] Why in the hell would you do that to me? Why? He could have said at the beginning, Oh, we’re changing it up again. And they figured, Randy knew - then they figured Simon will figure it out. And if you look at him, you see Simon, he's not making fun of me; he's perplexed. And when he finally catches on to what's going on, he gets it - and he takes over for me to make me look like an idiot.

And then, they wouldn't apologize the next day. And they said I'm overreacting after the show, when I knew, this is going to be bad on me. The producers are like, Oh, no. I go, No, I’m the scapegoat for you guys. That's not fine, that's not OK. You guys have to protect me on this. And they didn't.

And needless to say, when push comes to shove, I had to force them to mention something - and so Ryan looks like the hero, but nothing was addressed, and I wasn't supposed to say anything on live television afterwards.

And there you have it. You know? And people write terrible things. And I'm the only judge that gives a sh*t. I'm the only judge that remembers everything that they do - that's so there for the kids. And in between commercial breaks, I'm helping them suck it up – the two of them who have to go home, whoever goes home - I've got tears on my clothing, makeup on my clothing, I put my hair over... No one knows what I knew.

Anyway, it just sucks, Colin.

No, I can only imagine. And it’s crazy to hear all these distractions and demands - and you actually care about them - how stressful that must be…

I know you don't have time, and I have to get in my car. I know you only have until 2.

Well, OK…

I don't want this to be the interview.

I know. We need to talk about your relationship with the gay community. That’s what I've never been able to read.

My whole life ... [she starts to cry again.] has been surrounded by marvelous, wonderful gay people. My best friend Jimmy right now is living with me, and he's one of the most magnificent singers in the world. I don't think anyone sings better than him.

He lives with you?

He's kind of been staying with me lately, because you know ... Let's see, my four closest friends - they're my best friends - are three gay guys and one gay woman [laughs a little.].

[She says this to someone with her.] And you're not gay Chris! Get out of here! ...He goes, What am I, chopped liver? No, I mean, my whole life, my extended family has been a family of wonderful gay people.

I've grown up in the business, behind-the-scenes, as a dancer choreographer - not so much as a dancer, but as a choreographer. And I've lost so many wonderful, dear, dear people that I trained and that toured with me. It's been a world that I feel very, very close to. I feel that, in many ways, I'm more understood by the gay community than I am anywhere else.

And you know, people talk about Madonna being the queen of reinvention - and while I applaud her - I don't know anyone who's reinvented themselves more than me, and created monumental, ginormous success in completely different areas of the industry. And that's something nobody's done – not in our generation and not that anyone I've been reading up since I was a little girl. I don't know anyone who started below the line and became - first of all, a cheerleader, and then revolutionizing cheerleading - and then became one of the most world-celebrated choreographers.

And often mistaken as a pop star of the '80s when I was ... I never had a publicist. I looked like I was a pop star because I was in the magazine articles, because all the acts wanted me to be in them. So it was mistaken that I was a pop star – until, you know, "Straight Up" came out. And that came out when all the studios broke down for Christmas, so my hits really came in the '90s.

So how do you think the community you know has changed … or what do you think of the state of the community today?

I think that the entertainment industry ... it's changed. Let's take this last American Idol: I pioneered Danny Noriega like there was no tomorrow, and he knows my love for him. I single-handedly brought in David Hernandez and Danny Noriega.

You pushed for them?

I pushed for them and fought... There's a reason why there was never, ever a debate or argument during the Green Mile show. We were still debating, and I was being yelled at - we were going overtime - because I fought so hard for Danny and David. And I stood my ground. I said, This kid is needed – especially Danny- because he is very open about being gay. He tried out the year before, and I fought...

Do you know how many people I've embraced and fought for them being at peace with themselves? I mean, I worked with George Michael on the most coveted Faith tour. You can't get bigger than that. And I was so understanding and so supportive of the fact that it's really difficult living a ... not living your life truthfully, for fear that people won't accept you.

And it wasn't until years afterwards that he came out - and he had the courage to walk up to me when I was eating dinner with Mike Ovitz at the Ivy - and he came up to me and said, I want to apologize; you're one of the most talented people, and I treated you not so great. And that's because ... I was living a lie of who I was.

And he gave me the biggest hug. And I said, For that my dear, I love you more than ever.

Because for a lot of people, the two most vulnerable places to be are in front of a mirror or behind a microphone – and both are areas of my life I've had great success. So I've watched people who are afraid of being who they are. Like with Danny Noriega, it was so important for television, for young kids to see: Here's a young guy, who's very smart, very witty and beyond talented, and I wanted so bad for him to go far in this competition. I needed him, I wanted him so bad to make the top 12. It would have changed even more so...

I'm being told, if I don't get out of my house right now ... but can I continue in my car?

[And there you have it! I wasn't able to speak with Paula in her car - and, as of today, I haven't been able to get back in touch. But I'm hopeful there'll be more to come!]``xEkEkyyFElERBHajPwz``x1210402800``x(default) paula abdul says she wants the gays on "american idol"``xIgor``x(Gay Socialites, NY)--Paula Abdul is evidently such a big ole fag hag that she fights for the gay contestants hoping for a spot on "American Idol." Well, at least it is good to know she doesn't pull for the ones who might sleep with her.

Abdul says she pushed to get gay contestants Danny Noriega and David Hernandez onto the show.

"I pushed for them and fought," Paula says.

"There's a reason why there was never, ever a debate or argument during the Green Mile show," she explained.

"We were still debating, and I was being yelled at - we were going overtime - because I fought so hard for Danny and David. And I stood my ground. I said, This kid is needed – especially Danny- because he is very open about being gay. "

Noriega was a flaming queen throughout the entire show, but most people didn't even know Hernandez was homosexual until the tabloids found out he was a go-go boy at a gay bar.

In her 'real life', Paula says most of her friends are gay and gets emotional when talking about gay rights.

"My whole life," she said as she started to cry. "...has been surrounded by marvelous, wonderful gay people."

The "American Idol" competition is, of course, only down to three contestants now. David Archueletta, David Cook and Syesha Mercado will battle for a spot in the finals on Tuesday.``xEkEkyVAEklaQwlGQzf``x1210402800``x(default) paula abdul: straight pp herself``xIgor``x(Queerty, NY)--Paula Abdul’s come under heavy fire in recent days.

As we all know, the American Idol host kind of screwed up last week when she misspoke and said she had heard both of Jason Castro’s songs when, in fact, he had only performed one.

Well, Colin Schoenberger of NewNowNext recently spoke with the entertainer and got to the bottom of how the snafu went down. We would go into the details, but it’s complicated and, quite frankly, not as interesting as this:

…People talk about Madonna being the queen of reinvention - and while I applaud her - I don’t know anyone who’s reinvented themselves more than me, and created monumental, ginormous success in completely different areas of the industry. And that’s something nobody’s done – not in our generation and not that anyone I’ve been reading up since I was a little girl. I don’t know anyone who started below the line and became - first of all, a cheerleader, and then revolutionizing cheerleading - and then became one of the most world-celebrated choreographers.

Abdul later discusses Idol castoff Danny Noriega, who she says she “fought” for because “this kid is needed – especially Danny- because he is very open about being gay.”``xEkEkyVAFAkxaqiCxza``x1210316400``x(default) paula abdul's job is safe, 'american idol' executive producer says``xIgor``x(MTV)--'Why would we get rid of Paula?' Cecile Frot-Coutaz asks.

By MTV News staff

Cecile Frot-Coutaz, an executive producer for "American Idol," told The Associated Press on Thursday that Paula Abdul's job is safe.

"Why would we get rid of Paula?" she said when asked if Abdul's slip-up this week, in which she critiqued one of Jason Castro's songs before he'd sung it, had put the judge's future on the show in question. "She's great for the show.

"I love that everyone was talking about it," she continued. "It was so unexpected. It was something that took up two seconds of airtime. You'd think there was no other news on television."

Abdul has blamed the gaffe on a last-minute format switch, and Frot-Coutaz explained the reasoning behind it. "We thought it would be a good opportunity for the judges to give the contestants a good kick in the butt and tell them they were going to have to kick it up a notch for the second song," she said. "That decision happened during the live broadcast. It was at the very last minute, so Paula wasn't planning on doing any judging. It's not her fault."

Frot-Coutaz also told AP that Abdul is a "great team player," and said that there are no plans to replace any of the show's other judges or host Ryan Seacrest. "They're a great cast," she said. "They work very well together. If it's working, don't fix it."

The exec said she's not concerned about the show's recent drop in ratings. Viewership for the Tuesday performance show were reportedly the lowest for "Idol" in five years. According to Nielsen Media Research, more than 22 million viewers tuned in for Wednesday's show, in which Brooke White was eliminated. White called Abdul's mistake one of the show's "human moments."

"Nobody's alarmed by the ratings dip," Frot-Coutaz said. "We're still 7 million viewers ahead of the second-biggest show. And let's face it. TV has taken a huge decline this year. All the networks are down by quite a bit. I think the writers' strike really hurt. A lot of viewers haven't come back. You can't just look at an isolation in the environment."

Frot-Coutaz also said she feels the show has a strong future.

"If we're smart about it, there's no reason why 'Idol' wouldn't keep going. Just look at 'Price Is Right,' " she said, referring to the show produced by FreMantle Media, the company of which she is CEO. "It's been on for over 35 years."

"The other weird thing is when people are standing right in front of you and they go, 'That's Paula Abdul!' Like you're hard of hearing. I look over my shoulder. It's scary."``xEkEkVEFkFkiBOILDQV``x1209711600``x(default) blogosphere lights up with conspiracy theories``xIgor``x(MTV)--Paula Abdul's Flub On 'American Idol': She Says, 'We All Just Screwed Up'; Blogosphere Lights Up With Conspiracy Theories

One fan defends Abdul's 'huge brain fart,' while another asks, 'Why even vote?'

By Gil Kaufman, with additional reporting by Jim Fraenkel

It was the flub heard 'round the world. On a night when "American Idol" threw viewers yet another curveball by switching up the critique format, the only one who seemed really thrown was perennially positive judge Paula Abdul, who appeared to give Jason Castro poor marks for his second song ... before he even sang it.

The painfully awkward few minutes of classic Paula confusion made for great TV, but also got some fans wondering about exactly what the gaffe meant. Literally within minutes, the blogosphere began lighting up with conspiracy theories and elaborate scenarios suggesting that the pre-tique was part of the producers' secret plans to have a David vs. David ratings-bonanza finale. Before the show was even over, "Idol" blog Rickey.org posted this comment: "I totally did not enjoy tonight's show because Paula Abdul just revealed that this show is rigged."

Abdul quickly shot down the theories, chalking her misstep up to confusion over the last-minute format change — more on that in a minute — but that didn't stop fans from weighing in with comments both supporting and lambasting Abdul and the show.

Posting as take5 on the official "Idol" message boards, one fan was quick to defend Abdul, writing, "What happened was Ryan said the judges will give their critiques of the contestants' 2 songs after the 2nd song. Then the contestants were all gathered after their first song, and the judges were asked their opinions. Paula was locked into what Ryan had said and then was confused when wanting to critique Jason's second song to the point she started searching for her nonexistent notes on it. She just had a huge brain fart — that's all it was."

But Furrypaws99 had a more sinister explanation, speculating that "the AI cat is out of the bag, thanks to Paula. IMO, this is a good thing for Jason. Now everyone will know who the producers want in their finale ... the two Davids, and what underhanded tactics they'll use to achieve that. The producers don't decide for the voters though. Only the voters will determine who winds up in the finale. Jason will be back next week and the Dreadheads will be there to support him."

In another forum, fans were asked to describe the show in one word, and their responses ranged from "debacle," "bizarre," "revealing," "cooked" and "fishy" to "surreal," "gameshow" (perhaps a reference to the 1950s game-show-rigging scandals depicted in the 1994 movie "Quiz Show") and "rushed."

Others, such as boatlady13, wondered if "Idol" producers would have the "guts" to send Castro home Wednesday night. "If they send him home, it could be perceived the show is so rigged and the negative comments were in fact scripted," she wrote. "Everyone who has read the fine print knows the producers reserve the right to pick who stays and goes. So why even vote? They wonder why their ratings have dropped? The producers are taking too much liberty enforcing their will, not the voting public's."

Though "Idol" spokespeople had no comment on the situation, Abdul spoke to "Entertainment Tonight" shortly after Tuesday night's show and said she was simply confused. Smiling as she was whisked from the scene in a chauffeured car, Abdul said, "The producers come up to us in the dark and said, 'We're not going to have you guys judge after each performer, we are going to have all the performers go once, and then all of them go twice, and then at the end you'll critique them.' "

Thrown by the last-minute format change, Abdul said she asked for a pad of paper to write her thoughts down, wondering why the judges were only told about the switch once the show had already begun. "We all wish that someone would have told us," she said, describing how she feverishly wrote notes as the singers performed. "I'm trying to get my critique for Jason Castro, and I scribbled Jason's name, but it was David Cook's critique. We all just screwed up everything. ... But we all went, 'This is live television. It's actually fun!' "

Whether it was a mental mix-up — TMZ.com even speculated on Wednesday (April 30) that a midafternoon martini may have played a role, although at press time that post apparently had been removed from the site — or evidence of some sinister plot, sites such as perennial "Idol" basher VoteForTheWorst.com relished the opportunity to ridicule Abdul and the show, though fellow judge Simon Cowell might have summed it up best when he quipped at the end of the night, "This was officially the strangest show we've ever done."``xEkEkVEuFVZFjVzBmfl``x1209538800``x(default) paula abdul has reportedly split from her boyfriend``xIgor``xPaula Abdul has reportedly split from her boyfriend.

Friends of the American Idol judge claim she has separated from restaurateur JT Torregiani, after less than a year together. However, JT is not upset about the break-up because he wasn't committed to Paula.

A source said: "He wasn't that serious about it and hadn't invested too much in the relationship."

Paula, 45, sparked rumours her romance might be on the rocks when she failed to show at the opening of JT's new restaurant Beso, which he has launched with Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria, in March. At the bash, JT was spotted flirting with female guests.

Paula recently spoke about her desire to settle down and start a family.
She said: "I do want children. I'll probably adopt because I think it'll be in the next three to five years. I wouldn't necessarily adopt from abroad like some celebs.

"I just want a healthy baby."

Paula has been married twice. She split from actor husband Emilio Estevez in 1994 after a two-year marriage, while her union to sportswear designer Brad Beckerman also ended after two years in 1998.``xEkEkylEAFlOGqynfZH``x1208242800``x(default) paula on larry king``xIgor``xPaula on "Larry King Live" TONIGHT 4/7!

You can either email from the CNN site or you can call in live. The number is 1-800-676-2100.``xEkEkyyFZlFnNkMMfpi``x1207551600``x(default) paula hanging out at trilussa restaurant``xIgor``x``xEkEkylFEpyZlVbLYab``x1207119600``x(default) abdul set for `today' concert series``xIgor``xNEW YORK (AP) — Paula Abdul and Miley Cyrus are among the stars who will headline the "Today" show's 13th annual concert series.

Abdul will kick off the series on the plaza outside the "Today" studio April 25, NBC announced Wednesday.

She recently debuted her first new song in a decade, "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow," produced by fellow "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson.

Cyrus is set to perform July 25.

Other headliners include Ashlee Simpson, Rascal Flatts, Natasha Bedingfield, Neil Diamond, Mary J. Blige, Alanis Morissette, the B-52s, Donna Summer, Chris Brown, Kenny Chesney, Rihanna and Coldplay.

Sheryl Crow will take the stage Aug. 1.

NBC said it will announce additional acts in the coming months.``xEkEkyyFuEAKvZDOPqK``x1206601200``x(default) ask billboard``xIgor``x'DANCE' BUT NO SPINS

Keith,

I don't want this to sound like a stupid question, but do you know the reason why Paula Abdul's new single "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" is not getting any airplay on the radio?

I was wondering if is just because DJs don't like it? Is it a corporate decision? Is it because the single is on a small label and the distribution is slower?

I'm pretty sure some people think is a good song (like me), but it just bugs me how a song that (hit No. 1 on the Top Music Videos chart in the iTunes Store) is not getting any radio airplay.

Thanks!

Richard
Guatemala City

Hi Richard,

For the seven days ending Tuesday, March 18, only five monitored U.S. radio stations played Paula Abdul's "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" seven or more times. The outlets were WZEE Madison, Wis. (9 spins during the week), CKEY Buffalo, N.Y. (8 spins), KQMQ Honolulu (8 spins), KNCH Seattle (8 spins) and KKMY Beaumont, Texas (7 spins).

Even KIIS in Los Angeles, which has a morning show hosted by "American Idol's" Ryan Seacrest, has only played the song 10 times total since it debuted in January.

Many radio stations played "Dance" initially in January when it was first released to radio. But since then, pretty much everyone has backed off the song. It's likely because their audience didn't respond well to the track. A radio station will only play something that it feels will work for its audience, and it seems the vast majority of stations don't feel "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" is right for them.

Among video channels, during the tracking week, only MTV Hits played the music video for "Dance," and it aired it four times. Its big sister station, MTV, has only played the clip once, on March 10. No other monitored video channel has played "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow."

It's not all bad news, though. "Dance" has sold 189,000 digital downloads and has moved in excess of 30,000 in each of the past four weeks. This week it was No. 21 on the Hot Digital Songs chart, having sold 39,000.``xEkEkyyuplVPWAdMjOF``x1206342000``x(default) paula wants finalists to sing her hits``xIgor``x(MTV)--'American Idol' Judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson Say David Archuleta Doesn't Have Contest Wrapped Up Yet

Plus: Paula wants finalists to sing her hits; Randy says viewers shouldn't punish hopefuls for their professional pasts.

By James Montgomery, with additional reporting by Whitney Gayle Benta


When they're not busy calling people "dawg" or debuting comeback singles during the Super Bowl pregame show, "American Idol" judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul are clearly spending their time reading MTVNews.com.

That much was obvious when we caught up with the dynamic duo backstage at "TRL," because they immediately took issue with something we wrote about "Idol" late last month — namely that baby-face crooner David Archuleta had all but wrapped the competition up, based on the strength of his cover of John Lennon's "Imagine." (Check out MTV News' trip to Archuleta's hometown.)

Not so fast, they cautioned. Things aren't over yet — not by a long shot (which was a bummer to hear, because we totally had Archuleta in our newsroom "Idol" pool). And if you think you had the competition figured out by now, well, you haven't seen anything yet.

"He's in the leader's role right now, for sure, but also there are some other talented boys too. Jason Castro did [Leonard Cohen's] 'Hallelujah,' last week. There's David Cook too," Jackson said. "And on the girls' side, there's Carly [Smithson], there's Brooke [White]. They're coming on. It's too early to tell. You got to keep an open mind, America."

"For me, it's always been hard, sitting in the judging chair, because I don't like having to judge them. I would like just sitting there enjoying them, but I have to give a critique as well," Abdul added. "So I'll say that the final 12, they haven't really let loose yet. And I [am] — and I think most people are — looking forward to seeing what they have inside of them."

Totally. Like, is Amanda Overmyer filled with whiskey? Or is Syesha Mercado just as annoying inside as she is outside? And how about David Hernandez? Er ... OK, Paula: What would you like to see from the top 12 then?

"There have been contestants in the early stages of the auditions that come in and sing my songs, both male and female. And shall we say it's rather challenging. But even when they try their hardest and they're not very good, Simon will say, 'It's uncanny. It's remarkably better than the original,' " Abdul laughed "[So] I think when it comes into the final 12, they're all afraid to do one of my songs, so I would encourage one of the guys to take on 'Straight Up' or 'Cold-Hearted Snake.' "

Come to think of it, that would be pretty awesome. And as for Jackson, well, he doesn't think the top 12 really have much of anything left to prove. In fact, if he had his way, the one thing he would change is viewers' constant focus on the fact that some of the remaining contestants — like, ahem, Smithson and Kristy Lee Cook — were signed to major-label deals before appearing on "Idol." To him, none of that really matters.

"The thing is, they weren't successful [before], therefore they need this show. The rules of the show have always said you can't currently be signed to a recording contract, so you could've had 12 failed deals, and obviously you only need 'Idol' if those deals didn't work out," he said. "It's the wrong kind of way to look at it. It's a singing competition. It's open to one and all between the ages of 16 and 28. Come on down. Do your thing. Every year, we've run into people who were in a boy group or a girl group or whatever. So the rules have never veered from where they started."``xEkEkVEFZuuUgBhbXdp``x1205132400``x(default) paula Abdul denies alcohol, drug claims``xIgor``xPaula Abdul has denied taking drugs or drinking alcohol while filming her fly-on-the-wall reality show.

Hey Paula! viewers were shocked by footage of Abdul's erratic behaviour which aired on the programme, and quickly speculated that certain substances were to blame.

However, the American Idol judge has insisted that a mixture of clever editing techniques and her own nerves resulted in the unfavourable portrayal.

"I've never been drunk in my life and I've never done recreational drugs," Abdul told Celebs on Sunday. "I was never a party girl, ever, ever, even when I was a 17-year-old working my first job as a choreographer. I was like, 'People are actually going to believe I'm like they're making me out to be.'"

Asked to explain her behaviour on the show, Paula added: "It was just me trying to keep my sense of humour over a situation that I couldn't control. I'm not going to say it was miserable, we had some hysterical moments and I've made some great new friends, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat, but I'd make sure it was done differently."``xEkEkVEyAEpgnjSSlnq``x1205046000``x(default) paula abdul comeback album``xIgor``xBy Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.

After re-launching her music career with an appearance on fellow "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson's new album, Paula Abdul is getting busy on her first new album since 1995's "Head Over Heels."

The as-yet-untitled project will include remixes of Abdul's best-known hits, plus a host of new songs. In addition, Abdul tells Billboard that Paul Oakenfold and Akon are preparing remixes of "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow," her contribution to Jackson's album. The artist has already chosen three new tracks to accompany the remixes.

"I will always be grateful for Randy getting me back into even the idea of helping me do this," says Abdul. "I didn't realize how much I missed it."

For the artist, whose last new single was 1995's "Crazy Cool," the collaboration with Jackson consummated several years of vague conversations about working together. But during "Idol" auditions last July in San Diego, "Randy kept saying to me, 'I've got the perfect song for you. It sounds like you, like now, it's like a nod to you and your past, but it's you now,' " Abdul says. "And he played it, and it was after the first two bars, I knew it was a hit. I knew it was a total smash."

"Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" was produced by Jackson and the Danish duo known as Deekay. Oliver Leiber, who wrote and produced Abdul's "Forever Your Girl" and "(It's Just) The Way That You Love Me," did some additional vocal production.

Abdul, who scored her biggest hits with Virgin, now finds herself a free agent amid a music business that has changed drastically since her glory days. "I'm already getting interesting phone calls," she says. "I want to have the ability to expand on my other talents. I want to be more of a partner."

Abdul is hoping "to have another single out by the end of 'Idol.' I could have another single out, and another single after that, and then have an album out before Christmas. It's the best of all worlds."

Also on the horizon: a return to live performance. Abdul says she's been offered the opportunity to make guest appearances during the annual "American Idol" summer tour, but she says she's aiming higher.

"For me, I have to have the visuals and the staging. That's what people expect from me, and the 'Idol' tour doesn't allow for that," she observes. "I have a whole plan. I do things that are very different and I'm all about setting a new trend and exploring. I have a lot of cool ideas."``xEkEkyyFAkZHvVPxesa``x1204873200``x(default) abdul introduces jackson's all-star "music club"``xIgor``xNEW YORK (Billboard) - After dabbling in nearly every area of the music industry, Grammy Award-winning producer/musician and "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson is adding "solo album" to his already impressive resume, and he's bringing "Idol" colleague Paula Abdul along for the venture.

The Abdul-driven "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" is the first single from "Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1," due March 11 via Jackson's new Concord Music Group imprint Dream Merchant 21. The 12-track collection showcases a diverse range of artists, from established vets like Mariah Carey, Travis Tritt and Richie Sambora to such up-and-coming talents as Barbi Esco and Kelli Selah.

For Abdul, whose last new single was 1995's "Crazy Cool," the collaboration with Jackson consummated several years of vague conversations about working together. But during July 2007 "Idol" auditions in San Diego, Jackson got specific.

"Randy kept saying to me, 'I've got the perfect song for you. It sounds like you, like now, it's like a nod to you and your past, but it's you now,"' Abdul says. "And he played it, and it was after the first two bars I knew it was a hit. I knew it was a total smash."

Jackson and Abdul premiered the single January 18 on Ryan Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show in Los Angeles, and the song reached the Super Bowl audience in Abdul's pregame performance.

The track re-enters the Pop 100 this week at No. 57 and debuts at No. 80 on the Hot 100.

Jackson's album taps into a range of genres, from the duet of "Idol" alums Katherine McPhee and Elliott Yamin to Joss Stone and the Clipse's cover of Dionne Warwick's "Walk on By" to John Rich, Anthony Hamilton and Sara Watkins' countrified take of Michael Buble's "Home"

"I've never really wanted to do a solo record," Jackson says, adding that the melange of styles is a nod to his multicultural hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. "But I always said that if I did one, I'd love to do one like those Quincy Jones albums like 'Back on the Block' (and) 'Dude' ... They showcased new talent he was trying to break."

In addition to starting up his label, Jackson was recently named senior A&R consultant/producer for Concord/Stax and is executive-producing the MTV series "Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew." At Dream Merchant, Jackson is working on records for newcomers Esco and Selah.

He says the goal of the label is to stay small and cultivate talented singers and songwriters, not necessarily break the next big pop star. "Great writing and great singing -- that's great artistry. That's what the label stands for, and that's why I called it Dream Merchant -- where your dreams come true."``xEkEkVEyZAuLBpDETYG``x1204268400``x(default) paula abdul’s video isn’t banned, ok?``xIgor``x(MTV)--Dispatch from crack reporter Chris Harris:

This week, several popular blogs and online media outlets have reported that, over here at MTV, a decision has been made not to air “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul’s latest video – for the track “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow” – which debuted on “Idol” last week. One such blog claimed to have spoken to sources, who said the video would not be added to the network’s rotation. An unnamed source, who allegedly spoke to MSNBC, apparently said “the only thing worse for a star like Paula to not have her video on TV is to have it actually rejected by MTV.”

Well, we’re flattered. The truth is, the department that makes such decisions here at MTV hasn’t even seen the clip – no one has submitted the video for airplay consideration. But they’ll be getting their first glimpse of the video on Monday, according to the scuttlebutt inside the building.

So there.``xEkEkVEFFlyQfKdWDtq``x1204182000``x(default) paula abdul fine with super bowl lip synching criticism``xIgor``xSinger-turned-TV presenter Paula Abdul is unfazed by criticism of her lip-synched set at the Super Bowl earlier this month (Feb08) - because she is convinced she gave the performance of a lifetime.

The 45-year-old's taped performance of new song Dance Like There's No Tomorrow marked her first singing appearance in more than a decade - and she was determined to prove she is still a first-class entertainer, despite not singing live.

She says, "It's pretty funny to me. In the past, whenever I was accused of lip-synching I would purposefully hit bad notes so that people would know I was singing live!

"But at the Super Bowl, they won't let you sing live for technical reasons. I was singing live over the backing track and I put a whole dance production together. People were waiting for a disaster but I nailed it."``xEkEkVEyVuywewPLUix``x1204095600``x(default) paula abdul making a musical comeback``xIgor``xAlex Strachan , Canwest News Service

Paula Abdul, ladies and gentlemen! She's on the phone from Los Angeles at first light after a long, hard night of judging the likes of Luke Menard and Danny Noriega - VotefortheWorst.com's pick-of-the-year as, well, the worst - and her voice is a whisper.

"I hurt my vocal chords,'' she says, but she isn't expecting any sympathy from You Know Who. She isn't getting any, either.

"Simon says I like to talk,'' Abdul says, and you can guess the rest.

Ah, yes, Simon.

The man of whom Abdul once said, "I welcome him like I welcome cold sores. He's from England, he's angry and he's got Mad Power Disease.''

Simon, Abdul says, would not want to audition in front of Simon.

The two clashed on American Idol last week, when Abdul pointedly noted that Cowell has never performed in front of a live audience, so he hasn't a clue about the pressure involved.

Simon sniffed in characteristic disdain and suggested in not so many words that pressure is something firefighters experience when they rush into a burning building. Singing in front of a live crowd and trying to keep it together? Not so much. That's just performing on American Idol.

"He just doesn't understand how vulnerable you feel out there,'' Abdul says, finding her pipes again.

No matter what Cowell says, she's not about to be intimidated.

"I've always spoken my own mind,'' she says. "This has been a weird season. Simon is just not hearing what Randy and I are hearing. We all come from different perspectives and backgrounds. Mine is that of a performer and that of an artist. And when you get harsh criticism, you just have to close your eyes and try to handle it with dignity and some grace. Simon will say, `Oh, bronchitis schmontitis, they're so lucky to be there, it's not hard.' I wonder how he can say that so matter-of-factly. It's the worst feeling in the world to go out there and (bomb).''

Abdul agreed with Randy Jackson on 23 out of 24 calls during last week's Top 24 performance shows.

Abdul isn't keeping count, though.

"It's just an opinion,'' she says heatedly. "There's no wrong and no right. I'm not keeping score. The only thing I will say is that I'm only the only one who knows something about what they're feeling.''

The contestants this season have been more comfortable talking back to the judges when they hear something they don't like.

"I love it when somebody says something back and makes Simon laugh. That's the best part - making Simon laugh, and admit that, just maybe, he was wrong. I just hope and pray they don't let any of the criticism get the best of them.''

Asked who would upset her, if they were voted out next, Abdul is momentarily thrown for a loop.

"It would crush me,'' she says finally, "but there's no way it's going to happen, if David Archuleta or Jason Castro was the next to go. And Michael Johns. I thought Amanda Overmeyer's performance was awesome. Carly Smithson - I would be crushed.''

Ah, yes, Carly Smithson.

VotefortheWorst.com - fast becoming the go-to website for Idol detractors, the Smoking Gun of the online Idol community - broke the story that Smithson had a million-dollar record contract in a previous life, with MCA Records, under her maiden name Carly Hennessy. Isn't American Idol supposed to be about finding raw, undiscovered talent. Can you spell S-C-A-N-D-A-L?

"It doesn't matter at all,'' Abdul says. "Nobody knows who Carly Smithson was prior to appearing on American Idol. We've been following the same rules since season one.''

Kelly Clarkson had a prior recording deal that flopped, Abdul notes, and nobody groused about that at the time.

"I went back and looked at some of the other people (who won), and everyone had some kind of deal. There's probably a dozen or so that had deals.''

Idol's rule is that a recording contract can't be in effect at the time of the initial audition, or while Idol is in production. "The same rules always apply,'' Abdul says. "This season is no different.''

Abdul, Janet Jackson's choreographer during Jackson's Control days in the mid-1980s, is finally finding the time to sit back and reflect on the difference between being a performer today - she has a new video out, don't you know - and a performer back in the day.

Abdul survived personal and professional struggles in the 1990s to win a fresh start on American Idol and, now, signs of a potential musical comeback. Her single, Dance Like There's No Tomorrow, is her first in 12 years. Her last single, in 1996, was called ironically enough, Ain't Never Gonna Give Up.''

"It's a whole different feeling right now,'' Abdul says. "It's a very pleasant, very special time for me. It's been a while since I've been out there, and coming back is something very special. I'm in a good place.''

Even with Cowell there to remind her what she's doing wrong.

American Idol airs three nights a week on CTV and Fox. Check local listings for the times.``xEkEkVEyukunPuxqDNN``x1204095600``x(default) Paula Abdul: "simon cowell is not gay"``xIgor``xinger turned American Idol judge Paula Abdul has slammed critics for branding music mogul Simon Cowell gay - claiming he is just "comfortable in his own skin".

Despite dating longtime girlfriend Terri Seymour, Cowell is still scrutinized by the media about his sexuality - much to Abdul's disgust.

The Straight Up singer is sick of the constant rumors and claims even to fancy the acid-tongued judge herself.

She tells Britain's Star magazine, "People say that all the time but no, he's not! His brother always jokes and says that he's gay but Simon has fun with it now. He's very comfortable in his skin.

"He's been doing more push-ups lately. There's no excuse for him to dress that way."``xEkEkVEykVyXxnAZVMr``x1204009200``x(default) abdul's singing like there's no tomorrow``xIgor``xFirst single in a decade has American Idol judge realizing how much she `missed being out there'

Rob Salem
TV Critic

She blew them away (albeit after the fact) with a pre-recorded performance on the Super Bowl pre-game broadcast.

The video was a pirated Internet hit even before its official debut last week on American Idol.

The title, however, is a bit misleading. Paula Abdul's "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" is more about dancing like there was no yesterday. And tomorrow is looking more like the day before.

The new single, a collaboration with fellow American Idol judge Randy Jackson, is her first new release in over a decade. And it's good – even Simon Cowell says so. Sort of.

"He told me, `I hate you, (but) I love the song,'" relates Abdul, addressing the press in a Fox-sponsored phone conference.

Cowell does appear in a cameo tableau at the end of the video, alongside Abdul, Jackson and Idol host Ryan Seacrest. "He said, `I don't do this for my own artists.' And I said, `That's because they probably don't want you in their videos.'"

This does not sound like the docile, overmedicated, often confused Abdul we've come to know. But very much like the cocky, confident, comparatively clear-headed Abdul of old. "It's a whole different feeling right now," she allows. "It's a very poignant and a very special time."

A series of controversies, career setbacks, personal problems and unlikely accidents – including an emergency plane landing in 1992 – appeared to have ended her performing career. At least, until she was able to reinvent herself as Idol's resident caring nurturer.

But she had all but given up on ever being able to sing and dance again herself. "I had 14 cervical spinal surgeries and that pretty much kept me out of the loop. By my 12th surgery, they had hurt my vocal chords. So I had to rehabilitate.

"I knew that if I did come back that it would be something very special, because I was pretty much told that I would never dance (again).

"It's been rewarding to able to be back in the game and be in a really good space, because that's my happy place. I realize how much I missed being out there."

Not that she's ready to leave American Idol. Far from it. And she insists this year's crop are the best potential Idols yet. Mind you, she says that pretty much every year, though it does stand to reason, as over the years the contenders have become more familiar with the competition's demands and format.

"They are more savvy," Abdul confirms. "They're smart kids. They all do their homework.

``I think that, with the success of the show, people are realizing that it's a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. There is a real payoff dividend. It can happen."

Idol continues this week with two 90-minute performance shows, tonight and Wednesday at 8 p.m. on Fox and CTV, and the hour elimination show Thursday at 8.``xEkEkVEykpkcvKBmIfB``x1204009200``x(default) paula abdul unveils new music video for her new hit single``xIgor``xAMERICAN IDOL sweetheart Paula Abdul has debuted the music video for her hit single “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow” on FOX.com.

FOX.com/paula will feature the music video, which includes cameos by Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest, as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the video shoot until Wednesday, March 5. Fans can also share and post the video on their MySpace pages, their own websites or personal blogs.

Multi-Grammy and Emmy Award winner Abdul collaborated with fellow AMERICAN IDOL judge Randy Jackson for her first recording in over a decade. The dance-themed anthem, “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow,” is the first single released from Jackson’s new album “Randy Jackson’s Music Club” due this March.

Abdul is one of the most recognized names in entertainment. Her career spans 21 years and covers music, dance, choreography, animation and drama. Her success is exemplified by worldwide album sales exceeding 53 million units. She is a Grammy winner, a seven-time MTV Video Award winner, as well as a two-time Emmy Award-winning artist with two No. 1 albums and seven No. 1 singles. Her debut album, “Forever Your Girl,” spent 10 weeks at No. 1 and went multi-platinum, spawning five hit singles including “Straight Up,” “Cold Hearted,” “(It’s Just) The Way That You Love Me,” and “Opposites Attract.”

Her work in choreography includes Emmy-winning contributions to “The Tracey Ullman Show,” the opening act for the American Music Awards, and an Emmy nomination for the Academy Awards. Her award-winning work with Janet Jackson garnered two MTV Video Awards, and she has also worked with Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Luther Vandross, INXS, Heart and Prince. One of the highlights of her career, dancing alongside her idol Gene Kelly in a Diet Coke commercial, was recently inducted into the Coca-Cola Hall of Fame Museum. Her contributions to film include the Academy Award-winning “American Beauty,” working with Cuba Gooding Jr. on his Academy Award-winning performance in “Jerry Maguire,” as well as transforming Val Kilmer into Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s “The Doors.”

Abdul honors her roots by running dance and cheerleading camps, as well as sponsoring competitions and scholarship programs throughout the country. Most recently she added to her already impressive resume by extending the Paula Abdul brand with new ventures such as a successful jewelry line and a forthcoming fragrance. She introduced her Paula Abdul Jewelry Collection on QVC last year to record-breaking sales and public acclaim and will take the line to the U.K. later this year.``xEkEkVEypAEFJdIsPdJ``x1203663600``x(default) paula Abdul has faves she 'idol'-izes``xIgor``xBy CRISTINA KINON
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

After just one week of performances on the big stage, "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul is already choosing her favorites.

"There are some definite standouts," Abdul told reporters in a conference call yesterday. "You can't deny David Archuleta and Jason Castro's magic. And Michael Johns, and Alaina Whitaker and Ramiele [Malubay] and Syesha [Mercado] and Carly [Smithson] ... I would be crushed to lose any of them."

Abdul echoes the party line that this year's group of contestants is the most promising of all. She says she can tell that these kids have grown up watching "American Idol."

"They're more savvy," said Abdul. "They're smart kids, and they understand that to be a well-rounded contestant, you're going to have to study different genres, different eras.

"I think with the success of the show, people have realized that it's a major force to be reckoned with in the music industry and that there will be a payoff in the end - and it doesn't just have to be for the winner."

Abdul doesn't subscribe to the notion that having a record deal in your past should disqualify you, as some critics have suggested about Smithson, who was signed to MCA Records when she was 15.

"It doesn't matter at all," Abdul said. "The plain and simple question is, did anyone know who Carly Smithson was prior to seeing her on 'American Idol?' And everyone will say 'no.' ... As we all know in show business, a recording contract doesn't necessarily guarantee you're going to be a success. It doesn't matter."

In addition to judging "Idol," Abdul just released a single entitled "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow," and will soon start recording an album to be released this summer.

"It's a very poignant and very special time," said Abdul. "It's been a while since I've been out there doing that ... I knew that if I came back, it would be something special, because I was pretty much told I would never dance again [Abdul's spine was injured in an airplane crash], so it's been a real triumphant time ... I didn't realize how much I missed physically being out there."

Abdul says even "Idol's" harshest critic is a fan of her latest work in the studio.

"Simon says, 'Unfortunately, I hate you, I like the song,'" joked Abdul. "And he makes a cameo in the video. He said, 'I don't do this for my own artists.' And I said, 'That's probably because they don't want you in their video.'"``xEkEkVEVVZVzgrpQSws``x1203663600``x(default) paula abdul disappointed with own music video``xIgor``xAnne Lu - Celebrity News Service News Writer

Los Angeles, CA (CNS) - Paula Abdul is disappointed in herself. The 'American Idol' host is so disappointed with the outcome of her new music video 'Dance Like There's No Tomorrow' she tries to pretend it didn't happen at all.

MSNBC.com reports that a source close to the 45-year-old singer says she wanted to say her music video is horrible but she doesn't want to hurt fellow AI judge Randy Jackson's feelings.

"She doesn't think it's Heidi Montag-bad, but she's still trying to pretend like it didn't happen. If Randy wasn't involved, she'd be more vocal about it, but she does appreciate the fact that he was involved," the source says.

The music video, which is part of Jackson's 'Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1' album, is supposed to be Abdul's comeback launch. Her last album had been released more than one decade ago.``xEkEkVEVuVENTlkUAjO``x1203663600``x(default) paula on simon: ‘he’s misbehaving’``xIgor``x(EXTRATV)--The “Idol” judges are fighting more than ever! Now Paula is speaking out about the feud at W magazine’s pre-Oscar party.

"I just watched 'Extra' tonight. A whole piece was put together where he's totally misbehaving!" she said, adding, "How does Terri [Seymour] ever put up with that? How do I put up with that?"

With a smile, Paula shrugged, "We love him."

Paula also opened up about the leak of her new music video "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow," which was supposed to have it's world premiere on "American Idol."

"I heard the response was really great, that's all you can wish for," she said.``xEkEkVEVFkpxCuQdEZA``x1203577200``x(default) "dance like there is no tomorrow" video online``xIgor``xCheck here exclusive new video of Paula Abdul "Dance Like There Is No Tomorrow".

``xEkEkyZuEFFbYJUgEvf``x1203490800``x(default) paula abdul: "i caught a fan photographing me in a toilet``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul was shocked to discover an overzealous fan photographing her over a toilet cubicle partition.

The 45-year-old singer couldn't believe the nervous fan didn't think there was anything wrong with invading her personal bathroom space - so she instructed her to never do it again.

Abdul says, "I was mortified and she didn't think there was anything wrong with it.

"I honestly was weirded out by that and she was so nervous that she thought I wouldn't even notice. And I was like, 'No, no, that's not cool.' I said to her, 'A real good tip - don't do that to anyone else.'"

And she has another piece of advice for fans who approach her in the street.

"The other weird thing is when people are standing right in front of you and they go, 'That's Paula Abdul!' Like you're hard of hearing. I look over my shoulder. It's scary."``xEkEkVEVpElVvuzzstn``x1202799600``x(default) randy Jackson to help produce Paula Abdul's new album``xIgor``x(EW)--Hot on the heels of Paula Abdul's lip-synch-tastic Super Bowl performance, her American Idol costar Randy Jackson has confirmed that he will have a hand in producing her forthcoming full-length album. "We've been talking about it," Jackson told EW.com during a taping of his latest side-project, MTV's America's Best Dance Crew, which premieres Thursday night. "We gotta keep things rolling, you know?" No release date or label has been announced yet, but last week Paula Abdul's official website posted a message saying to expect an album in Summer 2008.``xEkEkVEuZkEeUbEDBrs``x1202367600``x(default) super bowl``xIgor``x(MTV)--'American Idol' Recap, Super Bowl Edition: Paula Abdul Defies Expectations With Pregame Show

Sure, she lip-synced the pretaped performance, but her dancing skills and infectious smile won over this writer.

By Jim Cantiello


For most people, Super Bowl Sunday was all about watching the Big Game. Would the New England Patriots finish with a perfect season or would the New York Giants pull off the ultimate upset?

In my apartment, however, Sunday was about something else entirely. Not Tom Petty and the Pacemakers' halftime show, not Jordin Sparks' national anthem (although, can I get a witness?), not the commercials (even the ones with Richard Simmons). For the Cantiello Household, Super Bowl XLII meant one thing.

The return of Paula Abdul, superstar.

Sure, her pregame performance of "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" was pretaped. And yes, it certainly looked like she was lip-syncing Cotillard-style. But I have to admit, I thought she nailed it.

Before you start furiously commenting about me "going soft," hear me out.

Paula Abdul was never famous for her singing ability. She was always first and foremost a performer. Like Janet Jackson before her and Britney Spears after, Abdul's live shows were all about dancing and spectacle. (She's shared the stage with an animated cat, a re-animated deceased dance legend and a friggin' hovercraft! Your move, Beyoncé.) For critics to call her out for not singing live now — 12 years after her last album, and arguably 15 years after her last major hit — is kind of absurd.

"But Jim," you protest, "if Paula's going to lip-sync on television, who is she to judge other singers on 'American Idol'?" My answer is this: Paula Abdul pointing out pitch problems has been ridiculous since episode one (still not as ridiculous as when "Idol" invited Jennifer Lopez to coach singers, though). Plus, anyone who caught Gwen Stefani's pretaped and seemingly auto-tuned performance on last year's season finale knows that "Idol" is no stranger to less-than-live vocals when it comes to the occasional celebrity guest.

Take her canned vocals out of the equation and it's hard to deny that Paula's return to the stage was nothing short of triumphant. Her entrance was an adorable nod to her past. The former Laker Girl was propped up in a cheerleader formation while she sang the opening lines of her debut album's namesake, "Forever Your Girl." She had an infectious, beaming smile that never left her face for the entirety of her performance. And although she may not have moved as much as her background dancers, you could tell that Paula was committing to each hip pop and head roll 100 percent (or, as she would say to an "Idol" contestant, "one million bajillion percent").

Paula looked amazing too. I love her new haircut (we haven't seen the bangs on this season of "Idol" yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing them in weeks to come) and her outfit was MILF-tastic. She learned her lesson from her '91 VMA debacle, avoiding the bedazzled sausage leotard for a flattering, age-appropriate pantsuit that showed off her ripped arms and tiny frame.

If you asked me a week ago, I would have put money on Paula's appearance being a mess of "Gimme More" proportions. All signs pointed toward "train wreck." Paula hasn't performed in over a decade because of serious physical injuries. She's known more for her occasionally loopy appearances as a TV personality than as a hitmaker. And last summer, she was the star of a reality show that solidified the public's perception of her as an emotional wreck.

Considering all that baggage, the biggest underdog victory of Super Bowl XLII didn't belong to the New York Giants. It belonged to Paula.``xEkEkVEFplZGPGUxaGr``x1202108400``x(default) super bowl performance``xIgor``xCheck here exclusive "Dance Like There Is No Tomorrow" Super Bowl performance by Paula Abdul.

``xEkEkyZukyuWBovilQo``x1202022000``x(default) new album update``xIgor``xPaula Abdul is being very smart about her return to music.

She really wants to be Forever Your Girl.

Paula plans for her first album in over a decade is quite clever and a guaranteed hit.

"I'm back in the studio already. Im going to do 5 or 6 of my # 1 songs, but interpreted by different producers like Will.I.Am," says Abdul.

The album will also include five NEW songs.``xEkEkVEkyllVlbqsrZK``x1201935600``x(default) paula abdul to release new album ``xIgor``xFormer pop star Paula Abdul is set to make a musical comeback by releasing a new album.

The Straight Up singer has recorded new single Dance Like There's No Tomorrow for fellow American Idol judge Randy Jackson's upcoming compilation of dance songs, Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1 - and was so thrilled to be in the studio again, she decided to lay down an entire album of tracks.

Abdulmatic - her first release since 1995's Head Over Heels - is slated for release in the summer of this year (08).``xEkEkVEkFllWAjUgbdW``x1201849200``x(default) "dance like there is no tomorrow" video news from fox``xIgor``x``xEkEkyZypEudmpeLvWf``x1201676400``x(default) extra``xIgor``xExtraTV report from behind the scenes of Paula's "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" video.

``xEkEkyZyuEZyyVLXfoD``x1201590000``x(default) access hollywood``xIgor``xAccess Hollywood on the set of Paula Abdul's new video Dance Like There's No Tomorrow.




``xEkEkyZykpynLqGucKB``x1201590000``x(default) hollywood residental``xIgor``xPaula's Hollywood Residental episode already online. Click >>>here to watch it.``xEkpplVpApZPVzNSQKi``x1200850907``x(default) "dance like there's no tomorrow" lyrics``xIgor``xAll want to do is stay right here on the floor
Get lost in the night and dance like there's no tomorrow
Don't care about the sunrise
Somebody please just hit the lights
I just want to dance like there's no tomorrow

Today just wasn't my day
Everyone's gettin' me so fed up
I gotta find a way
I know what can make me feel better
Steppin' out in my best
Lookin' hotter than ever
Wherever the party is
That's where i'll be at in a second

Oh i'm so ready to move my body
Forget about all my problems
When i hear my song
I'm gonna lose control
Hey here i go

All want to do is stay right here on the floor
Get lost in the night and dance like there's no tomorrow
Don't care about the sunrise
Somebody please just hit the lights
I just want to dance like there's no tomorrow

I'm lovin the atmosphere
Feels like i'm floatin' in heaven
The music's all in my ear
Takin' over, my heart's racin'
Feelin' so hollywood
How i got everybody starin'
Their eyes are the cameras
And i'm lovin' all the attention

Get up, 'bout to move my body
Forget about all my problems
They're playin' my song
I'm gonna lose control
Hey here i go

All want to do is stay right here on the floor
Get lost in the night and dance like there's no tomorrow
Don't care about the sunrise
Somebody please just hit the lights
I just want to dance like there's no tomorrow

Please dj, please dont say it's the last call
Cause i know what it means, and i don't want you to play No slow song
I'm still buildin' the nerve to talk to that guy
Just give me another song and make it right


All want to do is stay right here on the floor
Get lost in the night and dance like there's no tomorrow
Don't care about the sunrise
Somebody please just hit the lights
I just want to dance like there's no tomorrow

All want to do is stay right here on the floor
Get lost in the night and dance like there's no tomorrow
Don't care about the sunrise
Somebody please just hit the lights
All i want to do is dance like there's no tomorrow``xEkppZVEVpycLpceKFP``x1200751506``x(default) listen "dance like there's no tomorrow"``xIgor``xClick >>>here to download world premier of new Paula song "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow." (Radio Rip)``xEkppZukZyuVOEjIkLJ``x1200742764``x(default) paula at kiss-fm``xIgor``xPaula debutes first single in over a decade. Click >>>here to listen Paula interview.

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Here you can watch a video of Paula and Randy Jackson introducing "Dance Like There Is No Tomorrow" at Kiss-FM:

``xEkppZulAFlWjtNDaUH``x1200639600``x(default) idol judge paula debuts a new song ``xIgor``xPaula Abdul has debuted her new single Dance Like There's No Tomorrow, on Ryan Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show.

People.com reports that fellow American Idol judge Randy Jackson was also there in the radio studio to hear the song which will appear on the upcoming album Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol 1.

"This is a big moment, dude," he said adding that Paula's dance hits of the 80s and 90s like Straight Up, Opposites Attract and Vibeology "used to make me melt".

"It just seemed the right time," Paula said, when asked why she was releasing a new record more than 15 years after her last single came out in 1993.

"The timing just came together."

Randy's album will also feature tracks from Mariah Carey, Joss Stone, Richie Sambora, and former Idol contestants Katharine McPhee and Elliot Yamin.

It will be released in the US on March 11.

Absent from the record debut was Simon Cowell, who spoke briefly to Ryan on the phone from England. ``xEkppZuVuuyDWXDxLYI``x1200639600``x(default) abdul rush rushes back to the airwaves with new single ``xIgor``xIt was a true "American Idol" day on Ryan Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show Friday morning as Paula Abdul debuted her new song, "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow."

Randy Jackson accompanied the former Laker Girl for the debut, with Simon Cowell calling in from England.

Paula, who hasn't released a single since 1995, said, "It just seemed the right time. The timing just came together."

Ryan called Paula's new song "a historical moment," and Jackson agreed saying, "This is a big moment, dude."

Paula's "Dance" will appear on Randy Jackson's album "Music Club Volume 1," a compilation album also featuring be Mariah Carey, Joss Stone, Travis Tritt, and Richie Sambora, along with "Idol" contestants Katharine McPhee and Elliot Yamin. The album is scheduled to drop on January 29.

Paula Abdul is scheduled to perform her new single at the Super Bowl pre-show. ``xEkppZukVFEYlIRnMWG``x1200639600``x(default) paula abdul releases new jackson single on seacrest's radio show``xIgor``xBy Christopher Rocchio

Since it's been more than a decade since she released any original music, Paula Abdul apparently needed some help from her American Idol friends in unveiling her new single.

Abdul and fellow Idol judge Randy Jackson both appeared on Idol host Ryan Seacrest's Friday morning KIIS-FM radio show to debut her new single "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow," which was produced by Jackson. Abdul's last single -- "Crazy Cool" -- was released in 1995.

"Everything is timing. Just timing. It just seemed like it was the right time," said Abdul. "I've been bugging Randy for so long, 'Come on. We have to do this!' The right song came around... It has been a surreal experience."

"Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" will be the first single released from Jackson's upcoming album "Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1," which is scheduled to drop March 11.

"We've been sitting here talking about doing something for a long time," said Jackson. "I'm looking at Paula, I'm going, 'Yo man, Paula, we've got to do something!' She's sold 50 million albums -- one of the biggest stars in the world! So we found something fun to do."

While the song was being broadcast for the first time, Seacrest said he "witnessed a very sweet moment."

"Paula, she got up -- and you guys have been working on this for a very long time -- and she walked over to Randy, and she gave him a hug, and she embraced him for quite a while... I think he cried a little bit."

Seacrest referred to the unveiling of Abdul's single as "a historical movement on a very big day." Abdul and Jackson's fellow Idol judge Simon Cowell was also on the phone from England, where he was filming an episode of Britain's Got Talent. Not surprisingly, Cowell wasn't very enthusiastic.

"Seriously?" answered Cowell when told by Seacrest that the song was getting "a lot of great feedback."

Abdul's "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" music video will reportedly premiere during Fox's pregame coverage of Super Bowl XLII on Sunday, February 3.

Abdul got her entertainment start working as a Los Angeles Lakers' Laker Girl before eventually becoming the group's choreographer. She then went on to choreograph music videos for numerous artists, from Duran Duran and Dolly Parton to Janet Jackson and INXS.

As a pop-star in the 1980s, Abdul sang numerous hits, including "Opposites Attract," "Forever Your Girl," "Rush, Rush" and "Crazy Cool." The music video for "Opposites Attract" won Abdul a 1991 Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video. ``xEkppZuElZuPFTtVVlC``x1200639600``x(default) american idol odds: god bless american idol betting``xIgor``xOkay so let's get this out of the way first: why does Randy Jackson insist on referring to singing as "blowing"? Doesn't he feel the world snicker when he screams, "Yeah man, you can blow!"?

Philadelphia brought out some head-scratchers like 22-year-old James Lewis, who seemed to have an issue or two. Temptress Browne, a 16-year-old female linebacker (not kidding) also had a few pitch problems, but a heart of gold and an ailing mother who loved her.

"The not so good news is that you're not a great singer, Sweetheart," Simon Cowell told Temptress as she burst into tears.

Alexis Cohen a college student from Allentown, Pennsylvania who lives with her mother and cats gave a scary audition.

"Well Simon didn't didn't like me but he's a big, fat, bad word," Cohen screamed at Ryan Seacrest.

Junot Joyer was a bright spot, belting out Elton John's, "Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues." Twenty-six-year-old Angela Martin, whose young daughter suffers from Rett Syndrome will also go far. Although Simon said she needed to "de-wedding-ize her voice (she's a wedding/corporate events singer), The Beat is predicting big things for this young woman. Kristy Lee Cook from Oregon who sang "Amazing Grace" was also a judge favorite, while Beth Stalker blew away Randy and Paula… but not Simon.

Other hopefuls included 39-year-old social worker, Milo Turk, who sang his original, "No Sex Allowed," while 24-year-old Star Wars fan Christina Tolisano had a hard time with rejection. "They need something different for this show and they're not allowing it," Christina cried after she was dismissed.

Stay tuned tomorrow night for more up-to-the-minute American Idol coverage at Bodog Beat. Want to bet on reality TV? The Bodog Sportsbook has all your odds.

-- Bodog Life``xEkppZuyykAdinqKvSZ``x1200553200``x(default) randy jackson's music club, vol. 1``xIgor``xThe time could not be better for Randy to release his first solo album, Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1, a title that implies but does not, history tells us, always promise a sequel. The album not only includes the long-awaited return to recording of fellow judge Paula (on Dance Like There's No Tomorrow, the song whose video is being previewed at the Super Bowl, which should be interesting (the video, not necessarily the Super Bowl), but also appearances by Elliott and Katharine on a track. March 11 is the release date for the album, which Randy produced and covers a multitude of styles, here's that track listing in full:


1. "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" - featuring Paula Abdul

2. "Something To Believe In" - featuring Jason Mraz, Van Hunt & Jon McLaughlin

3. "What Am I So Afraid Of" - featuring Keke Wyatt, Trisha Covington & Kylie Dean

4. "Just Walk On By" - featuring Joss Stone & Three 6 Mafia

5. "Home" - featuring John Rich, Anthony Hamilton & Sara Watkins (Daughtry song? Just asking.)

6. "Wang Dang Doodle" - featuring Sam Moore, Keb' Mo' & Angie Stone

7. "Like A" - featuring Crunk Squad

8. "Who's Gonna Love You Now" - featuring Kelli Selah

9. "My R&B" - featuring Barbi Esco

10. "Real Love" - featuring Katherine McPhee & Elliott Yamin

11. "Willing To Try" - featuring Richie Sambora, Travis Tritt & Lucy Woodward

12. "I Understand" - featuring Bebe Winans, Kim Burrell, Rance Allen, Mariah Carey & Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church Choir ``xEkppZuFZkEhCXbnrUZ``x1200553200``x(default) 'idol' premiere could be biggest``xIgor``xIf Nielsen Media Research data can predict television show popularity, then the 7th season of American Idol, set to air tonight and Wednesday, should be the biggest premiere in "American Idol" history.

Research shows the 6th season premiere brought in 37.3 million viewers to Fox's broadcast, only to break the previous record of the 35.5 million viewers from season five's premiere. An average of 30 million people watched each twice-weekly episode of "Idol'' last season, an audience that was roughly 50 percent larger than that for the next most-watched show, ABC's "Dancing With the Stars.''

Gainesville fans are gearing up to watch the increasingly sarcastic comments Simon Cowell and his fellow judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul can aim at aspiring singers on the show.

"The first few episodes are the best because of all the horrible singers," said UF sophomore Jennifer Amores. "Simon says some mean things, but it's hysterical."

Whether fans are watching in a small group or having a blow-out party, there are many ways to make a season premiere party worthy of even Simon.

Bill Maxson, assistant manager at Factory Card and Party Outlet in the Butler Central Plaza on Archer, said "American Idol" parties generally include karaoke, food and inflatable microphones.

"Typically, parties like that are a last-second thing," he said. "They are planned the day before or the day of."

Should this be the case, grab some "American Idol"-themed flatware, assorted novelties like wigs, vests and boas, and tons of music guests can sing along to. Have some guests act as judges and ask one to "host" the show. For the full effect, choose people who may resemble Paula, Randy and Simon - if not in looks, then definitely in attitude. Buy some key chains or other small gifts for the winners of your contest.

Other impromptu ideas include watching "American Idol - The Best and Worst of American Idol," which includes scenes and songs from the first four seasons, or listening to music from previous winners like Carrie Underwood or Kelly Clarkson (and even losers, such as William Hung, who sang the now infamous version of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" in season three).

The American Idol All-Star Challenge DVD Game, produced by the same company who makes Scene It?, is a great idea for "A.I." buffs who claim to know more about the show than anyone else in the room. The game, which includes more than 1,000 clips and images from previous seasons, is intended for two to four players or larger teams. It's packed with trivia, singing obstacles and tons of clips for players to enjoy.

Center Stage Costumes and Magic Web master Jennifer Cain said the most popular party idea she has heard people discuss is the video game "Karaoke Revolution" for Xbox and Play Station 2.

The video game allows singers to choose from eight characters, each with up to four costumes. As you sing, you are scored based on the pitch and rhythm of your voice, and scoring ranges from Lousy to Expert.

"It's really great," said Cain, who admits having belted a few tunes with the video game herself. "You get a microphone, and you go with it. It's definitely something I think is a good idea - it's really fun."

Courtesy of www.partyfood.suite101.com, American Idol fans can enjoy Simon Cowell Crab Cakes and Paula Coladas.

The Cowell crab cakes have "a crispy exterior, but are warm and soft inside" ... just like Simon himself. Serve them with a dipping sauce that has a bit of a bite.

SIMON COWELL CRAB CAKES

2 lbs lump crabmeat

2 cups fine, fresh bread crumbs

3 eggs

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp lemon or lime juice

1 tsp dry mustard powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

butter or vegetable oil for frying

Pick over crab meat and remove any bits of cartilage. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except crab and oil; mix well. Add crab meat and mix gently but thoroughly. Shape crab mixture into 12 patties, each about 3/4 of an inch thick. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until hot but not smoking. Fry the crab cakes in small batches in the heated oil until cooked through and crispy; about 4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and transfer the crab cakes to a warm oven (about 200 F) until ready to serve. Serve with lemon or lime wedges and dipping sauce of your choice. The recipe makes 12 crab cakes.

The Paula Coladas are "like a dessert in a glass, but you can skip the ice cream for a more authentic Pina Colada." The recipe makes one drink.

PAULA COLADAS

1 oz white rum

1/2 oz coconut rum

small handful fresh pineapple chunks

small scoop vanilla ice cream

Combine ingredients in a blender with 1 cup crushed ice; blend until frozen. Add more ice or pineapple juice until you reach your desired consistency. Serve with a pineapple chunk for a garnish.``xEkppZuAkAklrULdPpf``x1200380400``x(default) paula on tv 1/16 ``xIgor``xPaula's all over television January 16th. "Biography" is on the BIO channel 2 times today, E True Hollywood Story is also on 2 times today and tomorrow. She's supposed to be on EXTRA tonight and tomorrow, and Access Hollywood is doing something American Idol related.``xEkppZuFVuEyUxMfJvx``x1200380400``x(default) new american idol promo picture``xIgor``xIn this photo released by Fox,Television's biggest event, 'America Idol', returns for its seventh season in a special two-night, four-hour season premiere Tuesday, Jan. 15 and Wednesday, Jan. 16 on FOX. Pictured L-R: Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. ``xEkppZuAuZEYPOUTtuC``x1200294000``x(default) abdul considers adopting``xIgor``xPaula Abdul is hatching secret plans to adopt a child with restaurateur boyfriend JT Torregiani.

The pop star-turned-American Idol judge insists she hasn't given up on motherhood at the age of 45 - and she will adopt if she can't fall pregnant naturally.

She tells the upcoming issue of Ladies Home Journal magazine: "I want kids! If it doesn't happen naturally, I can always adopt."

Abdul is using the interview to blast reports her latest romance is in trouble.

She adds: "It's a good thing. I've experienced real loneliness, so I love knowing there's someone I can share the good and the not-so-good with." ``xEkppZuVyEyDbjbIzjX``x1200294000``x(default) paula abdul to debut new music video during super bowl ``xIgor``xThirteen years after Paula Abdul last released an original album, the American Idol judge is apparently ready to launch her musical comeback on one of the biggest stages around.

Fox has announced Abdul's "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" music video will premiere during the network's pregame coverage of Super Bowl XLII on Sunday, February 3, USA Today reported Monday.

The song is the first single to be released off Abdul's upcoming "Abdulmatic" album -- which is produced by fellow Idol judge Randy Jackson, whom USA Today reported will also appear during the pregame show with Abdul.

Abdul's representative confirmed reports last week that Abdul was in talks to perform as part of Fox's coverage of Super Bowl XLII. While Fox has yet to announce if the Idol judge will in fact sing, Fox Sports Chairman David Hill told USA Today that he's trying to "meld two television icons" by seemingly doubling the Super Bowl telecast as one giant Idol promotion.

Fox tapped Idol host Ryan Seacrest to serve as the master of ceremonies for Super Bowl XLII at Arizona's University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ -- which is the hometown of Idol sixth-season champ Jordin Sparks, who will sing the national anthem prior to the game.

"I wish [Idol judge] Simon Cowell had called and said he's doing, say, an audio book of poetry. Simon reading William Wordsworth. It'd probably sell," Hill joked to USA Today.

Super Bowl XLII will be Fox's first Super Bowl broadcast in three years (the game rotates annually among Fox, CBS, and NBC, the NFL's three broadcast network partners), and while Hill was the first to acknowledge Fox could be "overboard on entertainment," according to USA Today, he quickly added that it will be all about football following the kickoff.

"No personalities in the booth," he told USA Today. "I disagree with that totally -- 200%." ``xEkppZuupVEEUyvGpPg``x1200294000``x(default) paula abdul performing at super bowl?``xIgor``x(FROM TV GUIDE) – TVGuide.com's Michael Ausiello reports that Paula Abdul is in talks to perform live in Fox's Super Bowl telecast on Feb. 3. (Fox would not confirm.) The network already announced that Tom Petty is headlining the halftime show, but it also added that other guests could be added as the date nears. Ausiello reports that a source said Abdul is rehearsing a music video for a duet with fellow American Idol judge Randy Jackson, which will be the first single off Jackson's upcoming album, Music Club Vol. 1, and that if she does agree to perform at the Super Bowl, Abdul would likely incorporate choreography from that video in her Super Bowl act.``xEkppZuVlullNAyGjNS``x1200034800``x(default) paula to perform live at super bowl ``xIgor``x(MyFoxNY.com)--"American Idol" judge and former pop star Paula Abdul is in talks to perform during FOX's Super Bowl XLII telecast, reports Michael Ausiello on TVGuide.com.

She is already in rehearsals for the video to her duet with Randy Jackson, the first single from his upcoming Music Club Vol. 1 CD, a source close to Abdul's inner circle tells Ausiello. If the Super Bowl deal goes through, she would likely use the same choreography during her Feb. 3 Astroturf comeback.

Tom Petty will be headlining the halftime show, the network announced last month. More artists may be added in the coming weeks.

Abdul hasn't released an album of new material since 1995's "Head Over Heels." ``xEkppZuuppEKnpOYjIk``x1200034800``x(default) paula abdul game for super bowl``xIgor``x(E!)--Paula Abdul has her own touchdown in the works.

The American Idol judge is in talks to perform live during Super Bowl XLII next month in Arizona, her rep confirmed to E! News Thursday.

There's no word yet on whether Abdul's contribution to the festivities would be before or during the game, taking place Feb. 3 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, but if her latest project is any indication, she already has some showtime-worthy moves ready to go.

According to tvguide.com, which first reported the possible gig, the former Laker Girl is already in rehearsals for the music video for a duet between her and Randy Jackson, which will also be the first single off of Jackson's upcoming guest-heavy album, Music Club Vol. 1.

A source said that if the '90s-era pop superstar inks the Super Bowl deal, she'll likely incorporate the same choreography into her act.

Abdul has spent so much time in recent years being the balm for Simon's burns, it's easy to forget she was once a "Straight Up" singer. Or, actually, a Grammy-winning artist who has sold more than 50 million records.

Her last studio album was 1995's Head Over Heels, which sold 1.5 million copies but didn't make nearly as many people swoon as 1988's Forever Your Girl, which was certified platinum seven times over.

If she heads to Arizona next month, Abdul would join a lineup that includes halftime-show headliner Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Mary J. Blige and Maroon 5, who will be part of the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert Series leading up to the big day. More artists are expected to be added in coming weeks.

Abdul won't want for familiar faces, either. Ryan Seacrest will be interviewing some of the more high-profile football fans attendance in a specially set-up red carpet area during Fox's pregame show, and season-six American Idol champ Jordin Sparks, who's from Glendale, has been tapped to sing the national anthem. ``xEkppZuypElxbfMIzsk``x1199948400``x(default) paula abdul has 'insane nervous breakdown' at lax``xIgor``x(FOXNEWS.COM)--"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul "had an insane nervous breakdown" at Los Angeles International Airport over the holidays, according to a report on radaronline.com.

A tipster who saw her in the Continental Airlines terminal told the site: "She had an insane nervous breakdown that lasted 10 minutes. One minute she was hyperventilating and on the verge of passing out; the next she was yelling into her cell phone in this deep, rage-filled Poltergeist voice.

"She kept screaming three names over and over — Michael, Sidney, and Leslie. Everyone was staring at her, but she didn't care," the tipster continued.``xEkppZuyFAALZbMguko``x1199862000``x(default) tv guide``xIgor``xPaula on the cover of next weeks TV Guide. ``xEkppZuAypEFQIslXbA``x1199775600``x(default) abdul proud of 'idol' contributions``xIgor``xNEW YORK, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. television personality Paula Abdul said she has learned a lot about herself during her time as an "American Idol" judge.

"I have a strength I didn't know I had. It's a live program, and a naughty British man is constantly making people think there's something weird in my Coca-Cola cup," Abdul told Ladies' Home Journal. "But I'm proud of myself. I always figure out a way to swim."

She also said it has been interesting to see how "Idol" contestants and winners deal with their overnight success.

"Our performers think they're going to manage, but the reality is they're not," she said. "It can be a letdown even when you advance, because success is never what you expect. I just hope they have loving friends and family if they have to go back to their jobs at Burger King."

As for her personal life, Abdul described her relationship with her new boyfriend, restaurateur J.T. Torregiani, as "a good thing."

"I've experienced real loneliness, so I love knowing there's someone I can share the good and the not-so-good with," she said. "And I want kids! If it doesn't happen naturally, I can always adopt."``xEkppZuZVllhhNZQneF``x1199430000``x(default) paula abdul “desire, not timing, makes your dreams come true”``xIgor``xBy: Janet Attwood & Debra Poneman

Jack Canfield, the fabulously successful co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, has said, "Almost everything we'll ever do in life that is really powerful, that really produces a result in our lives, the quantum leaps to a new level requires us to be something uncomfortable. It takes risk to achieve. It's often scary. It requires something you didn't know before or a skill you didn't have before, but in the end it's worth it."

The beautiful and talented Paula Abdul, is a huge winner who has achieved huge results doing things that others are uncomfortable doing. Paula is, without a doubt, one of the world's most recognized names in the entertainment business. Her career has won awards and broken records in every area she has ventured into, including music, dance, choreography, animation, and drama. Her remarkable career shows no sign of slowing down. Most recently Paula is known to the world for her role as, 'the judge with a heart,' on TV's "American Idol."

For the past seven years she has shared the panel with Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell on this mega-hit show that is routinely watched by more than 35 million people each Tuesday and Wednesday night during "Idol" season. Paula's extraordinary music career is exemplified by worldwide album sales exceeding 53 million records, including two number-one albums, six number-one singles, a Grammy Award, seven MTV awards, two Emmy Awards, two People's Choice Awards, and two Kids' Choice Awards.

Paula even has her very own star on Hollywood Boulevard. She also continues to honor her roots by running dance and cheerleading camps, competitions, and scholarship programs throughout the country, and she has never forgotten her first break as a Los Angeles Laker Girl, which, of course, made her the world's most famous cheerleader. Most recently, Paula has expanded the 'Paula Abdul' brand with new ventures such as a successful jewelry line and a forthcoming fragrance line.

She introduced her Paula Abdul Jewelry Collection on "QVC" last April to record-breaking sales, and is now taking this hugely popular line to the UK. In addition, there is a biography coming soon, and she has been back in the recording studio to create a much-awaited new single, her first in over a decade. On top of all of this, she contributed the preface to a very exciting new book that was just released, Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul, a collection of inspiring and heartwarming stories by 'American Idols' from every season, and their fans.

Interviewing Paula for this article was transformational mentor, Debra Poneman, who is co-author of Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul, founder of Yes to Success™ seminars, and an award-winning keynote speaker, seminar leader, and record, radio, and TV personality. Be sure to get your very own copy of Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul today by going to www.HealthyWealthynWise.com/AmericanIdol

DEBRA PONEMAN: I am so happy to be here. It doesn't get better than this.

PAULA ABDUL: Thank you so much for having me. This is a real joy, treat, and pleasure.

DEBRA PONEMAN: I just want to say that I had the pleasure of meeting Paula and working with her on Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul and, frankly, I have to say, Paula, that I completely fell in love with you, with your beautiful, sweet heart and just your charming personality. I would just love to know, as I'm sure everyone else would, the story of your entire journey.

If you don't mind, can you please start out by sharing with us, what were your passions when you were a young person? When you were a child, what was it that made you happiest?

PAULA ABDUL: The fondest and most clear memory I had was when I was four years old and I was watching "Singing in the Rain" on television. I was watching it with my mom and my dad and my sister, Wendy, and I fell in love with a man named Gene Kelly. I remember scooting up really close to the TV, and touching the TV whenever he appeared, and I said, "That's my dad." My father said, "No, that can be your TV dad, but I'm your dad."

I remember that I had this fantasy and fixation on Gene Kelly, "Singing in the Rain," and then that just sparked my love for MGM musicals. I can honestly say that Gene Kelly was my first idol. I remember, from that moment on, I could not get enough of finding out when the next musical would be on television. I just started studying the world of dance through my eyes watching television.

It wasn't until I was seven-and-a-half years old that I had my first dance class, and it was ballet. I do remember living in these condominiums in North Hollywood, California; and even though I was only five years old, I was conducting all of the kids in the condominium. I would put on little musical numbers and invite all the people in the condominium to come watch. I was all of five years old, so I was into directing and choreography before I even knew what that meant.

DEBRA PONEMAN: That is so fantastic, and you know you have something in common with Sanjaya, because "Singing in the Rain" was his favorite musical as a child, too. I don't know if you know that.

PAULA ABDUL: I did. I did, we both shared a moment on that.

DEBRA PONEMAN: That's wonderful. You mentioned your dad, and for many of our listeners, their home environment growing up was either their biggest challenge or their biggest support. When you were growing up, did your parents encourage your dreams or did they discourage them?

PAULA ABDUL: It's any interesting juxtaposition, because my parents divorced when I was at the tender age of seven, and that was a very big experience for me. The good thing was I never saw, or witnessed, my parents argue, but that also was very confusing because I didn't understand why this was happening. At a very impressionable age, I was caught in between learning that we had to conserve money, and I knew not to ask for outside activities.

Dance required more money to take lessons, and so it was a very awkward time for me, and I knew that I shouldn't ask for that. I worked out a different plan. When I was carpooling to go to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the two girls I carpooled with, they had ballet class, so I was always their student who was waiting for their class to be finished, but my feet would be moving.

I had a photographic memory. I'd come home, and while my mom was cooking dinner, I would be in the kitchen practicing holding onto the kitchen sink as my ballet bar. It was then that the teacher offered for me to come into class, because she saw that I was doing in the waiting room anyway, and I agreed to clean the mirrors and clean the floors for my classes. I didn't have to tell my mom or ask her for money, and it worked out really well for a while. It was a hard time, and it was my biggest challenge, but I've always been one to overcome those obstacles.

DEBRA PONEMAN: Yes. We're going to talk about that a little bit later in the interview: What is your secret to overcoming obstacles? It sounds like your mom did what she could to support you with limited resources, but on the emotional level she was behind you?

PAULA ABDUL: On the emotional level, she was absolutely behind me, but my mom is more the kind of woman who displays the 'tough love.' While I was growing up, my mom worked in the whole video system. My mom was the personal assistant to Billy Wilder who was a true genius, an Academy Award-winning director. My mom always saw these young women, young girls, trying to make it and how heartbreaking it was, that it was very difficult to make it, so she wasn't that encouraging, although she knew that I had talent. She basically said, "If you're going to do this, you're going to have to do it on your own.

DEBRA PONEMAN: You sure did. How did you make the transition from not having the resources to support all of the lessons that so many of the kids were able to take, yet you certainly created a great career, the first step being becoming a Laker Girl. How did that transition take place from your childhood until, I guess, that would be your first professional job?

PAULA ABDUL: It was my first professional job, absolutely. I was accepted into the Juilliard School on scholarship in dance with one of my best friends in school, in high school. When I went on this trip to New York to see where I could possibly live, it was really an eye-opening situation. I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, then in a home and the condominiums. I thought the space we lived in was really big, and then I got to New York, and I thought, "Oh my God."

The living situation was very, very small and very expensive, and just being in the big city scared me. I decided not to go. I was so depressed, thinking, "What did I do? I just ruined a chance at having a career." I went to a commuter school, which was Cal State Northridge. It was then that I realized, "I want to dance, and I don't have an agent. You can't get an agent unless you get a job booked. What do I do?"

I heard about Laker Girl auditions, and I was currently working as an instructor, a camp instructor, for cheerleading camps. A couple of the instructors were Los Angeles Laker Girls, and they got me to audition. I was number 786. I knew that, traditionally, cheerleaders are tall and they're leggy, blonde and blue-eyed. Here I was all of five-foot-one-and-three-quarters, brunette, I didn't fit the mold.

I wore the loudest uniform; I can still see my uniform. I wore a red-and-white striped leotard, with blue leg warmers, and I probably looked ridiculous, but I stood out. I was one of the few who made it. I remember being in a carpool of seven girls, and I was the only one who was kept until the very end. Then I was a Laker Girl, and I thought, "Oh my God! There were only 12 open positions, and I made it."

It was like my first chance at being able to have a job while I'm going to school, while I'm going to college. "I'll be able to dance. I'm a big fan of the Lakers, and so was my dad. This is fantastic!" Who would have ever thought that would be my entry, my foray into the business?

DEBRA PONEMAN: I might add, still the most famous ever Laker girl, and that's the truth! When you think of Laker Girls, you think of Paula Abdul. Then, from being a Laker Girl, you went to become an award-winning choreographer. Can you tell us about that transition?

PAULA ABDUL: Certainly. Right at the very beginning of the Laker Girl season, the basketball season, the head Girl, she moved to Sacramento. I was asked, as a rookie, to take over and form a dance squad. I only had about two girls on the squad who had formal training, any formal training, so I was working with mostly non-dancers. I didn't get rid of the pom-poms, so to speak, but I did put them down, as far as getting them out on the floor.

I really made it a great dance team, and from that what happened was, people who were season ticket holders would ask for the girl who choreographed the Laker Girls to do some corporate events, like for Nike, and I'd do one of their shows. I'd have the Laker Girls perform. I started getting little jobs in some national commercials, and then my first big break was that I got to choreograph a little move called, "Can't Buy Me Love," with 'McDreamy,' Patrick Dempsey; it was his first movie.

I did this choreographed number called, 'The African Anteater Dance,' which so many people know it's not even funny. That was my first film job, and then what happened was that some of the season ticket holders were the Jackson Five Brothers. They were getting ready to do a big major reunion tour with Michael, and their choreographer fell out. It was a big launch starting with the "Motown 25" special. I got a chance, and I wasn't quite 18 years old yet.

I was 17-and-a-half, and here I was now choreographing the Jacksons, doing their reunion tour, their videos, and their first live show experience. That was my first big, big break.

DEBRA PONEMAN: That's fantastic, and then you went on, I know, to win two MTV video awards. Was that for your choreography?

PAULA ABDUL: For my choreography first with Janet Jackson, and then my own videos. Then I won choreography award for my work with ZZ Top and Duran Duran, and I went on to choreograph practically every major recording artist. I did their tours. I did their videos and their live appearances.

DEBRA PONEMAN: Did you ever get to work with Gene Kelly?

PAULA ABDUL: I finally got to work with my idol, Gene Kelly, and have tea with him during the last two years of his life.

DEBRA PONEMAN: That is just beautiful.

PAULA ABDUL: I dedicated my own video, which was where I created animation, where I danced with an animated cat, Skat Kat. I dedicated it to him. He was my mentor, and I wanted to dedicate that animation to him. When it got to him, he contacted my agent and asked me over for tea, so it was Tea on Tuesday. I arrived at his house like an hour-and-a-half early.

I was sweating in my car because I couldn't believe I was going to meet the man of my dreams. When I met him, it was as if we had always known each other, just two dancers just conversing back and forth. It was fantastic.

DEBRA PONEMAN: That is fantastic.

PAULA ABDUL: Then I knew, I knew in my heart of hearts. I had just finished doing an award-winning commercial with Elton John, where we both danced and they juxtaposed the old icons, like 'Satchmo,' Jimmy Stewart, James Cagney, and all of these iconic people. I knew, I just had this feeling, that next they'll ask me to do a dance commercial, and I'll get to dance with Gene Kelly. It was 48 hours later, I got the phone call.

They wanted to do a dance spot, and Gene Kelly okayed and approved for me to dance and use the footage of "Anchors Away," because that's when he danced with the animated mouse. Because I dedicated my animation from 'Opposites Attract,' he felt that would be the right footage, so they took out Frank Sinatra and I was plugged in. I would rehearse with Gene Kelly, and he was a stickler.

He'd count, "One, two, three, and," and he'd say, "No, Paula. On 'and' you have to look to the left because you're looking at me." It was fantastic, and through that relationship I was choreographing the Academy Awards that year, and got an Emmy nomination. The coolest thing of all is I surprised all the dancers, and brought Gene Kelly down to the rehearsals. When I tell you that half of my dancers fainted and the other half of them were in tears, I'm not lying.

DEBRA PONEMAN: I can absolutely believe that. It's such an amazing story because I know that Janet teaches, in her Passion Test, that when we put our intention on something, it's going to appear in our lives. Maybe not in the timing that we think it's going to appear or we want it to appear, but if we desire it enough, it is going to appear. Here you were as a little 4-year-old in love with Gene Kelly and "Singing in the Rain," and then in the final years of his life, you're having tea and dancing with him.

PAULA ABDUL: It's true.

DEBRA PONEMAN: It's a beautiful lesson for all of us to learn to not give up on our dreams. Speaking of your dreams, after you had your career of award-winning choreographer, you had yet another career as a Grammy Award-winning singer with over 53 million records sold. Why don't you tell us a little bit about that?

PAULA ABDUL: First I want to say that the most interesting and peculiar things about my career has been that most people dream of having, getting, the chance to reach millions of people and attain superstardom. Never in a million, trillion years did I ever think that that would happen. I dreamt it, I wished for it to happen, I worked really hard, but it's interesting how I've been told my whole life, "You never will make it. You're too short, you're too this, you're too much that.

You're not enough this. You never, never will." The interesting thing in my career is I have not only overcome that, but what ends up happening is I make people forget that I even had that career. When I heard, "You'll never make it as a Laker Girl," and I did; and "Oh, you think you're going to be a choreographer; yes, that's very funny, Paula," and I'd go on to become an award-winning choreographer, when it came time, I didn't want to tell anybody that I was secretly recording demos.

I knew people would tell me, "You're crazy." Sure enough, I would quietly work, I would work on my choreography and I was working on "The Tracey Ullman Show," which was a brand-new show for a very small network at the time, which was FOX. It's so funny how I've come full circle. FOX was a brand-new network, which originally had the show "Cops," "Married…With Children," and "21 Jump Street."

There was a brand-new show called 'The Tracey Ullman Show." This man who became my second mentor, his name is James L. Brooks, who was one of the most famous and beloved writers and directors of all time, he made me fall in love with television and doing live performance on TV. I won two Emmys working on that show. I would quietly work on "Tracey Ullman," be at the table readings at 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning. I'd work until 2:00 in the afternoon.

I'd leave, I'd go to Universal Studios, and I'd work on the George Michael 'Faith' tour. I'd go two doors down after that, work with Janet Jackson on her tour, and then at midnight, I'd quietly go into the recording studio, and I'd work and record until about 5:00 in the morning. Then I'd park my car at around 6:00 in the morning at the FOX lot. I'd sleep an hour-and-a-half to two hours and start my day all over again.

I did that for quite some time, and I didn't want for people to know that I was recording an album in case it didn't work out. I didn't want to lose my day job as a choreographer, so I kept it very quiet. No one knew except for my closest friends and my family. My album came out to no fanfare, no publicity, nothing really happened. I heard whisperings that I was going to be dropped from the label.

I've got to tell you, before all this-I'm jumping ahead-I was given $68,000 to make my album. You can't record a track nowadays for $68,000, let alone that I had nobody really assigned to help me make this record for $68,000, so I used a lot of the artists I worked with in choreography, and I bartered deals with them. I'd say, "Look, I will choreograph your next video for free or your next tour, or the rest of it, for free if you write me a song."

I literally did that with many artists, so it was like a potpourri of favors and discounts and things like that. I made my album and then it came out, and I'll tell you the story. When my mother was working for Billy Wilder, my mother told Billy Wilder, "My daughter now is going to record an album." My mother's assistant, who was like 19 years old, said, "My boyfriend's an aspiring songwriter."

My mother said, "Sure, you can give me some demos; that's fine." My mother called me up one day, hysterically laughing, and she invited me over for chicken, for dinner, as my mom cooks the best chicken. I'm having chicken dinner with my mom, and she plays me this 8-track demo which was so funny. It was like you could hear someone plunking on their computer and singing completely off tune. It was the song called 'Straight Up.'

My mom and I were laughing hysterically, and my mother took it out of the cassette recorder and put it in the trash, and she said, "What am I going to say to her?" I said, "I don't know," but I went back in the trash and pulled it out, and I said, "There is something very, very interesting about the song. It's quirky." My mom's saying, "How can you hear? He's completely off-key." I've got to let everyone know, my mother is Canadian, born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and my mother is a virtuoso.

She is an amazing, genius pianist, and my mother went on to play for Canadian operas and radio. My mother was born with perfect pitch. It's very annoying because my mom can hear everything, and she passed that on to me. Thank you, Mom. I've got to tell you, this song was ridiculously embarrassing and funny. How was I going to convince the record company? Let me tell you something, I barely could convince them. I told them I would record two songs that they wanted me to record, that I didn't enjoy, in the hopes that they'd let me record this song, 'Straight Up.'

They did, and they only promised to pay a measly $5,000 for production, so I recorded that song in a studio apartment in the shower, and if you listen really hard to the master recording, you can hear someone banging on the wall saying, "Shut up!" That is the truth. There is a lot of magic to making that first album that nobody was buying, and there was no air play.

When I heard that they were going to drop me, I bartered a deal with the marketing department, and I purchased a whole bunch of albums and sold thousands of them at my dance and cheerleading camps. I made every one of my instructors teach the routine off of my album, I set up shop, and sold tens and twenties of thousands of albums in one summer. It got me on the list of Billboard with no air play.

I've always been one of those girls who just keeps getting the knocks and the opportunities, and then I kind of get knocked down on my butt, but I get up again and I just move forward. I went on, my rookie year, my first album, and I sold 18 million.

DEBRA PONEMAN: What an incredible story. There are so many people who listen to these Healthy Wealthy nWise interviews, they are people with aspirations to be writers and to be recording artists, and what a great lesson that if someone tells you 'it isn't going to work,' you figure out a way to make it work.

PAULA ABDUL: You have to. If it's your passion, your heart and your mind won't let you stop. It just won't let you stop. You've got to find a way to make it happen.

DEBRA PONEMAN: Skipping ahead a little bit, you're obviously a household name in the US and around the world, and then you were tapped to be a judge on the number-one show in television history. How did that happen? ``xEkppZuZZllcISyIqjV``x1199084400``x(default) on air with paula``xIgor``xRyan Seacrest chatted with Paula Abdul about the new CD she's working on with Randy Jackson. Click >>>here to listen it.``xEEAZyZApkFZTucmoGH``x1197679023``x(default) paula joins randy for new single``xIgor``x"American Idol" judge Randy Jackson will join Paula Abdul for a duet to be featured on his upcoming CD, "Randy Jackson's Music Club: Vol. 1," which will feature the veteran producer arranging and playing instruments.

"It's hot," Jackson said of the collaboration on Ryan Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show. That's about all he would say about the project, choosing instead to keep further details under wraps.

Other guests on the album include Richie Sambora, Mariah Carey and Joss Stone, Jackson said, adding that "Idol" host Seacrest would be featured on the album, too, though in what capacity was unclear—even to Ryan himself.

"You've heard that technology can make voices better—Paris Hilton, Britney Spears," Seacrest said. "There is not enough Pro Tool in the world to make me sound good on a song."

The album is due for release in a couple of weeks, to coincide with the start of the new season of "American Idol."

Meanwhile, Abdul is said to be currently recording a studio album of her own, reports E! Online. The CD will be her first since 1995's "Head Over Heels."``xEEAZuVZVklxmTCnnlC``x1197457528``x(default) modern dog magazine``xIgor``xPaula on the cover of Modern Dog magazine (Winter 07/08).

``xEEAZEElpylEjyRbQXh``x1197118068``x(default) music club: vol. 1 for pre-order``xIgor``xNew Randy Jackson album entitled "Randy Jackson's Music Club: Vol. 1" with upcoming new Paula song available at Amazon for pre-order already! CD will be released on January 29, 2008. Click >>>here to pre-order it.``xEEAZEEZkAVjnSkqPdZ``x1197117295``x(default) paula for brent shapiro foundation``xIgor``xLos Angeles, CA --- ‘A-list’ celebrities, musicians, athletes and more all participate in 12 diverse fantasy packages that are unlike ANY OTHER celebrity online auction you have ever seen! Benefiting The Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Awareness, these unique fantasy packages feature once in a lifetime opportunities for any and all interests. Whether you've got a sports enthusiast or a music lover, a glamour girl or a budding movie star, these fantasy packages have it covered!

Held online through Ebay, this star-studded 7 day auction begins first thing Sunday, December 16th and runs until Sunday, December 23rd. For the sports fan, how about throwing out the first pitch at a LA Dodgers game and spending the day with a Dodger great? Perhaps NFL is more your speed, then 2 of the most sought after tickets in the NFL season are for you; that's right SUPERBOWL XLII tickets! More of a basketball aficionado? Well LA Laker owner, Dr. Buss will toss you the keys to his private suite at the Staples Center to watch the game in style!

For the person who loves TV dramas, here's your chance to let them be a part of the shows they love! We're auctioning off a walk on role for CBS's new hit drama, SHARK! Who doesn’t know and love the worldwide hit, American Idol? Well in this fantasy package, be the personal guests of Idol Judge, Paula Abdul, as she takes you on a backstage tour of the set to meet the season seven contestants, Simon, Randy, and Ryan then escorts you to your seats for the biggest Idol show of the season, the FINALE! Should you have a certain intellectual type, then our "One on One with Larry King" package is for you! Attend a private taping of LARRY KING LIVE, then be wisked away to an exclusive dinner at Spago of Beverly Hills with Mr. King and world famous attorney, Robert Shapiro. Talk about a meeting of the minds!

There's all this and more for the boxing fan, Paul Anka lover, and the super special glamor girl in your life on The Brent Shapiro Foundation's Celebrity Online Auction, held Dec. 16th – Dec. 23rd. To bid on these items and more or to find out more details about the remaining fantasy packages, simply go to www.ebay.com/brentshapirofoundation. This incredible auction is guaranteed have that special something for even the most fickle person's on your list so don’t delay and make your bids on the ultimate holiday gift now!

With each package purchased, every tax deductible cent goes directly to The Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Awareness. For more information please contact:
Erin Mikosz, Marketing & PR,
Brent Shapiro Foundation
310-282-6233
< href="mailto:emikosz@brentshapiro.org">emikosz@brentshapiro.org
www.brentshapiro.org

About the Foundation:

The Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Awareness is a 501(c)(3) Founded upon the tragic death of Brent Shapiro due to an adverse reaction to drugs & alcohol. Stemming from the Shapiro's personal tragedy, it is the Foundation's vision to conquer the disease of drugs & alcohol by turning the fear, grief and helplessness surrounding it, into awareness, compassion, and support. It is our mission to become a leading factor in the fight against the disease of chemical dependence by working to prevent the youth of our country from abusing alcohol or prescription drugs, using illegal drugs; and supporting those who are affected by the disease and saving lives. ``xEEAZEEyZZkdMqdmpgy``x1197116772``x(default) win a paula abdul cardio cheer dvd ``xIgor``xClick >>>here and try to win Paula Abdul Cardio Cheer DVD. ``xEEAZpukVypTuQXpuVS``x1197042560``x(default) paula's gift list ``xIgor``xSimon! Randy! Ryan! Have they been naughty or nice? They're all on Paula Abdul's private holiday gift list in this CelebTV.com exclusive.

``xEEAZEEyluEgtlzvikQ``x1197010800``x(default) paula at spice girls concert``xIgor``xLos Angeles, December 5, 2007 – The Spice Girls reunion tour hit Los Angeles Wednesday, and the capacity crowd at the Staples Center got an eyeful when, just before the show began, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes and daughter Suri slipped into a VIP box along with David Beckham and his three sons, Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz.

Any attempt at anonymity was crushed when Cruise stood up and waved to the audience. Once the cheering died down, Tom stood up and waved again, as camera phones went crazy. Cruise and Becks both purchased cotton candy for their children; little Suri Cruise looked hilarious holding a giant puff of the stuff. All three Beckham children wore Spice Girls t-shirts.

Many in the audience, men included, were dressed as their favorite Spice Girl.

Paula Abdul, Teri Hatcher and Lauren Conrad sat in the front row. High School Musical’s Vanessa Hudgens tried to go incognito wearing a hoody, and seemed mortified when we said hello.

Due to contractual constraints, OAN is unable to publish photos from the event, and we were stopped from shooting pictures of the Cruise and Beckham families, who were situated directly next to where our photographer was stationed!

Click >>>here to see Paula's picture.``xEEAZEEZppEGGvEtOAC``x1196924400``x(default) the real paula abdul``xIgor``xGet behind the scenes with Paula Abdul in Hey Paula, a new reality series chronicling the life of the former pop star, writes HIZREEN KAMAL.

NEW reality series Hey Paula and an all-new season of Koffee With Karan will air over Star World (Astro Channel 711) this month.

Hey Paula gives viewers an insight into the life of American Idol judge Paula Abdul.

In this fly-on-the-wall series, cameras trail the choreographer-turned-singer to reveal the mayhem and last-minute disasters that occur behind the scenes.

Wickedly funny and brutally honest, viewers will get an uncensored view of the 44-year-old’s life.

Whether she is battling insomnia, flubbing interviews, trying to launch her own fragrance or preparing to walk the red carpet, Abdul exposes the harsh realities of showbiz.

Abdul got her first big break as a choreographer. In the late 1980s, she topped the music charts with hits like Straight Up, Forever Your Girl and Opposites Attract.

Having received two Emmys and a Grammy, Abdul is now a successful entrepreneur.

“It’s a hectic time in my life right now with several projects in television, film and fashion.

“I’m excited to open the doors and have all my fans see the other side of me beyond American Idol,” she said.

Meanwhile, Koffee With Karan gives viewers a peek into the lives of Bollywood stars and other influential figures in India.

This season, look forward to hearing the latest gossip on Hrithik Roshan, Rani Mukerji, Sanjay Dutt, Priyanka Chopra and Kajol Devgan.

First launched in 2004, Koffee With Karan has become one of the highest-rated talk shows in Asia.

Guest stars from the previous season include Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and Shah Rukh Khan.

Hey Paula premieres today at 8pm, while Koffee With Karan returns on Sunday at 10pm. ``xEEAZpukukloHAmwqYs``x1196838000``x(default) idol hands on deck``xIgor``x(EONLINE.COM)--It seems the American Idol judges have been far from idle during the off-season.

Randy Jackson told E! News' Ryan Seacrest Wednesday that he is prepping the release of a new CD featuring a duet with Paula Abdul.

"It's hot," Jackson said on Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show, while declining to provide many specifics about the collaboration. (Listen to the full interview.)

Other guests on the album, dubbed Randy Jackson's Music Club: Vol. 1, on which Jackson will arrange and play instruments, include Richie Sambora, Mariah Carey and Joss Stone, Jackson said.

While Simon Cowell apparently opted not to participate, Jackson confirmed that Seacrest would be featured on the album, too, though in what capacity was unclear—even to Ryan himself, as the host made it clear he was lacking in vocal ability.

"You've heard that technology can make voices better—Paris Hilton, Britney Spears," Seacrest said. "There is not enough Pro Tool in the world to make me sound good on a song."

The album is slated for release in weeks, to coincide with the start of the new season of American Idol—which both Jackson and Seacrest agreed is shaping up to be the best yet.

Abdul, who is said to be working on a studio album of her own, released her last album of original material in 1995. Since then, she has put out two greatest-hits collections: 2000's Paula Abdul: Greatest Hits and 2007's Greatest Hits: Straight Up!

Jackson, a veteran producer and former member of Journey, has played with everyone from Aretha Franklin to Bon Jovi over the course of his career. ``xEEAZpuEkAErgFfLgzE``x1196838000``x(default) paula abdul’s attempt at hosting saturday night live savaged by tina Fey``xIgor``xPaula Abdul should stick to her day job!!!

The America Idol star’s attempt at hosting Saturday Night Live has been savaged by comic Tina Fey. Abdul was a ‘disastrous’ guest host of the hit U.S show, which Fey starred on, back in 2005.

Now Fey has lifted the lid on Abdul’s appearance on the show.

“A year later I saw her on a light. We both looked at each other like, ‘Do I know that girl?’” she told Playboy magazine. “And then we both had the same moment of recognition, and she was like ‘uuuugggh.’

“I saw it register on her face that she had a terrible time with us. She was awful on SNL. “I was pregnant at the time and probably a little moody, but I remember thinking, ‘She’s a disaster! I gotta prop this lady up and get her on TV.’”

By Graeme Massie, Dec 04 2007 © Copyright 2007 - Showbiz Spy ``xEEAZpuEEEkCImnDGHJ``x1196751600``x(default) 'idol' secret ``xIgor``x“Extra” has your first glimpse at season seven of “American Idol,” with judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul revealing their biggest season secrets.

“This will be the strongest twelve we've ever had, and I've never, ever said that before,” Simon revealed.

And for once, they all seem to agree!

“We've never had a top twelve like we're going to have this season,” admitted Paula.

Added Randy, “I think it's the best we've ever had.”

But will “Idol” produce another Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood this year?

“I'm going on record: There's more than one,” Paula said.

Added Simon, “Yeah, Kelly, Carrie – all of them. I mean, very, very strong.”

With the competition even better, and the stakes higher, one thing remains the same: Paula and Simon’s disdain for each other.

The dynamic between the two is “atrocious as usual,” admitted Simon. “You know, Paula sees right, I see left. I mean, that's what it's like.”

Any arguments so far?

“Yeah, one or two,” Simon revealed.

Added Randy, “We fight a little bit…everyone gets frustrated. I understand. I get it.”``xEEAyuVAAFuvJSDdEdk``x1196459934``x(default) how paula planned thanksgiving ``xIgor``xHere is the paragraph about Paula from the New York Post article:

Paula Abdul is already fantasizing about the daylong dining. "I love Thanksgiving," she says. "It lasts forever. I love what my mother comes up with for Thanksgiving. She makes the best stuffing in the world. But I cook a real mean turkey."``xEEAypkkEEuLvqAkIju``x1196022114``x(default) the starz``xIgor``xThe Starz movie channel is coming up with original programming, one of them being a new TV comedy that begins airing in January called "Hollywood Residential" about an accident prone interior designer who shows up at real celebs homes to do makeovers. Paula is to be a guest on one of the episodes though the date hasn't been set yet.

"Head Case" features a fictional Los Angeles therapist treating celebrities who play themselves. Hollywood Residential focuses on celebrities such as Paula Abdul and Tom Arnold, whose homes are in need of a makeover.``xEEAVVZyuZVorFPFqAb``x1195576475``x(default) in style magazine scans``xIgor``x>>>Picture 1
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>>>Picture 6``xEEAVVZypElJohBKXRd``x1195576018``x(default) in style``xIgor``xPaula's house is featured in an article in this week's "In Style" magazine. There are great pictures of Paula in it plus pictures of her house.

The magazine cover has Natalie Portman on it:

``xEEAVFlyyAkOaNWZOqB``x1195282800``x(default) abdul thrills students``xIgor``xBENTONVILLE -- Paula Abdul popped up her right shoulder, shuffled her left foot, popped up her left shoulder, turned and waved her arms in a circle above her head.

Fayetteville High School cheerleaders clad in purple warm-up suits followed Abdul's every move, along with Rogers High School Mountie cheerleaders clad in blue and Bentonville, Springdale and Har-Ber pom squads.

Abdul fell on stage while demonstrating dance moves in Bentonville High School's main gym.

"Do you still want my advice?" Abdul said with a laugh after she got up and kept dancing.

Abdul, a former Los Angeles Laker girl, was in Bentonville Thursday for business meetings but took half a day to hang with cheerleaders.

She started working with students at about 9:30 a.m. at Bentonville High School and didn't leave until nearly 1:15 p.m.

Abdul repeatedly paused to give hugs as a gaggle of shrieking girls broke out digital cameras and cell phones to snap a few shots with the celebrity before she left campus.

Abdul also gave a motivational speech and some dance tips to about 700 members of local schools' cheer, dance and pom squads.

The appearance was so under wraps that some Bentonville High School administrators did not know about Abdul's presence on campus until about 11 a.m.

Black construction paper blocked the narrow windows on doors to the school's main gym. Orange signs said "Gym closed all day. Do not enter."

That didn't stop some students from finding chinks in the construction paper and getting some digital shots of Abdul on their cell phones.

"It's crazy. I just found out today she was coming," said student Katy Compton, who said she was not related to Bentonville Superintendent Gary Compton.

Julie Vice, a Fayetteville High School student, said she could barely believe her eyes as she danced along with Abdul.

"At first, it's like, is she really here?" Vice said. "I think she's awesome."

Gary Compton said arrangements for Abdul to work with cheer and pom squads started a week ago, when school officials discovered Abdul would be in town.

Bentonville is headquarters to Wal-Mart, where celebrities often come to do business.

Compton said most of the time, those celebrities fly in, hold their meetings and are gone before people realize they were here, but the schools occasionally can tap into that talent.

Compton said he decided to open the event to other schools, so they would have the benefit of hearing and learning from someone who rose to fame through being a cheerleader and choreographer.

Abdul said she was pleased to work with cheerleaders, pom squads and dance teams.

"These are my roots. I've never forgotten my roots," said Abdul, who began as a Lakers girl before moving to MTV in the 1980s with hits like "Straight Up" to being the "nice" judge on "American Idol."

"I love working with these young girls because they are so inspiring to me," Abdul said.

She told the students this may not be the last time they see her at a local high school.

"I will be back. I will teach you, OK?" Abdul said. "I will teach you '50s dancing, '60s dancing, African dancing, everything you need to know. I want to hug everyone."

Abdul also advised the girls to keep track of their accomplishments, mistakes and rehearsals.

"All the things you accomplish along the way, document them, film them, keep a diary," Abdul said.

She also advised students to watch Bob Fosse movies, such as "All That Jazz," and actress Jennifer Beals' 1983 movie "Flashdance," about a welder with a ballet dream, and to pick up on more vintage moves.

Stormie Berry, a freshmen at Springdale's Central Junior High School, said she first heard Tuesday she'd get to learn choreography from Abdul.

"Wow. We were so happy," Berry said.

She seemed just as impressed with Abdul's speech as her dancing.

"If someone tells you that you have too much of something or not enough of something, don't let that stop you and keep following your dream," Berry said Abdul told students.

>>>Picture 1 (Paula Abdul watches a video of some of her choreography Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007, while speaking to cheerleaders and dance squads from Northwest Arkansas at Bentonville High School)
>>>Picture 2, >>>Picture 3 (Paula Abdul teaches some of her dance moves Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007, to cheerleaders and dance teams from Northwest Arkansas at Bentonville High School)``xEEAVFlVVApIsGteyRX``x1195196400``x(default) abdul's young 'idols' make her so proud``xIgor``x(LA Daily News)--After she helped announce the nominations for the People's Choice Awards on Thursday night, I had a little chat with Paula Abdul about the upcoming season of "American Idol," which has launched the careers of such superstars as Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Chris Daughtry.

When the new season of the monster hit debuts in January, Paula thinks yet another star will emerge.

"I think we can expect the best season so far; I honestly feel that. I'm not just saying that - I didn't say that last season," Paula insisted. "But I do believe that we have an amazing season coming up, very interesting contestants coming up, great back stories, really great singers, and adorable! Really, really cute."

She had watched the Country Music Awards the night before and was quite excited to see former "Idol" champ Underwood win big again and is looking forward to having Melinda Doolittle release a CD.

"I'm so excited for her because, you know what? She's one of the most talented singers, and everyone knew that last season. All I want for her is to just go out there and live her dream. As long as she's out there singing, for her she's doing God's work."

And as far as the other winners and finalists from seasons past, Paula feels like a mentor whose young charges have made her so proud.

"It's fantastic to see Elliott Yamin do fantastic, to see Daughtry, to see Kellie Pickler, everyone's doing their thing, Taylor Hicks is touring. It's all part of the process and I love the fact that our show single-handedly really does change these kids' lives and launches solid careers for them." ``xEEAulZukZulBMvkTuB``x1194874274``x(default) paula abdul makes the call on nfl network’s nfl total access``xIgor``xAmerican Idol’s Paula Abdul stops by the NFL Total Access studios to give her “Celebrity Picks” for this week’s NFL game winners. As a member of the popular trio of judges on FOX’s hit show, Abdul also puts on her judging hat and shares her opinion as some of the best voices in the NFL step behind the mic and belt it out to songs such as The Temptations’ “My Girl” and Frankie Valli’s “Oh, What a Night.”

Featured players include: Titans RB Casey Cramer, Titans LB Ryan Fowler, 49ers LS Brian Jennings, Browns WR Josh Cribbs, Browns DB Brandon McDonald and Browns LB David McMillan.

The complete segment, including Paula’s pick as the next NFL Idol will air on Friday’s edition of NFL Total Access at 7:00 PM ET. ``xEEAulZupAuuOpkWLdD``x1194874094``x(default) 34th annual people's choice awards``xIgor``xPaula Abdul of 'American Idol' poses after announcing nominations for the 34th Annual People's Choice Awards, in West Hollywood, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007. The annual awards show will be held on January 8 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

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>>>Picture 6``xEEAulZVFlAncmGAeRh``x1194591600``x(default) family guy``xIgor``xPaula Abdul recorded her voice for an upcoming episode of "Family Guy". This episode is scheduled to air on Sunday, November 11 on FOX. Apparently Simon and Randy also lent their voices to the episode. Be sure to tune in!``xEEAuElVuVlPNKuMQIi``x1194185458``x(default) top television shows under threat as writers walk out over pay deal``xIgor``x(TIMES)--Late-night talk shows in the US were preparing to go off the air last night — to be followed by popular television series such as House and Heroes — as a long-running dispute between writers and studios reached an impasse.

A writers’ strike would be the first such walkout in Hollywood since 1988, when a dispute lasting 22 weeks cost the industry an estimated $500 million and killed off several television shows. Viewing figures fell by 10 per cent during the strike — a fall from which the industry never recovered.

Because of the long production times of films, and the stockpiling of screenplays by studios, the effect of industrial action would probably not be felt at cinemas until late next year at least.

The stalemate in talks between the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers resulted in a federal mediator being called in yesterday to help to negotiate a compromise. However, as the writers’ collectively bargained contracts reached their expiration at midnight, hopes were not high. One agent described a strike as “a self-fulfilling prophecy, like the Iraq war”.

Although the 12,000 members of the guild have voted overwhelmingly to strike immediately, insiders believe that the walkout may not occur for weeks. Many believe that the guild will call its strike over Christmas to ruin the holidays of studio executives.

The most contentious issue in negotiations concerns how the royalties for writers will be calculated from the distribution of TV shows via the internet and mobile phones. The studios say that they will not agree to anything that restricts their ability to “experiment” with new methods of digital distribution. “We will not ignore the challenges of today’s economic realities, the shifts in audience taste and viewing habits, and the unpredictability of still-evolving technology,” the producers’ alliance said.

The writers say that they will never give in to such logic again, after missing out on the boom in DVD sales during the 1990s. They are also insisting on fixed royalty fees rather than profit-related payments, arguing that the studios are able to manipulate their accounts to show that even hugely successful productions are always in the red.

Analysts believe that a writers’ strike could hasten the take-up of new digital formats, bypassing the entire Hollywood system and leaving the entire industry unemployed. Websites such as YouTube, as well as social networking sites, are likely to attract a massive increase in popularity if next year’s television season consists entirely of reality shows and repeats.

“Reality will have a bigger presence, along with more news magazines, sports and game shows,” predicted Scott Sternberg, producer of the reality show Hey Paula, about the singer and American Idol judge Paula Abdul.Even reality shows, though, could be difficult to make if, as expected, crew members refuse to cross picket lines.

Actors and directors are also preparing to strike when their own collectively bargained contracts expire next summer. This could bring the economy of Los Angeles to a standstill, with managers, lawyers, and agents finding themselves without income for months.

British writers will be largely unable to capitalise on the strike, because to sell a script to an American studio they must be a member of the guild or risk being blacklisted for the rest of their career.Productions that would be affected immediately by a strike include the topical late-night shows hosted by David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and others. Without their teams of writers there would be no material for the hosts.

The issues are more complex for scripted dramas because the writers are often also the show’s creators. In some cases, executive producers create their own production companies, which essentially puts them on both sides of the negotiations.

Matt Olmstead, executive producer of Prison Break, has said that he will walk out of the production if a strike is called, whereas David Shore, executive producer of House, says he will continue with his non-writing duties.

Still, selling a screenplay remains the ultimate dream of many jobbing writers in LA, and while the strike is generally dreaded - many will be forced to take menial jobs - it is also regarded as an excellent opportunity to work on 'personal projects'.

"Every writer is talking a big game about all the movies and pilots they'll get done during the strike," said one writer for a popular late-night talk show, who didn't want to be named. "I think that means they'll be playing a lot of videogames."


Lights, camera, action . . . everybody out

— In 1941 in response to low wages and redundancies, hundreds of Walt Disney cartoonists gathered on picket lines outside the studio and set up camp in neighbouring fields. The strike lasted five weeks and cartoonists received 50 per cent increases in pay and union representation

— In 1987 6,000 film extras walked off television and film sets in America to protest against 40 per cent wage cuts

— Between 1990 and 1993 a British, Irish, German and American collective encouraged artists to cease producing, selling, exhibiting or even talking about their work for a three-year period in an attempt to force the closure of galleries and art institutions. The art strike failed to attract members

— In 2003 French arts workers went on strike in response to the Government’s plans to change unemployment benefits. At least 6,000 took to the streets in Paris, the Paris Opera cancelled performances, and the Avignon festival was called off

— In 2003 the chorus of the English National Opera went on strike in protest against plans to sack one third of its members. The action cost the company more than Ł50,000 in box office income ``xEEAFAklVZFQiokdktN``x1193928573``x(default) simon cowell likes to kiss paula’s chihuahuas``xIgor``x(SHOWBIZSPY.COM)--American Idol judge Paula Abdul has had her fair share of bust-ups with Mr Nasty himself, Simon Cowell - but has now insisted that they’re now the best of friends.

According to Britain’s now magazine, the former 80s pop-star, said; ‘Simon spread some rumours as a joke, but it’s been taken out of context,’ she tells Now. ‘Look back at my 20-year career – you’ve never seen me drunk or accused of using recreational drugs because I’ve never done it. That’s the biggest misconception about me and it’s very annoying.’

Paula also revealed that she thinks Simon is great bloke ‘who knows how to wear high-waisted trousers very well’ but is a bit suspicious of his relationship with her pets.

‘If you really want to hear something gross… he likes to French kiss my Chihuahua dogs Thumbelina, Bessy-moo (she looks like a cow), Tulip and Tink,’ she revealed.

‘He licks all of them on the mouth and I have to take them to the vet afterwards to make sure they haven’t caught rabies from him!’

Abdul also put rumors that she fancies her fellow ‘Idol’ judge to rest, she said: ‘Once and for all, I fancy Simon Cowell like I fancy cold sores or root canal without anesthetic.’``xEEAFZZpEuEdWkEnLRa``x1193770141``x(default) the anniversary party``xIgor``xPaula Abdul, Lorraine Bracco, and a slew of socials who still had energy to burn after a week full of galas headed to the Bon Appétit Supper Club on Friday night to toast their designer pal Douglas Hannant's ten-year anniversary. On the menu were poularde breast with truffled macaroni and cheese and the Sopranos actress' white and red Bracco wines, but the American Idol star didn't touch a thing. She'd been sewn into her gown by Hannant himself after the cocktail number she wore earlier that evening to an Extra taping ripped. Said Abdul, "I call it my couture diet plan."

>>>Picture of Paula Abdul, Douglas Hannant, and Lorraine Bracco, at the designer's tenth anniversary celebration. ``xEEAFZyAuuFabPZRRrk``x1193769443``x(default) new paula pictures``xIgor``xPaula Abdul at the Bon Appetit Supper Club Hosts Douglas Hannant's 10th Anniversary - 26 October 2007 New York

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>>>Picture 7``xEEAFuAZAFphbjeVWPW``x1193497930``x(default) paula quits reality tv``xIgor``x(ContactMusic.com)--American Idol judge Paula Abdul has vowed never to make another reality T.V. show after branding producers 'manipulative'. The 45-year-old singer accused bosses on her fly-on-the-wall series Hey Paula of tricking the audience and distorting the truth with clever editing. Abdul now insists she will never allow the cameras back into her life. She says, "I must've been crazy. These people are on a mission to make you look bad and they edit the film so it's not accurate at all. I really trusted them to paint a fair portrait but they kept the cameras rolling on private issues that aren't for public consumption. "I learnt my lesson and I am over it now. I don't have to do it again and I never will." ``xEEAFukAklkRhGfDSHW``x1193429282``x(default) abdul: 'american idol destroys kids' dreams'``xIgor``xAMERICAN IDOL judge Paula Abdul has slammed the talent show for "destroying the souls" of aspiring singers.

The 45-year-old singing star - who appears on the reality TV series alongside music mogul Simon Cowell - admits she would never have appeared on a talent show to launch her career.

She says, "I don't know that I'd have it in me to put myself out there like that. It's excruciating, soul destroying.

"Celebrities come up to me and say: 'Thank God I've made it. I'd hate to have come up through the ranks of the X Factor or American Idol'." ``xEEAFElVpAEuOjTazxI``x1193185091``x(default) abdul defends allen ``xIgor``xAMERICAN IDOL judge PAULA ABDUL has defended British singer LILY ALLEN for cancelling a string of gigs in the U.S. The singer, 45, believes Allen is too talented to be criticised for cancelling her U.S tour after encountering visa problems - which left her unable to enter America. She says, "I love Lily Allen. I don't think the fact that she had to cancel her gigs in the States will necessarily affect her success here. Talent is talent. "People forget that pop stars are human, too - we don't want to let people down but sometimes we can't help it." ``xEEAFEluVApigcUtPRQ``x1193184590``x(default) paula abdul not ready for baby ``xIgor``xPosted by ExtraTV Staff

Contrary to reports, Paula Abdul is not gearing up for motherhood.

The 45-year-old “American Idol” judge was recently quoted as saying she’s trying for a baby, but this weekend at the Lili Claire fundraiser hosted by Matthew Perry, Paula set the record straight to “Extra.”

“This has gotten out of hand,” she said. “All I said is, by now I thought I’d have many. But it hasn’t worked out that way.” ``xEEAkyFEpZAMtvnlkbS``x1192631079``x(default) paula in no hurry to have children ``xIgor``x(MSN.COM)--Though she serves as the surrogate mom of “American Idol,” Paula Abdul says she isn’t planning to have kids of her own... right now.

Earlier this month, Abdul was quoted in USA Today saying that having a child was “the next step in my life.” She told the paper she wanted to have a child “within the next two years.”

Speaking on the red carpet at the Lili Claire Gala in Los Angeles this weekend, Abdul said she was misunderstood.

“That got a little convoluted there,” Abdul said of the article. “I was asked, ‘Why don’t you have kids Paula? You are so nurturing.’ I said, ‘Oh, I thought I’d have at least three to five by now but it didn’t work out that way.’ That’s all I said. I love kids.”

Abdul said she has no immediate plans to have a family beyond her four-legged favorites.

“You know if it’s meant to be it’s meant to be,” she told Access. “I have four Chihuahuas and they’re my children for now.”

In related news, Abdul said she is already buzzing about the upcoming seventh season of “American Idol.”

“Auditions just wrapped up last week. We finished in Atlanta and for the past two months we have been on and off going throughout the cities and it’s fantastic,” she enthused. “We are going to have a fantastic season. (I’m) very excited.”

Abdul also said viewers can expect a high standard of competition this season.

“(We have) unbelievable, unique talent. So I think it’s gonna be one of the best seasons,” she said. ``xEEAkVypEAFuIciVPCy``x1192560193``x(default) paula living with boyfriend, talking marriage``xIgor``x(RealityTVWorld.com)--Paula Abdul apparently has a new roommate and no, it's not another pup.

The American Idol judge and her beau JT Torregiani are now living together in her Beverly Hills home after only five months of dating, according to an insider in In Touch Weekly's October 8 issue, who added the couple is "already talking about getting married."

"She is a different person since he came into her life," the insider told In Touch about the Hey Paula star. "She has lost seven pounds and always goes to the gym."

Abdul and Torregiani first met in April following an Idol taping and began dating as the sixth-season wrapped its broadcast run.

"She would love to try for a family," the insider told In Touch, supporting a previous statement made by Abdul that children are the "next step" in her life.

While the 32-year-old nightclub owner -- who is a partner in The Dolce Group, the Los Angeles restaurant group that was co-founded by Big Brother second-season houseguest and All-Stars winner Mike "Boogie" Malin -- is also keeping his own place, Torregiani and Abdul have already started picking out furniture for their pad together.

"Paula's decor is on the feminine side, so she is letting JT pick out some stuff that is more macho," the insider told In Touch. ``xEEAkVypEFlpcgwlXGv``x1192560138``x(default) lili claire foundation ``xIgor``xPaula Abdul arrives at the Lili Claire Foundation's 10th annual benefit dinner in Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007.

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>>>Picture 7``xEEAkFFyFVpyQJEJrdP``x1192336350``x(default) paula abdul plays makeup model in atlanta``xIgor``xBy Lori Rozsa, PEOPLE MAGAZINE

Celebrity makeup artist Billy B had a surprise volunteer to model for his beauty seminar in Atlanta over the weekend: Paula Abdul.

"She slipped in the back of the class unnoticed, and when I said I'd like to introduce my model, people's jaws dropped to the floor," Billy B told PEOPLE. "I had heard through the grapevine that Paula was interested in working with me, but we had not been able to connect" – until now.

Abdul was in Atlanta for America Idol auditions when she read that Billy B's American Beauty Tour was going to be at the W Atlanta Perimeter Hotel during the same weekend. Billy B has worked with stars such as Sandra Bullock, Sharon Stone, Kate Winslet and Mariah Carey.

"I got an e-mail saying that Paula Abdul was looking for me, and, of course I thought it was a joke," Billy B said. "But I called back and indeed, it was not a joke. I was flattered, obviously. I spoke to Paula and she said, 'I want to be your model.' I was like, 'Really?' She said, 'Yes, I think it'll be fun.' I said, 'Are you sure you won't mind, because there will be 30 people in the class.' "

In fact, Billy B said, the Idol judge turned out to be an attentive model and student. "She was trying to keep track of what I was using, and how I was applying it," he said. "She would actually get up and show the other women at the seminar what I was doing – how the eyeliner looked, that sort of thing."

The makeup guru added, "She has gorgeous skin. She's a girly girl – she loves makeup – so it was really fun to work with her."

A spokesman for Adbul told PEOPLE: "She really had a great time. She said it was as lot of fun."

According to Billy B Abdul was "charming and sweet and very accessible and normal to everyone" – even when it came to photos. Billy B requested that seminar-goers refrain from taking pictures of the unmade-up Abdul or of the makeover process, but Abdul didn't hesitate to pose when he was done.

"When I'm speaking I find it very distracting when people are taking pictures," he said. "Paula took photos with everyone there. She signed autographs, she stayed the entire time."``xEEAkEpZZkZrdbDTnly``x1192107727``x(default) britney spears rips simon, paula and randy``xIgor``xBy Wendy Cook

Maybe Britney Spears won't take American idol up on their offer. Idol judge and guru Simon Cowell recently said that he thought Britney may have destroyed her career with her disastrous performance at the MTV Video Music Awards and speaking at the San Diego, California auditions for the next American Idol contest, Jackson added: "We are going to manage Britney, we're gonna take good care of her... Britney, if you're listening, we're here for you."

Or maybe not. According to a report from Star Magazine Britney is treating the offer like so many others that have tried to help the pop wreck get her life and career back on track. The weekly entertainment magazine has a report that claims that Britney Spears loves to make fun of other people – and when she heard the American Idol team wanted to help her out, she went on a rant, according to a source who overheard it all.

Star reports that she said, "What a joke! They help me? I invented what they do!" She thought their offer was such a put-down that she cowed never to work with any of them. The she ripped each one, saying Paula was a "has-been freak," Simon is a "creepy Eurotrash guy who's mean and dated" and Randy is a "lame, cookie-cutter producer."

She said they were all passй and thought their move was a stunt to get them press. She said she wished they'd "shut up and mind their own effin' business." I'm not really sure idol has sunk low enough to use Britney for publicity - yet. ``xEEAElZlkEVcyxqBJDt``x1191878215``x(default) paula abdul refuses to film second series of reality show``xIgor``xThe American Idol judge Paul Abdul has refused to film a second series of her reality show, Hey Paula!, because it's, well, a bit too real. Paula's unhappy with the way it portrays her as an insecure diva.

The whole experience was, she says "disturbing", complaining: "They put a camera on me when I got wind that my dog was in a coma, and made it seem like it was about hair and make-up." Uh-huh.

Well, actually it's a shame this show's not getting another airing - it'd be good to see a bit more of the 'real' Ms Abdul. I've always suspected Paula's been barking up the wrong tree with her music career anyway. I reckons she has the potential to be a great comic talent. If anyone's in doubt about Paula's clowning potential, may I remind you of the time she broke her nose "tripping over her pet chihuahua". ``xEEAEZVEukEPnOwWkWe``x1191567600``x(default) abdul: 'i want kids'``xIgor``xAmerican Idol star Paula Abdul is delighted she has found love with her new man — and is now desperate to have kids.

The 45-year-old TV star has been dating restaurateur J.T. Torregiani, 32, for five months — and Abdul is so happy she is keen start a family with her new beau.

She says, "That's the next step in my life. Definitely within the next two years. I thought by now I'd have three grown children."

Abdul had two brief marriages to Emilio Estevez and Brad Beckerman in the 1990s.``xEEAEZVEVZFBbbaZJpK``x1191308400``x(default) abdul is ready for motherhood``xIgor``xPaula Abdul is ready to be a mama, she told People.com. And she hinted she may have found the perfect father for her progeny - her boyfriend, restaurateur J.T. Torregiani. “He’s a sweety pie,” the “American Idol” judge cooed. “He’s a positive force that has come into my life right now.” Abdul, 45, who said she always “thought by now I’d have three grown children,” met the Sicilian-born Torregiani five months ago after he introduced himself after a taping of her show.``xEEAEZVEVpZyPbaSklX``x1191308400``x(default) paula procreating?!``xIgor``x(E!)--Just what the world needs. Paula Abdul is about to get busy producing junior versions of herself.

"That's the next step in my life," she tells USA Today. "Definitely within the next two years. I thought by now I'd have three grown children." (Luckily, the 45-year-old isn't ruling out adoption if it doesn't happen naturally.)

So, who's the, um, lucky fella? Paula's boyfriend of five months, Sicilian restaurateur J.T. Torregiani. "He's a positive force that has come into my life right now."

[Stifling laughter.]

We're not sure why Paula brings out the worst in us. But in the words of her fellow Idol judge Simon, "He's a great, normal guy—why does he like you?" ``xEEAEZVkFEEbNFireZf``x1191222000``x(default) zombies and mummies #10 - paula abdul ``xIgor``x(CURLIO.COM)--The first "oldie but goodie" that lands on our Zombies and Mummies list is Paula Abdul. Most people know Paula as that wacky judge on American Idol, but believe it or not she had a career before that.

Paula was born to parents Harry and Lorraine on June 19, 1962. Paula showed an early interest in dancing. She was inspired by entertainers like Gene Kelly, Debbie Allen and Fred Astaire. Paula began dance lessons at the age of eight, going on to become a *wait for it* cheerleader in high school. If you didn't see that one coming, go to the back of the class.

Paula went on to become a Laker Girl (that would be for the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team for those of you who truly have no clue in life). Within a couple of months she became the head choreographer.

Not having a singing voice didn't stop Paula from going into the music business. Paula's success came mainly thanks to MTV playing her videos (featuring her awesome dance skills) over and over and over again. Songs like "Straight Up" and "Cold Hearted" were put into ultra high rotation, making Paula a big hit. It wasn't an instant hit though, her album took over a year to hit number one on the Billboard charts.

In the early 90's Paula drafted hottie Keanu Reeves for her video "Rush, Rush." Despite her wonderful life, Paula was struggling with bulimia. She and her sister Wendy both went into treatment for the disorder in 1993. At the time Paula was married to actor Emilio Estevez. The couple married in April of 1992. They divorced in May of 1994. Apparently Paula wanted to have children, but Emilio did not. I think at this point we all need to send a thank you out to Emilio for not allowing Paula to pro-create.

Paula's personal struggles delayed her next album "Head Over Heels." It was released in 1995, but Virgin didn't promote the album much and it didn't have much success. She released three singles from the album, none of which cracked the top 20 on the Billboard charts.

In 1996 Paula Abdul married Brad Beckerman. The failure of Paula's third album weighed heavily on her and she ended her music career in the late 90s. She divorced Beckerman in 1998 as well. Paula tried to go into acting, but that too failed.

Then in 2002 Paula took the position as a judge on the new show American Idol. This is what Paula has become best known for to many people. Paula is the "nice judge," though in the last two or three seasons she's really been more of a joke and target for her fellow judge Simon Cowell.

In 2005, a former American Idol contestant named Corey Clark claimed that he and Paula had an affair. He claimed she coached him while he was a contestant for Season 2. An investigation by Fox would clear Paula of any wrongdoing though. Paula's increasingly odd behaviour, both on the show and off, has lead many to speculate that Paula is either drunk or popping pills (though I say it 's both). Capitalizing on her popularity, Bravo signed up for a series called "Hey Paula" which shows Paula acting even more irrationally. Paula claims that she acts odd because she is in pain, she has a rare disorder called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) (insert the letter 'a' into that abbreviation and you'll get a nifty word that tells you what I think of that excuse).

Albums:
Forever Your Girls 1988
Shut Up and Dance 1990
Spellbound 1991
Head Over Heels 1995

Singles:
Knocked Out 1988 (remix re-released 1989)
(It's Just)The Way That You Love Me 1989
Straight Up 1989
Forever Your Girl 1989
Cold Hearted 1989
Rush Rush 1991
Promise of a New Day 1991
Blowing Kisses in the Wind 1992
Vibeology 1992
Will You Marry Me 1992
My Love Is for Real 1995
Crazy Cool 1995
Ain't Never Gonna Give You Up 1996

First of all, she was a cheerleader and cheerleaders scare me. Any person who can be that perky is just not normal. Secondly, if she is drug and alcohol free as she claims, then her behaviour on American Idol is just her own unique personality. That is terrifying that someone could act like she does either with or without the benefit of chemicals. The fact that she can never really seem to have her own opinion about anyone or give any kind of constructive criticism is scary. And she might be coming out with new music (this year yet from what the rumors say). ``xEEAEZVEApZLaUCuIcI``x1191222000``x(default) celeb watch video: abdul on children, love and 'hey paula'``xIgor``xBy William Keck, USA TODAY

HOLLYWOOD — After mothering thousands of hopefuls on Fox's American Idol, which returns for its seventh season in January, Paula Abdul is ready for a baby of her own.
"That's the next step in my life," says Abdul, 45, back in Los Angeles in between Idol auditions that have taken her to Philadelphia, Miami, San Diego, Charleston, S.C., Atlanta and Omaha. "Definitely within the next two years. I thought by now I'd have three grown children."

She says she plans to explore fertility options. "With modern medicine, people are having kids in their 40s and even up until their late 40s," she says. "In their 50s, they're having their second child.

"If it doesn't happen naturally like that, I would always consider adopting."

Her life has already been enriched by her boyfriend of more than five months, J.T. Torregiani.

FIND MORE STORIES IN: Philadelphia | SAN DIEGO | Idol | American Idol | JT Torregiani
"He's a sweetie pie," she says, looking at him across the lobby of the Renaissance Hotel. "He's a positive force that has come into my life right now. Where it leads, who knows? Like Simon (Cowell, her fellow Idol judge) says, 'He's a great, normal guy — why does he like you?' "

Torregiani later offers his business card, which lists him as a partner in The Dolce Group, which operates the trendy L.A. restaurants Dolce, Geisha House, Les Deux, Bella, Ketchup and Ten Pin Alley. He is working with Eva Longoria on a Tex-Mex restaurant.

The 32-year-old Sicilian introduced himself to Abdul in April at the Roosevelt after an Idol taping. They spoke for four hours and began dating while the last season of Idol was winding down.

"I was so adamant about not letting Simon or Randy (Jackson) or Ryan (Seacrest) know — and that was a good thing," says Abdul, who was married briefly in the mid-'90s to Emilio Estevez and then Brad Beckerman.

Now that some time has passed, she has grown more comfortable introducing Torregiani to friends. She traveled with him to London over the summer, and they met up with Cowell. And they are planning a trip to Italy during the months between Idol's current auditions and the semifinalist callbacks.

Though the two are not cohabitating, he drives her places, cooks for her — even in hotel kitchens — and has taken to her dogs. "My chunky dog, Tulip, is in love with him," Abdul says. "He pays so much attention to her that she thinks she's the queen."

Is Abdul in love as well?

"I'm in a good place in my heart," she says, offering a smile. "He's like my best friend." They hold hands as they stroll past the Kodak Theatre, where the annual Idol finale takes place.

As for where the next Idol might come from, she says there wasn't a lot of top talent from auditions in Philadelphia and Charleston, giving the cities a big thumbs down. But San Diego had "a good turnout."

She won't be an entirely warm-and-fuzzy judge, though. She concedes that she caught herself being too kind to contestants.

"Last season was a real turning of the corner for me, because I made a conscious decision to be very honest," she says. "There was a change because I saw the talent falling a little bit."

Her own reputation fell as a result of her early summer Bravo reality series, Hey Paula, she acknowledges. She says the show falsely portrayed her as an unstable, hysterical, demanding diva.

"That was hard for me to watch. Disturbing," says Abdul, who had a producing credit but no editing approval. "They'd put a camera on me when I got wind that my dog was in a coma, and they'd make it (seem) like it was about hair and makeup."

She says she felt double-crossed when producers persuaded her to address her widely criticized Idol press junket debacle, in which she seemed disoriented. But including the segment only made matters worse.

She says she was asked to do a second season but flatly refused, choosing to focus instead on her fragrance, skin care, clothing and jewelry lines.

On the upside, she believes the series portrayed her as an "endearing" person who works hard and is exhausted and a bit dizzy — from sleep deprivation, not booze and drugs.

"Being a role model is something I take very seriously," she says. "So don't say I do drugs. Don't say I drink. Don't do that because it's not accurate."

She says she is in talks with other networks for a new solo show. But this time, straight up and on her own terms.

"I want to do it the right way." ``xEEAEZVEZklmVCMcMqs``x1191222000``x(default) geri's big part``xIgor``x(Showbiz.sky.com)Geri Halliwell has been flirting with the idea of acting.

But one party appears not to be interested.


Seems the acting foreplay started when Geri was in talks to be a guest star in Hotel Babylon, which is back on our telly boxes early 08.

But now it may have all gone a bit frosty.

Why?

Apparently it's because of Geri's headstrong ways.


Geri's Big Part A source told the Daily Mirror: "She wanted a 'proper part', more substantial than the average cameo.

"She is keen to establish herself as an actress but sadly it wasn't available and she's ended up with nothing."

But where Geri's lost out, Paula Abdul has benefited - the word is she's snapped up the chance to be on the show.

Better luck next time, Gezza?``xEEAEZVkAAurUdMDQFk``x1190358000``x(default) Seacrest, out! Mac attacks the Emmys ``xIgor``xBY KRISSY MAC

I hesitated to accept this assignment because, well, been there, done that, you know? I've blogged the Oscars, I've blogged the Emmys, I would have blogged the Grammys, but then the editors found out that I wouldn't be able to pick Faith Hill out of a crowd unless she was throwing a temper tantrum at the time. Anyway, I was worried that the jokes would be old, the comments tired and the whole thing would be all together boring.

Then I found out Ryan Seacrest was hosting. Sign me up!

Exactly how many people did they have to ask to host the Emmys before someone said, "OK, it's time. We have no choice. Get Seacrest on the phone."

I heard they asked all the usual suspects … Conan, Ellen, Jon Stewart before moving on to their alternate choices: Oprah, Seinfeld or Leno. When they said no, they asked Tyra Banks, Jerry Springer and every other "talk show" host on television right now.

Then, they got a little creative and tried the "we can bring in younger viewers" strategy by asking Dakota Fanning (who cares that she's not on TV?) and that kid from "Two and a Half Men." Nope.

Other invitations went out to: Matthew Perry, William Shatner, the guy from "House," America Ferrera, James Gandolfini, each of the "Desperate Housewives," Jeremy Piven, the entire old "Friends" crew, and the creepy guy from "Lost."

Finally, they gave up. So Ryan Seacrest it is. This is going to be fun.

Let's hit the Red Carpet for the E! Network's "Red Carpet: Emmys" show, hosted by ... Ryan Seacrest! OK, I'll stop for now.

Here are my thoughts on the red carpet walkers ...

Ellen looks old (That's not how I wanted to begin, but I'm sorry, she does) and I'm confused by the snake hanging around Portia's neck… is it holding her dress up? Weird.

America Ferrera = still not ugly.

Favorite Couple So Far = William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman. I feel like maybe I can start calling him Bill now.

I just switched over to the Fox coverage briefly, but those people are so boring! "Your TV show is so great!" Duh, that's probably why they're at the EMMYs.

Ugh, Jerry O'Connell is so annoying. Why, oh WHY did Rebecca Romiijjiinn marry him? I'll never understand.

Katherine Heigl looks pretty. Her big, giant, red lips don't.

It's probably a bad sign when someone appears on the screen and I gasp and say, "Oh my." Hear that Ellen Pompeo's hair?

There's Charlie Sheen and the stupid, stupid girl that's going to marry him.

OK, so clearly there was a long Hollywood phone chain called, "Pin your hair up in underneath so it looks ugly… pass it on." Pompeo started it. She then called Sandra Oh.

Phew, it's over. E! mangaged to use their Ryan Seacrest connection to gain all sorts of behind-the-scenes tours and footage. I used those segments as opportunities to get snacks. Who needs Tivo?

The show is starting … I have extraordinarily low expectations.

I HATE when they do animated characters on awards shows. Can the people in the audience see them? I mean, are they real?

OK, well maybe I like these animated guys a tiny bit. They're a little funny.

Let's just make our predictions now … how many times is Ryan Seacrest going to make "American Idol/Simon/Randy/Paula " jokes? It's only 8:05 and there have already been too many.

I just had a thought… maybe Seacrest will chose tonight to announce something we've all suspected! Hang on, it's Fox.

He just identified "who" William Shatner is wearing, so I guess he did, he did!

Ray Romano? I'm pretty sure no one loves you anymore.

Jeremy Piven beat Dwight? Puh-lease.

"I would like to take this opportunity to … give all the girls in this room my new cell phone number."

Vanessa Williams, once again, has made an odd dress selection. And by "odd," I mean horrific. It's furry. I feel like she just can't get this stuff straight. Someone needs to tell her: less is more. And stylists are in your budget now.

[Ah, insert predictable "loopy Paula Abdul " joke here.]

Wow, did they just give Jaime Pressly an Emmy? Maybe Tyra Banks really will host next year.

Hahahaha… I love that Katherine Heigl just corrected the Announcer Lady on the pronunciation of her name. But I love that the Announcer Lady mispronounced her name even more.

Note to Emmy People: Mini Series Awards are boring. No one really thinks they count. I think the fact the Mini Series winners can add "Emmy winner" in front of their name now must tick off the real Emmy winners.

Wow, Thomas Hayden Church is now the second man to cry while thanking his dead Dad. Trend alert!

The Announcer Lady just said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the host of the Ellen DeGeneres show, Ellen DeGeneres." First of all, I'm fairly certain everyone in this audience is familiar with who Ellen DeGeneres is and what she does. Two, who else would host the "Ellen DeGeneres Show?"

I bet Ryan Seacrest replaces Announcer Lady next year.

I know Jennifer Love Hewitt 's on a hit TV show and all, but I think in order to be a presenter at the Emmys, at least eight people should be able to name that show.

The little videos to announce the nominees for "Writing for Best Late Night Talk Show" created by the late night talk show people should win Emmys.

How great would it be if Tony Bennett pointed at Christina Aguilera 's belly as he sang the lyrics, "Stepping Out With My Baby!" Oh yeah, Tony.

If the Emmy's are sooooooo green, why isn't Leo DiCaprio there? Huh?

Someone should tell these "Roots" guys that they're not in a Shakespeare play right now.

Remember what I said about the Mini Series Awards not being real Emmy? Ditto for these "Guest Actor/Actress" awards.

I hope that as David Chase from "The Sopranos" thanks everybody under the sun, they just cut out to black screen. What goes around comes around, buddy.

Tony Bennett looks seriously medicated. And kind of fossilized.

Nobody cares what the boring accounting people look like. So they don't tell anyone who won. Big deal! I think they should cut out that introduction, as well as all those other boring awards, and this show could be one blissful hour shorter.

"The Jersey Boys" should have made up words to these Frankie Valli songs to make them more relevant to the Sopranos. "You're just too good to be true … can't take my gun off of you…" or you know, something better than that.

Louis Black is screaming at television executives right now and Mary Louise Parker is wearing that, "I'm clapping because everyone else is, but who the heck IS this guy?" face.

Oh, Ryan Seacrest is still there? I thought maybe they sent him home early.

Of course Al Gore was invited… he killed at the Oscars this year.

Is it me or is Tony Bennett sweeping the Emmys? How is this possible?

Note to Teri Hatcher 's people: Demand only long-range camera shots. Trust us on this.

You'd think that the guy who wins a Best Writing Emmy would have a better acceptance speech.

I was just about to comment that Ryan Seacrest was keeping it pretty low key, but then he had to go and put on that costume get-up. In what dimension did anyone think that was funny?

Has Kanye West ever turned down an invitation to be on TV?

Felicity Huffman just leaned over to her husband, Bill, and said, "Oh Bill… I have to follow the Rainn and Kanye bit AND Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell skit? That's just mean. Don't they know I'm not funny?"

I'm sure they asked Steve Carell to host this year, right? But did they ask everybody from "The Office?" Every single cast member? Because any one of them would have been good. And by "good," I mean "better than Seacrest."

Oh, we're winding down now. They just gave America Ferrera an Emmy for Best Actress Who Lies About Being Ugly.

James Spader wins Best Actor again. He'll be offed by Tuesday.

10:57 and no "Best Comedy" OR "Best Drama" awards yet. Luckily, I napped during the "Best Guest Appearance in a Variety type Mini-Series" awards.

"30 Rock" just won Outstanding Comedy over "The Office." Questionable.

11:04: Commercial break?!? Can they do that? They're already over by many, many minutes and they can still go to commercial break?

Outstanding Drama is……………….. "The Sopranos." Not surprising and I suppose, deserved.

Ah, it's over.

Well, thanks to Ryan Seacrest, this had potential to be the worst awards show ever, but thanks to Jon Stewart and Steve Carell, it wasn't.

And I'm fairly certain Ryan Seacrest did make an announcement. Right?``xEEAEZVyEEAEssEVAAL``x1190012400``x(default) 59th annual primetime emmys: show recap``xIgor``xKit Bowen
Hollywood.com Staff

""If you want it, you can find it on TV!""

That was the theme of the 59th Annual Primetime Emmys. Family Guy's Brian and Stewie opened the ceremony with a little song and dance number, spoofing everything from new primetime swill, such as the upcoming sitcom Caveman, to the ages of the women on Desperate Housewives, Grey's Antatomy's Isaiah Washington replacing Michael Richards' Kramer on a revamped Seinfeld—and even The Sopranos' blackout ending. An interesting but hilarious choice to open the show.

Then host Ryan Seacrest kicked things off, exclaiming, ""You can tell we are definitely on Fox this year!"" He tried to be funny, really he did, pointing out that this year's Emmy set was done in a theater in the round environment. Unfortunately, Seacrest ended up sounding very much like he does hosting American Idol, his radio top 40 show, the E! red carpet stuff--and just about anything else he does. Here's just a sampling of some classic Seacrest moments for the night:

""Look at all the celebrities we have here tonight. All of them incredible--and all of them passed on hosting this year. It's OK, I've got the time.""


""We've seated Hayden [Panettiere], who just turned 18, as far away as possible from Jeremy Piven.""

""Weeds is a great show…and what an amaaaazing after party! Right, Paula?"" The camera pans to his American Idol co-star Paula Abdul, who didn't look to happy to be spotlighted.

""This looked a lot less gay on the rack. Can I keep it?,"" after coming out in a costume from Showtime's show The Tudors.

Let's just say, Ellen DeGeneres was deeply missed.

The show was not a total dud, however. Here are some choice highlights from both the winners and presenters: ``xEEAEZVVpVlItspseyw``x1190012400``x(default) idol judges want to help britney``xIgor``x'American Idol' judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul believe they have what it takes to bring back Britney's career.

Speaking to Fox news, Simon Cowell says that, among other things, getting her "away from her stupid friends" will help revive her career.

"MTV ratings are up and all we're hearing is Britney, Britney, Britney!" Simon said. "She can turn it around."

We have decided we can bring Britney back, we are serious. We plan to buy her underpants and get her bigger shorts to perform."

It is unclear whether they want Britney to be a guest star or a contestant.``xEEAEZVkVlpSmnnsxpk``x1189666800``x(default) politicians, press and celebrities to be spared the spotlight for next 12 months``xIgor``xKatie Gillmor Ellis
Toronto Star

Linwood Barclay's editors are in mourning. He's taking a year off.

Politicians are no doubt relieved. Barclay puts a spotlight on their shenanigans so clearly, in so few words, with such deceptively simple images. Dubya's "renditions" exposed in a light-hearted column about taking a trip with CIA Travel. Or our made-in-Canada sponsorship scandal, nailed so well in a little story about going for a coffee with his dear friend, the ad executive.

Barclay's barbs are surgical. The knife is in and twisted before you realize he's even armed.

He doesn't let his readers off the hook, either, or the press that feeds the spin. Group think is skewered just as sharply as political sleaze. Like the hue and cry when a politician crosses the floor. Barclay's take: "Who knew that politicians trade favours?"

He punctures hypocrisy but he's kind to us, too, writing sympathetically about the small humiliations that pass for modern life, like running errands, maintaining the house, wrestling with the 407 apparatchiks, parking at the mall.

Celebrities – the likes of Paula Abdul and Tom Cruise – are no doubt relieved that Barclay won't be writing columns for a year. But readers will be deprived. How will we know how Barbie's Ken is faring? And those newly adopted orphans? Here's a line that's been making me smile since December's annual roundup of the year's events: "Madonna is rumoured to be heading back to Malawi for another child. Apparently, there is a sale."

His family may be relieved. Or maybe not. When Barclay uses his home life to illustrate the sad, sweet and funny truths about the human condition – a lunch of KD and tuna with Paige, say, or a shopping trip with Neetha – no one looks foolish except, sometimes, Barclay. The loved ones he writes about are always the wise ones.

He doesn't make fun of people; he's not nasty or mean-spirited. Even in his political columns, his outrage never descends into a rant. Barclay's humour is quality stuff. No cheap shots.

He's a craftsman, a story-teller, shaping his vignettes one well-chosen word at a time. It's the same care he takes with his books but, for his Star columns, there has been the added pressure of daily deadlines and length limits.

Which gets me back to why his editors are in mourning. We have to read and reread stories, ready to pounce on mistakes and inconsistencies, clarifying, tightening, enforcing style. With a Barclay column, one quick run-through and it is good to go.

That's probably because he has paid his dues. Barclay started at the Star as an editor (he says I trained him, which I don't recall but am happy to take credit for it) and then survived the insanity of management (I do recall that he was a good boss). When he became a full-time columnist, we all felt it was practically a vacation.

But that was June 1993. And it turns out that being funny in print, on deadline, with a strict word count, about 140 times a year, as well as writing a slew of books, hasn't been enough of a vacation after all. So now we'll have to get our chuckles raw – straight from the source, the news pages – and without his insights about how the world works or, more often, doesn't.

It's going to be a long year.``xEEAEZVkZyylkpdeGAb``x1189234800``x(default) bernhand: 'hilton and abdul have no dignity'``xIgor``x(CONTACTMUSIC.COM)--Actress SANDRA BERNHARD has accused PARIS HILTON and PAULA ABDUL of having no dignity in their bids to be famous. The Roseanne star is stunned at the length some celebrities go to in the hope of achieving fame. She says, "You have to be like Paula Abdul and fall all over yourself and pretend you're strung out on something and behave like a freak. I've got too much dignity. "I mean, how much fame do your really need? I mean when Paris Hilton and all these sorts of people can be famous now? I don't think it's necessary. ``xEEAEZykyAVotXFigLH``x1187852400``x(default) abdul: "i was not fired"``xIgor``x(CONTACTMUSIC.COM)--AMERICAN IDOL judge PAULA ABDUL has denied reports she was fired from the BRATZ movie, insisting she turned the role down. The Straight Up singer has blasted rumours she was dropped from the project by movie bosses, but blames her busy schedule for parting ways with the production. In a statement released to UsMagazine.com, her representative says, "She was not only taping American Idol three days at week, she was also filming her Bravo reality series Hey Paula! five days a week as well. In addition, she was in the process of not only expanding her successful QVC jewellery line but also coming up with the first scent in her new perfume line Sexy Thoughts. "Something had to give and ultimately that was Bratz." ``xEEAEZykZAkzloJJsqC``x1185433200``x(default) abdul devastated by bratz snub``xIgor``x(CONTACTMUSIC.COM)--AMERICAN IDOL judge PAULA ABDUL was devastated to be fired from the Bratz movie - and was shocked by movie bosses decision to drop her from the project. The Straight Up singer had claimed she was the film's choreographer, costume designer and executive producer before her exit from the popular dolls' live-action big-screen outing. In an episode of Abdul's reality TV series Hey Paula screened this week (ends27Jul07) in the U.S., the star is shown screaming, "How can they treat me this way?" after bosses at Lionsgate, the company behind the Bratz film, inform her she is no longer required. A representative for Lionsgate tells the New York Post, "We love Paula, but we were sorry the partnership wasn't able to come together." ``xEEAEZykAlZvpezYBfH``x1185346800``x(default) why is Kutcher on Paula's mind?``xIgor``xThe American Idol judge has launched her own fragrance.
Paula Abdul's new perfume makes her think of Ashton Kutcher. The American Idol judge has launched her own fragrance, but confesses when she wears it she keeps expecting a visit from the Punk'd presenter.
Paula reveals, "When I wear my fragrance, it's the strangest thing. I look around for Ashton Kutcher. I think I'm getting Punk'd for real!" The 45-year-old named the perfume after what she believes it invokes. She says, "It's something that happens when people smell me. It provokes that! It's fun, it's flirty, it's chic. It's sexy. There are times when I'm shy, there are times when I'm playful. There're times when I'm very powerful. It totally captures the spirit of who I am."
Paula has even considered helping her arch-rival Simon Cowell to create his new fragrance. She adds, "In the middle of coming up with my fragrance line, I asked the question, 'By any chance do you have anything that smells like cat pee, and cow poop?' And I want to put those elements in a bottle, and call it Ode to Simonella! I'm going to put it together and I'm going to surprise him next season, and douse it all over his chair!" ``xEEAEZypykuTNWXeHTT``x1183791600``x(default) paula abdul plots pop comeback``xIgor``xBy Nick Levine, Entertainment Reporter

American Idol judge Paula Abdul has revealed that she is planning a pop comeback.

The 45-year-old sold over 50 million records in the late eighties and early nineties, but has been absent from the charts since 1995.

However, she admitted that she is planning to compile her singles - including the UK top ten hits 'Rush Rush', 'Opposites Attract' and 'Straight Up' - on a new retrospective CD.

She told Metro: "I’ve got a single coming out. I’m doing a greatest hits package with a new single attached. It’s a dancey kind of thing." ``xEEAEZyFEkEsayrOxZK``x1183705200``x(default) 60 seconds: paula abdul``xIgor``xPaula Abdul started out as choreographer for the LA Lakers' cheerleaders, before becoming a popstar in the 1980s with hits such as Straight Up and Opposites Attract. She is best known for judging American Idol with Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Paula is the guest star on tonight's Friday Night Project on Channel 4 and is currently filming her reality show, Hey Paula.

You’re brave coming to Britain with all the terror scares going on. Were you worried?
I was a little bit worried, I’m not going to lie, but there’s an immense amount of security over here. When there’s something traumatic going on like this, you want to go where there’s a lot of security.

You’ve got a perfume coming out. What does Paula Abdul smell like?
I smell pretty good most days. My dogs like it, my family likes it and even Simon Cowell likes it. You’ll all be smelling very sexy in a few months.

Why are you doing the reality show?
People see me on American Idol and I don’t think they understand what else happens in my life. I decided to do the reality show at the same time we were launching the sixth season of American Idol, my jewellery line and my perfume – it was everything at once, so I thought it would be good to show people what it’s like to have that kind of lifestyle where you’re doing four different projects at once and how difficult it is. I had no sleep. By the fourth episode, I couldn’t even keep track of the planes I was getting on. It sheds a little light on how difficult it is to sustain a career in this business. For however many hills you have to climb, there is some even ground. It’s a lot of work.

Was it a nuisance having camera people follow you around?
Not at all. I loved having cameras over my toilet at 7am.

What are the most common misconceptions of you?
I want everyone to know I’m not as short as I look on TV. People are intimidated by the way I tower underneath them. I’m not a pushover, though. I stand up for what I believe.

I couldn’t be with Simon Cowell. He’d be a selfish lover – he’d wear his condoms ribbed on the inside

Do you regret being so emotional on American Idol?
Not at all. That’s what I take to the bank. If I didn’t show my emotions and wasn’t there to support the contestants, it would be a one-sided and mean-spirited show. When we tour the cities on the audition rounds, we all get sick and it’s interesting when I’m ill because my phone rings every half hour from the producers – they say they’ll shoot me up with intravenous tea because they can’t work with Simon alone. That’s great because it shows we’ve all got distinct personalities and it’s the perfect chemistry.

Is there any sexual chemistry between you and Simon?
Oh God. He’s like a brother, so it would be some scary incest. The thought is terrible. I couldn’t be with him. He’d be a selfish lover – he’d wear his condoms ribbed on the inside.

The Spice Girls are back together. Would you try to resurrect your own pop career?
It would be fun to do a show with them – awesome. I’ve got a single coming out. I’m doing a greatest hits package with a new single attached; it’s a dancey kind of thing.

Did you really trip over your chihuahua and break your nose?
No, but I tripped over her and tore some cartilage in my nose. I was going to the bathroom in the middle of the night and tripped over my chubby chihuahua, Tulip. I landed on my face and hit my nose and dislocated my hip. It was a lot of craziness over a chihuahua. I have four but she’s the cutest one and snores really loud.

There are various rumours on the Internet saying you’ve got pill and booze problems. What do you make of that?
I’ve never been drunk in my life. I don’t do that. I live a very square life. I’m just fun and people don’t understand my sense of humour. It all came from Simon’s quips on TV where he joked around about there being something in my Coca-Cola cup. He’s publicly apologised – it was a joke he started and it’s been over the press since. It’s frustrating because it creates the totally wrong perception of me. I’m an advocate against drugs and alcohol. ``xEEAEZypkkFfYgWUFDE``x1183705200``x(default) paula abdul plans Cowell prank``xIgor``xPaula Abdul has revealed that she wants to play a prank on Simon Cowell in the next season of American Idol.

During the testing process for her new fragrance, the show's judge came up with a plan to give her co-star a nasty surprise at this year's auditions.

She told Access Hollywood: "In the middle of coming up with my fragrance line, I asked the question, 'By any chance do you have anything that smells like cat pee, and cow poop and, like, farts?'

"I want to put those elements - the cat pee, the horse poop and fart - in a bottle, and call it Ode to Simonella. I'm going to put it together and I'm going to surprise him next season, and douse it all over the chair [he's sitting on]." ``xEEAEZyppyuOWDwtDUI``x1183618800``x(default) behind paula's tv meltdown ``xIgor``x(NYPOST)--PRESS-beseiged "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul wants to remind everyone that she isn't a drunk or drug addict - again.

The diminutive dance diva devotes an entire episode of her reality show, "Hey Paula," tonight to the tearful behind-the-scenes aftermath of a TV interview that went horribly wrong last winter and made headlines around the world.

During the Bravo show (which airs at 10 p.m.) Abdul - who is also as an executive producer - allows cameras to film the crisis control meeting she held with her publicist and others who were paid big bucks save her image after the media debacle that nearly sank her career.

"These accusations of me being drunk and drugged up on camera have made me seriously mad and saddened," Abdul tells the camera during a typical reality show confessional. "So I've gathered my team together so we can set the record straight, and let's deal with this properly."

At the meeting, she cries hysterically: "What do I do to stop this? My reputation, which is all I have, is getting ruined! I do not do recreational drugs, and I am not drunk on television, and I'm sick and tired of people trying make it seem as if I am."

During the memorable, live TV interview, Abdul answered questions that no one seemed to be asking her, jumped around in her seat, interrupted correspondents and spoke in sentences that were occasionally just gibberish.

Her bizarre behavior sparked new speculation about her, and the video clip (which was quickly posted on YouTube) became an Internet sensation.

Paula also claimed that The Post made up a quote in a story about her calling "Idol" pal Simon Cowell "a brother, a lover." [Full disclosure: we have the quote on tape, along with an entire interview conducted at The Post just before the beginning of last season's "Idol." Perhaps she doesn't remember it, but she said it.]

Abdul's camp later explained the TV mishap as "technical difficulties, including severe audio issues in which multiple stations were talking to her at once."

Also caught on tape tonight is her apprehension about facing reporters again and how she got her confidence back after receiving a Woman of the Year award from a ballet organization. ``xEEAEZVAAuAhOfoUJGW``x1183618800``x(default) sexy thoughts ``xIgor``xPaula Abdul is set to launch her first fragrance after realizing she has a good nose for a hit smell.

The Straight Up singer has partnered with noses at perfume firm Fermenich to create her new scent Sexy Thoughts.

She admits she only agreed to release the perfume after spraying it on her and taking it for a test smell - and getting a string of compliments.

She says, "It's fun, it's flirty, it's chic. It's sexy... It totally captures the spirit of who I am."

Abdul jokes she is now looking for a series of nasty smells so she can play a prank on music mogul pal and fellow Idol judge Simon Cowell.

She tells U.S. TV news show Access Hollywood, "In the middle of coming up with my fragrance line, I asked the question, 'By any chance do you have anything that smells like cat pee, and cow poop and, like, farts?'

"I want to put those elements - the cat pee, the horse poop and fart - in a bottle, and call it Ode to Simonella. I'm going to put it together and I'm going to surprise him next season, and douse it all over the chair (he's sitting on)."``xEEAEZVAlEyWAfDyTVH``x1183532400``x(default) 'hey paula' recap: an open letter to paula abdul from mtv news' 'american idol' expert``xIgor``xBy Jim Cantiello, MTV


Hey Paula,

I know it's been a rough couple of years, what with the rumors and the manicures from hell and the Dr. Phil "Why Can't I Find A Man" primetime specials. No doubt you're fed up with the public's perception of you as an eccentric, unstable whackadoo with an affinity for costume jewelry and new-agey platitudes.

So I guess I understand why you would agree to have TV cameras follow you around for a reality show. "This'll show 'em who I REALLY am! [seal clap]"

Unfortunately, the reality of reality TV is that "reality" bites. Big time.

Just ask Valerie Cherish. (The four of you who watched Lisa Kudrow's brilliant-but-cancelled HBO series "The Comeback" know exactly what I'm talking about.)

But in this day and age, you should have known better.

(Watch Jim Cantiello's " 'Hey Paula' In 60 Seconds" recap right here.)

By now, it's common knowledge that reality producers can and will take things out of context. In post-production, a capable editor can make you say practically anything. (Did you catch this week's "Hell's Kitchen?" The producers strung together words to make it sound like a hot blond contestant said, "I love to put things in my mouth."

Therefore, not surprisingly, Thursday night's two-episode premiere of your Bravo reality show "Hey Paula" was a less-than-flattering portrait comprised of out-of-context moments carefully edited to maximize each awkward second to the fullest.

Throughout the first 30-minute episode, I could smell the desperation. Like Valerie Cherish, you seemed perfectly aware of the camera at all times. Each laugh was a tad too hearty, each quip sounded rehearsed and you even made a point to hug your housekeeper despite her obvious distaste for being on screen. If only we could access thought-bubbles during the broadcast, closed-caption-style. Your bubble there would definitely say, "This will make me look like a nice person. I'm telling my housekeeper that I love her!" (I don't doubt that you're a loving person who appreciates your home staff, but I'm not so sure you would have gone out of your way to shower Marina with affection if Bravo weren't aiming cameras at you.)

Even when you chewed out your two bumbling assistants for not packing your luggage correctly, there was a whiff of self-editing, albeit unsuccessful. (Quick note for future episodes: turning your back to the camera does not render you invisible. The mic picks up everything you say and/or whisper, and just because we don't see your face doesn't mean producers won't broadcast that footage with subtitles. Am I the only one who remembers the implied sex scene from "Joe Millionaire?" I still have nightmares about the "slurp, slurp" caption.)

Any chance in resetting your public image was shot to hell thanks to the spirit-crushing second episode. Your sleepless trip to New York was so harrowing and trippy it would have sent Hunter S. Thompson to rehab. The firm "I'm a warrior" facade quickly melted away to reveal a babbling, childish, hot mess of a woman who suffered from "insomnia" thanks in part to guzzling venti-sized Starbucks drinks at four in the morning. In a sharp contrast to episode one, you were oblivious to the camera, looking as lost and confused as 50 Cent at the BET Awards (see "50 Cent Explains BET Awards Mishap: 'I Just Wasn't Concentrating' "). There wasn't much the producers could do to make the footage any more or less damning.

Which brings me to my final point. It's one thing to let cameras follow you. It's another to give your permission to air an episode like this at all. I'm sure you had final say in what ended up in the show. (You had a nifty production logo in the end credits, suggesting you were more than just a passive participant in the production.) I can't imagine what made you look at this and say, "I want America to watch me slur through an interview, crawl around a perfume plant and profess my love for Dunkin Donuts while I nod off in the back of a car!" Either you're that desperate for the spotlight now that "Idol" is on hiatus, or you actually think America will drink your "I go wacky when I'm overtired" Kool-Aid. Either way, it makes me really, really sad.

Perhaps most depressing is knowing there are four more episodes of this televised train wreck yet to air. There's only so much I can take before I jump ship for a more stable unstable reality show character.

I hear Mary Murphy from that dancer show is pretty wacky. What night is "So You Think You Can Dance" on again?

Best, Jim Cantiello ``xEEAEZVAZuybpCwfyXO``x1183100400``x(default) paula abdul: 'idol is my purpose'``xIgor``xPaula Abdul has insisted that her purpose in life is to discover new musical talent on American Idol.

The 45-year-old revealed that she derives more pleasure from serving as a judge on the TV singing contest than she ever received from her early nineties pop career.

She told OK!: "I knew since I was a little girl that I had this profound way of touching people. My purpose is bringing out everybody's best and being that cheerleader to other people's success.

"Being a judge on American Idol overshadows being a Grammy winner and selling millions of records."``xEEAEZVAukkyROnKuFs``x1183014000``x(default) paula abdul gets a reality check``xIgor``x(EXTRATV.COM)--The tables have turned on the sometimes emotional and wacky “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul as she lets America into her home to judge her.

Paula’s brand new reality show is debuting on Bravo this Thursday, but only “Extra” was able to pal around with Abdul during a TV Guide photo shoot to hear first hand what she thinks about her image.

“This business is about perception,” Paula said. “It's all about perception... and I am exhausted keeping it up.”

Already on a reality show, Paula opened up about why anyone in their right mind would do another one.

“I'm sitting there thinking these reality shows are real...and I find out no...they're scripted,” Paula said. “They're told what to do. And I immediately start shaking inside going, ‘Oh God...mine's real.’”

Known for breaking down and acting erratically, Paula talked about the widely covered story of when she tripped over her dog, resulting in a broken nose and severe bruising.

Even though she considers her dogs part of her family, she admitted, “Sometimes family can even get in the way.”

With the new show in the works, all of America will be exposed to how she faces life’s realities head on.

“It’s very difficult to make it in this world,” Paula said. “I’m proud of the fact I’ve hung in there.”

Share Paula’s ups and downs on Bravo. Plus, her TV Guide issue is on stands this week.``xEEAEZVAFupyhBaXYee``x1182841200``x(default) paula abdul teams up chicken soup``xIgor``xGrammy-winning singer Paula Abdul is set to team up with popular motivational book series Chicken Soup For The Soul - in a bid to help inspire young girls around the world.

The American Idol judge will create both books and greeting cards with the self-help franchise, and is aiming to lend her support to her fellow females through the medium of the written word.

She says, "I'm teaming up with the people behind the Chicken Soup For The Soul books and greeting cards aimed at girls and young women.

"The message will be 'keep your dreams alive.'"``xEEAEVFEFlpUMAhqVMG``x1182322800``x(default) “american idol” judge paula abdul is jewish``xIgor``xSinger Paula Abdul, the sweet but kookie member of the judging trio on "American Idol," is the star of a new reality series, "Hey Paula," premiering on the Bravo cable channel on Saturday, June 28, the Interfaith Family informs.

Because of her features and her Arab last name, many people assume that Abdul is of mixed race and/or interfaith background. This assumption is wrong.


Abdul is the daughter of a Jewish father of Syrian Jewish descent and a Canadian-born Jewish mother. She has been married twice, once to Catholic actor Emilio Estevez (Martin Sheen's son) and once to a Jewish fashion designer. Neither marriage lasted long. ``xEEAEVFplFpJBHCdLXw``x1182322800``x(default) idol judge london-bound?``xIgor``xCould US star Paula Abdul be planning a move to London? The American Idol judge has revealed she loves the UK - and might start spending more time here.

Paula has been in London discussing some new projects.

She told Star magazine: "I've been in London meeting TV producers, discussing new shows. I love it there.

"I could end up spending half my time in London like Simon [Cowell]."

The 44-year-old, who judges alongside Simon on the hit American show, added that he "asked me to help out with some of the other projects he's working on".

"That's the nicest compliment he can give me," she said.

Paula also commented on the fact that a leaked audio tape, in which she can apparently be heard sobbing and bad-mouthing a former spokesman, recently made its way to the internet.

She said to Star: "I am deeply hurt and extremely disappointed that someone has taken a private telephone conversation I had with my representatives and released it to the media.

"I have no skeletons in my closet. I've lived everything publicly."

She added: "The only way I know how to live is in total, brutal honesty." ``xEEAEVFpVZkVwtOErmE``x1182236400``x(default) abdul personality: 1st look at 'hey, paula'``xIgor``x(NYPOST)--June 8, 2007 -- THE first line of the classic ballad "Hey Paula," for which Paula Abdul's upcoming reality show is named, goes: "Hey, hey Paula, I wanna marry you."

Oh, boy. Doesn't that make you want to go right back: "Hey, hey Paula, your Freudian slip is showing?"

I mean, what an odd and a sad choice for the title of her new reality show when so much of Abdul's public life has been about her love life - or the lack thereof.

And it's a love-less love life that includes two bad marriages, and some boy toy choices so horrible that they make Britney Spears' roster of relationships look clean and sober. And sane.

Unfortunately, the show doesn't dispel the belief that Abdul couldn't choose well even if she owned J-Date

Just what possesses the rich and famous to expose their lives like this in these awful, reality shows?

They always end up coming across as too desperate to be funny or clever or interesting or wacky. Or as Abdul's show's publicists like to say, "Crazy Cool."

Do they do it because no amount of publicity is ever enough publicity? Is it a fear of disappearing off the radar? Is it an attempt to leech some unconditional love by showing warts and all?

Or is it some insane, misguided attempt by these sometimes sad celebs to paint a hip and happy portrait of themselves that will somehow erase their previous on-camera meltdowns and off-camera scandals?

It's impossible to even speculate what would have made Abdul - who has always seemed so fragile and who was given this gigantic life-lifting career resurrection with "American Idol" - expose herself in this way.

The show - which begins June 28 on Bravo - opens with Abdul introducing her "best friends."

Like most stars, her best friends are people on her payroll. There's Daniel her hair stylist and "BFF;" Jeff, her publicist whom she says "protects me like a brother" (but whom she has fired and rehired since then); Kylie, her wardrobe assistant; and her four Chihuahuas.

For reasons I will never understand, all these "reality" celebs, Abdul included, want viewers to think they are like everyone else - and insist on saying it out loud.

To prove this, they inevitably show us their dog's poop on the rug or the lawn. Hello? I'm like everyone else as far as I can tell, and I scoop up my dog's poop the minute it happens, just so that no one else will have to see it.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but we "everybody elses" usually don't have camera crews following us day and night, either.

No, these things never end well.``xEEAEVFpkkkDFMFZaTE``x1181286000``x(default) paula abdul open to adoption ``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul is considering adoption if she is unable to have her own children biologically.

The single 44-year-old wants to raise a child with a father figure, but if she fails to find a suitable man before it is physically impossible for her to get pregnant, she will adopt.

Abdul says, "With medical technology these days, I could have children by myself using a donor. But I would rather be in a relationship so the child has a father to help instill core values.

"If it's meant for me to have children naturally, I absolutely will. I love kids, I really do. And kids love me.

"I'm so open to the idea of adoption. But, again, I would like to be able to share the raising of the children."``xEEAEVFpEEVCUINGpfF``x1181199600``x(default) paula abdul "not suffering" from addison's``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul has denied she is suffering from Addison's, despite discussing the adrenal disease on a leaked conference call with her management.

In a tape obtained by the New York Post, Abdul outlines her health problems and talks about Addison's disease, a disorder that causes irritability, chronic fatigue and muscle weakness.

However, the 44-year-old insists she is just exceptionally tired.

Abdul tells People.com, "I haven't been diagnosed with it. I'm just exhausted. Sometimes I have really low blood sugar levels. It's all because I work very hard, that's it.

"When you work as hard as I do, you become exhausted. That's what happens.

I'm working on five different projects right now. And now people are saying I have Addison's. I'm tired."

Earlier today (01Jun07), Abdul blasted the "illegal" and "unethical" leaking of the conference call tape, which she feels has violated her privacy.``xEEAEVFppyudJjBMglM``x1180854000``x(default) paula abdul "hurt" by leaked meltdown tape``xIgor``xPaula Abdul has blasted the "illegal" and "unethical" leaking of a videotape of a recent conference call in which she sobs on camera and blames her management for treating her badly.

In footage obtained by the New York Post, the American Idol judge can be seen blasting former representative Howard Bragman - who she accuses of calling her "a whining bitch and a loser".

But Abdul feels the leak has violated her privacy.

She tells website TMZ, "I am deeply hurt and extremely disappointed that someone has taken a private telephone conversation that I had with my representatives and released it to the media.

"This is not only illegal but also highly unethical.

"While I don't feel a need to justify or explain my conversation, even as a public figure I do feel my privacy has been violated and find this action to be unacceptable."``xEEAEVkAVyEBpqcFxKT``x1180681200``x(default) paula abdul admits botox``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul has slammed reports she has undergone cosmetic surgery, insisting she has only tried Botox.

The former pop star underwent the muscle-paralyzing facial treatment in April (07), and hints her fellow Idol judge Simon Cowell also has a penchant for Botox.

She tells the American edition of OK! magazine, "Check behind my ears! I haven't had one ounce of work done.

"I had (Botox) done for the first time six weeks ago in my forehead, and it only worked for about two weeks.

"Simon doesn't have any wrinkles."``xEEAEVkAVpEVSEELTDd``x1180681200``x(default) paula abdul angry about drunk rumors``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul is "sick" of constant rumors suggesting she is an alcoholic.

Abdul blames her fellow judge Simon Cowell for kick-starting the reports when he teased her about the contents of her glass on the TV talent show.

She tells the American edition of OK! magazine, "I'm sick of it - I've never been drunk, and I don't do recreational drugs.

"(Simon) made a funny accusation that something was in my Coca-Cola cup. And whenever he says, 'Nobody understands what you're saying, Paula.'"``xEEAEVkAFZlBXZVsWku``x1180594800``x(default) paula: i'm deeply hurt``xIgor``xIn an exclusive statement to TMZ, Paula Abdul says:

"I am deeply hurt and extremely disappointed that someone has taken a private telephone conversation that I had with my representatives and released it to the media. This is not only illegal but also highly unethical. While I don't feel a need to justify or explain my conversation, even as a public figure I do feel my privacy has been violated and find this action to be unacceptable."

As first reported by Page Six and posted by Perez Hilton, a secretly taped phone conversation was released today -- which featured a sobbing Abdul discussing her former publicist and their strained relationship. Paula, we're told, is now back with her longtime publicist Jeff Ballard.

Unfortunately for her, the "Idol" judge was in London for the past few days and had no clue about the controversy that was swirling around her until she arrived in the States today.

Welcome back!``xEEAEVkAFkVDRKFwwMd``x1180594800``x(default) paula abdul fights crippling health crisis``xIgor``xPop star-turned-American Idol judge Paula Abdul has to endure specialized massages and takes arthritis medication and painkillers to help control her Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.

The Straight Up singer, who has four titanium plates in her neck and has undergone 14 surgeries, opens up to this week's OK! magazine in America about her crippling health crisis.

Abdul reveals she lives her life in pain following two near-death accidents in the past decade - a car collision and a plane accident.

She tells the publication "I have a lot of sleepless nights because I am in so much pain."``xEEAEVkAkEEYSeaZqBU``x1180508400``x(default) paula abdul says no to drugs, alcohol``xIgor``x(E!)--Paula Abdul doth protest too much, we thinks.

The American Idol judge has denied yet again that her often bizarre behavior on the Fox show stems from drug or alcohol use.

"I'm sick of it. I've never been drunk. I don't do recreational drugs. It's defamation of character," Abdul told OK! magazine in its latest issue.

Abdul, 44, has said in the past that she suffers from reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), a rare neurological disorder that causes chronic pain.

She claims the condition often keeps her up at night, leaving her exhausted and therefore more prone to making nonsensical statements.

"If I appear exhausted on television, it's because I am! I have a lot of sleepless nights because I'm in so much pain," she said. "I try to say something and I stumble, and that's what people have picked up on. I'm not polished."

Abdul's chronic pain began with a cheerleading accident when she was 17, and was exacerbated by a car accident caused by a drunk driver in 1987 and a plane crash in 1992.

"I have four titanium plates in my neck. I've had 14 surgeries over the years. I had an operation the same evening as the first-season finale of American Idol," she told OK!

She said she manages the pain with anti-inflammatory medications, massage therapy and acupuncture.

"It can come and go at any time, but I no longer have the intense nerve pain that is associated with RSD, thank God."

Abdul first revealed that she suffered from the condition in 2005 while responding to rampant speculation from posters on the American Idol message boards about her erratic behavior on the show.

"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," she told Entertainment Weekly.

In January, she again spoke up in her own defense after raising eyebrows by conducting a series of television interviews in which she slurred her words and appeared generally confused.

She blamed the incident on a combination of factors, including an audio glitch and lack of sleep, but firmly denied that alcohol or drugs had anything to do with it.

"Fatigue and exhaustion just added to the whole thing looking so disoriented. But no alcohol and no drugs, absolutely no!" Abdul told Robin Leach's Vegas-based blog, Luxe Life, at the time.

"I just can't explain it, but for me, no excuses and no apologies."

Despite the occasionally unwanted attention her Idol judgeship has brought upon her, Abdul said that appearing on the show has been the most rewarding experience of her life.

"Being a judge on American Idol overshadows being a Grammy Award winner and selling millions of records," she said.

As for being the "nice one," in contrast to her fellow panelists Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, the former Laker Girl said it comes naturally.

"My purpose is bringing out everybody's best and being that cheerleader to other people's success," she said. ``xEEAEVkApVkXuXvrpuN``x1180508400``x(default) paula abdul denies tantrum caused injury``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul has slammed reports a furious fit of anger was to blame for her nose injury.

Abdul was left bruised and with a fractured toe and broken nose after she tripped over her Chihuahua Tulip on Sunday (20May07).

Some media outlets and fans have questioned Abdul's unusual explanation for her injuries, with some sources claiming she injured herself while throwing a tantrum.

A source tells gossip column PageSix, "Paula did not break her nose. She had pitched a fit, threw something into a mirror or glass object, and a shard of glass struck her in the face, which explains why Paula's nose didn't seem swollen."

However, the former pop star's spokesperson says the report is "absolutely, categorically untrue".``xEEAEVklllyyriYAIHa``x1180076400``x(default) paula abdul speaks out about broken nose``xIgor``xPaula Abdul has spoken out for the first time since breaking her nose in a weekend fall, revealing she also fractured her toe.

The clumsy American Idol judge tripped over her pet chihuahua, Tulip, at home on Sunday (20May07) and is now nursing a series of bumps, bruises and breaks.

She tells U.S. news show Extra: "I took a nasty fall... trying not to hurt my dog... I tore cartilage... I bruised myself on my arm, that's nothing... my chest, my waist all the way down to my hip. All from my little chubby Tulip.

"I saw her... I just remember saying, 'Oh my God, I'm going to do a face plant!' It hurt so bad!

"I screamed like a little baby would scream. I fractured my toe as well."

But brave Abdul won't be sitting out of the Idol finale tonight (22May07) and tomorrow (23May07).

Fellow judge Simon Cowell says, "We'll have a huge bowl of ice just to make sure the swelling isn't too bad."

The British music mogul admits he has yet to speak to Abdul about her mishap - because she literally can't get to the phone.

He adds, "Apparently, she can't get close to the phone because of what's on her nose. That's what I've heard."``xEEAEVklZyyeySjhUTP``x1179903600``x(default) paula abdul breaks her nose``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul is recovering after breaking her nose in a weekend (19-20May07) fall.

The Straight Up singer-turned-Idol judge tripped over her Chihuahua Tulip.

Abdul's spokeswoman confirms the accident but reveals the break wasn't serious enough for the pop star to be hospitalized.``xEEAEVklFEyeNukmelm``x1179817200``x(default) paula abdul falls straight down``xIgor``x(E!)--Paula Abdul has always had a soft spot for the underdog.

The American Idol judge took a bad fall over the weekend while trying to avoid trampling one of her pooches and wound up with a broken nose and a fractured toe, her rep told E! News.

"She tripped to avoid stepping on Tulip, one of her Chihuahuas," the rep said. "She is fine. This will have no effect whatsoever on her appearance on American Idol tomorrow and Wednesday for the finale."

The rep added that Abdul was not hospitalized for her injuries and that the dog was unharmed.


In addition to her broken nose and fractured toe, Abdul complained of bruises from the fall.

"I bruised myself on my arm…my chest, my waist all the way down to my hip. All from my little chubby Tulip," she told Extra.

Since beginning her tenure as an Idol judge, the "Forever Your Girl" singer has suffered through a series of unusual injuries and ailments.

In April 2006, she filed a police report claiming she suffered back injuries and a concussion when she was thrown into a wall at a club by a fellow partygoer.
In January 2006, she skipped out on a press conference with her fellow judges that took place just hours before the fifth season of Idol debuted, complaining of an eye infection.
In April 2005, she revealed that she suffers from a rare neurological disorder called complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) that causes chronic pain.
In April 2004, she contracted a fungal infection while getting a manicure at a salon and had to have her right thumbnail removed.
Of course, that's not even counting the numerous injuries inflicted upon her dignity by Simon Cowell over the years...and we're sure he'll get plenty of mileage out of this latest incident.

Luckily for Abdul, she only has to play the "nice judge" alongside Cowell and Randy Jackson for two more episodes, as either Blake Lewis or Jordin Sparks will be named the new Idol on Wednesday's finale. ``xEEAEVklkpEBDdVuzDf``x1179817200``x(default) paula smashes schnozz trying to "avoid" chihuahua``xIgor``xWait 'til Simon hears about this! As first reported by "EXTRA," ever loopy "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul broke her nose over the weekend, when she tripped while trying to avoid stepping on her dog -- a large, threatening, fear-instilling chihuahua named Tulip. (We kid, of course.)

Though she wasn't hospitalized, "EXTRA" says Abdul did suffer the nose-mashing fate just days before the live finale of "Idol." There's no indication that she'll be missing the big event, or that she'll have to wear any protective headgear -- to avoid Cowell's no doubt stinging barbs.

When TMZ contacted Abdul's rep, Howard Bragman, about the accident, all he would say is, "I didn't trip her!"

A spokesperson for FOX had no comment.``xEEAEVkZyVuiYayWyzo``x1179730800``x(default) abdul: bizarro world 'idol'``xIgor``x(USATODAY)--In a frightening parallel world where American Idol was a TV titan from the '80s onward, former choreographer Paula Abdul shocked the pop world by defeating multi-octave-range amateur Mariah Carey for the 1990 Idol title. Late that year, she released her first album, arrogantly titled Greatest Hits: Straight Up! Two present-day USA TODAY Idol coaches imagine how they would have reacted to that album (out this week in the real world).
Don Waller

Author, music journalist/critic, DJ, singer/songwriter

Her preternaturally perky personality, paradoxically exotic/girl-next-door looks and propensity for peppering her performances with pneumatic dance routines propelled Paula Abdul to a first-place finish on American Idol. (Despite Randy's frequent concerns about "pitchiness" and Simon's constant complaints that "this is supposed to be a singing competition," judge Tiffany — and the voters — "loved, loved, LOVED" her.)


'IDOL' CHATTER: What if the tables were turned on Paula?

On this, her debut album, the usual small army of songwriters/producers employ every professional tool at their disposal to disguise her obvious limitations, i.e., lots of talk-sung verses and constantly multitracked vocals to compensate for her thin tone and general lack of power. Mainly, they frame her with a fistful of fashionable dance tunes with an '80s R&B/synth-pop feel: Forever Your Girl, Cold Hearted and — best of these — the album's nominal title track. But the grooves are good, the hooks aren't bad, and a remix LP aimed at Clublanders seems inevitable.

Several songs (The Way That You Love Me, Knocked Out, The Promise of a New Day) follow in the high-heeled sonic footsteps of Prince and his acolytes — Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis' work for Janet Jackson, in particular. But the album's most groovealicious moments come on the comical Opposites Attract (sporting the almost cartoonish rap cameo from MC Skat Kat); the P-Funk-influenced Vibeology; and the sinuous, Middle Eastern-inflected My Love Is for Real (enlivened by a marvelous, wordless descant sampled from Israeli icon Ofra Haza), the last co-written by Abdul.

Although the breathless Rush, Rush is probably the best of the semi-ballads that mostly serve as change-of-pace placeholders —Will You Marry Me is so syrupy you expect it to come with a short stack of pancakes on the side — at 72 minutes, the album feels too long and begins to lose its booty-shaking momentum about two-thirds of the way through. But as the future soundtrack to a 1,001 suburban disco nights, it'll sell millions.

Gene Sculatti

Music executive, editor, author, critic

Is the '80s Revival revival here already? Totally, to judge from the debut collection of American Idol champ Paula Abdul, the show's smile-prone Everygirl. Abdul boldly goes where several others have gone before — but not lately, which is precisely what makes the effervescent dance-pop of Straight Up! so refreshing.

True, the genre never demanded a lot from its Madonna-bes. Acts like the Exposé and Debbie Gibson were required to be reliable components in a sleek machine: crucial, but no more important than the discs' arrangers, musicians and engineers. But serviceable vocalists made great records, and on that count, Abdul, who revisits '80s dance with a straight face and abundant spirit, more than makes the grade.

Check the infectious Forever Your Girl, with a bass line borrowed from Lucky Star and Paula sounding like some kid cross between Michael Jackson and The Jets. And Straight Up, a more muscular workout with gigantic drums, squishy synthesizer and our girl channeling "Nasty" Janet. (Their duet on We Are Family was a highlight of Siblings Songs Week.)

Better still is The Way That You Love Me, in which she swims admirably against a sea of slapping percussion, slinky keyboards and wah-wah guitar to tell her guy it's not his house or "90-foot yacht" but rather that love thing he does that makes it all cool. Knocked Out, on which she reunites L.A. Reid & Babyface, is almost as good.

The show flags later. The faux-Chic One or the Other is just so-so. Stevie Wonder guests on Will You Marry Me— odd, considering Paula's unwise reggae treatment of I Just Called to Say I Love You on Hallmark Cards Week. Vibeology tries too hard to get into the groove.

But that's carping, dawg. At its best, Straight Up heads in the right direction. Nothing pitchy, no karaoke or grandmother music, just shiny happy pop that sounds just as sharp now as it did then.``xEEAEVkZVpZunSxrqlL``x1178694000``x(default) "greatest hits: straight up!" in stores!``xIgor``xFinally today new EMI/VIRGIN Paula Abdul compilation of all her smash hits "Greatest Hits: Straight Up!" in stores. Don't forget to buy your copy!

Here you can see some CD scans:

>>>Picture 1
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>>>Picture 4``xEEAkZFkAVZCTARgVGI``x1178607600``x(default) simon cowell: "i taunt paula abdul during auditions" ``xIgor``xMusic mogul Simon Cowell has explained why he talks to his American Idol co-judge Paula Abdul during wannabes' performances - he taunts her feedback style.

Acid-tongued Cowell is often criticized for not paying contestants the courtesy of his undivided attention during their auditions.

But he tells chat show host Ellen DeGeneres, in an interview airing on US TV tonight (30Apr07), "I'm taunting Paula throughout the performance. I'm saying to her, 'Try to say something interesting, try not to use the words mountain and lakes in your critiques because it's always, 'You'll climb mountains, you'll swim lakes, whatever.'"

But Cowell insists he still has time to listen to the auditions properly.

He adds, "I'll tell you a secret. I watch the dress run so I actually hear much, much easier what they really do sound like."``xEEAEVkZkZAGwZgTfxx``x1177916400``x(default) paula - no sympathy for sanjaya``xIgor``x(TMZ.com)--Now that he's been booted from "American ldol," Paula Abdul couldn't care less about Sanjaya Malakar.

TMZ caught the loopy "Idol" judge outside Mr. Chow last night, where she went to chow down after the results show, in which the Sanjaya the Ponyhawked Wonder got the ax. When asked her feelings on his exile, Abdul wasn't exactly sympathetic, brushing off the question with a "Oh he'll be fine," and proceeded to sign photos for waiting autograph hounds.

With Sanjaya's media attention and lightweight vocals gone, Paula added, "The competition's gonna start getting heavy."``xEEAEVkZEZVISrsOCAt``x1176966000``x(default) paula abdul "diva" antics not welcomed at airport ``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul reportedly threw a "diva-like" tantrum while boarding an airplane recently (Apr07), telling fellow passengers she was "too famous" to queue.

Abdul was boarding a Southwest Airlines flight from San Jose to Burbank, California, when she reportedly demanded to be given special treatment and board the aircraft first.

Eyewitnesses claim the star pushed her way to the front of a queue of waiting passengers as one disgruntled commuter shouted, "You're no Sanjaya (American Idol contestant popular for his lack of talent)! You have to board like everyone else."

A source tells The Scoop, "She pulled a major diva trip. The other passengers were not amused. She asked to be let on the plane and seated first."

Abdul's spokesman has refused to comment.``xEEAEVkylyFrrKErTNC``x1176879600``x(default) "greatest hits: straight up!" cd promo``xIgor``xClick >>>here to see promo copy of "Greatest Hits: Straight Up!" CD which Virgin/EMI sent to media to review it. This item not for sale!

"Greatest Hits: Straight Up!" to be released May 8 by Virgin/EMI.``xEEZylpkZpEPOLfAPWg``x1176802701``x(default) bravo announces 'hey paula!' to debut this summer``xIgor``x(Reality TV World)--Bravo has announced that Hey Paula!, a new docu-reality series that will give viewers a look at American Idol judge Paula Abdul's professional and personal life, will air as part of the network's summer programming lineup.

Originally announced by the network in early January, Hey Paula! will follow the former Los Angeles Laker Girl and Grammy Award winner as she films the sixth installment of Idol; works on her new Bratz: The Movie project; develops her own line of perfumes and cosmetics; expands her originally-designed jewelry line; markets her clothing line; and fits personal appearances into her demanding schedule.

"It's a hectic time in my life right now with several projects in television, film and fashion," said the 44-year-old Idol judge/recording artist/choreographer/business woman/producer. "I'm excited to open the doors to Bravo and have all my fans see the other sides to me, beyond what they see on American Idol."

Although it won't premiere until this summer, Hey Paula! has already generated controversy for the frequently embattled Idol judge. In February, Pilgrim Films and Television, a television production company, filed a lawsuit that claimed Abdul tried to cheat them out of the reality series based on her life.

According to Pilgrim, the company met with Abdul and her producing partner David Russo in 2004 and discussed the creation a talk show that would feature her. However after several "false starts," the lawsuit states the concept evolved into a reality show titled Hey Paula!, which would be based on Abdul's "wacky life." The project apparently "fell apart" after Abdul demanded final editorial control over the product and Pilgrim alleged Abdul told them "she had secretly taken" the production company's Hey Paula! project to Bravo. The lawsuit filed by Pilgrim claims Abdul never mentioned Russo was allegedly "in on" selling the show to Bravo, and also asks for compensatory and punitive damages, in addition to an injunction "prohibiting anyone from airing Hey Paula!.

In addition to Hey Paula!, Bravo has announced that Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List's third season and the third season of Top Chef will also air this summer. Noticeably absent from Bravo's summer programming schedule will be Project Runway's fourth season, which won't premiere until late 2007. ``xEEZyuVAklkvvyTuxmO``x1176459282``x(default) paula at qvc show``xIgor``xTune in to QVC for Paula Abdul Jewelry, Friday, April 27, 2007 from 9 – 10 a.m. ET

If you don't have the channel, you can try watching it live over here
``xEEZyFyVEkVDqZPfrgk``x1176365125``x(default) apple and emi: music is the winner``xIgor``xBy Mike Himowitz
Baltimore Sun

Announcing the landmark agreement between iTunes and EMI, Steve Jobs said he expected other record labels to follow suit, and he predicted that half of iTunes' 5,000,000-track inventory would be available in unprotected format within a year. That would be an amazing turnaround for an industry that has fanatically resisted selling music that can be easily copied.

When Steve Jobs, Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) CEO-for-life, shocked the music industry in February by calling for an end to sales of copy-protected music, the cynics smiled. I was among them.

Here was a guy who had made hundreds of millions peddling copy-protected songs and the gadgets that play them. Was this just another case of the master showman blowing smoke to keep critics and regulators at bay?

Not this time. Jobs backed up his rhetoric with action this week, announcing a groundbreaking deal with London-based EMI Group, one of the four large conglomerates that dominate the recording industry.

Starting in May, Apple's iTunes store will sell almost all of EMI's music online without copy protection -- if customers are willing to pay a 30 percent premium.

That means most music fans who have digital players other than Apple's iPod will be able to play EMI tracks they download from iTunes -- without going through an awkward, two-step conversion process.

Alienated by DRM
It's hard to overestimate the importance of this deal. Since the advent of powerful computers, CD-burners and portable music players made it possible for users to create and trade digital copies of songs, the industry has been at war with its best customers.

For years, the studios refused to sell music online altogether -- while users traded billion of files illegally.

Only when they realized that filing lawsuits against 12-year-olds who share their libraries might not be the only way to deal with piracy did the music producers agree to put their catalogs online. However, they insisted on digital rights management (DRM). That's a euphemism for copy-protection schemes that make it difficult, though not impossible, to duplicate their music.

The result has been a mishmash of incompatible copy-protection schemes, online music services and players -- and a customer base that's increasingly disenchanted.

Sweet Sound
The Apple-EMI deal is interesting because it adds a sweetener. For the extra money they pay for unprotected music (US$1.29 a tune versus 99 cents for protected tracks), customers will get files with twice the audio density -- 256 kilobits of data per second of sound, versus 128 kbps in the protected format.

This is good news for audiophiles who have long complained that digital music sold online lacks depth and detail.

If you use your iPod, or any other player, while you're jogging, riding the subway or driving your car, the ambient noise will wash out most of the improvements, but it's nice to have higher fidelity for indoor listening.

As an added break, unprotected albums will cost the same as their protected counterparts, usually $9.99. If you've already purchased protected EMI songs from iTunes over the years, you can upgrade them to the new unprotected format for 30 cents a pop.

Still No Fab Four
All things considered, this is a reasonable deal. Consumers get what they want -- unprotected music -- if they're willing to pay more. However, no one will end up short on the rent because he's downloading tunes. If customers don't like the deal, they can continue to buy protected tracks for 99 cents.

The industry also gets what it wants -- a chance to increase moribund sales and book a lot more revenue. When you're selling hundreds of millions of tracks, an extra 30 cents a pop is real money -- with no added production or distribution cost.

For the time being, the EMI deal won't include one of the company's biggest assets -- the rights to the Beatles. Their business arm, Apple Corps, has refused to sell online to anyone, although millions of Beatles tracks have been traded illegally over the years.

Now that Apple (the computer company) and Apple Corps (the Beatles) have worked out a long-standing dispute over the Apple trademark, most observers expect a deal.

Even without the Beatles, EMI has plenty of variety in its catalog, with artists as diverse as Norah Jones, David Bowie, Garth Brooks, Deep Purple, The Rolling Stones, Blur, Radiohead, Boys Like Girls, Kenny Rogers and Paula Abdul.

One Year From Now
Announcing the agreement on Monday, Jobs said he expects other record labels to follow suit and predicted that half of iTunes' 5,000,000-track inventory will be available in unprotected format within a year.

That would be an amazing turnaround for an industry that has fanatically resisted selling music that can be easily copied.

It would be an even more amazing turnaround for Jobs. After all, it was copy protection that turned Jobs from the chief of a niche computer company that was going nowhere into the titan of online music sales.

His iTunes store has delivered 2.5 billion tracks since it opened in 2004, and the iPod has captured 75 percent of the digital music player business -- more than 90 million sold. Sales of players and music now account for half of Apple's revenue.

Conceding the Loopholes
One reason for Apple's hegemony is a copy-protection system called "FairPlay" that Jobs has refused to license to other vendors. That means you can't play a digital track you buy from iTunes on anything but an iPod, or use an iPod to play music you purchase from Rhapsody or another store that uses a competing copy-protection scheme from Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) .

There's a way to get around this problem, as Jobs conceded Monday when he announced the EMI deal. Writing any copy-protected track to an audio CD removes the protection. You can then use iTunes or any other music player to "rip" the track back into a universally playable, unprotected MP3 file.

As it turns out, not that many people are willing to go through the hassle -- or suffer the slight loss of sound quality it produces. However, this loophole -- well-known to the recording industry -- convinced me that there were executives out there with common sense. Now it appears that at least some in the industry are ready to go the rest of the way.

How this will play out in the future is hard to say. Marketing experts say that by increasing the audio quality of its music, Apple is muddying the waters. Are users paying extra for the unprotected files, better sound or both?

From a consumer's standpoint, it doesn't matter. The other recording giants, Warner, Sony (NYSE: SNE) BMG, and Vivendi-Universal, will eventually go along, too. That's good news for all of us. ``xEEZypuuuZAeJrQFjVO``x1176044479``x(default) sanjaya malakar dances with paula abdul``xIgor``x(Reality TV Magazine)--For the American Idol Top Nine performance show, the finalists were mentored by Tony Bennett. Blake Lewis performed “Mack The Knife.” Randy Jackson said “That was very good way to start off the evening.” Paula Abdul said “Tonight, you personified pizzazz.” Simon Cowell said “I give you seven out of ten, I’ll give the band eight out of then though.”

Phil Stacey performed “Night & Day.” Randy Jackson said “I just didn’t feel any real connection.” Paula Abdul said “The good news is you’re reminiscent of a young Frank Sinatra, I think so, but the constructive criticism is I still need you to just have more joy.” Simon Cowell said “I think it had all the joy of somebody singing in a funeral parlor.”

Melinda Doolittle performed “I’ve Got Rhythm.” Randy Jackson said “You come out here every week and you give everyone here a lesson in singing.” Paula Abdul said “You’re like a master class for everyone else to watch.” Simon Cowell said “I don’t think we’re ever going to be able to criticize you. This is a problem.” When Ryan Seacrest asked why that was a problem, Simon Cowell replied “Because we like being mean to people occasionally.”

Chris Richardson performed “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” Randy Jackson said “I think this is one of your best performances of the whole season.” Paula Abdul said “You made it so hip and so cool.” Simon Cowell said “I thought that was very good actually, Chris.”

Jordin Sparks performed “On A Clear Day.” Randy Jackson said “You’re like a pro, and you’re seventeen.” Paula Abdul said “You really are this magnet of joy.” Simon Cowell said “I just think you sang a song very well, but it was very old fashioned, very traditional.”

Gina Glocksen performed “Smile.” Randy Jackson said “That was a very nice, controlled performance for the rocker girl.” Paula Abdul said “That was a flawless performance, understated, beautiful, and sentimental.” Simon Cowell said “I can’t rave about the vocals, sorry Gina.”

Sanjaya said “My goal this week is to make America see that I actually can sing.” Sanjaya Malakar performed “Cheek to Cheek.” Sanjaya had his hair slicked back and danced with Paula Abdul during his performance. Randy Jackson said “What I like about you now is you’ve turned into a great entertainer.” Paula Abdul said “I get why people love you.” Simon Cowell said “Let’s try a different tactic this week. Incredible.”

Haley Scarnato performed “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” Randy Jackson said “What do you think Paula?” Paula Abdul said “Did I mention green’s a good color for you?” Simon Cowell said “I think you’ve got great legs. Actually, I thought I agree with Randy, it was a good style of music for you. It was a little bit pageanty I thought.”

Lakisha Jones performed “Stormy Weather.” Randy Jackson said “I loved this, this was the perfect song for you.” Paula Abdul said “You sound beautiful, it proves that we all Tony Bennett.” Simon Cowell said “Back on form, Lakisha, that was a sassy, great performance.”

Who will be the next finalist to be eliminated from the competition? Well, the judges sent a pretty clear message about what they thought of Phil Stacey’s performance. It will be difficult for him to overcome both performing early in the show as well as being heavily criticized by the judges. We predict that Phil Stacey will be the next finalist to go home.

Reality TV Magazine is your source for American Idol news. For other great American Idol news, please also check out SirLinksALot: American Idol or SirLinksALot: Sanjaya Malakar. ``xEEZVZyEFypYEjtFbNz``x1175583600``x(default) hey, hey, Paulas``xIgor``x(ConnectSavannah.com)--Who out there dares to take her rightful place on the dais next to none other than Paula Wallace and Paula Deen, the two hardest working denizens of Savannah’s Paula-dom.

By Jane FIshman

I’m going out on a limb here. I’m not the sharpest blade in the drawer when it comes to making social predictions. By this time I thought we would all be driving smaller cars, living reduced life styles, taking care of one another. Silly me.

(Although at least one friend of mine claims I was the first to trendspot the cupcake craze; cupcake shops, she now sees, are popping up on every street corner. One woman I know is eschewing the traditional wedding cake for... individual cupcakes).

But if most things come in threes - and I believe they do, starting with that most famous of triumvirates in this upcoming Christian holiday - I’m waiting for the Next Great Paula to hit Savannah.

Will the Lowcountry’s latest Paula please step forth! We need to fill the third spot. With the popularity wave Savannah is riding, finding and anointing the Third Paula could be the country’s next great reality show.

I’m only serious. Any takers? Who out there dares to take her rightful place on the dais next to none other than Paula Wallace and Paula Deen, the two hardest working denizens of Savannah’s Paula-dom.

I’m not about to say who among our two Paulas is No. 1 or No. 2. I’ll let them duke it out. (And I’ll let the ubiquitous Savannah College of Art and Design box office sell the tickets. They seem to sell tickets to everything around town, including church fundraisers). But at this point I’d have to say it’s neck and neck.

Though to be fair Paula Wallace did get there first when she and her then husband Richard Rowan, who is now way out of the picture (Richard who?), and Paula’s parents, Paul Poetter and May Poetter, had a vision, took it to the historic district and in1978 started the Savannah College of Art and Design.

But a decade later, nearly to the day and month, later we have the early stirrings of another Paula, the now indomitable, invincible and seemingly unconquerable Paula Deen, cook, restauranteur, writer, tv personality and all-around ambassador for Savannah and the good life.

Every time an article appears on Paula Deen, which is frequent, I get a call and at least one copy of the article in the mail. Last month it was, “Did you see the cover feature story about Paula Deen in the New York Times? The one where she uses Saltines, mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup and, oh yeah, butter, lots of butter?”

My latest favorite gift with Savannah as the theme is Paula’s book.

Even in the dentist’s office, where a flat-screened TV meets my eyes as I lay back in the chair for more torture, I see Paula Deen. Last time it was the staff Christmas party where she gave her husband a trip to Paris.

For years, when I would tell people I was from Savannah, the first comment out of their mouths would be about SCAD. How someone spoke at their school or sent their high school age child information about SCAD and then kept sending them information about SCAD. Or how their niece or nephew goes to SCAD and that’s how they visited the town and what a great time they had and how lucky I was to live here.

Whatever else you can say about the school, how large it has become, how quickly the graduates are able to get a job, how brilliant it was to make historic preservation an early major, what incredible people it gets to speak at graduation, how the art school has transformed the real estate market and revived and breathed new life into the old buildings (most, at least) in historic Savannah, I’m here to tell you the school has got the marketing thing down. Jesus, Joseph and Mary - oops, that threesome again - have they got the marketing thing down.

We will too once we complete the Paula triumvirate. We got the school part covered. And the food angle. Now we should get on the band wagon and go for the celebrity.

We need to find a Third Paula who can swing with the times, come with a good idea and be able to spread the magic of Savannah. I’m open to suggestions but after much thought I’ve come up with my nomination: Paula Abdul.

Not unlike Paulas No. 1, this Paula, a consummate marketer, has her finger on the pulse. From her start as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers to her stint as a choreographer just when MTV hit its stride to a No. 1 album in the late ‘80s to a dance video to becoming a spokesman for eating disorders, which she experienced and overcame, to - ta da! - a seat as a judge on the mightiest reality show of all, American Idol.

And she’s Jewish. No, really. Not like Sammy Davis Jr., was Jewish, but Jewish Jewish. At least that’s what Wikipedia, our quick and easy source for all things in question, says. Although she is commonly mistaken as being part-black and bears an Arabic-sounding surname, Abdul is Jewish and of Sephardic and Ashkenazi descent.

Now all we have to do is convince Abdul that everything is better with butter. ``xEEZVZyEEVZyFbxiLIR``x1175583600``x(default) 2007 kids' choice awards ``xIgor``xPaula Abdul and Randy Jackson, judges on "American Idol", accept the award the show won for favorite TV show at the 2007 Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles March 31, 2007.

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>>>Picture 5``xEEZVZykkZZUuHNvXJi``x1175324400``x(default) billboard talks about paula's #1 singles record``xIgor``xThe latest news in the world of Billboard's definitive sales and airplay charts.

March 30, 2007,
Fred Bronson

FOREVER OUR GIRL

Fred,

I'm looking forward to Paula Abdul's greatest hits album scheduled for release on May 8. You mentioned in Chart Beat she is one of only six females to have more than one No. 1 hit from the same album.

In your "Billboard Book of Number One Hits," you write about Paula having four hit songs at the top of the chart from her first album, "Forever Your Girl":

"Straight Up" (Feb. 11, 1989)
"Forever Your Girl" (May 20, 1989)

"Cold Hearted" (Sept. 2, 1989)
"Opposites Attract" (Feb. 10, 1990)

Is this the most No. 1 songs from one album for any female?

The list in your book places her in the top 18 of all recording artists since 1955 to have the most No. 1s. Paula has had six, and yet she does not seem to get respect on "American Idol" for her past accomplishments, in my opinion.

Fred, do you see this new album of all her hits together making an impact on how the "American Idol" audience might see her?

Thanks,

Judy Rockwell Stein
Birmingham, Alabama


BILLBOARD:
Dear Judy,

If it seems that Paula Abdul doesn't get respect on "American Idol," it's because of the guy sitting next to her (and I don't mean Randy Jackson). When the series first featured Billboard's No. 1 hits as a theme, Ryan Seacrest acknowledged Paula's six chart-topping singles. That's not something they can mention every week, but maybe they'll find a way to plug the new album, "Greatest Hits: Straight Up!" which Virgin is releasing on, as you point out, May 8.

As for your question, four No. 1 hits from one album is the most for any solo female, but Paula doesn't have an exclusive on this accomplishment. The first woman to score four No. 1s from the same album was Whitney Houston. She had three chart-topping songs on her debut set. Her second album, "Whitney," yielded a quartet of No. 1 singles: "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)," "Didn't We Almost Have It All," "So Emotional" and "Where Do Broken Hearts Go."

Janet Jackson had a run of four No. 1 singles from her "Rhythm Nation 1814" album: "Miss You Much," "Escapade," "Black Cat" and "Love Will Never Do (Without You)."

And then there's Mariah Carey, who had four No. 1 hits on her eponymous debut CD. Her chart career began with "Vision of Love," "Love Takes Time," "Someday" and "I Don't Wanna Cry."

And just for the record, you misquoted me a bit. Here's what I wrote in Chart Beat: "Only six solo female artists have been able to pull two or more Hot 100 No. 1 singles from a debut album in the last 20 years." It's important to note that there were qualifications - I was talking about solo female artists who pulled two or more No. 1 songs from a debut album (not any album) over the last 20 years (note the time frame). If we mind the qualification about having four No. 1 singles from a debut album, only Paula Abdul and Mariah Carey would count. ``xEEZVZyplluVodhFCtY``x1175324400``x(default) paula with hurricane katrina survivors``xIgor``x(FOXNews.com)--“American Idol” is headed to New Orleans the weekend of April 14. Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and an "Idol" team will be filming in the Mississippi delta and working with Hurricane Katrina survivors for “Idol Gives Back,” a pair of special shows that will air 10 days later.

Meanwhile, Abdul was a guest at that Clinton fundraiser on Saturday. She came as the guest of Suzan Hughes, the third wife of late Herbalife founder Mark Hughes.

Abdul laughed when I asked her about this season's controversies. “People don’t know how smart I am,” she concurred when I mentioned her savvy.

She said she thinks Sanjaya Malakar, the kid with the hair, will go on a little longer before he’s excised from the competition. And Paula? She will just keep on keeping on, friends. ``xEEZVpEuEkEOgaWSnVU``x1175014121``x(default) paula supports hillary clinton ``xIgor``xSen. Hillary Clinton hit Hollywood last night at the estate of grocery store mogul Ron Burkle and took home $2.6 million for her presidential campaign.
It was twice as much as Sen. Barack Obama raised last month at a similar fundraiser thrown by Dreamworks SKG's David Geffen — a point that was made privately during the Clinton event by many of the fundraisers.

And while the Burkle event didn't have the quantity of star power that the Geffen event had, it sure had the quality. Clinton was seated at

Hollywood was also represented by current Warner's chief Alan Horn, as well as actors and longtime Clinton friends Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson; "Entourage" star Jeremy Piven; "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul; record exec Jeff Ayeroff; HBO chief Chris Albrecht; esteemed producer Norman Lear; and Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. Close Clinton friend Quincy Jones was absent, but sources said there was an unavoidable conflict.``xEEZVpEuyFEtWaWeFSp``x1174806000``x(default) thrive fall 2007 fashion show``xIgor``xPaula Abdul poses for photographers before the Thrive Fall 2007 fashion show during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, Calif., on Thursday, March 22, 2007.

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>>>Picture 10``xEEZuykukulCYtiNFRw``x1174624248``x(default) paula abdul: 'people misunderstand me completely'``xIgor``x(EXTRATV.COM)--The pressure is on as the remaining contestants battle it out for a spot in “Idol’s” coveted Top 10. Now, only “Extra” is revealing who could be singing the blues when the music stops.

Our Terri Seymour spent time dishing with Paula Abdul as the perky judge confessed, “I love the show because it’s just so unpredictable.”

Paula also told Terri that she expects more Simon and Ryan firework in the future: “Every single night it’s the joke. It’s a contest to see who can throw each other off.”

Paula admitted that she prefers to stay out of the line of fire when it comes to dealing with the dueling egos. “Good thing I’m small, and I somehow fit in the middle,” she teased. “If I gain anymore weight I’ll be in big trouble.”

Paula also set the record straight about her reported trouble in the romance department.

“People perceive and misunderstand me completely,” Abdul insisted. “Just because I’m famous doesn’t make me exempt from love. I’m just uber-busy…the schedule provides a lot of area to do other things.”

One thing currently keeping Paula busy is her budding fashion empire. Abdul’s fans have made her a hit on QVC, burning up the phone lines for a chance to purchase a hip T-shirt or a jazzy piece of jewelry from her fashion line.``xEEZuVppFZlsFXaOCgZ``x1174500378``x(default) late show with david letterman``xIgor``xPaula was on Late Show with David Letterman yesterday, March 19. She talked about American Idol and the scandals she has had in the past. >>>Here you can download Paula's interview video for QuickTime-Player.

Also you can see great pictures of Paula arriving at Letterman.

``xEEZuuElFkljOCCrCAz``x1174418328``x(default) kylie call on paula``xIgor``x(New Magazine-UK)--Keep this a secret, but Kylie Minogue, 38, has set her sights on the US one more time, and has asked lovely American Idol judge Paula Abdul to write her another tune. Paula, 44, co-wrote Kylie's huge hit Spinning Around, and a mole reveals that, "Kylie know that by asking Paula to come on board, she stands a chance of appearing on the most watched show in the US." But will Simon Cowell stick a spanner in the works? He told me, "Personally i have always preferred her sister, Dannii. I think she's the one to watch and has that edge." Will Kylie's dream come true? ``xEEZuEZEZZuYlKjulsF``x1174171774``x(default) myspace``xIgor``xPaula opened her official MySpace page. Click >>>here to visit it. ``xEEZuEZplEkFVgSpLOj``x1174170812``x(default) paula's qvc live chat transcript``xIgor``xPaula's fans had the opportunity to interact with Paula during a LIVE online at 11 PM ET. Here the full chat transcript:

|: Paula: It's great to be back one month later
|: I want to thank you all for staying up to watch tonight's show
|: and now for staying up to chat with me.
|: I'm very excited after showing off lots of those beautiful new pieces.
|: *
|: meggie016-guest says: What is your favorite thing to do on weekends
|: Paula: My favorite thing to do on weekends is catch up on life.
|: It's actually the only time I get to catch up with friends and family
|: and have time to work out and catch a movie
|: and do all the "normal" things in life.
|: Even perhaps get a massage and a facial!
|: *
|: Britt-guest says: Hi Paula, What gave you the inspiration to make this beautiful jewelry in the first place?
|: Paula: Hi Britt. I've been designing jewelry off and on for the past ten years.
|: But in the past 6 years, with American Idol starting,
|: I was so inspired by the amazing raw talent
|: that I was able to see on the road,
|: and I knew that if these contestants could touch, see, or feel an important message
|: given on jewelry, it would give them the strength to persevere
|: even if some nasty Brit was barking at them!
|: From that point on, I created the entire inspirational line.
|: *
|: Anne_-guest says: The last necklace you were wearing looked like pearls with a key? What is the item number.
|: Paula: I'm glad you asked! I'm wearing it now as we speak.
|: It was from next month's collection,
|: but I was able to show it how.
|: show it now.
|: We ran out of jewelry to sell this hour,
|: so we were reaching for pieces that haven't even been typed yet.
|: I'm just trying to get that number for you now, Anne -
|: hold on a sec
|: J18253 is the number.
|: Sorry it took so long, but because I wasn't planning on getting this brand new piece,
|: I had to run and find what the number was.
|: But there you have it.
|: It's a really fun piece that you can wrap around your neck as many times as you want,
|: and the key actually fits inside of the heart.
|: *
|: Ashley_L-guest says: Hey Paula! I love you so much, your such an inspiration to me. Are you going to be designing a special piece of jewlery for the winner?
|: Paula: Thank you so much, and you're an inspiration to me as well.
|: I absolutely will be designing for many seasons to come.
|: I'm excited about creating pieces especially for cold winter days
|: that you will be very excited to see how I mix and match textures,
|: metals, and fabrics.
|: I am designing a specific piece that will be for the winner,
|: and then it will be available to all the QVC audience.
|: *
|: Jilly-guest says: Hey Paula! What's your favorite PA jewelry piece? =)
|: Paula: I wish I could name one, but it changes every time
|: I see the new item on the screen!
|: I have my classic pieces that I love,
|: like the silver chain and heart and the horns and the star pendant
|: and the hip clip.
|: I don't know - I love them all
|: and I'm just grateful to be able to continue to be creative
|: and to be inspired by all of the people I meet on a daily basis.
|: *
|: samantha-guest says: hi paula, if you were trapped in an elevator, who would you rather be trapped in it with... simon cowell or ryan seacrest?
|: Paula: They're both the same person - didn't you figure that out?
|: They're both so competitive, if I picked one over the other,
|: I would never be able to live it down.
|: So I'll have to stick with both of them,'
|: and just throw
|: Randy in there too.
|: *
|: Tia-guest says: Paula, just curious, what is your reality show going to be like? Are we going to see what you do on a day to day basses or is it going to be completely different from that? Also, when is it going to air?
|: Paula: It will be airing this summer.
|: My life is so crazy busy that I wouldn't be able to make up
|: anything different for added entertainment.
|: It is going to be exactly what goes on in my daily life
|: which is already exhausting me to think about it.
|: It's ironic that you're asking,
|: because there are cameras in my face from the reality show right now
|: as I'm chatting with you.
|: *
|: guest-natalieluvspaula says: paula, i know you design jewerly for women, but will you ever put out any men pieces, so that guys who are 'tough' like simon could wear it?
|: Paula: First of all, Simon is not tough.
|: I'm toughter than he is!
|: (j/k)
|: I do design jewelry for men, and you can actually see the male contestants,
|: especially Chris Blithe - he's been wearing the necklaces that I gave him
|: and the rest of the boys.
|: And I just gave the Top 12, both guys and girls,
|: several piecees of jewelry.
|: P.S. I love designing jewelry for men as well.
|: *
|: katie-guest says: hey paula...hope your doing well. i was just wondering what sort of movies do u like? comedy, romance, horror?
|: Paula: My romantic life is a horror movie,
|: which makes it very comical.
|: -)
|: ...and I'm telling the truth!
|: *
|: Lauren-guest says: You always look so amazing- what's your secret?
|: Paula: The truth is I'm truly blessed to have my skin look the way it does
|: since in actuality without much sleep I should look like Keith Richards
|: from the Rolling Stones.
|: And if you're too young to know who that is,
|: he's the crypt-keeper!
|: And I'm very lucky. I do tend to drink lots of water,
|: and I only wash my face with cold water.
|: My grandmother has this mixture that she taught me -
|: mashing up cucumbers and banana and ice chips.
|: And I keep that on, even though my face is freezing off,
|: for at least 10 minutes.
|: Good luck. Love ya!
|: *
|: Melanie-guest says: You wore a pretty necklace on American Idol that aired yesterday, Thursday,3/14/07.It looked like a diamond crown.Where did you get it?
|: Paula: Funny you ask!
|: It's part of my line. It was just brought out on the show tonight,
|: and it sold out.
|: It's on wait list now, J18254.
|: *
|: Lauren-guest says: Will there ever be a Paula Abdul theme on American Idol, where you are the mentor and the contestants sing your songs?
|: Paula: That's a very nice thought,
|: but Simon would rather stick toothpicks in his eyeballs
|: that let that happen, so I don't think it will.
|: *
|: Kirstie-guest says: Hey Paula! Your fans (including myself) definitely adore you. What is the most memorable thing one has done for you?
|: Paula: My fans are very kind and sweet to me,
|: and I get so much love from them
|: and so many photo albums and stuffed animals and amazing fan letters
|: that keep me inspired to continue walkin' the walk,
|: as my Dad says.
|: So thank you to all my fans.
|: *
|: lcangel-guest says: Hi Paula....would you consider creating jewerly with Angels? I.e., bracelets?
|: Paula: I love angels,
|: and I definitely would consider it.
|: Angels, I feel, are part of my everyday life.
|: I have created some jewelry that had wings,
|: and it will be coming up soon.
|: The message to that will be "Fly without strings...spread your wings"
|: meaning let go of the ties that bind you.
|: Get rid of your crappy boyfriend!
|: *
|: Caren-guest says: Have you considered making your designs in sterling and vermeil?
|: *
|: Rose_Ann_Sullivan-gu says: Paula, Of all the singers that you have met, who is your most memorable?
|: Paula: Diana Ross.
|: And Stevie Wonder.
|: *
|: And Elton John too.
|: *
|: Trac-guest says: Hello Paula, just wanted to ask if you will be coming out with any new rings this year! You are an amazing and inspirational woman. Thanks for all that you do!
|: And Barry Manilow. And Fantasia, the Season 3 winner.
|: Paula: Thank you Trac.
|: I think you've chatted with me before.
|: Thanks for joining me again and asking such an interesting question.
|: Yes, I will, I promise.
|: You like rings, don't you?
|: Did you ask about rings last time? I think I said I'd do some
|: stackable charm rings.
|: *
|: Kayla-guest says: Hi Paula! Out of all the songs you have recorded, which is your favorite?
|: Paula: Hmm, that's a hard one, like answering which is my favorite piece of jewelry.
|: They're all special to me for different reasons.
|: For example, Straight Up will always be a song that signifies the breakout of my
|: singing career.
|: And Rush Rush, Promise of New Day,
|: and Blowing Kisses.
|: are some other favorites.
|: *
|: mary-guest says: Hi Paula, I'm a huge fan! I spied you wearing 2 different rose rings today... when are they coming?
|: Paula: Wow, you have a good eye!
|: Hopefully that is an up and coming piece
|: that could become available.
|: *
|: danielle-guest says: Paula, I loved the enormous gold heart necklace you wore during the American Idol auditions. Who makes it? Thanks in advance!
|: Paula: Are you punking me? Come on now Danielle! Stop playing with my emotions
|: It's my design, and it was available on QVC the last time I was here,
|: with my handwriting on it.
|: It says, "Love yourself - it's the beginning of a life long romance"
|: *
|: Jana-guest says: Hi Paula, I bought your charm "find your inner peace" and absolutely love it. My question is will you be making it and the other charms in other colors? I wear a lot of yellow gold and would love to have the inner peace charm in yellow gold tone. This one really speaks to me because I lost my Mom in September - so I'm searching for my inner peace. Thank you!
|: Paula: First of all, I'm very sorry to hear about your loss.
|: You will always be in my heart and prayers.
|: Having said that, I had a production meeting today,
|: and we discussed just that topic.
|: I'm trying to convince the rest of my team
|: that my fans of my jewelry would love to have the availability
|: of different colors and variations of how to wear them.
|: So hopefully the answer is going to be yes.
|: And I want to, especially for you.
|: Keep on striving for your inner peace. I love you.
|: *
|: Merr-guest says: What do you think is the best advice you have given to contestants on American Idol?
|: Paula: Not to listen to Simon!
|: *
|: sassymercedes13-gues says: Paula, do you ever have bad days? and what do you do to help yourself though them?
|: Paula: My days are up and down, just like everyone else's.
|: Some days seem unbearable,
|: but then there are a few things that I always remember:
|: that I am truly blessed and loved by God, by my family,
|: by my close friends, by my Chihuahuas,
|: and by the millions of fans like you who let me know every day
|: that I matter.
|: And you matter too. Always hang in there,
|: and know that doggie licks rule, especially Chihuahuas!
|: *
|: Jennah-guest says: Paula, I ordered your "sheriff's badge" SUPERSTAR pin, but I can't figure out how to wear it or what to wear it with. Any suggestions? Always, Jennah
|: Paula: I have plenty of suggestions!
|: It looks great on a jacket lapel,
|: or on the tip of the collar of a shirt,
|: or on a belt loop on your jeans,
|: and even if you put a leather or suede cord or even a chain necklace through it.
|: Have fun! Seeya!
|: *
|: You can even place it on top of your tennis shoe lace.
|: *
|: steph-guest says: How do you come up with your amazing inspirational quotes?
|: Paula: I used to come up with my things when I'm either humbled,
|: humiliated, inspired, or ecstatic.
|: The best ones happen when I wake up from a dead sleep with an idea.
|: *
|: Carol_Ann-guest says: How long have you been designing jewelry? It is really nice.
|: Paula: I've been designing jewelry for ten years,
|: and have been on QVC for one year next month.
|: *
|: Dixiebelle-guest says: What was the first piece of jewelry that you brought to QVC?
|: Paula: A black rubber/leather bracelet with a silver ID tag
|: that said "Reach for the stars - you just might become one"
|: Who knew?
|: It's been the most succesful piece of jewelry so far.
|: It's my "Straight Up" of jewelry.
|: *
|: Bekah-guest says: I love ALL of your jewelry but I would LOVE to see more rings. Are you going to stay confined to jewelry or do you plan on moving on to other aspects of design?
|: Paula: I'm definitely moving into other areas of design -
|: activewear, shoes, accessories, fragrance,
|: cosmetics, doggie wear, housewares, draperies, lamps.
|: *
|: Erin-guest says: What is your favorite Spa treatment?
|: Paula: Hot stone massage.
|: *
|: _LK-guest says: What's the significance of the horn in your jewelry?
|: Paula: To stab Simon.
|: The horn signifies money and protection.
|: *
|: Michele_NJ-guest says: Just bought the heart pendant -love it! Thanks for doing this. You are great. Can you wear the heart pendant with a work button down blouse and have the heart sit over the blouse part?
|: Paula: Yes you can.
|: There's no wrong way of wearing it.
|: *
|: QVC: Paula, thank you for being here, and for answering so many questions! Do you have any final comments to add, before we have to close tonight's chat?
|: Paula: I wish I could stay here all night long to answer more questions.
|: Keep on asking me and inspiring me to keep on designing
|: things that you would like to see in the future.
|: I appreciate all of your love and support,
|: and I hope you don't mind my humor tonight.
|: I'm a wee bit tired, and I get a little giddy when I don't get enough sleep!
|: Goodbye and good luck, and rock on!
|: **
|: QVC: Thank you for your participation. We hope you've enjoyed this LIVE chat with Paula Abdul. ``xEEZuEpuZZuIdkgciCd``x1174104774``x(default) paula: 'simon and i actually get along great' ``xIgor``x(AP)--Paula Abdul says she and Simon Cowell, who torments her on the set of "American Idol," are chummy in real life. "Simon and I actually get along great," the 44-year-old "Idol" judge says in an interview in TV Guide magazine's March 19 issue. "We have cultivated a fun relationship. ... He's actually become a really good friend."

Were they at first attracted to one another, as Cowell has suggested?

"Oh, puh-leez! He makes this stuff up," Abdul says. "He said, `Paula, people want us to hook up so bad.' I said, `That's disgusting.' He goes, `Paula, I know you want me,' and I go, `Like a cold sore.' We have fun playing up the chemistry, but there's also times when I would cross the other side of the street so I wouldn't have to look at him."

In her five years on the Fox talent contest, Abdul has become a pop-culture punch line for her sometimes odd behavior, which has included slurred speech. Cowell, ever the troublemaker, is to blame, she says.

"He's caused me a lot of problems. ... In the middle of me trying to figure out how I'm going to say something that gives someone dignity walking off that stage, I've got the antagonistic brother goofing on me, trying to throw me off," she says.

"Simon will do things that people have no idea about. ... When the camera isn't on me, (he) isn't watching the performance, he's poking and prodding me." ``xEEZFAZAZEpPsXwmPGR``x1173979710``x(default) "greatest hits: straight up!" cd cover``xIgor``x

Paula Abdul's "Greatest Hits: Straight Up!" to be released May 8 by Virgin/EMI.``xEEZFAFlulZLhpoWuHT``x1173938487``x(default) tv guide``xIgor``xPaula Abdul will be gracing us with her appearance as the key subject on the March 19th edition of the TV Guide magazine.

``xEEZFlAAkEACvfZZIuO``x1173899219``x(default) paula launch pictures``xIgor``xPaula Abdul spent part of last Monday gabbing with friends as she lunched at the trendy restaurant Trilussa in Beverly Hills.

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>>>Picture 4``xEEZFlVpkpumPjTyHPC``x1173850204``x(default) pre-order "greatest hits: straight up!"``xIgor``xAlready possible to pre-order Paula Abdul's "Greatest Hits: Straight Up!" CD on Amazon for $18.98. Click >>>here pre-order it.

Paula Abdul's "Greatest Hits: Straight Up!" to be released May 8 By Virgin/EMI.
``xEEZFlElkAFbLYMQOAq``x1173818293``x(default) music videos dvd petition``xIgor``xVirgin/EMI is going to release new Paula Abdul Greatest Hits album "Greatest Hits: Straigh Up!" on May 8, 2007. Now it would be perfect time to release this CD with DVD support also. Paula made fantastic 16 music videos during her musical career and we do believe that they all deserves to be released on DVD.

Please take a time to check our online petition which can be found >>>here and sign it please. We hope that Virgin/EMI will hear Paula Abdul fans this time and will release DVD finally. We are going to send petition primary to Virgin Records office in New York this week.``xEEZFZkFVpZArJtMkva``x1173723507``x(default) paula at qvc live chat``xIgor``xShow and Tell! Paula Abdul Returns to QVC for Two New Shows, followed by a Live Chat.

Acclaimed recording artist and American Idol judge Paula Abdul is scheduled to return to QVC for two exciting one-hour jewelry shows on Friday, March 16, 2007 airing at 6 AM and 10 PM ET.

Paula will present several new styles from her successful Paula Abdul Jewelry Collection, which features charms, pendants, earrings and bracelets in a mix of textures and metals, inscribed with inspirational words and symbols. Her pieces reflect the encouraging spirit and endearing positive attitude for which Abdul herself is known. Created especially for QVC, the collection ranges in price from approximately $20.00 to $90.00.

Immediately following the 10 PM show, fans will have the opportunity to interact with Paula during a LIVE online chat beginning at 11 PM ET. Paula will participate in a one-hour session to answer all the juicy questions regarding the collection, her life, and what it's really like to sit next to Simon.

The Paula Abdul Jewelry Collection is available on QVC by calling 800.345.1515 or visiting QVC.com. To join the live chat on Friday, March 16 at 11 PM ET, simply log onto www.QVC.com. ``xEEZFZkFpZpqvaFNOrg``x1173723070``x(default) paula abdul "shocked" about sundance's elimination``xIgor``xWhile no one was terribly surprised with Antonella Barba's leaving American Idol last week, many were stunned by Jason "Sundance" Head's elimination, including the judges.

"I was openly shocked with Sundance leaving," says Abdul, who thought he had a chance to win. "It breaks my heart."

The American Idol judge says she understands the appeal of Sanjaya Malakar to "parents and young girls," and that Sanjaya is certainly talented, with a "smooth older-than-his-years tone."

But Abdul believes fervently that "experience-wise, vocally, there was no comparison" between Malakar and Sundance. The viewers clearly felt differently, voting Sundance out and keeping Sanjaya around, at least for the moment.

On the results show last week, Abdul said she was "speechless. This is a singing competition, and Sundance, you've been one of our finest."

She's not alone. Simon Cowell is not at all fond of Malakar, and jokingly threatened to leave the show if Malakar wins American Idol. "He's not going to win. I won't be back if he does!"

Paula Abdul is a little more polite in her criticism than Simon Cowell usually is, and says she often worries about what she's going to say when she doesn't like a performance, wanting to let the contestants "leave with a little bit of dignity and grace."

She sympathizes with Antonella Barba, saying she's seen pictures of herself that are clearly photo-manipulations of her head on another body.

"I can't imagine how it feels for someone who's not used to it."

"I have the hardest job," she says. She continues to deny allegations that she has a drinking problem, saying most of the rumours stem from technical difficulties in a satellite interview gone wrong at the beginning of the current season.

"I've never been drunk in my whole life. I don't do recreational drugs," she says. "I'm the squarest dork there is."

-Mel Harris, BuddyTV Staff Columnist``xEEZFZkkAyZRJTZcnxK``x1173722967``x(default) paula on tv``xIgor``xClick >>>here to see the list of new upcoming Paula's TV appearances.``xEEZFykuVEVleJtKUtX``x1173624515``x(default) greatest hits: straight up!``xIgor``xPaula Abdul's Top Hits Collected for Greatest Hits: Straight Up!, to Be Released May 8 By Virgin/EMI

New CD and Digital Album Features 18 Tracks, Including All Six #1 Singles and Eight Top 10 Hits
Six #1 Music Videos to Debut Digitally on May 8

Paula Abdul's top hits have been collected for Greatest Hits: Straight Up!, a new Virgin/EMI title to be released on CD and digitally on May 8. The new collection's 18 tracks feature all six of Abdul's #1 hits and eight Top Ten singles, including "Forever Your Girl," "Opposites Attract," "Cold Hearted," and "Rush, Rush." In addition, the music videos for Abdul's six #1 hits will make their digital release debuts on May 8.
Paula Abdul's extraordinary music career is exemplified by worldwide album sales exceeding 30 million records, two #1 Albums, six #1 Singles, and honors including a Grammy Award, seven MTV Awards, two Emmy Awards, two People's Choice Awards, and two Kids Choice Awards. Abdul is also a Nickelodeon Kids Choice Hall Of Fame inductee, and she has a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

Paula Abdul can currently be seen as a judge on FOX TV's smash hit "American Idol."

Paula Abdul - Greatest Hits: Straight Up! (CD and Digital Album):

1. Forever Your Girl -- Pop #1; AC #11; R&B #54
2. Straight Up -- Pop #1; R&B #2; AC #39
3. Cold Hearted -- Pop #1
4. The Way That You Love Me -- Pop #3; R&B #10
5. Knocked Out -- R&B #8; Pop #41
6. One Or the Other
7. Opposites Attract -- Pop #1; R&B #3; AC #45
8. Rush, Rush -- Pop #1; AC #1; R&B #20
9. The Promise of a New Day -- Pop #1; AC #26
10. Blowing Kisses In the Wind -- AC #5; Pop #6
11. Vibeology -- Pop #16
12. Bend Time Back 'Round (from "Beverly Hills, 90210" soundtrack, 1992)
13. Will You Marry Me? -- AC #17; Pop #19
14. My Love Is For Real -- Pop #28; AC #40; R&B #96
15. Crazy Cool -- Pop #58
16. If I Were Your Girl
17. Ain't Never Gonna Give You Up
18. It's All About Feeling Good

Digital Music Video Debuts:

1. Straight Up
2. Forever Your Girl
3. Cold Hearted
4. Opposites Attract
5. Rush Rush
6. The Promise of a New Day

Source: Virgin/EMI``xEEZFypAlpAqfvKAdzX``x1173609809``x(default) paula abdul speaks out ``xIgor``x(EW.COM)--At the ''Idol'' Top 12 party, the beleaguered judge lashes out at those questioning her sobriety, comes clean about who's impressed her so far, and laments the decision to boot Sundance

By Shirley Halperin,

She doles out criticism on a weekly basis as the American Idol judge who buffers Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, but Paula Abdul has weathered her own share of personal attacks this year. Even before season 6 launched, Abdul, while on a jam-packed promotional tour to kick off the audition shows, endured accusations of being ''under the influence'' as several TV interviews seemingly went awry. In her own defense, Abdul explained the technical difficulties involved in a satellite tour — the interviewee is positioned in a room with a camera that feeds into dozens of broadcast stations — but when we approached her at the Idol Top 12 party last night, Abdul was still riled up about that, the Internet, Simon's shenanigans, and the elimination of her beloved Sundance. Read on for our eye-opening conversation with Paula...

PAULA ABDUL: I've never had so much bulls--- written about me in my entire career, 21 years in this business. Nobody, [including] my friends and my family, has seen me drinking, partying...EVER. I'm the squarest dork there is. I've worked my ass off my whole career. I challenge anybody, go look at any picture [of me] in my entire life and see if I'm [pretends to stumble] or even holding a drink. Maybe somewhere I'm making a toast, but I've never been drunk in my whole life. I don't do recreational drugs. I have the hardest job — mid-sentence I have to think of what I'm going to say, [and] sometimes I have to talk fast because I don't want to be edited. I have to think about what I'm going to say because I might not particularly care for [a contestant's] performance. How [can I express this] so they leave with a little bit of dignity and grace?

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: So you can sympathize with what Antonella's going though?
I can't imagine how it feels for someone who's not used to it. I do sympathize with Antonella; I don't look at that crap. Today you remove people from pictures, you can move them around. [That's] the beauty of the Internet...you can put my head on any body. My head's been on bodies I wish I had! I'm saying I wish I looked like that...[but] it's not me. I close my eyes when I'm in front of a mirror. I don't look, I'm serious.

Now that you've seen the powerhouse of the girls this season, do you think it's a little unfair to have six guys and six girls?
I wish it was best of the bunch. We used to have best of the bunch the first two seasons. I understand producer-wise why they do [that]. The problem is, what if there were ten girls and two guys? It wouldn't make for that exciting of a show.

Who has surprised you in a good way?
Stephanie Edwards and Jordin Sparks. We lost Sabrina and Sundance, who I loved, it breaks my heart. Jordin being 17, she has probably the most natural self-assuredness [for someone so young]. Paris Bennett, Lisa Tucker, we have had great young kids, but there's something about Jordin that is older than her years. She's naturally gifted, she's not trained — she's an artist that I think could be around for a long time. I love Blake [Lewis], I want him to follow his beatboxing with reckless abandon because that's his unique gift, and continue to work on his vocals.

So who's surprised you in a bad way?
I was openly shocked with Sundance leaving and I said, ''you are one of our most gifted singers.'' And I [also] said, ''Sanjaya no disrespect to you, congratulations to you.'' And for someone [like Sanjaya] at 17 to have such a smooth older-than-his-years tone...but experience-wise, vocally, there was no comparison [to Sundance]. But I understand how parents and young girls would love [Sanjaya]. ``xEEZFypAyElGLuxmcRl``x1173609618``x(default) top 12 contestants``xIgor``xPaula Abdul, one of the judges on the Fox network television reality series 'American Idol', poses at a party celebrating the Top 12 contestants who were named in Los Angeles, California, March 8, 2007. REUTERS/Fred Prouser (UNITED STATES)

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>>>Picture 6``xEEZFyEFAZZzzAkluNY``x1173423600``x(default) paris birthday party ``xIgor``x(Bang! Showbiz)--Paris Hilton spent her 26th birthday party in tears after a drunk guest ruined the party by abusing guests, including Paula Abdul and Courtney Love.

The blonde heiress was celebrating turning 26 with a meal and drinks at the Prime Grill restaurant in Beverly Hills. Things were going well until her friend Brandon Davis got drunk and started abusing other guests, in particular American Idol judge Paula Abdul.

A source told the New York Daily News newspaper: "He was hurling flowers and pieces of foam at her. He then started speaking gibberish in an Arabic accent, mocking her Syrian ancestry."

Paula had planned to sing 'Happy Birthday' to Paris but was so offended, she left the bash early.

Brandon then turned his attentions to another guest - Courtney Love, who was with her daughter, Frances Bean, 14.

The source added: "He lifted her up so she was straddling his waist. Her dress was riding up as he made lewd suggestions and simulated sex in front of her daughter."

When she finally got free of Brandon's clutches, a disgusted-looking Courtney grabbed Frances and stormed out of the restaurant.

After knocking over glasses and candles, Brandon lunged for the expensive diamond necklace Paris had borrowed for the evening.

With Paris in tears, security staff ordered Brandon to leave. The Simple Life star later invited friends back to her house so they could carry on partying. Brandon reportedly attempted to gain entry but was refused.

Brandon - the son of an oil tycoon - is no stranger to controversial drunken antics.

Last year, his family ordered him to attend a rehab clinic, and Brandon earned himself a reputation by publicly branding Lindsay Lohan a "fire crotch".

The meal was Paris' second birthday celebration. She was entertained by a menagerie of animals and midgets in the Body English nightclub at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on February 16. ``xEEZkZluEllunHHGeKI``x1172784188``x(default) cameras record abdul's life for upcoming reality series on bravo``xIgor``x(TBO.COM)--Cameras are following Paula Abdul around for a new reality series that she hopes will rebuild her image.

"Hey Paula!" will be on the Bravo network, but no air date has been announced. It most likely will be after the current season of "American Idol" ends in May.

The 44-year-old "Idol" judge has faced all kinds of speculation about her seemingly spacey behavior.

Abdul, a singer, dancer and former Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader, has at times appeared to have slurred or garbled speech during her five seasons on "Idol" and during media interviews.

In 2005, she survived allegations by "Idol" contestant Corey Clark that he and Abdul had an affair and that she had coached him on how to succeed in the competition. Clark was trying to sell a book and record deal at the time. Abdul refused to comment, and Fox said an investigation found no wrongdoing on her part. Her contract was renewed through 2008.

Abdul recently told Us Weekly magazine that she has never been drunk or taken recreational drugs.

"There have been 100 million lies about me," she said.

In a statement from Bravo, Abdul said, "It's a hectic time in my life right now with several projects in television, film and fashion. I'm excited to open the doors to Bravo and have all my fans see the other sides to me, beyond what they see on 'American Idol.'"

According to Bravo, "The fly-on-the-wall series reveals the ups and downs of Abdul - not just as a celebrity, but as a businesswoman, producer, choreographer, singer and friend."``xEEZEAEyZZFaKhXGIJF``x1171916773``x(default) paula responds``xIgor``x(CNN)--Paula Abdul has decided to do more of her own damage control. She is tired of the constant speculation that she has been drunk during the taping of American Idol. Rumors were restarted when one of the executive producers of the show admitted that the public backlash towards Abdul has caused them to edit scenes in which Abdul may look drunk. Abdul continues to tell anyone and everyone who will bother to listen that she has never been drunk on the show and that is just the way that she acts.

"I've never been drunk. I have never done recreational drugs," she says. "Just look at my 20-year career. Tell me someone who is into partying or doing drugs that could have done that." Abdul has had a successful career that has stayed away from hardly any negative publicity. In a day and age when you hear about music artists partying too much or getting in trouble with the law, Abdul has maintained a pretty clean record. She has gone on to produce several hits and whenever you thought her career may be over, she has bounced back. Paula Abdul is trying to bounce back from this criticism.

"There have been 100 million lies about me," says Abdul, who has said she's taken prescription medication for health problems, including inflammatory arthritis. "I'm squeaky clean. I've worked my ass off my entire life. (But) being involved in the show causes people to question everything." She has been questioned about possible relationships with cast members and her possible use of alcohol on the set. There has never been proof that this could be true, but many fans simply want to believe that it is.

"I have never missed a live show," Abdul notes. "Even when I had surgery on my hand (for an infection caused by a botched manicure in 2004), I left my hospital bed to go to the show." Abdul is trying to ensure everyone that she is not doing anything different than anybody else. She cares about the show and helping it remain a public success. All she wants is the attention to be taken off her and focused on all the American Idol hopefuls. People will believe what they want to believe. Abdul just wants them to believe she is telling the truth.``xEEZEZVpAkEigTbqZeB``x1171750921``x(default) belinda carlisle asked to replace paula abdul on american idol``xIgor``x(ENTERTAINMENTWISE.COM)--Belinda Carlisle was asked to replace Paula Abdul as an American Idol judge two years ago, it emerged today.

Coming just days after Abdul strongly denied reports that she was living a party lifestyle, Carlisle admitted that producres had approached her with an offer.

"As far as American Idol goes, I was actually approached a couple of years ago about possibly replacing Paula Abdul" Belinda has been quoted as saying.

Though she wasn't a fan of the show's format, this news just adds to the speculation surrounding Paula Abdul's life-span on the show.

"To be perfectly honest, it's just not my thing. I'd rather listen to music that comes from a more organic place. But you know, I just ... don't know if I would or not" said Belinda Carlisle when questioned as to her reasons for rejecting the offer. ``xEEZEZEpyApsuZHLHtj``x1171710690``x(default) american idol``xIgor``x(THEONLINEWIRE.COM)--"I'm squeaky clean. I've worked my ass off my entire life. (But) being involved in the show causes people to question everything." American Idol judge Paula Abdul told US weekly. "I've never been drunk. I have never done recreational drugs."

Paula Abdul has been with American Idol for five years and has signed a deal for the show through 2008.

Michael Jackson's representative also denied of an American Idol appearance. Access Hollywood quotes Jackson’s rep as saying "He has signed no agreements with anyone. Robin Leach's story is inaccurate."

American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe also denied rumors of a possible Michael Jackson appearance. “If we’ve got major stars coming on that we want to do a big publicity thing with. ‘Hey, Michael Jackson is coming to American Idol this week,’ then I’ve got to leave that up to Fox publicity to put out there, not have it slip out with somebody telling their Mom that Michael Jackson is coming.”

Meanwhile the well oiled machine behind American Idol Season 6 is ready for next week's semi-finalists performances.

The Top 12 male singers will perform Tuesday, Feb. 20 on FOX. At the end of the show, the phone lines will open for two hours and AMERICAN IDOL viewers will vote for their favorite male contestants. Fans can use the branded toll-free telephone numbers (1-866-IDOLS-01) until 12:00 AM ET/PT (11:00 PM CT/MT), subject to time zone restrictions, or vote via text messaging from their Cingular Wireless phones. Cingular Wireless customers can send the word “vote” to the four-digit short number (5701, 5702, etc.) representing the contestant of their choice.

The Top 12 female singers will perform Wednesday, Feb. 21 on FOX. At the end of the show, the phone lines will again open for two hours and AMERICAN IDOL viewers will vote for their favorite female contestants from Wednesday’s episode. As on Tuesday, fans can call the branded toll-free telephone numbers (1-866-IDOLS-01) until 12:00 AM ET/PT (11:00 PM CT/MT), subject to time zone restrictions, or vote via text messaging from their Cingular Wireless phones. Cingular Wireless customers can send the word “vote” to the four-digit short number (5701, 5702, etc.) representing the contestant of their choice.

On Thursday’s LIVE results show, the semi-finalists will take the stage to find out their fate. The two contestants who got the lowest votes from Tuesday and Wednesday’s shows will be eliminated from the competition live Thursday, Feb. 22 on FOX.

Awaiting individual odds BetCRIS.com (Visit Web site here) began adjusting their opening odds on American Idol Season 6.

A possible female winner opened at -125, went all the way to -150 and its now offered at -140. A male winner was offered at +120 yesterday and is now offered at +110.
American Idol Season 6 winner will be?

Male +110
Female -140

*All odds subject to change without notice

Opening odds indicate that BetCRIS.com odds makers lean on a Female to win American Idol Season 6; However a possible male winner would certainly pay more at this time.``xEEZEZEpVFpKmUfYXmu``x1171710530``x(default) grammy``xIgor``xPaula Abdul arrives for the 49th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2007, in Los Angeles.

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>>>Picture 4``xEEZEFplEVAuXotuFXw``x1171177200``x(default) paula: i still believe in love ``xIgor``x(EXTRATV)--Paula Abdul may currently be single, but she hasn’t give up on love.

“I work a lot,” the “Idol” judge told “Extra.” “I meet a lot of great people. I’m still hopeful. I still believe in love.”

But Abdul isn’t counting on her “Idol” buddies to set up her on a blind date.

“Randy maybe,” Paula admitted. “I trust [Randy] a little bit. Simon, no, no, never.” ``xEEZEpypEukBrBfknBy``x1171060142``x(default) paula abdul sued, company claims 'hey Paula!' show idea stolen``xIgor``xA production company has filed a lawsuit against Abdul that claims the American Idol judge tried to cheat them out of a reality series based on her life, according to TMZ.com, which obtained a copy of the production company's court filing.

Pilgrim Films and Television, the production company responsible for American Chopper, Ghost Hunters and The Ultimate Fighter, among other reality series, filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday, February 1.

According to Pilgrim, the company met with Abdul and her producing partner David Russo in 2004 and discussed the creation a talk show featuring the 44-year-old Idol judge. However after several "false starts," the lawsuit states the concept evolved into a reality show titled Hey Paula!, which would be based on Abdul's "wacky life."

The project apparently "fell apart," according to the lawsuit, after Abdul demanded final editorial control over the product. While the suit claims Pilgrim attempted to get Hey Paula on-air by selling it to Oxygen, the production company alleges Abdul "came clean" and told them "she had secretly taken [Pilgrim's] Hey Paula! project... to Bravo." On January 12, Bravo announced it would air Hey Paula!, a new docu-reality series on the Idol judge's professional and personal life, sometime later this year.

The lawsuit filed by Pilgrim claims Abdul never mentioned Russo was allegedly "in on" selling the show to Bravo, and also asks for compensatory and punitive damages, in addition to an injunction "prohibiting anyone from airing Hey Paula.

"While I'm not going to respond to this baseless lawsuit, I will say that Hey Paula is based upon my life and my ideas," Abdul told TMZ.com. "Last I heard, I still own my own life." Russo's lawyer, Bill Abrams, told TMZ.com, "The allegations are baseless." ``xEEZpAyVuyEHwMMKzUH``x1170965461``x(default) sony avoiding advance screenings of ghost rider``xIgor``xEven though it’s all cool and shit to say you don’t care what critics think about whatever art nugget you have to offer to the world (or for most of us losers, about whatever band or actor we’re irrationally in love with), the fact is that critics can influence things like record sales and box office with their cheers or jeers. That’s why American Idol contestants get so angry or shattered or overjoyed depending on what Simon Cowell says but they all have the same reaction to what Paula Abdul has to say, no matter how delusional and disturbing positive or not-so-positive. Cowell’s opinion carries weight, has influence, etc.

Sony doesn’t own half of the known universe and most of our souls without knowing this fact, and that’s probably why they’re going to go ahead and pass on showing flaming-skull forum Ghost Rider to North American film critics in advance of its release.

The New York Post reports Sony will only screen the film, starring Nicolas Cage and Eva Mendes, the night before its opening as well as a “courtesy” screening on Feb. 16, the day of its release — in hopes reviews will be buried in the next day’s papers. The strategy tends to work, as most late-screened films score well enough at the box office. Films like Saw III, the Resident Evil movies and recent Sony cold-opening The Messengers, which scored this past week’s No. 1 box office spot, have all flourished. ``xEEZpAyVFlyEyEdfeAs``x1170965386``x(default) 'idol' contestant grateful for criticism``xIgor``xWhile some ''American Idol'' contestants might fear Simon Cowell's biting criticism, Bucky Covington says he's grateful for it. ''Because of him being mean, millions of people watch that show,'' said Covington, who finished eighth last season. ''So I say 'thank you' for being mean. You turned on a lot of people to this show, and because of that a lot of great things happened to me.''

Cowell and fellow judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson have been accused of being nastier than usual this year on News Corp.'s Fox network talent show, pouncing on some of the more awful ''Idol'' wannabes during auditions.

Covington, 29, says he doesn't think so.

''I didn't see them being really nice to me — no pushovers, you know,'' the Rockingham, N.C., native said recently.

''I never knew Simon to be nice. If you said, 'Hey, Simon is being nice this year,' you would have caught my attention. But being mean is just what I expect. It's what he does. It's his job.''

Covington's self-titled debut album on Lyric Street Records will be released April 17. The first single, ''A Different World,'' is rising on the country charts.

Covington said he got everything he wanted from his ''Idol'' experience.

''I didn't really think I was gong to win it. I wanted to be heard and get noticed,'' he said. ''The most stressful thing for me was after this show is over, what's next? Is it back to painting cars? Is it playing clubs? Or is it a career starter?''``xEEZpAyulVVzpxAXmLj``x1170964855``x(default) love approached to judge nirvana night on 'american idol' ``xIgor``xThe confusion surrounding Courtney Love's alleged approach to appear on the TV talent show "American Idol" has been cleared up -- by a program insider.

Love posted a message on her Web site recently claiming she had been approached by the show's producers as a possible replacement for judge Paula Abdul.

"American Idol" boss Nigel Lythgoe was quick to respond, stating there were no plans to get rid of Abdul, despite ongoing controversies surrounding the singer.

But now a show source has come forward, explaining Love was approached to be a guest judge on the show for a tribute to her late husband Kurt Cobain's band Nirvana.

The insider reveals, "Since Courtney Love owns the rights to Cobain's songs, they (producers) figured that the best way to get her permission was to invite her on the show." ``xEEZpAyuZEFBXxxvgHZ``x1170964713``x(default) grammy style studio ``xIgor``xPaula Abdul at Grammy Style Studio Day One, Feb. 7 2007

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>>>Picture 4``xEEZEFplklZUidWsOPn``x1170831600``x(default) paula on the streets``xIgor``xPaparazzi caught Paula when she was leaving Table 8 with a few friends last night. Click >>>here to see video from it. Paula looked amazing and was in good and chatty mood. ``xEEZpZpkpZZvukqEPEg``x1170702077``x(default) paula abdul to host benefit concert``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul has a new gig - hosting the first In Defense Of Animals benefit concert. The event will help animals who were affected by Hurricane Katrina and also raise funds for the IDA Disaster Relief Fund. It’s not just the show that’s star-studded but also the honorary committee behind it, which counts stars like Ed Begley, Antonio Banderas, Emmylou Harris, and Joaquin Phoenix as its members.

The benefit promises to be the ultimate vegan event and will also showcase organic fare from Whole Foods, One World Vegetarian Cuisine, and Gardenburger among others. You can check out the menu for that night over at their MySpace (and if you’ve got an account, friend them too while you’re at it).

The public will also get a chance to do some good and hobnob with the stars. Tickets for the February 17th event cost $275, and for those who want to give a little extra, $1,000 will get you two VIP tickets, seating, and VIP Sponsor Celebrity Reception. Sounds to me like it could be a good post-Valentine’s Day date.``xEEZpAyuyEuGALvlYEz``x1170658800``x(default) paula abdul dispels the rumors in exclusive interview for mediablvd magazine``xIgor``x(MEDIABLVD.COM)--The Fox reality series American Idol, currently in its sixth season, has become television’s most popular show. Whether it’s the frighteningly bad auditions, or the chance to see future superstars, the series attracts millions of viewers, every week.

As a result of all the success, interest in judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson has grown tremendously, turning their private lives into public fodder. Receiving the brunt of the criticism, Abdul constantly has to defend herself and her actions, whether it be about comments she makes on the show, her conduct during interviews, or her off-stage behavior.

After 20 years in this business, Abdul understands how the press can jump to conclusions and make wild accusations, without knowing the whole story. She recently told Mediablvd Magazine that she’s content with knowing the truth about the fact that she’s never turned to drugs and alcohol, regardless of what has been suggested, and that sometimes being an over-achiever can get you into a bit of trouble.

Mediablvd Magazine: Why do you think so many people come out to audition for American Idol, when they are so obviously not going to make it through to the next round?
Paula Abdul: Everyone feels like people are becoming famous just for being ridiculous and over-the-top, and they are. There are 16-year-olds that come on the show and, when you ask, “Why should you be the next American Idol?,” they say, “Because I’m in the school choir and I’ve been working really hard, and I feel that I deserve the opportunity.” And then, we hear a school chorus version of “I Will Always Love You,” and we say, “If you really want to do this, you need to get out there and audition. You have a voice, but you really have to cultivate it.” And, they say, “No, you can’t do this! I really deserve it! I’ve been working so hard! I waited in line, in the rain!” People feel they’re entitled, and it’s the most amazing thing to witness.

Mediablvd: Have any of you ever fallen asleep from the tediousness of the auditions?
Paula: No, but at the end of the day, you are mesmerized, you are appalled, and you don’t know what to say. It is tiring.

Mediablvd: Who are your very favorite contestants who have won and your very favorites who have lost?
Paula: Elliott Yamin. Jennifer Hudson. We change people's lives for the rest of their lives, and real superstars come out of that. And, it appeals to all demographics.

Mediablvd: Isn’t that what allows the show to be watched by all different age groups?
Paula: Yes. It means so much to so many different people, for different reasons. For girls in college, it's their Monday Night Football. Every restaurant bar has American Idol on now.

Mediablvd: How heavy is the pressure on you, with this show?
Paula: I really cannot believe what has been going on. In a million years, I never could have imagined it. It’s the most ironic thing. I grew up, being the square girl in the Valley who didn’t go out and party, who’s never been drunk in her life, and who didn’t do recreational drugs. I think I’m funny, at times, but sometimes they’ll show the wrong edit, or Simon will say, “That wasn’t funny. She sounded like she was slurring her words,” and I’m going, “Guys, like it or not, this is how my voice is.” It goes in and out of being hoarse, sometimes mid-word, and I’m thinking, “Oh, my gosh, I have to give some grace and dignity to this kid who didn’t do very well.

Mediablvd: Do you feel like your critics are out to get you, at times?
Paula: That’s being a little paranoid and over-the-top. But, I do feel that, somehow, being nice has turned into a disease, like the plague. My parents are nice, and I’m a relatively decent human being. Being an artist myself, I care a lot about the well being of these kids. I really want them to do well. I try to help, in every way I can, when they’re done with this competition, to make sure that I’m there at their first performance, whether it’s off-Broadway, or whatever.

Mediablvd: Did you hear about the comments that Rosie O’Donnell made about you, and do you have any comments about that?
Paula: I didn’t personally hear them, but I heard what she said. It’s one of those things, where she doesn’t know the truth. I have no apologies to make. I didn’t do anything wrong. She wants to take shots like that, I can’t make her not do that. I really don’t care.

Mediablvd: Millions of people around the world saw those satellite interviews you recently did. Can you explain what happened?
Paula: When you do the satellite media tours, you're in a small room. You get up really early, like 3:30 in the morning, and there is one camera that you're looking into. You don't see anyone. You don't have a monitor that shows you anything, but you're being broadcast out to different morning and news shows. There were a couple of glitches throughout, and then, the very last one that I did, after three hours, had tremendous technical difficulty, and there were split cities in my ear. It was very hectic. It sounded like I was hearing a party line in my ear. I had no idea that it was two different cities. I was just holding on, waiting for the glitch to get better. It was very weird because what I was hearing was not exactly who I was answering. What I was answering was transmitting right to one of the cities. And then, when I was watching it myself, I was going, “Oh, my God!” I've done these interviews my whole career. I've been in this business for 20 years. I really am a veteran in doing these. Because of the glitch, I didn't know who I was talking to, but I was answering questions. And then, someone would say, "Paula, did you hear our question?" I was just being light. It's so silly. I had two different cities in my ear and, apparently, it didn't make sense to the person who was asking them. So, they said, "What's wrong with Paula? She's drunk. She's drugged. Oh, she's not making sense."

Mediablvd: How does that make you feel when people are in print and on blogs writing that you're drunk or drugged?
Paula: I have been in this business 20 years, but I've never had to weather this storm of publicity and controversy. This show is just huge. It's a blessing, but it’s also as if having a music career and selling over 50 million records, or being the best choreographer during my time never happened. It’s insignificant because I'm a judge on the world's biggest show. And, I love it, but it is often daunting, and sometimes it's very frustrating.

Mediablvd: How hard is it to face the press now?
Paula: Not hard at all because I have nothing but the truth. I don’t have any apologies to make. I work my butt off, and I’m proud of what I’ve done and who I am. I’ve lasted in this business for 20 years without having gone loco in la cabeza, and I could very well have.

Mediablvd: Do you ever feel like being on the show is too high a price to pay?
Paula: Yeah, at times, with the anonymity factor. I still pride myself on the fact that I’ve never had bodyguards around me, in situations where I’m doing my marketing, or going out shopping with my friends, or going out to eat. Outside of Los Angeles, it’s a little different. I have to have security.

Mediablvd: Do you ever miss your recording days?
Paula: At times, I really do. Sometimes, I just want to get on stage and dance and have fun, and I’m working towards that. I’ve just been crazy busy doing other things that I love to do, as well.

Mediablvd: How did you avoid drugs and alcohol in the music industry?
Paula: I’ve been the girl that steered clear. I’ve been in this business since I was 17 years old, when I started working with prolific directors, like Oliver Stone, James L. Brooks, John Landis. I had a major amount of pressure and professionalism on the line, and I just never chose to do that. I was the girl that over-achieved in school and activities.

Mediablvd: What are some of the other things that you’re working on?
Paula: I’m very excited that I’m producing my first feature film, with Avi Arad and Isaac Larian. I’m doing the Bratz movie, and it’s live action. I’m also doing the choreography, and I’m designing the look and the clothing. We’ve already done the lead casting. They’re great girls. Hair and make-up will make them look like the Bratz girls. There’s a whole Bible of stuff that you have to learn about the girls. It’s great. ``xEEZpVAyZkZPOqLCroz``x1170596727``x(default) paula abdul is going nowhere ``xIgor``x(NATIONALLEDGER.COM)--She would have been a great train wreck for the wildly popular reality TV show, but don't expect to see 'Hole' singer Courtney Love sitting next to Simon Cowell anytime soon. Even though it was reported earlier this week that Court had received a call to guest host on the show, it was all a big hoax. The resident female judge at the wildly popular show, Paula Abdul is going nowhere, she will remain as judge.

Even though Love called Us Weekly and told the magazine that executive producer Nigel Lythgoe called her office last week asking whether she would be interested in sitting in as a judge on the hit Fox show, it apparently was not him. "He called,” Love told Usmagazine.com. “He was wondering if I was interested. I thought it was kind of weird but brilliant."

Not so fast. On Tuesday, Lythgoe didn't offer any comment, but now Lythgoe denies making the call, saying in a statement to Usmagazine.com:

"I did not call Courtney Love and am afraid someone may have misrepresented me. Courtney Love is a very talented artist, but the judges for American Idol are Paula, Randy and Simon. We have no plans to add to or replace any of them."

So who made that mysterious phone call? A source close to Love says, "It was probably a prank."

Cue the rep™: A rep for Love adds, "There's no truth to it whatsoever."``xEEZpFVZkVFcVMHWXjc``x1170357253``x(default) paula abdul fights back against drunk charges``xIgor``x(NATIONALEDGER.COM)--If it is another season of American idol it is eighty million or so folks watching each week and a bunch of those questioning Paula Abdul and her behavior as she is judging the contestants. The accusations always fly - Paula is drunk, Paula is on something. So again Paula is answering the charges.

It's not the first time. Just two years ago she said, "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," Abdul said in a 2005 interview with Entertainment Tonight, responding to rampant speculation about her behavior on the American Idol message boards.

Here we go again. Star Magazine notes that 'Extra' sat down exclusively with Paula Abdul and she spoke out about the criticism and speculation around her odd behavior (that of course some attribute to either drugs or alcohol) in interviews and on her hit show American Idol. "I don't like to [drink alcohol]. I've never been drunk. I'm goofy enough, am I not?," she told the show. "I've been in the business 20 years. When have you seen me in any pictures partying? I'm too busy working!"

But it wasn't all serious. When asked for what she looks for in a male suitor she said, "The opposite from Simon."

You can catch the whole interview when it airs Feb. 1 on Extra.``xEEZpkyZlZknNnloZLq``x1170267872``x(default) courtney love to replace paula abdul on american idol?``xIgor``x(ACTRESSARCHIVES.COM)--It's an early frontrunner for the most bizarre story of 2007, but reports circulated on Wednesday morning that rocker/actress Courtney Love may be replacing Paula Abdul on American Idol. Abdul has taken some criticism for her erratic behavior in interviews for the show and Love tells Us magazine that she's being considered as a judge on the show and the magazine speculates that it may be to replace Abdul with all of her recent headlines. Love herself has certainly dealt with her share of erratic behavior in her years as Kurt Cobain's wife, the lead singer of Hole, and the star of movies like The People vs. Larry Flynt. She has fought very public battles against addiction, but seems to have cleaned up recently and claims that she's ready for the public stage of American Idol.

Courtney Love tells Us magazine's website that American Idol's executive producer Nigel Lythgoe called her office to inquire if she would sit in for Abdul on the show. "He called. He was wondering if I was interested. I thought it was kind of weird but brilliant."

Courtney Love is currently in Los Angeles working on a solo album and didn't reveal any more details about the job or the call. For the record, she never said she was replacing Abdul and may simply be considered as a guest judge like Jewel in the first episode this season. However, Us magazine claims that they have an unnamed source who tells them that Lythgoe made the call because he was considering hiring Courtney Love to "replace Paula."

In other Courtney Love news, the singer/actress appears to be back with Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan, who is also be working on the singer's new album while also reuniting his old hit band. Corgan and Love were together in the late '80s and were seen making out at the Freedom Writers premiere earlier this month, according to TMZ. Corgan and Love have fought viciously in the press over the years, especially after the two worked on the last Hole album Celebrity Skin. Rock Radio reports that Corgan and Love lived together for most of 2005 after Love was released from rehab and even had his own wing at her mansion. The Smashing Pumpkins were reunited last year after a six-year breakup and are working on new material, although only Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin are confirmed to participate.``xEEZpkyZZVAvGlzPTiX``x1170267759``x(default) paula on tv``xIgor``xClick >>>here to see the list of new upcoming Paula's TV appearances.``xEEZpEluAlAZSMYQQHB``x1170184989``x(default) new paula's "american idol" promo picture``xIgor``x``xEEZpElulkAXIgUfSmd``x1170184829``x(default) paula-online.com updates``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com has some new features:

1. Added new Guestbook - please let us know what you think about Paula-Online.com website by signing our guestbook.

2. Added new Chat Room - please chat with other Paula fans in real time by using Paula-Online.com chat room

3. Added new Vote In The Poll section - Be a part of Paula-Online polling question. Will Paula release new album this year? Yes or No?

Upcoming update: Gallery ``xEEZpEluZEkkuqkgxfW``x1170184712``x(default) paula abdul blames odd interview on Gdlitch``xIgor``x(AP)--"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul blamed an interview with a Seattle Fox affiliate in which she appeared disoriented or even intoxicated on a lack of sleep and technical problems.

Abdul, in Las Vegas this weekend to accept a "Woman of the Year" award at a Nevada Ballet Theatre fundraiser, answered questions about the interview, which has made the rounds on YouTube.com and prompted speculation that she was drunk or on drugs.

Abdul told reporters she woke up that day at 3:45 a.m. after going to sleep just before midnight. Technical foul-ups meant she heard questions from one station on an "electronic press tour" but her answers were directed to a different one, she said.

The interviews in question were the last two of 30 she did back to back, she said.

"That's very disorienting in itself because you can't see who you are talking to," she said, according to a blog by Robin Leach on AOL. "It wound up that San Francisco kept asking questions because they couldn't hear me but my answers were actually coming out in Seattle."

"Fatigue and exhaustion just added to the whole thing looking so disoriented," she said. "I just can't explain it, but for me, no excuses and no apologies."

"No alcohol and no drugs, absolutely no!"``xEEZpElFAuViriLOuce``x1170183945``x(default) paula abdul answers her 'idol' critics``xIgor``x(ACCESSHOLLYWOOD)--Paula Abdul is addressing "American Idol" watchers who have criticized her speech patterns on the popular television series.

The talent show judge blamed many of the strange phrases she's been caught uttering during the try-out rounds on a long-running game started by one of her fellow panelists.

"I want to go on record," she told Access Hollywood in Las Vegas this past weekend where the Nevada Ballet honored her as Woman of the Year. "Guess who started the game? The most mature one -- the grandfather, Simon [Cowell]."

Among the many comments that brought Abdul flack include what she thought was an ancient Chinese proverb: "the moth who finds the melon finds the corn flake always finds the melon," which she said during Season 5. In fact, the quote came from Cowell, who fed her the fake phrase as a joke, he's since said. Abdul told Access she's uttered such phrases under the British host's authority.

"He says you're gonna get in trouble if you don't do it," she noted. "I got in big trouble for doing it because everyone alludes to 'What in the heck is she saying? She's not making sense!' and Simon's like ‘I know'."``xEEZpElFEZVjcudCHRL``x1170183175``x(default) 'woman of the year' -- luxe life special report``xIgor``x(VEGASPOPULAR.COM)-- It was an all-star 'American Idol' turnout when personality-plus 'American Idol' star Paul Abdul was awarded " Woman of the Year" at Nevada Ballet Theater's black-tie gala at the Wynn hotel. Her partner judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson and show-host Ryan Seacrest were front and center in support and offering congratulations on the honored award. There was even a slew of former 'AI' contestants including Chris Daughtry, Bucky Covington, Paris Bennett, Anthony Federov, Lisa Tucker, Mandisa and Melissa McGhee who performed at the ceremony and at the Tryst after-party.

I got to chat with Paula at the pre-gala VIP reception held in the Cartier jewelry store at the Wynn hotel – and again throughout the evening's festivities backstage. She couldn't have been more pleasant and accommodating – a true professional dealing with a nonstop six-hour barrage of requests. She told me to mention that Douglas Hannent designed her stunning gown especially for her. Guests at Cartier ogled the $1-million set of a 57.2-carat diamond necklace with heart-shaped pendant ($670,000) along with matching 30-karat earrings ($220,000) and a matching white gold bracelet watch ($125,000)

Paula spoke candidly to me for the first time about the nightmare she endured on a recent cross-country satellite TV tour. Pirated video of her bizarre morning show interview from a cramped tiny New York studio to a Seattle TV station surfaced on the Internet with outrageous false claims that she was so "disoriented that her behavior was blamed on alcohol and drug use."

"The truth about the incident," said Paula, "is quite a boring story, not at all exciting. I went to bed just before midnight and had to get up at 3:45AM. I was in a real dark room, a cubicle. It's called an electronic press tour and this was the last two of 30 back-to-back interviews. That's very disorienting in itself because you can't see who you are talking to. You just stare into a camera with a small earpiece and you're sitting on a swivel chair not knowing who or where you are talking to. Never give a swivel chair to somebody who is super hyperactive because when things go wrong and you can't control them you just spin and spin and spin and wait until you're told it's safe to go. I didn't think I was on the air. They see me but I don't see them because there was no monitor for me to know where I was in the 30-cities. You hear all number of voices from all over the country in your ear and you don't really know when you are on the air somewhere or off the air in another city. So it wound-up that San Francisco kept asking questions because they couldn't hear me but my answers were actually coming out in Seattle so nothing made sense to either of them. It was technical difficulties of two stations being spliced together but me only hearing one of their questions but the answers going to another. No wonder it looked like we were all crazy. I was tired. I was exhausted so it made things worse. It had been a very long week and literally the three days before the 'American Idol' sixth season electronic promo-tour, I was going on less than four hours of sleep a night. Fatigue and exhaustion just added to the whole thing looking so disoriented. But no alcohol and no drugs, absolutely NO! It wasn't harder than any other time in my 20 years. Two cities spliced into 1 of my ears. My answers would have made sense if they came out to the person who asked them but they came out to somebody else somewhere else. I've done these tours for 20 years and never had a technical mess like this one. I had done three hours of them and they were all fine before. Other than telling you it's a very strange funny thing to sit alone in a small box talking to people you don't know and you can't see for over three hours, I just can't explain it but for me, no excuses and no apologies."

"Once the subject of the slurred-snafu was finally cleared up we talked about the 'Woman of the Year' honor. Here's what she told Luxe Life: "I attended last year's wonderful event. It celebrates the art of dance -- ballet is the root of all dance. I studied it as a child. I thought afterward wouldn't it be nice if I was honored. And now wow this is like karma -- put it out there and wonderful things happen. I learned about it four months ago. I had a dream that I would one day be honored but never as 'Woman of the Year.' It's daunting, especially in Las Vegas, but I plan on making this my home away from home! I have a lot of wonderful things happening this year as a result of close to 20 years in showbiz, and this is the third time around at this career and a very exciting career it is and with so many wonderful projects out there. I have a new reality TV show, 'Hey Paula,' which we are actually shooting here tonight throughout the gala. It really is the story of my life: 'Hey! Hey, Paula! Hey, Paula! Hey! Come here, come here!' I'm everyone's friend and I'm the girl who is everyone's pal and the third time around for a major career gets back to reminding me an ordinary day for me is anything but. For me it's pretty extraordinary, call it choreographed chaos because I wear so many hats. I still do choreography, producing, teaching and running scholarship programs. I could go on and on. I am branding and licensing many different avenues that all cross-pollinate and that's just one day."

Paula was honored at the weekend in Vegas by the Nevada Ballet Theater as its 'Woman of the Year' following in the footsteps of such dance legends as Ann-Margret, Chita Riviera, Debbie Reynolds, Carol Channing and even Celine Dion! She was escorted by Craig and Charlene Cavaleer, co-chairs of the event. He is the President of the Silverton Hotel here and has hired Paula to be their ambassador of entertainment.


He commented, "We like to think of Paula in a long-term way, a long-term marriage to Silverton with a development plans that are three dimensional-not just as a choreographer, but as a producer of everything fun and expediential in Las Vegas now with things that are still to come I think we started on all that tonight!"

Paula, who last year shelled out $10,000 during the auction to buy a little dog she wound up calling Charity, continued, "I highly recommend young folks going into dance as a career. I wouldn't be where I am today, wouldn't have the ability to stand up here and say my third time at super stardom if I didn't have the DNA of a dancer. Being a dancer has carried me through the most unbelievable times, beautiful times, and harder than hard times. It's given me the spirit of a warrior, a tenacious warrior who doesn't take no for an answer and believes in herself. There's nothing like being around the spirit and soul of a dancer, the coup de gras of everything there is to be celebrated. They are the hardest working most wonderful beings. If there were more dancers in the world, we'd have a much better happier place to live."

Then it was time to talk about the new sixth season of 'American Idol.' She joked, "It's full of a lot of weirdos, but seriously, we do have enormous talent, different talent. Every season is different and unique and this year we have a lot of great unique characters. We keep raising the bar even in the sixth season and we've got four or five definite people you'll know will be in the finals, almost immediately and you'll get to see part of the molding of them as they get there."

Paula, who is also starring and producing 'Bratz,' met up at the gala with former Supreme Mary Wilson (pictured above) and singer Robert Goulet (pictured below)with his wife, Vera. While simultaneously filming for her new reality show, Paula talked with some of the young ballerinas of the Nevada Ballet Theater. But the big surprise of the night to Paula and the party-goers was the unexpected arrival of her 'American Idol' co-stars, host Ryan Seacrest and fellow judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.

In-between jokes, sarcasm and funny one-liners, I got to chat with them backstage: "We're thrilled she's been named 'Woman of the Year' but frankly," said Simon, "I'm upset I was overlooked!" Ryan added: "We're really proud of her and we've got to support our own."

Simon joked back: "With a lifetime achievement award you could argue her career is over. We don't know much about it -- we're in the dark -- but big congrats to our Paula. I hate ballet, but I love her. I actually have never been to a ballet. Paula suggested we dance on stage but no man can get this award, so we respectfully declined."

Randy chimed in, "There should be a "Men Out of Control" award. We'd win that easily." The three guys, who skipped the dinner to enjoy in-room massages, laughed as I pointed out that they all have business interests in Vegas: Simon in Lake Las Vegas land, Randy in his new entertainment producing gig at the Hilton and Ryan with investments in various Sin City restaurants.

Ryan commented: "I love this hotel, but all of my restaurants are in other hotels. We might live in LA, but we're in Vegas all of the time. Wait until you see the new TV series we're doing called 'Paradise City.' The kids in it are terrific."

The trio just wouldn't stop with the wisecracks. Simon even chuckled with a prediction that our former 'Star Search' show would come back again. "'American Idol' is not at all like 'Star Search,'" he defended and asked, "You don't hate us do you? You do love us?" I agreed that my partner Al Masini, who created the original 'Star Search,' and I love 'em!

Then Simon switched back to the subject at hand with tongue firmly planted in his cheek: "We're here to honor ballet. Now is the time to start going to ballet. My new year resolution is to support ballet, but the fact that Paula's got the award as well is a bonus for me, but quite coincidental. It was the year we decided to take up ballet study and she gets the award -- coincidence. Yes, we're taking up ballet together seriously."

Randy was insistent, " I do love ballet. I love going to the theater. I see the 'Nutcracker' every Christmas. 'Nutcracker' started off as an opera." But Simon stopped him, "When we heard Nevada Ballet Theater was honoring Paula as "Woman of the Year," we all stopped everything we were doing and came to support her. We love you Paula. This is something deep. We get lots of nice things, but this is a great honor. Honest to God, we've just been discussing what we'll say and nobody has a clue. We do know it's a heavy award. It's a ballerina girl statue. Paula's been going through a hard time lately. She deserves our positive forces around her and we're here together to protect and serve our ballerina girl. If any of the 'Idol' cast is going to support ballet, it should be Paula. We love her. Paula we L-O-V-E you. There she is, Miss Ballerina Girl!"

After she was presented with the statue, Paula held back emotional tears to say, "Thank you for my gifts, thank you for waiting with me for this wonderful night to come to a close." But Ryan joked out loud on his mic, "Paula, keep it tight. Brevity is the key tonight." She fired right back, "Guys, tonight it's my night! But I do want to say it's an honor to get "Woman of the Year." I really must have made an impression the first three weeks of 2007, but it sure takes pressure off February through December. On a serious note, it is with a full and grateful heart I stand before you on this special occasion. Overwhelmed by such a warm and generous turnout, this is pretty awesome. To be surrounded by such talented musicians, dancers and singers, it reminds me why I chose to become an entertainer. It began many years ago with a dream. Here I am all these incredible years later with this incredible opportunity to say a big thank you for honoring me tonight and seeing that dream come completely true."

"I value my friendship with Craig and his wife Charlene (above with Paula and Nevada Ballet Co-Chair Wendy Plaster) at Silverton and I am looking forward to it being a lifetime of friendship. This happens once in a lifetime. Tonight's event wouldn't be so special without the tremendous talent that was up on the stage, now that's a gift -– the best gift ever because so many people came up to Vegas just to be with me. I must thank the 'American Idol' singers, the Paula Abdul dancers, and even the three bellmen who took my luggage to my room and the Wynn hotel limo driver. I had a relationship once with all of them and I deserve another award for that too!! Might as well go with it!" she laughed.

And then the night became a mini-roast as she tackled her 'American Idol' colleagues, "Seriously though, I couldn't accept this award without mentioning three very special men. I have two on either side of me and one I literally look up to -- Ryan, because of his 6" platform heels. Just kidding, but nice to see you dressed up in your formal wear. You guys make me look really good. Every time Randy Jackson opens his mouth I sound like a Nobel Prize winner. Every time Simon opens his mouth, Borat looks like a Nobel Prize winner. I do love Simon almost as much as he does. Seriously he knows there's nothing I wouldn't do for him, after all I help him into his corset before every show. Speaking of which, Simon, when you wear those tight shirts, even my chest begins to hurt. Randy, what kind of brother is Randy? He's a beautiful, friendly soul happy to take you out to dinner -- happy to take himself out to dinner. Just kidding. There's nothing I wouldn't do for him either, but listen Randy, dog dude, the alphabet does carry on past the letter D! These 3 really are my big brothers. They are the best colleagues and friends I could hope for. Ask my therapists. They're here tonight --that table, that table and that big table. I would say this award is as much for them as it is for me, but that wouldn't be showbiz – its mine all mine and I love it!"

"All kidding aside, I want to thank one person in particular, who I asked to come out and perform, Chris Daughtry. He's getting so busy as the #1 artist out there and he's doing it and living the 'American Idol' dream and making memories for himself as he starts a 50-city tour tomorrow. Chris, document everything and don't forget any of the stops along the way and don't forget Paula Abdul. I love you Chris. It means the world to me that you came tonight. And to those of you who have ever had the courage to actually go for it and try what any of these people do up here, it is exhilarating, it is scary, it is hard hard work but so worth it when you are able to touch one person along the way and make a difference. Thank you for letting me makes a difference."

Then it was time to change into a less formal outfit for the after-party at Victor Drai's Tryst nightclub – which rocked on until this morning's early hours. As an exhausted Paula wrapped up the glittering night of all-star glamour she said: "It was a longtime dream that finally came true. I feel fabulous but never ever thought it would actually ever happen." ``xEEZppAZpZuAMPuHvke``x1170097074``x(default) john katsilometes follows the train of cameras tailing paula abdul, nbt's woman of the year``xIgor``x(LASVEGASSUN.COM)--In a collision of pop culture and high culture Saturday night at Wynn Las Vegas, it didn't matter that Paula Abdul could not remember, or was unable to readily recite, the name of the organization honoring her as Woman of the Year.

"I was here last year and I thought, what a lovely event, and what a poignant, uh, honor to be able to have the Nevada City Ballet ... a company that expresses and celebrates the art of women's dance ... I thought, 'Wouldn't it be nice if I were honored (gasp!)? You put it out there and it happens," Abdul said during a dizzying news conference prior to the "Black and White Ball," the annual fundraiser for Nevada Ballet Theatre. Twice more the fluttering Abdul misstated the name of the 35-year-old dance troupe during interviews with syndicated entertainment programs, again calling it "Nevada City Ballet."

But even with the verbal gaffes, the NBT says it is pleased that Abdul lent her undeniable star power to the gala (even as some guests, remembering Abdul's daffy behavior in recent TV interviews, were worried that she might not even show up). Taking part in a sort of show of force were Abdul's "American Idol" sidekicks Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell (who for the black-tie affair was clad in a gray long-sleeved T-shirt and jeans). Crews representing "Insider," "ET," "Inside Edition," "Access Hollywood," "60 Minutes" (tailing Cowell), and Bravo (for the "Hey Paula!" reality show) were on hand to track Abdul and friends.

"We're really thrilled, really happy about how the whole event yet," NBT spokeswoman Jennifer Kratochwill said. "There was a lot more entertainment than in the past. It was a fuller program." Like, five hours of fullness, thanks in large part to performances by former "Idol" contestants Anthony Federov, Chris Daughtry, Mandisa Hundley, Melissa McGhee, Lisa Tucker, Jimmy Verraros and Paris Bennett. NBT members Rebecca Brimhall, Cathy Colbert, Jennifer Fesler, Maggie Hoy, Shay Lucey, Racheal Hummel-Nole, Zeb Nole and Yoomi Lee also performed three pieces from the NBT's upcoming season opening program, "Tchaikovsky To Gershwin," which is scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Artemus Ham Hall.

There are no other NBT functions planned for Abdul, who has never attended a program by Southern Nevada's only professional ballet company. As is the case for all Women of the Year, Abdul was chosen in part for her contributions to the art of dance (she is an Emmy Award-winning choreographer, which was noted in the event program, and is also a former Laker Girl, which was not). She is also friends with Silverton executive Craig Cavileer and his wife, Charlene, who have been members of the NBT Board of Directors for five years and were the honorary chairs for Saturday's gala. Abdul has a consulting role with the entertainment venues at the Silverton, a position handy to have once the "Idol" phenomenon plays out - if it ever does. ``xEEZppAVEylCAJTcwtM``x1170095168``x(default) abdul named 'woman of the year'``xIgor``x(FOX28.COM)--Paula Abdul is the belle of the "Black and White Ball" in Las Vegas this weekend.

The "American Idol" judge appeared with Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest at the Las Vegas Wynn Saturday.

The Nevada ballet theater dubbed Abdul 'Woman of the Year' for her dedication to dance and music.

Abdul says: "I don't think I could ever be where I am today, I don't think I'd ever have the ability to stand up here and talk about the fact that this is my third time at stardom, at superstardom, if I didn't have the DNA of a dancer."

Abdul says: "I'm really excited that my partners in crime came out to celebrate this with me and it shows me that they are my brothers, in good and bad."

"Idol" finalist Chris Daughtry was also there to celebrate as Abdul received her award.

Daughtry says: "I know how happy she must be and that's just awesome you know to get recognized for something like that has gotta feel good and I think it's great... I'm proud of her."

And, even Simon had something nice to say, sort of.

Daughtry sang several songs for Paula before leaving to prepare for his cross-country tour.

Other performers sang some of Paula's hit songs, and dancers showed off some of Paula's signature choreographed routines.

Here more pictures of Paula from event:

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>>>Picture 3``xEEZppAullVuVSCrwEA``x1170094885``x(default) paula abdul 'woman of the year' first look photos``xIgor``x>>>Picture 1

Here are Luxe Life's hot-off-the-digital-presses first teaser photos of Paula Abdul's black tie gala at the Wynn given Saturday where the Nevada Ballet Theater honored her as 'Woman of the Year.' Pictured above with Silverton President Craig Cavaleer and his wife Christine.

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>>>Picture 3``xEEZppkpkFlFMUeOWfp``x1170020238``x(default) paula abdul is woman of the year ``xIgor``x"Paula is a definite yes and has never been a maybe," Cavileer said. "I know she had a tough week in the press, but what was not covered was the real story and that includes last week's announcement of her Bravo TV reality show 'Hey Paula' and her role as executive producer and starring role in the 'Bratz' movie. She was also honored in New York last week by 'Project Runway.' What the deal was with the incredible round of early morning talk shows is beyond us all, but I can tell you that I know her well and it was not alcohol related. I can only assume it was fatigue and exhaustion from only a few hours sleep over a very hectic week-long trip."

Paula, who is known to only take pain medication for her numerous injuries sustained in her lifelong dance career, hit the headlines and uncut video blogs for "slurring her speech" in a Seattle TV interview. I expect she'll have to "fess up" to exactly what went wrong when she does a 15-minute press conference at 7PM tomorrow, although I'm going to chat to her earlier at the VIP reception in Cartier! But I know in 1995 she was injured in both a plane crash and a car crash, when she was hit by a drunk driver and broke three neck discs and during a six year "absence" underwent 14 cervical spine surgeries, became paralyzed, got divorced and couldn't speak for a while.

It's believed she still takes strong pain doctor-prescribed pain medication which would obviously affect her if she had little to eat and a lack of sleep for a 4AM satellite media tour.

A silent auction and thingytail party will proceed the 7:45PM dinner and then at 8:10PM Craig will escort her in for the official welcome. At 10PM she'll get the award and then an entertainment show featuring several 'American Idol' surprises. It's still touch-and-go if co-judges, the recently waxed Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson will turn up. Rita Rudner, last year's recipient, hopes to get there right after her Harrah's headlining show and organizers are hoping Tony Curtis (pictured right with Rita) will be sufficiently recovered from his recent illness to attend with friends Steve and Elaine Wynn and singer Robert Goulet and wife, Vera. Paula is stepping into some pretty impressive footsteps as past winners of the prestigious award have included Carol Channing, Debbie Reynolds, Ann-Margret, Chita Rivera and Celine Dion.

Craig, who's lovely wife Charlene is his co-chair of the Ball, added: "Paula is fully committed to our fundraiser. We are looking forward to a fun night with many celebrity special guests and several past 'American Idol' singers. There's a great after party planned at Tryst with Victor Drai." And Luxe Life will have full coverage right here on Monday morning! ``xEEyAAupklZwtSaJsZI``x1169940287``x(default) paula: i've never been drunk``xIgor``xAmerican Idol star Paula Abdul has hit back at reports she was intoxicated during a recent TV interview - stating she has never been drunk in her life. The STRAIGHT UP singer behaved oddly during live regional interviews in America to promote the hit talent show earlier this month (JAN07). She has since blamed a technical glitch for her strange performance, which left her slurring her words. And now the Idol judge insists she's always sober. She says, "I've never been drunk in my whole life." ``xEEyAAuEVVVTGcNpHxE``x1169794800``x(default) paula abdul blames drunk rumors on simon cowell``xIgor``xBy Staff

'American Idol' judge Paula Abdul has blamed Simon Cowell for rumors that she is an alcoholic. Paula, who claims to have never been drunk in her life, says Simon started all of the drinking rumors with the "moth, the melon, and the won-ton".

The 'Idol' judge was stopped by the paparazzi outside a Beverly Hills hair salon with her chihuahua when X17 reporters began asking her questions.

Paula explained that drinking has "never been her thing". She also took the time to speak to her fans directly to let them know how much she loved them.

What's peculiar is that Paula talked to the paparazzi for several minutes - sort of the way an intoxicated person would.

I suppose we'll have to take her word for it either way, but wow that girl can talk! ``xEEyAAupEAlHWkRRyEj``x1169794800``x(default) defense of animals``xIgor``xPaula Abdul has signed on to host a benefit concert for In Defense of Animals. The event will mark the launch of IDA's Disaster Relief Fund, which will aid animals still affected by Hurricane Katrina, as well as help animals in future disasters, according to a press release.

Among the artists scheduled to perform are Chuck Negron (Three Dog Night), Howard Scott (War), Robbie Dupree, Lester Chambers (The Chambers Brothers), Stephen Bishop, Joey Gian, E.G. Daily, Keaton Simons, Amana Melome, Justin Hopkins, Steve Ferrone, Alphonso Johnson, Peter Wolf, Jeff Pevar (CPR), Steve Postell, Jeff Levine, Jaared, Morris Pleasure, John Leftwich, Seleno Clarke and Paul Peress.

Additional details about the show, which is set for Feb. 17 at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, are available at the event's website.``xEEyAAlpAuEEPAYERoJ``x1169535600``x(default) paula abdul explains her strange behavior``xIgor``xAfter reports of displaying strange behavior during interviews, American Idol judge and former pop diva Paula Abdul has come forward to set the record straight, claiming that she is perfectly fine and wasn't under the influence of drugs or alcohol during several interviews.


The New York Times reports that during a recent panel discussion with television journalists on Saturday in Pasadena, Paula Abdul addressed questions surrounding her strange interview related behavior while promoting American Idol, "I’ve never been drunk. I’m not under the influence of anything." Paula went on to state that her time as an American Idol judge has never been questioned, "The first five years no one said anything about how I behaved or how I talked."

Apparently, the rumors about Paula Abdul began after she made strange comments while on the show last year, including her remarks made last March when asked about a contestant's elimination, "Simon says because one of them ate pizza and the other one ate salad." On the same program, she went on to completely mix up her words when trying to repeat a proverb about a moth and a melon, which only added more to the gossip of substance abuse.

The New York Times also points to an interview that Paula did this month with a Seattle TV station in which she seemed to be answering different questions than the ones being asked. Abdul easily explained that it was just a mix up in the audio feed, because Paula was getting questions from two separate stations, "That was a mistake I had nothing to do with. I didn’t know I had two studios in my ear. I wish it were a better story, but that’s it."

In another attempt to explain her erratic behavior, Paula Abdul told the journalists in attendance that it was her nature to make fun of situations that cause her stress, such as appearing on live television. "I’m doing my job and having fun. Although I might not take myself seriously, there are young girls watching me, and I know I’m a role model. I’ve been a teacher, and the fact that some of them would look up to me and want to be the next choreographer or the next singer, I would not violate that trust."

As E Online reveals, Paula obviously forgets that she already defended herself against the same rumors during the show's fourth season when Abdul admitted to having a rare neurological disorder that sometimes induced strange side effects. In a 2005 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Paula was quoted to say, "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."

As American Idol heads into its sixth season, critics have come out swinging and not just about Paula Abdul's behavior since the judges appear to be the harshest they've ever been. According to E Online, even talk show host Rosie O'Donnell had something to say about the overly critical comments made by judges about of this year's contestants who often target appearance instead of their ability to sing, "Isn't that what America thinks is entertainment? To make fun of someone's physical appearance and then when they leave the room laugh hysterically at them -three millionaires, one probably intoxicated."

When asked at the panel discussion in Pasadena about the increase in harsh words in the show’s sixth seaon, Simon Cowell responded by saying that anyone who auditions for a talent contest should be ready for criticism, "If you don't want to hear that, don't show up."

The premiere of the sixth season of American Idol aired last Tuesday on January 16 to an audience of 37.7 million, topping out at 41 million during the last half hour. From January 16 to February 7, the audition process will take place with celebrity guest judges consisting of Olivia Newton-John, Carole Bayer Sager and Jewel. The Hollywood portion of the show will take place on February 13 and 14, 2007. ``xEEyAAlplupwKBQmRac``x1169535600``x(default) rosie's latest target: paula abdul``xIgor``x(ABCNews)--Rosie O'Donnell is one of the 37 million TV viewers watching "American Idol," but don't count her among those who liked what they saw.

For the second day in a row, "The View" co-host suggested Paula Abdul was drinking during the show and lashed out at the show for making fun of the people auditioning.

O'Donnell and her co-hosts played a clip from Wednesday night's "Idol," in which a contestant, following an off-key audition, was roundly mocked and rejected by the judges.

"That's compassion for you," O'Donnell said. "Isn't that what America thinks is entertainment, to make fun of someone's physical appearance? And then, when they leave the room, laugh hysterically at them — three millionaires, one probably intoxicated."

O'Donnell had joked about Abdul's demeanor a day earlier. "Paula was very thirsty last night," she said.

"That girl was sipping Coke every shot. And toward the end of the evening, one eye was wandering."


Spokesman: Abdul 'Never Drinks'

Abdul's spokesman, Jeff Ballard, denied his client had a drinking problem last week, after online video emerged of Abdul slurring her speech and acting strangely while promoting "American Idol" in a string of satellite interviews.

Ballard said Abdul was simply fatigued last Thursday from the intense publicity campaign for the sixth season.

"She was exhausted," Ballard told Reuters. "This was at the end of three days of press interviews and appearances, and she has had cameras following her around for a reality TV show too."

Ballard was referring to a new documentary series now in production about the star's life.

"She was sitting in a room with just a camera and a mic on, and the controllers dropped the sound twice, which is why she rolled her eyes."

The 44-year-old Abdul canceled all media interviews the following day, saying that she had a sore throat after sitting in the chilly studio Thursday.

"She never drinks," Ballard said. "I have known Paula Abdul since she was 13, and I have never seen her drink ever in my life. … And no, she is not on any kind of medication." ``xEEyAAlEpyuIsEdaDMW``x1169103600``x(default) paula abdul cancels appearances after slurring video``xIgor``xSinger-turned-"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul called off all her interviews Friday after clips of an earlier TV appearance appeared to show her drunk.

The video -- in which Abdul slurs and bizarrely gesticulates -- emerged on YouTube on Thursday, prompting speculation alcohol or medication were to blame.

She subsequently abandoned media engagements scheduled for Friday.

However, Abdul's spokesman Jeff Ballard insists tiredness and a minor throat infection, not inebriation, were the causes of the cancellations and earlier odd behavior.

He says, "She was exhausted. This was at the end of three days of press (interviews and appearances), and she has had cameras following her around for a reality TV show too.

"She was sitting in a room with just a camera and a mic on, and the controllers dropped the sound twice, which is why she rolled her eyes.

"She never drinks. I have known Paula Abdul since she was 13, and I have never seen her drink ever in my life. And no, she is not on any kind of medication. She was a little tired."

In 2005 Abdul revealed she suffers from a neurological disorder that causes chronic pain and requires a weekly injection of an anti-inflammatory drug. ``xEEyAAlEElyNGkXjxkC``x1168844400``x(default) paula kooky in clips ``xIgor``x'American Idol' judge's slurry, blurry TV interview
blamed on tiredness, and becomes a huge hit on Youtube

BY RICHARD HUFF
DAILY NEWS TV EDITOR

"American Idol" fans chuckled and cringed yesterday as a clip of Paula Abdul behaving bizarrely during a TV interview burned up the Internet.
The perky former pop princess looked confused and slurred some words while promoting "Idol" during a rambling interview Thursday with a Seattle TV station.

In it, the hosts sought Abdul's thoughts on the coming season, which starts Tuesday at 8 p.m.

"How about a lot of you coming in," said Abdul, 44. "It's a wild party where you are."

The clip had been viewed on Youtube.com more than 21,800 times by midafternoon yesterday.

Abdul's publicist, Jeff Ballard, blamed the odd interview on some technical glitches.

"They dropped the sound twice. It was confusing to her. She heard a lot of screaming in her ear," he said. "It's much ado about nothing."

He added that the entertainer was worn out from shooting more than 25 short back-to-back interviews with TV stations all over the U.S.

"She was tired, but she was certainly fine," Ballard said. "You get tired after doing three hours of those [interviews]."

The clip, however, no doubt will raise questions about Abdul's on-air behavior, which has dogged her in recent years.

In 2005, former contestant Corey Clark said he had an affair with Abdul during the show, which she denied. An investigation by Fox officials led to changes in the level of contact judges have with contestants.

The interview clip hit the Internet the same day that Bravo announced it would air "Hey Paula," a series following the behind-the-scenes life of Abdul, later this year.

"It's a hectic time in my life right now with several projects in television, film and fashion," Abdul said in a statement announcing the show. "I'm excited to open the doors to Bravo and have all my fans see the other sides to me, beyond what they see on 'American Idol.'" ``xEEyAAupAVktaknLqlB``x1168671600``x(default) the reality of paula abdul``xIgor``xEighties pop star-turned-American idol judge Paula Abdul is set to become a reality TV queen in her own right after landing a deal to put her life on television.

The former dancer has agreed a deal with bosses at US TV network Bravo to turn her “hectic” life into a new reality series.

The unnamed show will focus on Abdul’s work on American Idol as well as her private life and her new role as executive producer of new film Bratz: The Movie - based on the popular dolls for kids.

“I’m excited to open the doors to Bravo and have all my fans see the other sides to me, beyond what they see on American Idol,” she says. ``xEEyAAlEVZyTWdpIqEi``x1168585200``x(default) paula abdul to star in new reality series "hey paula"``xIgor``xBravo announced a new docu-series following the unique and multi-faceted Paula Abdul, "Hey Paula!" (working title). The series will provide a candid real look at the "American Idol" judge, pop star, choreographer and multi-platinum artist, as she takes two steps forward, and two steps back into the spotlight, giving an inside perspective on her professional and personal life. The series is produced by Scott Sternberg Productions for Bravo and will debut later this year. The announcement was made today by Lauren Zalaznick, President, Bravo. ``xEEyAAlEuylWKGeZawL``x1168585200``x(default) paula's on... tv``xIgor``xPaula Abdul's press tour to promote the new season of "American Idol" spun out of control today when she landed in the Pacific Northwest.

Paula's curious "appearance" on Seattle's Q13 FOX Morning News took a fast nose dive as the pint-sized Idol judge slurred and giggled her way through the interview.

Anchors Lily Jang and Carmen Ainsworth kept it together as Abdul bobbed and weaved for the camera.

For what it's worth, Paula's rep tells TMZ that it is "much ado about nothing." He says the station had "technical problems with the satellite and her sound was dropped not once but twice. Paula was in a small room by herself with only a cameraman. Paula was distracted and confused by the station dropping the sound. She did not know what was going on."``xEEyAAuEEEluXKxxTZY``x1168585200``x(default) paula abdul signs on for fashion doll feature film``xIgor``xStraight Up singer and American Idol judge Paula Abdul is moving into feature films and will star in and produce a movie based on the popular Bratz line of fashion dolls.

Abdul will play a major character in the live action film Bratz: The Movie and will serve as executive producer.

She will also be involved in the film's casting, music, choreography and fashion.

The film will follow four teenage girls from diverse backgrounds who long to be themselves and not fall victims to high school cliques.

The movie will begin shooting next month (FEB07) and is scheduled for release in August (07).``xEEyAAukZkyGutpFjod``x1168498800``x(default) paula: just one of the bratz ``xIgor``xPaula Abdul is joining the Bratz pack.

The American Idol judge has signed on to executive produce and star in a live-action feature film based on the sassy line of dolls with big heads and twiggy bodies.

Spider-Man producer Avi Arad and Raise Your Voice director Sean McNamara are also attached to the Lionsgate film, which is scheduled for an August release.

According to the studio, the movie will tell the story of four high school girls based on the original four Bratz dolls—Jasmin, Cloe, Sasha and Jade—who encompass a range of socially and economically diverse backgrounds.

After starting out as members of separate cliques of the sort typically found at high schools, the girls realize that if they band together as Bratz, their lives will be more fulfilling.

Abdul's exact role in Bratz: The Movie remains unknown. In addition to starring, she will also advise on music, choreography and fashion for the film, producers said Wednesday.

"I am extremely excited about working on this film, which incorporates and celebrates so many of my passions, from music, dance and choreography to fashion and design," Abdul said in a statement. "As a brand, Bratz encourages young girls to follow their dreams and express themselves….As far as I'm concerned, it's a message that can't be repeated enough."

Abdul has previously worked as a choreographer on films including Coming to America, American Beauty and Jerry Maguire. She also appeared as an uncredited backup dancer in 1987's Can't Buy Me Love.

"We are overjoyed that Paula Abdul is bringing her tremendous talent to the creative team of Bratz: The Movie," the film's producers said in a statement. "Paula's expertise in music, dance and fashion will be invaluable in creating the Bratz universe onscreen."

Since they were introduced in 2001, the wildly popular Bratz have been giving Barbie a run for her money, with global sales reaching $2 billion in 2005, or about 40 percent of the fashion doll market. Barbie sales remained higher at an estimated $3 billion, but declined almost 13 percent.

Unhappy with the competition, Barbie's parent company Mattel has sued Bratz maker MGA Entertainment, alleging that it owns the rights to the dolls because they were conceived by a former Mattel employee while he was still working at the company. According to MGA, the suit has no merit.

In addition to her Bratz responsibilities, Abdul will also be dealing with brats of a different variety when the sixth season of American Idol kicks off on Tuesday.

On top of that, she will be the focus of a new Bravo reality show called Hey Paula!, which will provide a behind-the-scenes look at her work as both Idol judge and Bratz producer, as well as into her personal life.

"It's a hectic time in my life right now with several projects in television, film and fashion," Abdul said in a statement Friday. "I'm excited to open the doors to Bravo and have all my fans see the other sides to me, beyond what they see on American Idol."``xEEyAAuEkAVTsgAdKEh``x1168498800``x(default) simon saved me``xIgor``xPaula Abdul says that she might have been fired from "American Idol" if Simon Cowell hadn't come to her rescue.

In today's New York Post, Paula says that when allegations surfaced that she'd had an inappropriate affair with Corey Clark during "Idol's" second season, it was Cowell who ultimately stepped up for her. "He was extremely distraught and protective and supportive of me when that happened," says Abdul. "There's the times when he's like a big brother – or a lover."

Of course, as "Idol" watchers know well, Paula also tells the Post that it's not all wine and roses with Cowell: "When he's just annoyed, I get the brunt of it."``xEEyAAuEyEuITAQpAJV``x1168412400``x(default) emilio estevez avoids paula abdul on american idol``xIgor``xActor/filmmaker Emilio Estevez refuses to watch American Idol, because he finds it painful to see ex-wife Paula Abdul judge the reality show.

The Bobby director and Abdul divorced in 1994 after two years of marriage, and Estevez, who is now dating Sonja Magdevski, still finds it uncomfortable when he comes across his former spouse.

He says, "We haven't stayed in touch. I saw her once on American Idol and haven't watched it since.

"How do I feel when I see her? I feel strange. It put me off marriage for a time."``xEEyAAuEZEFglXVIaaa``x1168066800``x(default) a lesson in accessorizing shows a different side of paula abdul``xIgor``xIt lingers in my memory as one of the oddest experiences I've ever had as a music writer.

On Sept. 29, I hunkered down on an "American Idol" stage with Paula Abdul.

Hovering awkwardly over a rectangular piece of wooden flooring, watching the petite judge display pieces from her new jewelry line, wasn't something I'd expected to be doing that day.

Squatting with the stars? Certainly not the concept of any reality show I'd ever seen. But there I crouched, looking intently into Abdul's eyes to show interest and nodding vigorously to keep her talking.

Meanwhile, my colleague Chanda Temple did her job by scribbling Abdul's every word into a notebook.

It wasn't that difficult, actually.

Abdul, 42, spoke in a slow, thick, halting voice that made her sound like a woman trapped in a dream. No need for a tape recorder here, unless you wanted to capture that slurred and glacial quality.

But it was clear to me that her jewelry items - necklaces, earrings, bracelets, hip chains, pins and other trinkets sold through QVC - were of primary importance to Abdul.

She talked about them much more eagerly than her role in the TV series that afternoon, evaluating talent for "Idol's" sixth season during the third round of auditions in Birmingham.

Chanda and I had been admitted into Abdul's presence specifically to discuss the audition process, during a press conference that also included "Idol" judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.

Cowell and Jackson left the room immediately when the brief question-and-answer session concluded. So did series host Ryan Seacrest, also in town for the auditions.

But Abdul stayed, after being approached by Chanda, who asked her to describe her outfit: tiny, low-cut jeans; brown boots with studs and sky-high heels; a silky, plunging champagne-colored camisole that revealed cleavage.

The finishing touches, naturally, came from a glittering abundance of Paula Abdul jewelry.

As it turned out, Chanda had lobbed the perfect question Abdul's way, with exactly the right timing. Exactly right for two journalists and for the jewelry-hawking Abdul, that is.

We soon found out that she was breaking the rules by giving us an impromptu fashion lesson. Much to the chagrin of her publicist from the Fox network, Abdul refused to exit the makeshift stage area set up at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

Lunch break? She wanted none of it.

Shaking the publicist's grip from her arm, toothpick-thin Abdul (obviously a size 0) insisted on scooting into a nearby dressing area and rummaging for jewelry samples she could show to us.

Well, make that give to us. Abdul, a generous soul, was intent on pouring a pirate's chest full of baubles, bangles and beads into our laps.

Protests that it simply wasn't ethical, that we really couldn't take it, that we'd absolutely have to give the stuff to charity, were of no concern to her.

"Take them," she said, over and over. "Take them, honey. Take them, sweetie."

As the publicist tapped her foot and fussed in the background, Abdul proceeded to identify each piece she'd chosen from her stash and demonstrate how we - and millions of other females craving a link to "Idol" - might wear them.

Five minutes stretched to 10, then to 15.

I'm positive we'd still be hunkered there now, talking about layering chains and mixing metals, if Abdul had her druthers and the publicist hadn't shot such evil, annoyed glances our way.

This was a delicious position to be in, from so many perspectives.

Up close and personal with a spacey - yet strangely endearing - Abdul.

Defying the authority figure who was failing miserably at keeping the star on a short leash.

Realizing that Chanda and I were among the few ordinary people privileged to look down Abdul's shirt (hey, you couldn't help it) and relishing every single detail of our celebrity encounter.

Frankly, I remember not one word she said about the jewelry, which is sitting in a desk drawer at the newspaper. But accessorizing like Abdul - with rhinestone star charms, black sparkle cuffs and tons of inspirational engravings - was never the point for me, anyway. ``xEEyAAuEluZcqwkjVRr``x1162537200``x(default) paula abdul snubbed on eBay auction``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul's foray into the world of eBay has ended without success - after an auction to win a day with the American Idol judge received no bids.

Fox TV executives had hoped for a bidding war over the VIP package, which included two first-class tickets to Los Angeles, a $2,225 shopping spree, and a backstage meeting with the star.

The auction was intended to raise money for multiple sclerosis charities, but the #14,000 asking price proved such a deterrent that the listing was removed from the site after four days.

An eBay spokesperson says, "This sort of charity auction usually makes a mint. It's kind of sad that nobody wanted to bid on Paula."``xEEyAAuEAEufnXVwaDG``x1160982000``x(default) paula abdul named "woman of the year" by nevada ballet theater``xIgor``xNidhi Sharma - All Headline News Staff Writer
New York, NY (AHN) - The Nevada Ballet Theater group has named pop star Paula Abdul as their 2007 "Woman of the Year" for her achievements in dance and choreography.

A representative for the Ballet told TMZ.com that Paula, who is a popular judge on "American Idol", was chosen for her "warm personality and talent that have touched every aspect of the arts and entertainment world. Paula exemplifies the qualities we look for in an honoree."

The prestigious award honors stage and screen personalities who are well known in the fields of dance and musical theater.

Abdul, a former Los Angeles Lakers dancer, will be honored at the Ballet's annual Black and White Ball on January 27 at the Wynn Las Vegas.

Past Nevada Ballet Theater "Woman of the Year" honoraries include Chita Rivera and Carol Channing. ``xEEyAAuEAlpNMcFmZDL``x1160550000``x(default) paula abdul to be honored by ballet``xIgor``xPopular American Idol judge Paula Abdul has been named Woman of the Year by a Nevada ballet company for her efforts in dance and choreography.

Abdul, a former Los Angeles Lakers dancer, will join recent honorees Celine Dion and Carol Channing when she picks up the Nevada Ballet Theatre award in Las Vegas next year (27JAN07).

The company's co-founder Nancy Houssels said in a statement, "Everyone knows Paula as the judge of the popular show, 'American Idol.' But they may not be aware of her extensive work with children through her cheerleading camps and scholarship programs.

"Her warm personality and talent have touched every aspect of the arts and entertainment world. Paula exemplifies the qualities we look for in an honoree."``xEEyAAukpVpVlIpnZmq``x1160031600``x(default) paula abdul date up for grabs``xIgor``xPaula Abdul is hoping her celebrity is worth thousands of dollars after auctioning a meeting with her on website eBay for charity.

The 1980s pop star-turned-American Idol judge is offering a rich fan a VIP package, which includes two first class plane tickets, a shopping trip on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and the chance to watch a taping of Idol.

The Abdul treat package has gone under the hammer at a $25,000 starting price. The auction will end next week (24SEP06).

All proceeds will be split between Auction Cause and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.``xEEyAAukEkFveceqibf``x1158735600``x(default) paula in x-plosive tv row ``xIgor``xX FACTOR judge Paula Abdul broke down in tears during a row with Louis Walsh over a wannabe star.

The bust-up was so explosive that TV bosses have vowed it will never be screened.

American Idol's Paula, a guest judge at X Factor's London auditions, was furious with Walsh over Haifa Kayali. Walsh said she should ditch her dream of fame even though, just 12 months before in X Factor 2005, he had told her she had "great talent".

Walsh said: "Give up the singing. You are completely average and nothing special."

Weeping Abdul, 44, who was told to quit pop before finding stardom with huge hits like Straight Up, said: "Don't listen to him. People told me that when I was nothing but a goofy cheerleader and I went on to sell 50 million albums."

She told Haifa, of Chigwell, Essex: "You must keep going and believe in yourself."``xEEyAAukkpFuCYmVQRD``x1156662000``x(default) paula abdul's sympathy for britney spears``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul has leaped to the defense of Britney Spears, after the pregnant pop star received a barrage of criticism for her parenting skills and choice of husband.

The media and public have frequently berated the Toxic singer since she started dating now-husband Kevin Federline in 2004, because his girlfriend Shar Jackson was pregnant with his child when he started romancing Spears.

Spears has subsequently come under fire for her dress sense and mothering of baby son Sean Preston.

Backstage at the Teen Choice Awards last night (20AUG06), where Federline made his live debut with his first single Lose Control, Abdul admitted she felt sorry for Spears and wasn't impressed by Federline's performance.

Abdul tells USA Today online, "The person I feel saddest for is Britney."``xEEyAAukkVlQuBHFOMq``x1156230000``x(default) walsh thinks abdul was "unprofessional"``xIgor``xLouis Walsh has accused Paula Abdul of being unprofessional during her guest stint as an X Factor judge.

The pop mogul claims that Paula behaved like a diva and did not take the role seriously enough.

He told The People: "Paula would turn up to auditions late when we'd been working hard all day. Sometimes she didn't turn up at all. She was very unprofessional."

Host Kate Thornton added: "One day Paula blurted out to me, 'I hate Louis'. She's a big star in America and I guess she expected everyone here to treat her the same way." ``xEEyAAukFpkrTFtyKiI``x1156057200``x(default) paula abdul shocked by weird british``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul is stunned by her switch from US to UK talent shows - because British contestants are far weirder.

The former pop singer has followed Simon Cowell across the Atlantic to join him and Sharon Osbourne on the panel of his show The X Factor for the forthcoming new series.

Abdul says, "In America we have our share of weirdness, but I've never seen contestants who are so persistent when you're told no. In the US they take the criticism and walk but this was freakishly enjoyable."``xEEyAAukFyAOKiuMLGw``x1155884400``x(default) paula hangs at the Ivy``xIgor``x"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul was met by a swarm of photographers Wednesday afternoon after grabbing a bite to eat with friends at LA's trendy Ivy restaurant in Beverly Hills.

The superstar emerged from the restaurant to flashbulbs and a hoard of excited fans. But Paula's fashion choice is what really caught everyone off guard as everyone was focused on her... uh... dress.

You be the judge.``xEEyAAukuFpzsPtZmkg``x1153378800``x(default) chart flashback ``xIgor``xHow do 1991 hits by R.E.M., Paula Abdul, Jesus Jones, and others hold up today?

The top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, for the week ending July 6, 1991:

10. ''Here I Am (Come and Take Me),'' UB40 Apparently presuming that sensible Americans had forgiven them for 1988's ''Red Red Wine'' atrocity, this English dub/reggae group tossed us this cover of an Al Green song. Personally, I think it burns, but if you're into this sort of thing — as the rest of the world seems to be; UB40 continue to be very successful just about everywhere but in the States — I can see where you'd find their antiseptic island vibe enjoyable. B-

9. ''Losing My Religion,'' R.E.M. After the pop success of their annoyingly addictive 1989 hit ''Stand,'' former indie poster children Michael Stipe & Co. were poised for a mainstream breakthrough. It came with a song based largely on a mandolin riff. Go figure. ''That's me in the corner,'' Stipe sang, ghosting about the corners of the video. ''That's me in the SPOT. LIGHT. Losing my religion.'' To this day, 85 percent of Americans have no earthly idea what the lyrics mean. (For the record, the title is a euphemism for getting pissed off.) But 100 percent of Americans agree this is one of the best songs of all time. A+

8. ''Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless),'' Crystal Waters La da dee, la da daa, la da dee, la da daa. That's about all you need to remember. I think this one's still on the soundtrack at the Gap, like, once a year. You go, girl. B+

7. ''Place In This World,'' Michael W. Smith Let's blame this one on Amy Grant. In April 1991, the redhead's first pop single, ''Baby Baby,'' hit No. 1, and apparently that made it okay for her Contemporary Christian chart counterpart Smith to claw his way to crossover stardom with this overwrought, keyboard-driven belter (complete with guitar solo ripped straight out of Kenny Loggins' closet). His gravelly voice and barely masked theology will either make you shudder or start getting a little misty; it depends on whether or not you went to church camp. For the record, I did. Still: C+

6. ''More Than Words,'' Extreme I had a lot to say about this simple acoustic cheesefest — how it completely redefined power ballads for the post-hair metal era, how Nuno Bettencourt is maybe the best rocker name ever, how you will be hard-pressed to find anyone between the ages of 25 and 40 who cannot nail both parts of the harmony from memory — but I'm too busy crying. Sorry. A

5. ''Right Here, Right Now,'' Jesus Jones There was a girl at my high school who was completely obsessed with Jesus Jones lead singer Mike Edwards... but she was sorta goth, which is why I was shocked to discover their biggest single sounded like late-era Duran Duran with a horn section. My bad. Anyway, this was a great song with a great chorus: ''Right here, right now/ There is no other place I wanna be/ Right here, right now/ Watching the world wake up from history.'' No wonder it ended up as a Kmart commercial. B+

4. ''Power of Love/Love Power,'' Luther Vandross I know I should be respectful here, but everything about this generic, glossy R&B glop just screams ''I am Luther Vandross and I am coasting on the strength of 'Here and Now'.'' The over-abundance of bells and whistles (literally), the deafeningly splashy high hat, the by-the-book bridge... it's dentist-office music at best. Although somewhere, Michael Bolton was probably dying to get his hands on a piece of the action. C

3. ''I Wanna Sex You Up,'' Color Me Badd Riots broke out at some screenings of New Jack City (the movie whose soundtrack launched this track), but there's nothing violent about Color Me Badd's booty call. The oo-oo-oos are unmistakable, the line ''makin' love until we drown'' is way vivid... too bad this R&B group never made it out from under Boyz II Men's considerable shadow. Also too bad that this title makes me want to scratch my eyes out. B

2. ''Unbelievable,'' EMF Actual cowbell and that repeated ''Ow!'' are just the icing on this funky-fresh dance groove from a bunch of Vison Street Wear-clad Brits. It was their first single, and yes, they can officially be classified as one-hit wonders. But no matter: Even if you weren't in high school when this sucker hit, I challenge you not to have a full-on dance party in your office. A

1. ''Rush Rush,'' Paula Abdul Remember when Paula was a best-selling recording artist? Good. Now: Remember that she had songs other than the one where she danced with the cartoon kitty? No? Well, this is one of them. It's the perfect sunset slow jam: that ''Rush… rush'' chorus, whispered like a summer breeze; the gentle but urging requests for her love to come closer... oh, Paula. What ever happened to you? B+ ``xEEVkAyEZyAGghHiBnZ``x1152961769``x(default) american idol emmy nominees``xIgor``xThis year American Idol nominated for 8 awards of The 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards:

- Outstanding Art Direction For A Variety, Music Program, Or Special
- Outstanding Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Program
- Outstanding Picture Editing For Nonfiction Programming
- [2] Outstanding Lighting Direction (Electronic, Multi-Camera) For
- Outstanding Reality-Competition Program
- Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Variety Or Music Series Or Special Or Animation
- Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video For A Series

Dont't miss Emmy awards on Sunday, August 27, Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, Live Broadcast on NBC at 8p/7c. ``xEEVkAyEpyZNefcCoof``x1152961067``x(default) has it really been that long ago? ``xIgor``xBy: Kyle Colvett

It was a year that asked important questions. Who will succeed Ronald Reagan as President? Can anybody beat the “Showtime” Lakers? Will Salman Rushdie ever be found? Who Framed Roger Rabbit? What is Michael Jackson going to do with that ranch he just bought?

Which one is Milli and which is Vanilli? And at the My-T-Sharp barbershop: Who was the greatest fighter of all time? (HINT: Never say Rocky Marciano).
1988 was a year for transitions. CDs outsold vinyl records and cassette tapes for the first time. The Iran-Iraq war ended and the Soviets finally left Afghanistan, promising peace in that region for generations to come. Prozac was released and, in case that didn’t do the trick, Bobby McFerrin was everywhere singing “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. 1988 saw Kurt Cobain and form Nirvana to give birth to Seattle Grunge Rock and, in a completely unrelated matter, Paula Abdul released her debut album, Forever Your Girl. Sonny Bono was elected mayor of Palm Springs, while Cher had her seventeenth plastic surgery.

In sports, Wayne Gretzky left the snows of Edmonton for the swimming pools and movie stars of Los Angeles. Olympic Games were held in Seoul and Calgary. Oklahoma State found someone to fill the shoes of All-American RB Thurman Thomas when Barry Sanders made the most of his only year as starter and rushed for 2,628 yards and 39 touchdowns. Notre Dame finished 12-0-0 under Lou Holtz, and that sure seems like ancient history to Fighting Irish faithful. My old roomie and backfield mate, Timmy Smith, set a Super Bowl rushing record for the Washington Redskins. In 1988 former all-American wide receiver Kirk Gibson made history in his chosen sport of baseball as the hobbled and hurting Dodger connected on a full count Dennis Eckersley slider for a pinch hit, World Series Game One winning dinger.

A 1988 transition of another sort will soon have impact on our Tennessee Volunteer football team. Now arriving on campus is a new set of Vol players, many of whom were born in 1988. (Yes, I checked. 1988.) UT 2006 signing class members Chad Cunningham, Ramone Johnson, Chase Nelson, Jarrod Shaw, Luke Stocker and Victor Thomas were all born in the year Tom Hanks discovered what it was like to be Big.

Other than making some of us feel a bit old (I do have game day jerseys and a favorite pair of boots that are older than these guys), this “1988” class of Vols reminds us how quickly time passes. These new Big Orange players were in diapers as UT completed the bizarre ’88 season. Following a 10 win 1987, senior QB Jeff Francis and the Vols lost each of their first six games that year, only to rebound and win the final five. Only 6-5 Memphis had a winning record among the late season pushovers. These newest Vols had never seen UT miss another year in a bowl game, until 2005.

Our baby Vols were still eating paste and learning to write with fat pencils when Peyton Manning established himself as the Vol QB in 1994. They were only 9 when Charles Woodson’s name was called at the Downtown Athletic Club. They had to beg their parents to stay up late to watch Tee Martin to Peerless Price as the Vols beat Florida State in the 1999 Fiesta Bowl.

The players now arriving on campus, even moreso those now being recruited, won’t remember a time when the SEC didn’t play a championship game or when Phil Fulmer wasn’t the head honcho on The Hill. In their lifetimes Florida has always had a good football program, Florida State has always been a national power, and people always hollered “whoo” in the midst of singing Rocky Top. They’ve never known a time when you didn’t have dozens of college football games on TV every Saturday or when ESPN didn’t endlessly play highlights from games. High school stars have always called press conferences to make their college selections known and the Internet has pretty much always been around.

Coach Fulmer, and other football sages, have rightly said that tradition doesn’t graduate. Tennessee has a wonderful tradition and a sparkling gridiron history. The new arrivals can become another link in a long line of Vol heroes. For those who are just now coming into the program, though, there are more vivid memories of Peach Bowl debacles and a recent losing season than there are of conference championships and major bowl wins. If you played word association with a typical 18 year old, “Tennessee football” might be followed by answers of “average” or even “they drafted Vince Young”.

We all want Tennessee to be considered among the elite programs. When blue chippers begin to make their choices, we hope they think of Tennessee as a perennial power. When we look back on the upcoming season 18 years from now, I hope we can laugh at the current movies, music and trends and I hope we can remember fondly the guys who helped turn things around. ``xEEVkAyplFusgifYjuP``x1152960834``x(default) all I ever needed to know I learned from paula abdul ``xIgor``xBy Emily Rippe

Everyone likes music. And why shouldn't they? It can be therapeutic, understanding and offer us an escape from reality. I've been a fan since Paula Abdul's heyday, back in 1992.

I must state that, since then, I have learned to appreciate music from all across the spectrum. It was just Paula who first made me want to get my groove on.

That's why it greatly bothers me when I hear my friends and fellow concertgoers complain about how the audience at the concerts we attend keeps gradually getting younger.

It seems as if they have forgotten that we were once the 7-year-old kids who had cool enough parents to take us to rock shows. Maybe they blocked out the memory of trying to fit in with the punk rock crowd when they turned 14, because they got hooked into MTV's Total Request Live and heard "What's My Age Again" by Blink 182. Meanwhile, all of the older, more dedicated fans were making fun of them, because they had never heard of the albums Cheshire Cat or Dude Ranch.

These people are perpetually stuck in their "I'm over 18 so all shows should be 18+" phase, not being mindful of their roots.

This is the same narrow-minded attitude that college students get when they finally become part of the "21 Club" - my definition for every person who refuses to go to bars that are not 21 and over because they don't want to associate with the underage crowd. They purposely deprive themselves of Uptown's 80s Night, because they suddenly got too mature for it. It's all about Nate and Wally's or Brathaus from here on out.

Do not misinterpret my opinion - there is nothing wrong with supporting places that have age restrictions. Anyone who knows me understands my devout dedication to the Fishbowl. However, it is the "I'm better than you because I can legally drink" attitude that is despicable.

People forgot how upset it made them when they couldn't get into the same clubs that their older friends always talked about or be admitted into the venues where they were not allowed to see their favorite performers because of the age restrictions.

The point is that all music enthusiasts, both of live and recorded music, have to start somewhere. It should not matter if they are at the Tom Petty concert with their parents - something I was guilty of - or rocking out to all the songs off of the latest Good Charlotte album, probably another secret I should have kept hidden.

The kids are there for a reason - they like the music. It does not make a difference if they haven't been lifetime fans or if they don't own the band's entire discography. Nobody should care if parents are taking their pre-teen sons and daughters to see the Flaming Lips. I let my dad go with me to that one when I was 18 because he has excellent taste in music.

Many of us are guilty of acquiring the elitist mind-set that comes from being exposed to age-restricted venues and less mainstream music. Sometimes, I am ashamed of who my companions and I have become. Then, I take a look at how far I have developed my own musical appreciation.

So when you're thinking about going to the Wheatus show at Howard's tomorrow night, try not to look down your noses at the younger audience members.

At the very least, I will ask my friends and concert buddies this: would you rather have the kids listen to Paula Abdul? ``xEEVEVkkkppcsySvqWE``x1151522200``x(default) british tabloids rip paula abdul ``xIgor``xLONDON, June 20 (UPI) -- Singer and dancer Paula Abdul, who is in England as a judge on "X Factor," is being judged herself by the tabloids.

One tabloid claimed Abdul had shown up eight hours late for work due to jet lag. Another said she had brought a "spiritual adviser" to help her choose her food, the Mirror reported.

A spokesman for Adbul called the reports "lies."

"The tabloids over there are far more brutal than anything we have over here," said Paul Levinson, chairman of the communications and media studies department at Fordham University.

"American Idol" judges are respected, but "X Factor" judges are fair game for the rumor mill.

The British judges also are not as impartial in casting their votes for wannabe stars, which angers viewers, the New York Post reported.

"(The tabloids') knives are always keenly sharpened and always ready to cut apart the aristocracy or the media aristocracy," Levinson said. ``xEEVEElypFyvyKPqEnd``x1151186036``x(default) spiritual guide``xIgor``xNEW X Factor judge Paula Abdul has a "spiritual guide" to help her choose what to eat.

The US superstar amazed insiders when she watched auditions last week with fellow judge Simon Cowell.

One revealed: "It was hilarious. Paula had this entourage with her which included a spiritual guide, who helped her make decisions like what to have for lunch."

Paula, 43, who stars with Cowell in the American counterpart to X Factor, will also give wannabe singers advice at the ITV1 show's boot-camp. Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh are also taking part. ``xEEVpFAyAAAgChFBSDy``x1150396999``x(default) abdul to join cowell on the x factor ``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul has signed a deal which will see her reunited with Simon Cowell on talent show The X Factor.

The 43-year-old enjoys a turbulent relationship with Cowell and will be keen to ally herself with her new co-judges Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh.

A show insider tells the Daily Mirror, "Paula has a love-hate relationship with Simon so it should be interesting."

Auditions for The X Factor get underway today, and it hits TV screens in August.``xEEuAZpFEZleVtceiMO``x1149703178``x(default) i’m sexier than paula abdul - pilita``xIgor``xBy KAYE VILLAGOMEZ

Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales is bent on giving Paula Abdul a run for her money when she sits as the lone lady judge in "Philippine Idol" alongside Ryan Cayabyab and Francis Magalona this July.

"For one I’m sexier than Paula Abdul," Pilita candidly told the Manila Bulletin in an interview Tuesday when asked if she was ready to be "Philippine Idol’s" Paula.

She added that she is willing to dance the way Paula does, enjoy Idol performances and even empathize with the contestants.

"Yes, I’m game because I don’t like to insult contestants, you know, although I will be very honest about my opinions," she added.

Despite mixed reactions about her being the choice, Pilita impressed not just the local channel handling Philippine Idol, and Ryan Cayabyab who had been hand–picked for the show, but FremantleMedia itself, the UK–based franchise owner of "American Idol."

"The clincher was really her character and what she will bring into the show," said ABC’s Percy Italan, head of Creative and Entertainment Production. "I say this to anybody, Pilita is watchable. You don’t even have to see the contestants, her facial reactions while hearing them sing is more than enough; her face alone is equivalent to a number of quotable quotes."

To those who are still wondering why Pilita made the cut, take this: 15 years in the singing contest business, eight with "Bagong Kampeon" and seven more with "Tanghalan ng Kampeon." Pilita, who has lived a lifetime in the music industry (having been the only Filipino front act of the Beatles concert in 1966), has seen the faces of both victory and defeat among talent show contestants.

During the audition for the judge’s part, Pilita recalled, "I just did what I usually do, outside and on camera, I’m the same person that they’ll be seeing on ‘Idol.’ Although I did not sit as a judge when I hosted singing contests before, I know the contestants. This is probably the main reason why I’m in the show; maybe to appease Ryan and Francis M. because they are often the ones who said ‘no’ when I already said yes. Hosting singing contests for quite sometime, it’s painful for me to turn down contestants. It will be hard for me to say goodbye din sa magiging manok ko."

All three judges are allowed to say and do whatever they want the way "American Idol" judges Paula, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell do.

"We can walk out, stand up, dance, say whatever we want to say," Pilita divulged.

The veteran songstress disclosed that she will be the easiest judge to please. This means Mr. C and Francis M. may even come out the nastier of the judges, handing out walking papers for local Idol hopefuls.

"Yes, I think you can say that because I’m more emotional in the same manner that Filipinos are more emotional so we can easily sympathize with the contestants. It’s really not about taking the role of the ‘American Idol’ judges but about coming up with our own interesting search," said Pilita, who was actually invited to audition for the part by ABC–5.


Hand–picked or auditioning for the judges’ slots?

According to Italan, ABC–5 had a list of possible judges. One of them was Pilita.

"I can imagine she must have thought twice about auditioning but she showed up and we were surprised because it was a long shot on our part. She’s very professional. We just made it a short audition and she hit it. But we weren’t pressured at all to take her in. There had been others we called in for auditions and those who just came because it’s an open invitation," Italan explained.

One of those asked to try out was Ely Buendia. Italan revealed that the former Eraserheads songwriting machine was considered but "he didn’t show up in the audition."

The position went to Francis M. "who is right for the part because he’s been in the industry far longer [than Ely] and he gives the edgy comments because his genre is different from Mr. C and Pilita’s. It’s unfair to compare Francis with Ely because Ely did not audition."

He continued, "Francis looks young but he knows the industry. That’s what’s common with all the judges; that’s the key. You know, we really don’t want to put flash-in-the-pan personalities there as judges."``xEEuAElyEyZOKcAiLpk``x1149186167``x(default) idol finale``xIgor``xPaula Abdul at the American Idol Grand Finale in Hollywood, Calif. on Wednesday, May 24, 2006.

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>>>Picture 10``xEEuAEllFpAgREUmDZP``x1148454000``x(default) judge dance``xIgor``x'American Idol' judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul dance as fellow judge Simon Cowell looks on at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, May 23, 2006. The winner of 'American Idol' will be announced in a televised finale on Wednesday night, when an expected 50 million telephone and text-message ballots have been tabulated.

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>>>Picture 2``xEEuAEllZlEJwDgqVBe``x1148367600``x(default) qvc appearance ``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul poses at a live QVC appearance promoting the 'Paula Abdul Jewelry Collection' in Hollywood May 22, 2006.

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>>>Picture 9``xEEuAElZkyVjpDjrbhy``x1148281200``x(default) paula abdul visits 'larry king live'``xIgor``xPaula Abdul was on 'Larry King Live' on Friday (May 19) to talk with the CNN host about next week's 'Idol' finale, her alleged assault, going on a television special with Dr. Phil, her plans for a new album, and the controversy surrounding Clay Aiken's alleged homosexual liaisons. "I honestly don't read any of that stuff, and I encourage the contestants to not read the good press, not read the bad press," Abdul said. Asked if it mattered, Abdul responded, "Absolutely, I agree, why would it matter? ... Clay is an excellent vocalist. The genre and style of his music is very specific to, I feel, more adult contemporary pop. Who cares about sexual preference?" Watch a brief clip from the program >>>here.``xEEulkkpZAVyXttwifj``x1148220795``x(default) sitcom star goes after paula abdul``xIgor``x(AP)--The Fox network may not be the happiest of families now that Brad Garrett has channeled his inner Don Rickles.

Garrett, whose new sitcom, "`Til Death," will be on Fox (owned by News Corp.) in the fall, did a quick comedy routine before thousands of advertisers gathered to see the network's schedule announcement Thursday.

Noting the presence of Paula Abdul, who has seemed slightly unhinged this season on "American Idol," Garrett said: "Bellevue (Hospital Center) has a shuttle bus."

"Nice dress," he said of Abdul, a judge on the talent competition show, who wore a shiny outfit. "Maybe it's time to get back in the lamp."

To increasing groans from the audience, the 46-year-old actor then made a profane reference to "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest's sex life.

"Ooh, it's going to be a long night," said Fox Entertainment President Peter Liguori as Garrett walked off the stage.``xEEulEEyZZyIdOZyzzw``x1148116776``x(default) fox broadcasting company upfront ``xIgor``xPaula Abdul arrives to the FOX Upfront, Thursday, May 18, 2006 in New York.

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>>>Picture 3``xEEulEElluAVrHheDpR``x1147935600``x(default) yamin says he'll do whatever he can to succeed``xIgor``xNEW YORK - Elliott Yamin, the latest contestant to be booted from “American Idol,” says he’ll do anything to make a lasting mark on the music world — without completely compromising his style, of course.

Yamin, 27, of Richmond, made his exit from the Fox talent competition Wednesday night, clearing the path for a showdown between Taylor Hicks of Birmingham, Ala., and Katharine McPhee of Los Angeles. The winner will be crowned May 24.

“I’m going to do whatever I can to just be heard and be successful,” he told The Associated Press in an interview Thursday.

“If that means that I have to hit the studio tomorrow and record an ‘Old McDonald Had a Farm’ remix, then that’s what I’ll do. I don’t want to compromise my style though. ... But whatever comes my way I’ll take,” Yamin said.

The blue-eyed soul singer — a favorite of judge Paula Abdul — received the lowest percentage of votes in one of the closest tallies in the competition.

“I thought it was amazing how close the vote was,” Yamin said. “But it’s not like I’m kind of kicking my heels and saying, ‘Oh boy, if we just had a few more people to vote.’ I’m making no bones about what happened, and I never will. I’m just truly blessed to have made it this far.”

Yamin, who is 90 percent deaf in his right ear, said competing on “American Idol” was the “first thing that I’ve done in years that I’ve actually followed through with and it’s just a great sense of accomplishment. Yesterday’s gone and I’m living for today and tomorrow.”

On Tuesday’s show, Yamin chose Donny Hathaway’s version of Ray Charles’ “I Believe to My Soul,” which the judges complained wasn’t a song the audience could connect with.

“I probably could have chosen a less obscure song,” Yamin said. “They even told me that. ... But you know what, that was the good thing about the Ray Charles song was that it was my choice. ... I love that song, I love to sing it, that’s all that matters.”

The singer, who moved to Richmond when he was 10, honed his talent by making the rounds doing karaoke at local restaurants before his August audition in Boston.

He is featured on the “American Idol: Season 5 Encores” album, due out May 23, and will perform on the 41-city “American Idols” tour.

“I’ve known for years that this is what I should be doing, however I just didn’t know how to get there,” Yamin said. “People choose different paths, and I’ve chosen some OK paths and I’ve chosen some bad paths. I’m just lucky to have been able to make the best out of this opportunity.``xEEuAElyFVyTSOBtKNl``x1147849200``x(default) ryan seacrest says paula abdul feud his fault``xIgor``xFox TV's "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest Wednesday said his widely publicized feud with judge Paula Abdul was blown out of proportion by the media.

Paula and I are great. We are fine," he said on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

"It's not that big of a deal. It got blown out of proportion," he said.

One day I went to talk to (Paula) before the show -- and I talk to Randy (Jackson) and Simon (Cowell) sometimes, too -- and I couldn't get in to see her.

"There were a lot of people outside, and I thought she was blowing me off, and I cleared it up on the radio and so now we're fine."``xEEuylypFZEKQcQJPuS``x1146860371``x(default) michael bolton was paula abdul’s babysitter! ``xIgor``xWashington: Ever wonder how singer Michael Bolton became such a great dad? Well according to ‘American Idol’ judge Paula Abdul, he learnt all his parenting skills babysitting her.

Abdul, who was just seven years old when the future Grammy award winning singer became her babysitter, credited herself for all the ‘training’ he got while taking care of her.

“He's a good father now and I think he got his training babysitting me... but I don't think he ever sang me to sleep," Contactmusic quoted her, as saying.

"He used to call me a brat and I said he was the worst babysitter in the world, but I actually loved him. I was once wearing my cute little Brownies (Girl Scout) uniform. I stuck a pencil in my knee and Michael had to take me to the doctor,” she added. ``xEEuyyZVlukhwGSmgTo``x1146675842``x(default) straight up! forum``xIgor``xWe 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.``xEEuyFFVFkEqQmrcWeb``x1146335321``x(default) paula visits seacret's radio show``xIgor``xOn 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." ``xEEuykuEFZFsYhgdWNA``x1146241373``x(default) viewers react to paula abdul ``xIgor``x(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." ``xEEuyEVVyyVBiepNFvW``x1146155665``x(default) abdul says she, seacrest aren't feuding``xIgor``xPaula 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. ``xEEuypyAFAZrjnPJvUn``x1146069397``x(default) pickler in a pickle``xIgor``xTuesday 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.``xEEuypyAkupEAOjnWWg``x1146069240``x(default) ryan & paula disagree on feud``xIgor``x(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?"``xEEuVAAyAFEdZOANKLq``x1145996931``x(default) ryan seacrest & paula abdul clash off set``xIgor``xAmerican 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?"``xEEuVAAylFkwetqceVe``x1145996832``x(default) straight up success: sell-outs of paula abdul jewelry make her forever QVC's girl``xIgor``xWEST 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. ``xEEuVAAZEuZbtnsXMvT``x1145862000``x(default) why is 'idol' such a ratings giant?``xIgor``xCowell'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.``xEEuVAAluAlWzdVOfNo``x1145602800``x(default) will abdul add syndie series to her resume?``xIgor``xAdd 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.``xEEuVAAZFVuGATSLAuo``x1145602800``x(default) tv producer?``xIgor``xIf 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. ``xEEuVAAZkkkOVJKoIFA``x1145602800``x(default) abdul snapper captures fight moment``xIgor``x(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.
``xEEuVAAZZFyYOvMqNol``x1145516400``x(default) abdul makes awkward tv appearance``xIgor``xHOLLYWOOD - 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." ``xEEuVAAllZkWvlymroQ``x1144825200``x(default) cowell blames 'mad' paula abdul for clashes``xIgor``xLondon, 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.'``xEEuVAAlyZEKbOigJZk``x1144825200``x(default) paula abdul to launch new jewelry line``xIgor``xPaula 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.``xEEuVAAlpkkNyzgBcuA``x1144825200``x(default) Abdul Says She Was Assaulted At Party``xIgor``xCBS/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.``xEEuVAAZVFkQsYesYSQ``x1144306800``x(default) Abdul Signs For 3 More Years Of 'Idol'``xIgor``x(AP)--Paula Abdul has decided she can continue to put up with Simon Cowell on "American Idol."

Abdul, who shares judging duties on Fox's hit talent show with Cowell and Randy Jackson, has signed a deal to remain for another three years, the network announced Wednesday.

She 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.

The contestants "truly inspire and amaze me each week," Abdul said in a statement. "Of course, I also look forward to putting Simon in his place for years to come."

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.

Abdul is a singer and a movie, TV and stage choreographer who has worked with Janet Jackson, George Michael and Prince.

"American Idol" is paring the finalists down to the winner, who will be announced on the May 24 finale. The field was reduced to nine after another contestant was voted off Wednesday. ``xEEuVAAZuFyxzHzTTKi``x1143705600``x(default) paula abdul to remain an idol judge``xIgor``xLaying to rest repeated rumors that Paula Abdul will be replaced as a judge on American Idol, the program's producers announced Wednesday that they have extended her contract through May 2008. Daily Variety, citing a person familiar with the deal, reported hat Abdul also received "a substantial raise," and indicated that it will be in the "hefty" seven-figure range. Meanwhile, Wednesday night's Idol results show trounced everything in sight as it garnered a 15.8 rating and a 23 share. It also served as a strong lead-in for Fox's Unan1mous, which recorded an 8.6/13. the one-two punch gave Fox another win for the night as it averaged a 9.6/15, easily beating second-place CBS, which recorded a 7.3/12. ``xEEuypZpEykdNujjwUT``x1143619200``x(default) paula abdul causing security problems ``xIgor``xPaula Abdul unwittingly caused a security furor on Thursday (02MAR06) when she was allowed to board an internal American flight without passing through a security checkpoint.

The American Idol judge and a friend were flying from Las Vegas, Nevada to Burbank, California, on Thursday afternoon, when an airport employee waived her around security, rather than through it.

Upon the Southwest Airlines' flight arrival in Burbank, all passengers and luggage had to be screened before they were allowed to leave the airport.

A spokeswoman for the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) says, "We're conducting an internal investigation to see who exactly was responsible."``xEEuypZkkuFbGTdypuA``x1141459200``x(default) what’s wrong with paula abdul?``xIgor``xAfter some bizarre behavior from Paula Abdul on the most recent American Idol results show, fan reaction ranged from outrage to concern to support. On the American Idol message board, many viewers posed the question of if Paula Abdul might be drunk. Others viewers were concerned for Paula, fearing that her erratic behavior might be a result of her Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy syndrome, which she revealed in People Magazine last year. Still others found Paula’s behavior amusing and voiced their support for her.
``xEEuypZFllufSQlyyAa``x1141372800``x(default) unbearable ``xIgor``x(NYPOST)--IS it real or is it menopause?

I'm talking about Tuesday night's nasty on-camera face-off between Simon Scowl, 46, and Paula Adorable, 43.

In fact, their ongoing spat turned so uncomfortable on the last episode that it threatened to overshadow the performers.

But just in case you were one of the seven people who couldn't tear themselves away from, say, the always-riveting "According to Jim" and didn't catch "American Idol," then you missed the most embarrassing dis on national TV since Corey Clark claimed that Paula Abdul picked his clothes and hairstylist.

(Forget the affair allegations — it was the makeover that was too embarrassing to own up to!)

And interestingly, it was right after that incident that the dynamic between Abdul and Simon Cowell began to go from affectionate to ugly. Clearly, Cowell was angry and disgusted at the allegations which, however briefly, put the integrity of the world's most-addictive cheese fest in jeopardy.

The animosity continued into this season with Cowell's remarks to Paula going from sneering (on good nights) to searing (on the bad ones).

You don't have to be Stephen Hawking to have calculated that after she showed up — on a rival network at the same hour — to get love advice from Dr. Phil, that it was about to get worse.

And it did get worse. She further alienated one of the two most important men in her life — Simon.

While contestants were being eliminated on "AI," Dr. Phil was teaching Paula how to "do" his infrared dating technique (doesn't anybody realize how ridiculous this man is?) and then sending her on her weepy way.

But it wasn't until this Tuesday that "AI's" dueling duo slipped into full-blown snarling. Much to the surprise of the nation, Cowell, at his wit's end at being interrupted (or something), snapped: "Shut up Paula! You're really annoying me now!"

Then, oddly, "You're like a precocious child!" making us all wonder whether "precocious" means the same thing in Britain as it does over here.

This, in turn, caused "Paula of the Waterworks" to seethe: "I want to change seats!" which forced Randy and Ryan Seacrest (of all people!) to slip uncomfortably into the roles of pop-star Solomons.

Suddenly, the tone of the show had shifted — and not subtly either.

The only questions that remain are these: Is the whole thing a put-on or is Cowell really as put out as he appears? And is Abdul really as put upon as she seems?

With any luck she didn't call Dr. Phil for advice. ``xEEuypZuEplOaRBxeBL``x1141286400``x(default) barry bonds impersonates paula abdul ``xIgor``x(AP)--Paula Abdul probably could hit a fastball about as well as Barry Bonds could impersonate Paula Abdul.

Bonds entertained and delighted a small gathering of fans and teammates Tuesday by dressing up as Abdul to judge the San Francisco Giants spin-off of the hit Fox show "American Idol," called Giants Idol.

Bonds, who wore a strapless dress and a blonde wig, surprised everyone watching the mock contest, where young players had to sing in front of the judges.

"I'll never tell my wife to hurry up any more," Bonds said. "Because it took me forever to get ready. I'll never do that again. I couldn't get my hair right. There were a lot things I went through during the 30 minutes I was getting ready."

The event raised $337 from fans that will be matched by the Giants organization and donated to the Giants Community Fund. Giants Idol was the brainchild of Mark Sweeney, who decided to bring a little levity to the clubhouse.

Sweeney, who signed as a free-agent with the team during the winter, decided the "Idol" competition would promote team chemistry and raise some money.

"It was up in the air whether Barry would do this," Sweeney said. "We asked him this morning. It was almost embarrassing to have him do it."

Sweeney's idea was to bring together the team and help spark team unity after last year's disappointing season when the Giants finished under .500 for the first time since 1996.

"It was pretty cool," said Omar Vizquel, who acted as host Ryan Seacrest. "I just thought he was going to be a judge. As long as you have fun you connect with each other.

Rounding out the judging impersonators were second baseman Ray Durham as Randy Jackson and Jeff Fassero as Simon Cowell. Comedian Rob Schneider, who was visiting the Giants, also participated in the mock contest.

The second round of the contest will take place on Wednesday before the team plays an intrasquad game.

Bonds is unsure whether he will again dress up as Abdul.``xEEuypZuFuVJLFsGGho``x1141200000``x(default) surprise! he's paula's date``xIgor``xCharlotte bachelor says 'Idol' star 'is really a normal person'

MARK WASHBURN

It sounded silly -- go on some talk show and try out for a date with a celebrity.

"It's nothing I usually do in my regular daily routine," says Hal Kempson, 42, of Charlotte, who has never been married and has a successful career in real estate finance.

But a friend referred him to a casting agent for talk show psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw. And the agent interviewed him by phone and said he'd be just perfect. He boarded a plane the following day to Los Angeles.

He was taken to a restaurant in Hollywood, still in the dark about who the celebrity would be. Until then, he hadn't seen much of "American Idol," but he still recognized her instantly.

Paula Abdul.

For a TV special, "Love Smart," which aired last week on CBS, Dr. Phil was trying to hook Abdul up with a compatible man.

Abdul and McGraw talked about her problems finding a guy comfortable with her schedule, celebrity and personality.

She got to chat up two guys: country singer Keith Anderson and Kempson. Dr. Phil gave her advice on her approach to each of them in studio play dates, and she got to pick one to take out afterward. She chose Kempson.

They had a fish dinner at Vibrato in Hollywood. He says she's down to earth, as natural and unaffected as she seems on the judging panel of "American Idol."

They talked about her career -- from Lakers Girl to pop singer to choreographer.

"She's really a normal person who happens to be in the public eye."

They've chatted by phone occasionally since the dinner, and he's visited her once since on a trip to California.

"We've been in touch and I've made a great friend," says Kempson, who has gotten some ribbing from pals.

"My friends are like, `Mr. Abdul, can I come to the wedding?' "

He didn't bring up the scandal stemming from last year's allegations by Corey Clark, a failed "Idol" contestant, that she coached him and he had an affair with her. But she brought it up in a conversation and said fellow judge Simon Cowell had helped her through the mess.

"She said Simon had been such a great guy when she was going through all that, being a friend and not being the jerk he can be on television," says Kempson.

So, at the end of the dinner date, did he get the goodnight kiss?

"A little peck on the cheek."

Dr. Phil would approve.``xEEuypZuyElnjXUfpjs``x1140854400``x(default) paula abdul spills her heart``xIgor``x(CBS)--To some, Paula Abdul may look like a celebrity who has it all. She's made her mark in music, film and television. But fame and fortune have left one big void in her life. She has not found her Mr. Right.

Abdul visited relationship expert Dr. Phil McGraw for some one-on-one advice. She was featured in last night's primetime special, "Love Smart," based on Dr. Phil's best-selling book of the same name.

Dr. Phil created a unique dating experiment just for her, and they both appeared on The Early Show to talk about the experiment. Abdul said it was definitely worth her while.

"I actually learned quite a lot," she told co-anchor Julie Chen. "I learned a lot about what it is I am actually looking for and Dr. Phil helped me figure out what my deal-breaker and bottom line really is."

Abdul also said it is sometimes difficult for men to grasp the difference between the MTV superstar and the real woman, outside of the spotlight.
Abdul: When you step off the stage or when you are done performing or you are done with your job, this is the real Paula.

Dr. Phil: I am just so proud of her delineation of those things in her mind and in the way she does relationships. Paula lives with passion. She doesn't do anything just kind of halfway. She really is intense and passionate. When she gets emotional, that's really intense as well. She says, "I've got to have somebody that can deal with the drama."
And Dr. Phil says that Abdul's high drama lifestyle should not be seen as a problem, simply as a facet of her personality.
Dr. Phil: If your emotionality, your passion and intensity is not for somebody, keep on walking. It's not a problem. You live passionately, you live energetically, and that's OK and if that bothers somebody then they are not for you.
On the CBS special, Dr. Phil presented Abdul with a pool of eligible bachelors to choose from, and then observed how she behaved.
Dr. Phil: First thing she did right was walk in the room, looking like a million bucks because men fall in love with their eyes. They go, "Oh, my god, here's a winner. What do I need to do here?" Then she asks the questions and these guys, we did what we call infrared dating, where she started asking penetrating questions up front. The guys loved it. One of your dates said, "I've learned more about you and me in less time than I would if I'd dated somebody for six months, which is great."
Chen asked Dr. Phil how much progress Abdul made through their work together.
Dr. Phil: She had the courage to get real and honest and forget about the camera. I think she made quantum leaps and a lot of it is in deciding, "I'm OK. I just have to find somebody that's OK with me being OK."

Abdul: I'm surprised at myself, too. I'm surprised at the willingness to — because I really think that I may even have helped some women out in not accepting anything short of what they deserve.
As for her Valentine's Day plans, Abdul told Chen she'll be on an airplane but doesn't really mind.

"The thing that's great is that magical things have been happening and getting out there and dating and being really happy with the ability to just say, 'This is who I am,' " she said. ``xEEuypZulAAvgSSeYUb``x1140163200``x(default) the dating game ``xIgor``x(NYPOST)--'Idol' judge's love lesson from Dr. Phil
PAULA Abdul seems to have it all - looks, hot body, awesome job as one of the three judges on Fox's "American Idol" juggernaut - so why can't she get herself a man?
It's not that Paula, 43, hasn't dated. She's been married twice before - once famously to actor Emilio Estevez - but neither union lasted longer than a year.

And in 2003, she was infamously linked to "Idol" contestant Cory Clark, who was kicked off the show for failing to disclose a criminal record. Later, Clark went public on ABC News, detailing an affair he had had with the older judge. Paula denied it, but Clark played voice mails and wrote a tell-all book about his experience.

Bring in Dr. Phil. America's shrink has just published another bestseller, "Love Smart," and he has a Valentine's Day special by the same name.

The good doctor has taken on dating in a big way. Besides the book, related segments on his daytime talker, and the CBS prime-time show, Phil also is sponsoring a subscription-based program on the country's biggest dating Web site, Match.com, somewhat scarily called "MindFindBind."

Tonight, Phil sits down with Paula, whom he met because she works as a correspondent for entertainment news magazine "Entertainment Tonight," which is shot near the "Dr. Phil" set. Abdul also has appeared twice on Dr. Phil's syndicated strip, and the two have become friends, says Carla Pennington Stewart, executive producer both of "Dr. Phil" and "Love, Smart."

"Paula kept asking Phil, 'What am I doing wrong? I just want to figure out how to pick the right one.' So when we decided to do this, we thought it would be fun to do something with her. She was very much a good sport about it," says Pennington Stewart.

Shot at Paula's Los Angeles home, the two have a serious talk, in which Phil prods Paula to "own" her behavior. Admitting that she can be emotionally needy, Paula quickly comes to tears.

Among the other common-sense tips in his guide to love and romance, Phil describes something he calls "Infrared Dating." That's the top-secret maneuver of asking potential mates relevant questions and then actually listening to the answer.

To train Miss Abdul in this tricky technique, Phil sets her up on not one but two dates simultaneously. The first date is with red-hot country singer Keith Anderson, 36, who also happens to be a friend of Phil's. The second is with regular guy Hal, 43.

While Keith sits at a restaurant, Hal is bowling. And it's a good thing Paula's stayed in shape because she ends up sprinting back and forth between the two while checking in with Dr. Phil and his dating white-board in between. It's a wonder she even gets to ask any questions of her two suitors with all the stair-running she does.

Still, the doe-eyed singer-turned-judge seems to hit it off with both men, leading one to believe that white-board diagramming during dates might not be such a bad idea.

"Dr. Phil: Love Smart" airs tonight on CBS at 9 p.m. ``xEEuypZVFpAYbrOBytB``x1139904000``x(default) will paula get her phil of love?``xIgor``xCaught Dr. Phil on the tube the other day. "You gotta clean up your anger, your fear," he told a cheating spouse with tears dribbling down her cheeks. "You gotta realize what we got here is not an easy dig out. ... I would get on this before dark today."

Dang, that 6-foot-4 Freud from Texas is solid gold, and if there's anyone who can clean up the messiest love life this side of Liza Minnelli's - that would be Paula Abdul's - he's the man to do it.

Tonight, Phil gets his shot at the big time. Crack this safe, Phil (that would be, metaphorically speaking, Paula), and you'll get an honorary degree from Harvard Medical School. That'll shut up those jealous, plodding, pretentious $185-an-hour shrinks who don't have their own TV show and think you're some snake-oil salesman and Oprah toady.

You've got Paula Abdul! The Mount Everest of Busted Love and the Great White Whale of Ruinous Romance (metaphorically speaking, of course). Every TV doc from here to eternity would give up a week's paycheck for this opportunity-of-a-lifetime. To quote directly from the CBS press release for this evening's CBS 9 p.m. prime-time special, "A Dr. Phil Prime-Time Special: Love Smart," both doctor and patient "talk openly about the problems [Abdul] experiences including those men who haven't achieved her level of success, and those who are overwhelmed by her demanding schedule or simply by her emotions."

That's just for starters. Next, the doctor will play her videos of 10 lucky guys, one of whom will be picked by the "American Idol" judge for a blind date. The date will be taped so that viewers - and naturally, Paula - can learn from her mistakes. We're betting here that by 10 p.m. she cries. She and Phil hug. Credits roll. Problem solved.

Yes, love is definitely in the air. Cupid is smiling. Somewhere. Because this is a noteworthy special, possibly even one for the ages, a classic TV moment, we asked for a review tape, but CBS was uncharacteristically reticent. In an e-mail disclaimer, the network said: "We have not provided a tape for review because, frankly, we are humiliated by this special, but February sweeps are February sweeps, and if we get 25 million viewers tonight, then we will no longer be humiliated but 'proud of this extraordinarily moving event in prime-time history,' which you may choose to use as our official comment in your follow-up stories for Wednesday."

We tried to line up some interviews, but were told that the producer is still "editing" the special. Dr. Phil? Still "editing." Paula? "Editing."

We wondered about past Dr. Phil specials. There have been four of them. The reviews were "critically mixed," which is a gentle term we critics like to use to mean "they stunk." Of course, most critics tend to be smarmy, jealous little ducks who couldn't even get to first base with Paula.

The first special, "A Dr. Phil Prime-Time Special: Family First," which aired in the fall of 2004, caused an uproar in the medical establishment. CBS nearly got sued. After interviewing a 9-year-old boy, Dr. Phil told the boy's horrified parents on camera, "There are 14 characteristics of a serial killer - your son has nine of the 14. Jeffrey Dahmer had seven." Producers then put up a shot of the 9-year-old on the screen right next to a mug shot of Dahmer.

"Mind-boggling!" declared the jealous, pipe-smoking academics from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, who called the special a "breach of professional ethics."

But knowing how good Dr. Phil is, we assume he's done his due diligence on Paula. If he's had a subscription to People magazine since 1990, then this should have been quite easy. He'd know about the short-lived marriage to Emilio Estevez. There was the other short-lived marriage to that guy who was a sports clothing marketer, which ended unpleasantly. On her Web site, Paula was quoted as saying, "I don't like to speak his name. We should have never been married. I wish him luck."

Over the years, she has also been "linked" with John Stamos, Arsenio Hall and, more recently, this actor named Dante Spencer, who had bit parts in films like Playboy's "Wet & Wild: Slippery When Wet." There was the Smith & Wesson gun magnate, too. That ended badly as well - he was married when they were dating. But if anyone can solve this problem in an hour, it's Phil. "You gotta clean up your anger, Paula, your fear. You gotta realize what we got here is not an easy dig out.... I would get on this before dark today." ``xEEuypZVkppzQsXhfkY``x1139904000``x(default) can paula find love?``xIgor``x(ET)--On Valentine's Day, CBS will broadcast a new primetime special all about affairs of the heart, "A Dr. Phil Primetime Special: Love Smart," on which the life strategist teaches viewers how to love smart.

"I always tell people you don't want to love dumb, you want to love smart," Dr. PHIL McGRAW tells ET. "[There is a] big difference between loving dumb and loving smart. This is a special that goes into the trenches about what that means."

One of Dr. Phil's guests on the special is "American Idol" judge PAULA ABDUL, who shares with the good doc that she is having trouble finding, not just a serious relationship, but just a great date.

"I think the biggest misconception people have is when they hear me say it is difficult to date, and they say, 'Oh please, Paula. Come on Paula. Give me a break,'" the Grammy winner comments. "But it is the truth. I think this will prove how difficult it is."

Dr. Phil has Paula in tears as the two discuss the problems she experiences with men who have trouble dealing with her level of success and her demanding schedule. Then the former Laker Girl is asked to select a blind date from a group of 10 men, none of whom know they will be dating a celebrity. Then, Dr. Phil selects a man that he thinks is a good match for her.

When the counseling is complete, Dr. Phil sends Paula out on a shuttle date, which means she bounces back and forth between two men.

"I call it infrared dating," TV's top doc says of the technique he wants Paula to employ. "[It's] how to find out what you want to know right now, so you don't waste time going down a dead end road. She was an absolute star at infrared dating. It is amazing what she found out and it is hilarious. She is a great sport."

So were there any sparks?

"The two simultaneous dates were great guys," Paula admits. "Two total opposites of each other. I would go out with both of them."

For more behind the scenes of "A Dr. Phil Primetime Special: Love Smart," tune in to tonight's ET. Then catch the special on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 9 p.m.``xEEuypZVukALUXLpPkn``x1139731200``x(default) paula's predictions``xIgor``xWhen the 48th Annual Grammy® Awards air tonight two "American Idol" winners -- KELLY CLARKSON and FANTASIA -- are in the running to take home the gold statuette. Kelly is nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal and Best Pop Vocal Album, while Fantasia has four R&B nominations.

That makes ET's special correspondent PAULA ABDUL one proud mama. "At the beginning, the industry poo pooed 'American Idol,'" the two-time Grammy winner tells MARY HART on the green carpet at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. "But the record industry is in a weird state. It is upside down. The impact 'American Idol' has made -- we are creating real legitimate super stars. That is something to be really proud of."

So what does Paula think of Kelly's chances against MARIAH CAREY, who has eight nominations?

"I have a feeling tonight is going to be Mariah's night," Paula says. "What I love about Mariah is she is a survivor. People go through ups and downs, but when you have talent like she has, it is unstoppable. Great for her. But great for Kelly, too. I think she is going to walk away with an award, too."``xEEuypZVVylGyrPQarq``x1139385600``x(default) judging the 'american idol' judges ``xIgor``x"American Idol" has shown endurance. For any hit show, the challenges of maintaining top status increases as time goes on, and by the fifth season, ratings often drop or stagnate.

But with this season's premiere of "Idol" drawing more than 35 million viewers, the musical talent contest has become a case study in resilience. So it is worth taking a look at the three personalities unmistakably tied to the show and largely credited with its continued success: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.


Simon Cowell

Cowell continues to define his ruthless persona with his almost universally harsh disparagements of contestants. As an acerbic judge on Britain's hit show "Pop Idol," Cowell became famous for his nasty reproaches. He leveraged the show's success and his own fame and landed on "American Idol."

Now, having smartly maintained his "Judge Dread" character from "Pop Idol," Cowell is "American Idol's" most controversial and recognizable talent and an increasingly powerful player in the TV production business.

Despite his forbidding veneer, Cowell possesses unquestioned abilities as a savvy identifier of mainstream talent and a coach who knows what makes a pop star sing. The contestants who take his advice often make it to the top while the ones who ignore him fade away.

This season, his caustic remarks are more cutting than ever, often overshadowing his constructive feedback. Yet with ratings for "American Idol" higher than ever, there is no incentive for him to ease up. Cowell is aiming to duplicate the show's success with the launch of his next baby, "American Inventor," debuting in March on ABC, as well as "Duets "on Fox, and an ensemble talent show he just sold to NBC.

Simon Cowell's Celebrity A$$$$ets


Paula Abdul

As the kinder, gentler force on the show, Abdul has succeeded in distinguishing herself from the pack. During tryouts it is usually Abdul who injects some much-needed warmth, referring to even the least-talented hopefuls as "Sweetie." She has become the show's supportive Den Mother.

Her running feud with Cowell has become increasingly playful and offers viewers a peek at her sense of humor. Perhaps Abdul's empathy is the result of her own career, which has been marked by survival and reinvention.

Starting as the choreographer for the Laker Girls, Abdul parlayed her talent into a successful run as a singer with a number of Top 40 hits before disappearing, and then re-emerging on "Idol." She withstood last year's scandal in which contestant Corey Clark said he had an affair with Abdul.

She has been forthcoming about her battle with bulimia and her struggle with a pain disorder, and she has been frank about her rocky social life. Her gentle on-air persona ensures that her fans will be behind her when she puts her heart on the line by enlisting Dr. Phil to help find her a mate on a Valentine's Day TV special. Abdul knows how to extend her brand.

Paula Abdul's Celebrity A$$$ets


Randy Jackson

Jackson is beginning to appear lucky. How else to explain his ability to maintain a place at the judges' table without any unique personality traits? His affable style works well when he plays mediator to Abdul and Cowell, but beyond that he hasn't established qualities that distinguish him.

Jackson is the hippest of the judges stylistically, yet five years into his role most "Idol" fans would be hard-pressed to describe his personality beyond "even-tempered" and "friendly."

His formerly bloated physique originally pigeonholed him as the fat jolly guy, but after successful gastric bypass surgery he no longer fits this stereotype, emphasizing the mystery of his identity. For Jackson to sustain a career beyond the reign of "Idol," he needs to surprise his fans, stop playing it safe and reveal more of himself.

Randy Jackson's Celebrity A$$ets

Remember: the most dependable road to the top is to treat your brand as your greatest asset.

(Samantha Ettus is the author of "The Experts' Guide to Life at Home" (Random House). Contact her at Samantha(at)celebrityassets.com.)``xEEuypZVlkESRUFccXw``x1138867200``x(default) mp3 player``xIgor``xPaula Abdul to Feature Klegg's World's Smallest Color Display MP3 Player on ABC's "The View" Airing February 6th
Airing of Show to Be Broadcast Nationwide in Your Local Area

LAS VEGAS, NV -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 02/01/2006 -- Klegg Electronics, Inc. (OTC: KLGE), a manufacturer and distributor of high quality consumer electronics, is pleased to announce Paula Abdul "Diva" of "American Idol" will be featuring Klegg's world's smallest color display MP3 player on "The View." During this national airing on February 6th, Paula will be introducing Klegg's world's smallest color display MP3 player known as "Klegg Mini" to all of the co-host as well as millions of viewers.

To view Paula Abdul and the world's smallest color display MP3 player on "The View," please tune in to ABC at 11:00am EST. Air times may differ based on viewer location.

"The View" is the recipient of 18 Daytime Emmy Awards, numerous Daytime Emmy Award nominations, including seven consecutive nominations for Outstanding Talk Show and Outstanding Talk Show Host. "The View" is produced by and features ABC News correspondent Barbara Walters, commentator Star Jones Reynolds, Meredith Vieira, comedian Joy Behar and television personality Elisabeth Hasselbeck. The show consists of hot topics in the news, the best experts in their field, celebrity interviews and general entertainment.

The miniature MP3, which was recently featured on NBC and CBS, is approximately 1.8 inches in length, 1.6 inches in width and 1/2 inch thick. This color display MP3 player comes in four colors, black, blue, pink and white. The miniature MP3 features, 128/512 MB flash memory, playback photos, slide shows, one inch color display, voice recording with play, pause, fast forward, reverse, next track, previous track and shuffle play. Other features include 26 hour battery life, Li-ion rechargeable battery, CD Driver, software, headphones, FM tuner and 4,096 color display.

Klegg's miniature MP3 can only be purchased via customer service at (888) GO KLEGG or online at http://www.kleggusa.com. The world's smallest color display MP3 player can be purchased at a starting introductory price of $79.95.

Dennis Gentles, President of Klegg Electronics Inc., states, "The marketing of our world's smallest color display MP3 player has been extremely successful. We continue to take in orders at a record rate. 'The View' is one more highly respected show which we are honored to appear on and market our cutting-edge product."

About Klegg Electronics, Inc.:

Klegg Electronics, Inc. (KLGE) is a manufacturer and distributor of high quality consumer electronics. Klegg Electronics has focused on designing a variety of products that work seamlessly together within the home. Klegg home theater systems are available in over 80 retail stores across the country. The corporation is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV.

For more information please contact Investor Relations at 973-351-3868 for Stephen Taylor or visit the company website at: http://www.kleggusa.com.


Cautionary Statement for the Purpose of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Forward-looking statements in this news release are made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain important factors could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements, including the impact of changed economic or business conditions, the impact of competition, the success of existing and new product releases, the management of our growth, other risk factors inherent in the internet, and extreme sports industries, and other factors discussed from time to time in reports filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. ``xEEuypZyElZgyCLmLcZ``x1138780800``x(default) promise of a new paula``xIgor``xDuring the Las Vegas auditions of ''American Idol,'' Miss Sweetness and Light suddenly started telling the bitter truth by Michael Slezak

Not to sound like Simon Cowell, but if I'm being honest, I got the urge to hit my head against the nearest hard surface when I heard the news this week that Paula Abdul is enlisting the help of talk-show titan Dr. Phil in a televised quest to find herself a boyfriend. C'mon, CBS suits, I've got better things to do than to tune in to this prime-time special when it airs on Valentine's Day — like sit on my couch obsessing over American Idol, naturally.

Still, after watching tonight's Las Vegas auditions, I'm starting to rethink my position: Maybe MC Skat Kat's former duet partner is already reaping the benefits of her newfound friendship with the forthright Texan. How else to explain Paula's straight-up, opinionated assessments of Sin City's subpar auditioners, the surprising highlight of an episode in which all of the standard Idol elements — the discovery of spine-tingling young talent, the guffaw-inducing wails of the self-deluded, and the caustic zingers from Cowell himself — proved mighty underwhelming? (If Mariah Carey wannabe Mecca Madison is the best Vegas has to offer, then perhaps it's time the show threw its casting net in more unexpected directions.)

Anyhow, Paula's first flash of discriminating taste tonight caught me so off guard I figured it was a brief, accidental peek behind her sunny-girl facade. After calling Alexia ''Dylon'' Lincheta's truly unamusing, faux-Jamaican ditty ''a fun audition,'' Abdul was taken aback by Simon's blunt (and spot-on) retort: ''It was just stupid.''

Those four simple words seemed to serve as the filament for the light bulb that's been waiting to turn on over Paula's head for four seasons now: Idol judges can — and should — get away with brutally honest critiques of contestants. In the end, isn't it more cruel to leave your child's tooth hanging loosely from the gums for days than to end the problem with one hard, briefly painful yank? Yes, Paula. The answer is yes.

Suddenly, we had a giggling Paula reversing course: ''Well, if you're gonna go there,'' she said to Simon, ''I wasn't that entertained. I'm lying. I'm lying!'' Perhaps those weren't real tears from Dylon as he removed his cheap wig in the confessional and lamented not auditioning in his own persona, but if they were, you've got to wonder whether Dr. Phil would praise Paula or berate her for making a kid cry.

Certainly, he'd applaud her decision to vote no to Las Vegas gondolier Jason Andino, whose ability to carry the tune to ''Stand by Me'' was negated by his decision to deliver said notes in a Backstreet-Boyz-II-Men melisma. Gah! Paula's verdict — ''I think you have a decent singing voice. I do. But for me, not a breakout, standout voice'' — wasn't overtly cruel, but it was definitive.

Heck, Paula even gave the thumbs down to prison worker Heather Ward's ''Redneck Woman,'' correctly noting the singer had given Gretchen Wilson's simple but winning ditty too rigorous a workout. Given Ward's delightful demeanor, though, I was happy Simon and Randy overruled Paula.

Of course, don't get it twisted by thinking Old Paula is gone for good. Telling Anthony Andolino (the dude who lives with his girlfriend and a sure-to-violate-some-health-code 75 pets) that his singing voice was better suited to show tunes than to pop not only left out his failure to hit half the song's notes but also insulted every struggling actor-singer working the Des Moines dinner-theater circuit today.

What Andolino needed more than anything was a dose of New Paula's forthright judgment. Tell the kid to go become a tax accountant, or a construction worker, or a furniture upholsterer. But don't keep his delusions alive. ''I have tone, I have pitch, I have everything,'' Andolino said as he exited the audition room. Yes, Anthony, and I have tonight's winning Mega Millions numbers in my coat pocket. Now get off the American Idol set and haul your cat-hair-covered butt over to Dr. Phil.

What did you think of Paula's performance tonight? Were you disappointed the producers chose to showcase only 3 of the 11 Las Vegas auditions that resulted in a golden ticket to Hollywood? And are you (like me) ready for the show to move on to the next stage?``xEEuypZypZZSkoGZpsS``x1138780800``x(default) unmasking paula abdul's mystery man``xIgor``xThirty-five million people saw Judge Paula Abdul's sexy serenade on "American Idol" Tuesday night, but only "Extra" has the private moments you haven't seen with the first lady of "Idol."

"Extra's" Carlos Diaz caught up with Paula in Las Vegas, where she was taping an upcoming episode of "The Tyra Banks Show," set to air later this season.

Paula has made headlines recently for her fabulous new look this season on "Idol." So what's her secret? "Stress," she laughed.

"We all still look good because we're good people," Tyra added.

And with February 14th just a few weeks away, we had to ask these lovely ladies: got any big plans for Valentine's Day? "We didn't get into that area, did we," Abdul said.

Paula may have been coy about her love life, but "Extra" recently spotted her with hunky heartthrob Dante Spencer. We first saw the cozy couple together at the Emmy Awards. The 6-foot-2-inch model is 13 years younger than Paula.

But Ms. Abdul wouldn't reveal if she's found true love. "I do believe you can find someone that is a really great companion and a soul mate," she revealed.

Paula did come clean about one certain celebrity judge crush. "Mark, we miss you," she said. "I know the reason you didn't come on is because Simon is jealous of you, and that's the truth."

Tune in to FOX, as "American Idol's" quest to find true talent continues. ``xEEuypZyuAyuQGxqewH``x1138176000``x(default) why did paula abdul go AWOL?``xIgor``x(ACCESSHOLLYWOOD)--"American Idol's" return was massive, but when it was time to meet the press, where was Paula Abdul?

On the same day that almost 39 million viewers welcomed back TV's biggest reality show, Paula was missing-in-action for a date with hundreds of reporters.

She reappeared Wednesday to set the record strait -- only on Access.

"Thirty-nine million people watched last night," Access' Billy Bush said. "It's the most watched episode ever in Idol's history. Here we are in season five. How do you explain it striking a cord now?"

"It is the weirdest phenomenon," Paula said. "We're part of the lexicon. We're Americana."

"Americana" Idol! But speculation arose Tuesday when Paula failed to show up to one of the show's press events, with reps touting an "eye infection."

"I had a staph infection, you know what, do I have my drops here?" Paula asked.

And Paula showed Billy her eyedrops as proof!

"Obviously, the speculation is that you don't want to go in there and face the critics and hear more, hear the name, frankly, pointedly, hear the name Corey Clark again," Billy said.

"Do you think that I didn't have to face press every single city?" Paula said. "I mean, it’s old news, it’s old hat, and he's had his day in the sun."

But her fellow judges had some fun at the Fox party last night where Paula was also a no-show.

Billy had Paula watch a video clip of Simon dissing one of the contestants, whom Simon called a "great female impersonator."

"What do you think of that right there?" Billy asked.

"He's an ass," Paula laughed. "He's an ass. He's a pill. He says the dumbest things sometimes. He has no regard for what people feel and how it crushes their lives."

But Cowell and Seacrest both said the contestants have a lot to do with Simon's wisecracks.

"They're more angry this year," Simon said.

"They are!" Ryan agreed. "They're angrier, they're more emotional and they're more intense. Definitely more competitive."

To Simon, the tongue lashings all blend together.

"And there's a girl called Mandisa?" said Simon, of one of the contestants. "I can't remember these people."

"We see so many contestants, you can't remember which ones are actually going to make the show," Ryan said.

Paula celebrated her huge ratings success by signing our Access "Wall of Fame" Wednesday.

Paula is not only the the voice of reason on American Idol but the advocate of the wannabes.

It's a role of which she's quite proud.

"Simon destroys the hope!" Paula said.

"But adds beautiful texture to the ratings," Billy said. "It's part of the formula."

"Absolutely!" Paula agreed.

For instance, Simon said they needed a bigger stage this year for a contestant named Mandisa.

"You see, that’s funny," Billy said. "You can't help but laugh but when you think about it it says its mean."

"It's mean," Paula agreed.

"He's saying (she’s) fat, (she’s) not going to make it," Billy said.

"Well, what happened was I was the ambassador," Paula said.

"So, he's sticking it in your face when he does that?" Billy asked.

"He's sticking it in Randy's face," Paula said.

"In 1994, you began a struggle with bulimia right?" Billy asked. "You've been open about that."

"Very open about it, and after the first season, the biggest fights we'd have would be over comments like, 'You're too fat!' and 'You’ll never make it!' I'm like, 'talent has no prejudice.'"

Paula is now fully recovered from her bout with bulimia and has moved on.

And she only had words of praise for 17-year-old "Reba" actress Scarlett Pomers, who is battling anorexia.

"You know an eating disorder is really a lot like having two people living inside you," said Scarlett, in an interview with Access. There's the healthy, smart person that you really are who says 'I know this is wrong to do this and that, and then, there's the anorexia or the eating disorder voice that's constantly berating you and telling you 'you’re not good enough.'"

"She talks about two people," Billy said. "From your experience, is that right?"

"She's a very bright girl," Paula said. "She nails it to a 't' because it's very daunting because I struggled with both anorexia and bulimia. One of the hardest things, is your mind tricks you into thinking you're in control, when actually you're completely out of control!"

Paula is in such a great place now. She’s got "Idol" of course, and a new boyfriend, Dante Spencer.

If that's not enough, she has joined Klegg Electronics in introducing the world's smallest color-display MP3 player.

"I was asked, I guess because of the small and petite size, that I would be a good spokesperson for it, but then, I found out they had also asked Vern Yroy of Mini-Me," Paula laughed. "Then I was wondering, is that a compliment?"``xEEuypZylppEYdHjFWt``x1137657600``x(default) saunders: iIdol' talk centers on abdul``xIgor``xHOLLYWOOD - Let's all send get-well-quick cards to Paula Abdul.

The controversial American Idol judge reportedly has an eye infection that prevented her from showing up for a Tuesday interview with TV critics.

You know how quickly eye infections can develop.

It evidently happened overnight, since Abdul didn't appear to be in much pain when giggling Monday with Jay Leno on Tonight.

Could it be that Abdul was avoiding the American Idol press conference?

Could it be that someone might have asked her about charges that she had a romantic relationship with Corey Clark, one of the show's former contestants?

You might recall that such charges were big news last year, particularly for ABC, which devoted an entire tabloid-type hour to the tacky controversy, insinuating that Abdul's alleged relationship with a contestant damaged the credibility of network television's No. 1 show.

Is there such a disease as "interviewitis"?

Abdul's "no-show" produced some caustic comments from co-judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.

Did something happen to her eye after she left Tonight?

"It fell out," said Cowell.

"She had to put it back in," Jackson added.

"We don't want to spread any rumors here," Cowell said.

Peter Liguori, Fox's entertainment president, seemed defensive when discussing the Abdul controversy.

Noting that Fox used outside counsel and did an extensive investigation, Liguori said: "We found the claims were unsubstantiated and clearly felt there was no need for any action on our part.

"We clarified and reclarified our fraternization policies and feel from this point forward that, in fact, as always, the show and its competition are paramount and its sanctity is in place."

When American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe was pressed for his opinion on the controversy, he replied. "I think Peter Liguori put an end to that. And I'm very happy to leave it there, to be quite frank with you.

"The series needs to move on and we have to move on, too."

The basic rule, he said, is "non-fraternization."

"No touching," said Cowell, whose sarcasm level continued high.

"I can't touch Simon anymore," Jackson said with a grin.

End of scandal story.

Liguori, with tongue in cheek, played down the enormous success of American Idol when asked for a prediction about the continuing popularity of the series that premiered its fifth season Tuesday night.

Liguori noted that a year ago, Gail Berman, his predecessor, said American Idol would lose 10 percent of its audience because of heavy network opposition.

Instead, American Idol averaged 27 million viewers last season.

"I should predict the show will go down 20 percent," Liguori said.

Of equal interest to critics was the future of Fox's award-winning comedy Arrested Development.

"It is highly unlikely that Arrested Development will be coming back for another season, although no definitive, final decision has been made," Liguori said.

The series will end its shortened third season with a marathon outing Feb. 10 - four successive episodes.

Liguori indicated a final decision would be made following audience response on that night.

Meanwhile, Showtime officials are still interested in taking over the show, according to series producers.

And several trade journals have reported that ABC also has expressed interest.

Arrested Development remains in limbo until Fox makes its decision.

Liguori, not surprisingly, announced that Malcolm in the Middle and That '70s Show will end their long runs in May.

Malcolm, in its seventh season, moves back to Sunday Jan. 29 and will air its 150th and final episode May 14.

That '70s Show, a Fox staple for eight years, will end its run May 18 after broadcasting its 200th episode. There's a possibility that former stars Topher Grace and Ashton Kutcher will return for the finale, Liguori said.

Also on Fox's potential cancellation list is King of the Hill, one of the network's Sunday-night animated series. ``xEEuypZyyuFdqzZbrkT``x1137657600``x(default) abdul skips 'idol' chatter ``xIgor``xPASADENA, Calif. -- Paula Abdul, under investigation last year after accusations by a former "American Idol" contestant that she had a sexual relationship with him, was a no-show at the "Idol" press conference yesterday.

Despite Abdul's appearance with the other judges on NBC's "The Tonight Show" Monday, a Fox publicist announced Abdul had an eye infection yesterday morning, which seems as likely as the dog eating my homework, the cow jumping over the moon and pigs flying.

More likely, Abdul simply didn't want to rehash questions about what sort of relationship she had with former "Idol" contestant Corey Clark.

When I asked if Abdul's eye problem began after the judges taped their "Tonight Show" appearance, judge Simon Cowell quipped, "It fell out."

"She had to put it back in," judge Randy Jackson added.

Producers said Fox hasn't changed its rules but has reminded the judges of the show's policy of no fraternization with contestants.

"I can't touch Simon anymore," Jackson joked. "It's like 'Brokeback Mountain': I can't quit you, Simon."

For viewers, a bigger controversy could be the fact that Jackson and Abdul voted through an unworthy contestant in last night's season premiere. Host Ryan Seacrest nicknamed him "Crazy Dave," and Cowell acknowledged Crazy Dave didn't deserve to move forward in the contest. Jackson couldn't recall the contestant.

"It was like Randy went deaf this year," Cowell said. "I don't know what happened."

Cowell, who recently signed a new contract to appear on "Idol," said he never seriously considered sitting out, although Jackson said the show could have continued without Cowell.

"Just smaller," Cowell said.

"And cheaper," Seacrest added.``xEEuypZZFZVGnWYLpiq``x1137571200``x(default) paula abdul defended by hotel boss``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul has nothing to do with the sacking of two Las Vegas hotel workers, according to bosses at the Silverton Casino Hotel Lodge.

Carol Good and Damon Rosa alleged they were terminated after Abdul unfairly accused them of failing to help her change the time of her flight out of the city earlier this month (06JAN06).

But Silverton president Craig Cavileer insists "the alleged decision to recently terminate two of our team members was not based on any request or direction of Ms Abdul as has been reported by the media".

He adds the allegations "are totally unfair to Ms Abdul as she is recognized as one of the most kind, compassionate and caring personalities in the world".

But Good maintains, "My termination paper says 'rudeness to customer' and Damon's says 'did not provide customer service'."

The pair allege Abdul verbally abused them after she called at 6am and asked them to change her 7.40am flight booking.``xEEuypZZVyVpDodbsVZ``x1137398400``x(default) paula abdul accused of getting hotel workers fired ``xIgor``xPaula Abdul has been accused of getting two Las Vegas hotel workers fired when their attempts to help change the former pop star's flight times failed.

Former Silverton Hotel employees Carol Good and Damon Rosa claim they did everything Abdul asked, but were dismissed last week (06JAN06) after Abdul complained because the flight she hoped to book was already full.

They told a Las Vegas newspaper Abdul called reception at 6am hoping to change her 7.40 flight for a later one. But before they could call her back with the results of their enquiry, she called and Good alleges "went off at me".

The pair were suspended on 5 January and fired on 6 January, reports gossip site The Scoop.

``xEEuypZZyuFeOCRNrcK``x1137052800``x(default) paula's 'idol' preview``xIgor``x"American Idol" continues its countdown to the Final 24 this week, with excerpts from the best and the worst singers from auditions that took place this summer in San Francisco, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Denver and Greensboro.

The judges -- PAULA ABDUL, RANDY JACKSON and Mr. Nasty SIMON COWELL -- will be selecting the group who get to move on to the Hollywood Round, which will begin airing on Wednesday, Feb. 8.

"There are some that are just beyond bizzare," Paula tells MARY HART on the ET set. "You just got to love them. Sometimes I think [the bad auditions] is Simon's favorite part. He loves it, because he loves the hysterics of the bad ones. I laugh, but then I can't wait to get down to the competition."

Then from those who make it to Hollywood, the judges will pick the best 12 men and the best 12 women to compete for the "Idol" title. All three judges this year believe the contest could go either way. Even though a woman has won three of the four competitions -- CARRIE UNDERWOOD, FANTASIA and KELLY CLARKSON versus RUBEN STUDDARD -- this time the boys are supposed to be as strong as the girls.

"We have the best season coming up and the best talent," Paula adds. "I am telling you we have unique voices and we have equal talent gender wise. The males are strong and so are the females."

So how are Simon and Paula getting along?

"The first city, the first 10 minutes, we had the biggest fight," Paula shares. "Maybe because he was in a bad mood; maybe because he got out of the wrong side of the bed. I don't know, Mary. I just try to let it run its course. The fireworks are not planned. I came in with a happy face, ready to go, then Mr. Miserable showed up. Then he is lovable and fun, and everything is great until the next bad mood."``xEEuypZZZFVuBQXZNaP``x1136793600``x(default) abdul warns of 'idol' heartthrobs``xIgor``xPaula Abdul thinks that the upcoming fifth season of "American Idol" may be the strongest season yet, "so it's kind of exciting for us," she told People magazine. "It's the first season we've had strong males and strong females together." She wants to warn female viewers, though, that they should watch at their own risk, since two of the contestants will make them swoon once they sing. "The one girls are gonna fall in love with is Ace," she said. "Man, oh, man, girls are going to fall in love with him. And a guy named Patrick, too. They both have great voices." "American Idol" premieres January 17 at 8 p.m. on FOX. ...``xEEuypZkplVkCMGCwjF``x1136448000``x(default) paula abdul to entertain las vegas visitors``xIgor``xAmerica Idol judge Paula Abdul has signed up to direct the entertainment at an array of venues around Las Vegas.

The Straight Up singer will be flying between her Los Angeles home and the Nevada oasis to work on different projects with veteran developer Ed Roski.

She says, "I'm doing creative entertainment, like creative director, and I'm building all these incredible shows, fun stuff. You guys are gonna have a blast.

"It's a three-year project. It started with the Silverton (hotel and casino).

And then there's like 150 acres surrounding where they're making another hotel.

"I'm looking for (talent for the shows)."``xEEuypZZlEFvFDgnoXc``x1134201600``x(default) paula abdul to pen autobiography``xIgor``xFormer pop pin-up Paula Abdul has announced plans to release her autobiography.

The Straight Up singer, who now serves as a judge on TV talent show American Idol, is excitedly preparing to tell all about her life, after recently meeting up with British mogul Richard Branson.

She says, "I reconnected, after 16 years, with Richard Branson, who's publishing my life story. It's so exciting."``xEEuypZlpppRLSVsAnn``x1134115200``x(default) paula abdul stars in "cardio cheer" exercise program dvd``xIgor``xPaula Abdul and DNA Studio Create the 'Cardio Cheer' Phenomenon 'An Exercise Program That Will Make You Stand up and Cheer!!'

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Paula Abdul's extraordinary career -- which includes worldwide album sales exceeding 40 million records, two Emmy Awards and her role as the heart and soul of the record breaking television series, "American Idol" -- all began with her days as cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers. Now Paula has created a new fitness sensation -- a high-energy, comprehensive cheerleading and dance fitness program. This series is for the millions of girls of all ages who dream of making their school's cheer squad, improving their dancing, or those who just want to claim a leaner, stronger, more toned body.

Motivated by legendary cheerleaders like Paula and movies like "Bring It On," more than four million students dance, or perform on a cheer squad and millions more are looking for an edge to help them make the team -- or just get in great shape. And millions more adults are always looking to get a leaner, stronger body with an exercise program that is fun, full of energy and that will teach them to get rid of their two left feet.

"Cheerleading is a combination of three things I know -- fitness, dance and music," said co-creator and executive producer Paula Abdul. "I felt that creating Cardio Cheer would be a great way to teach dance, build confidence, help today's kids be healthy in a way that will be welcoming -- not intimidating." Reductions in school programs and extracurricular activities, have greatly limited fitness options. With Cardio Cheer, girls can learn to dance and get in shape at home -- and feel great about going out for their team or squad, attending a school dance or going to a club with confidence.

The first wave in the CARDIO CHEER Movement is FITNESS, a five-disc series that teaches you how to get the body of a professional cheerleader. Working with Century City-based production and marketing company DNA Studio, Paula has brought together a Cheerleading All-Star team, Renee Herlocker and Candice Jones from the Denver Broncos, Traci Swain of the New York Knicks and Lindsay Rosenberg of Los Angeles Clippers, to motivate the next generation of cheerleaders to new levels of fitness. The series will hit December 10th and aspiring cheerleaders will be offered, for the very first time, a package that shares -- and breaks down -- the training techniques, moves, skills and drills of the professionals. It's everything a cheerleader needs to tighten the body, increase flexibility, add punch to jumps and take her performance to new heights.

The second wave of the Cardio Cheer movement -- DANCE -- will hit in Spring 2006. Where FITNESS inspired the body, DANCE sets it free! As choreographer for the Laker Girls and numerous feature films, Paula changed the face of modern cheerleading. Now, along with professional cheerleaders and dancers, she'll bring her legendary moves and innovative teaching techniques right into the living room and gyms of the next generation of cheerleading stars.

The third wave -- CARDIO CHEER MUSIC -- will really turn up the heat in the Summer of 2006. Also known for her multi-platinum, Grammy-winning recording career and such hits as "Straight Up," "Rush, Rush," and "Forever Your Girl," Paula will produce a CD featuring re-mixed performances by top musical artists tailored to be the perfect accompaniment to high energy, high impact, dazzling cheer and dance routines.

On the panel of "American Idol," Paula calls upon her expertise to judge what it takes to be a star for a fortunate few. With the CARDIO CHEER Movement, she uses that expertise to help shape, strengthen and inspire the talent, creativity and confidence that lives in everyone.

Chris Gibbin, DNA Studio COO and executive producer of CARDIO CHEER, says, "Millions of girls are devoted to their cheer squads and to improving their performances, but no one had ever provided them with the complete package to let them know what it really takes to reach their personal best. Now they can hear it straight from Paula and the pros themselves."

Currently in post-production, this inspiring DVD series was shot in HD at the Warner Studios Back Lot. "The neighborhood set," says executive producer Matti Leshem, "is really a tribute to all the homes across America where cheerleading dreams are born." This complete set will be released this holiday season and sold exclusively by DNA Studio through the web (www.cardiocheer.com) and a dedicated call center at 1-877-24-CHEER.

The Denver Broncos' Candice Jones, one of the series' four stars, agrees. "I only wish that when I was younger there could have been a mentor to give me direction and encouragement. But now, working with Paula on CARDIO CHEER, I get to use my experience to help others reach their goals."

CARDIO CHEER FITNESS DVD SYNOPSIS

Disc One: STRETCH. From her years as a Lakers Girl, Paula Abdul knows that warming up with a great stretch is a key element in achieving an outstanding and injury free cheerleading performance. Together with the Denver Broncos' Candice Jones, Paula gets right to work on flexibility and balance. By lengthening your muscles and targeting your breathing, Candice prepares your body to deal with anything you might throw at it. It's a great routine to do before or after any of the other four workouts.

Disc Two: POWER. Paula and Traci Swain of the New York Knicks put your athleticism to the test with a routine that results in the explosive power in the core that gives cheerleaders their edge -- and great abs! As on all the discs, Paula reveals inside tips that will maximize the effectiveness of your work out and lead to faster results.

Disc Three: MOVES. From the High V and Low V to dagger position and reaches, mastering the moves on this disc, with the help of Paula and Denver Bronco Renee Herlocker, will make your routines sparkle with the assurance of a pro. Renee puts the emphasis on making clean, sharp movements while keeping a smile on your face, essentials for game day, tryouts and competitions.

Disc Four: JUMP. Candice Jones of the Denver Broncos is back, and this time she joins up with Paula armed with a bench and jump rope to put you through a range of physically demanding leg sets. Ramp up those old school jumping-jacks to performance levels and feel the burn. It's time to put some air in your routines.

Disc Five: ENDURANCE. Paula Abdul won't say quit, and after this cardiovascular workout using jump ropes and hand weights, you won't have to either. The leg lifts alone will separate the cheer-hopers from the cheer-leaders, so get ready to go four quarters with Lindsay Rosenberg of Los Angeles Clippers as she guides you through this high energy workout.

About DNA Studio

Founded in 1995 and with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and St. Louis, DNA Studio (www.dnastudio.com) is one of the advertising industry's top production and marketing companies. Their production arm was inaugurated in 2003 and is now producing several exciting titles in the direct DVD business.

SOURCE DNA Studio``xEEuypZlkZlQTGBcjOv``x1133510400``x(default) paula abdul struggles to find romance ``xIgor``xPaula Abdul is baffled by the lack of romance in her life, because she is great at finding lovers for her pals.

The American Idol judge, who was once married to Emilio Estevez, has been romantically linked to a number of men over the years, but the relationships have always come to an end. And she fears her high her profile could be scaring men away.

She says, "I have set six couples up and they're all still together. I do believe someone's got to be out there on the horizon."``xEEuypZlpVutWpbOCxS``x1133510400``x(default) cardio cheer``xIgor``xPaula Abdul, once a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers, has created a "Cardio Cheer" workout, which she's teaching via a five-disc video series. "Cheerleading is a combination of three things I know — fitness, dance and music," Abdul said in a statement. "I felt that creating 'Cardio Cheer' would be a great way to teach dance, build confidence, and help today's kids be healthy in a way that will be welcoming, not intimidating." The first part of the series, concentrating on fitness, will be available December 10, and will focus on tightening the body, increasing flexibility and adding punch to jumps. Follow-ups will focus on choreography (available in the spring) and music for cheer routines (as a CD mix that Abdul will produce, available in the summer). ...``xEEuypZkZuuQjRWJNHC``x1133510400``x(default) paula abdul relives idol's best and worst``xIgor``xWith a career turn as the positive pixie who sits between fellow judges Randy and Simon on American Idol, Paula Abdul is one of the few totally '80s artists who won't have to make a demeaning appearance on Hit Me Baby One More Time. The former Lakers girl became an MTV staple with videos like "Straight Up" and "Opposites Attract," but now hands out advice to hopeful pop wannabes on Fox's talent-show phenomenon. With the new DVD The Best & Worst of American Idol (now in stores), fans can relive the highs and lows from all four seasons with Abdul, who chatted with TV Guide about all things Idol.
TV Guide: Why will people want to watch this Idol DVD?
Paula Abdul: They'll get some good behind-the-scenes stuff. But when it gets right down to it, I think people love to see the growth of these kids and how the cream rises to the top. We do our job and get out to the most remote towns and find some amazing talent. People also love to see the bad acts. I find most women love when it gets down to the talent, but all the guys love the bad acts. That's how it is, which is pretty funny.

TV Guide: Why do guys like the cringe-worthy moments?
Abdul: Because it's real when you see [a bad singer] who has that angry look on their face that says to the judges, "How dare you say I'm bad?" You know they truly think we're delusional.

TV Guide: Are you all delusional?
Abdul: We're dysfunctional, a dysfunctional family. I'm the nurturing mom, Simon is the disapproving father and Randy is just the cool brother.

TV Guide: People love your spats with Simon.
Abdul: Simon represents the ugliness of the music business; it's very harsh and cruel. I'm the artist who wants to keep the dream alive. It's a good yin and yang.

TV Guide: What is the biggest mistake contestants make?
Abdul: Song choice, it always comes down to song choice. This year Nadia picked a song no one knew — it was bizarre. She exited out.


TV Guide: Did the response to William Hung a few years ago surprise you?
Abdul: No, I get it. That's what I love about America: They rallied behind this earnest and naive kid from Berkeley whom everybody made fun of. That was it, until he started taking it all seriously. Then America got mad. [Laughs]

TV Guide: Do you ever think the show can be mean?
Abdul: Of course it can be mean. That's why I have a hard time and we have honest fights on the show. I know this is a TV show first, but it has totally mean-spirited behavior at times.

TV Guide: Is Simon nicer off camera?
Abdul: Hell no! Are you kidding? You got the wrong impression if you think that. But I've softened him up a bit. He can stop being a snake for a minute, but there's still a snake there.

TV Guide: Do people want to sing for you in coffee shops or at the supermarket?
Abdul: All the time! Sometimes it works out to their advantage because I'll tell them, "We definitely need to audition you" and I'll give them the website and the dates. They make it through to Hollywood.

TV Guide: Who has been the most unique Idol?
Abdul: Well, there is no one like Fantasia — she sings every single time like it's her last performance. She also has an incredible work ethic.

TV Guide: What's been a low moment for Idol?
Abdul: Mario [Vazquez] leaving last season. I think he could have won.

TV Guide: Do you ever want to record again?
Abdul: I miss it at times, so I think there will be music coming out from me soon. I'm just doing so many projects right now....

TV Guide: Maybe Randy can produce your new album, and Simon will advise.
Abdul: That sounds like fun — not! Honestly, I could care less what Simon thinks.``xEEuypZlluAkEpBoJQf``x1133164800``x(default) abdul promises twins and talent for 'idol 5' ``xIgor``xIn a shocking move, "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul has confessed that if the early auditions are any indication, this could be the best season yet for the FOX talent show.
"We've gotten incredible people," Abdul gushes. "I think it's going to be the best, because we have some of the best singers."

If Abdul's prognostications hold up, this could be the fifth consecutive "best season ever" for "Idol," which has to be some sort of record. Abdul is at a bit of a loss to explain whether the guys or gals are responsible for this latest talent infusion.


"I think there's a little bit more female presence, then I'll change my mind because the male presence we have is so strong," she admits. "I wish you could check back to me when we get to Hollywood. The male talent we have, I'm really excited about. It's different. It's just all-over-the-map different. Different styles and I'm excited about it."
Abdul's surlier, more British cohort Simon Cowell has already openly discussed several favorites from the earliest audition rounds, including an Irish female who tried out in Las Vegas. Cowell's track record in such matters is pretty solid, given that he pretty much declared Carrie Underwod as last season's winner six months before America came to the same conclusion. Abdul, eagerly chatting with reporters these days to promote her participation in a newly released set of "Best & Worst" "Idol" DVDs, certainly remembers the chanteuse Cowell is celebrating, but she isn't ready to call of the show just yet.

"She's a star," Abdul claims. "She's a star, but what I don't like that Simon does -- and we all agree, I mean, I gave her a standing ovation, she is phenomenal -- but there are other phenomenal ones and it drives me crazy when Simon already announces the winner, who he thinks."

She continues, "It's like, 'Don't do that.' Don't do it for the sake of the competition. Don't do it for the sake of the spirit and psyche of the performers. Don't do it. Let America find it out."

While she won't anoint a champ just yet, Abdul can confidently promise that viewers will get their fill of twins when the show returns to boost FOX's fortunes this January.

"We have two sets of twins, African-American twins, that are incredible," Abdul swears. "Two that are 27, identical, and two that are 16, identical. The 27-year-olds, like Luther Vandross, the 16-year-olds, Usher to the nth degree. It's going to be awesome to see twins in the Final 12. I don't know if that will happen. We'll see."

"Idol" fans who are still traumatized that tone-deaf brothers Noel and Jesus Roman somehow snuck into the Top 32 of Season Three may be skeptical about this sibling rivalry. One thing fans won't have to experience, the "Opposites Attract" singer promises, is a Paula Abdul Theme Night.

"It wouldn't be fun for me," she claims. "The audience would love it. It would be fun for them. I think it would drive Simon insane. I think he couldn't handle it. I think he'd break out in hives."``xEEuypZlAkywSDeDllb``x1132732800``x(default) abdul raves about 'idol' dvd ``xIgor``xBecause of complicated issues involving clearances and copyright law, the first four seasons of FOX's "American Idol" are unlikely to arrive on DVD in uncut form any time soon, a fact that disappoints judge Paula Abdul.
"That's the whole political stuff that I don't get," Abdul admits. "If it were up to me, it'd be different. Sometimes, when a show is so successful like 'American Idol,' it's hard to get everything right, the way you want it to be."

Fortunately, an exhaustive 10-hour-plus compilation of the best and worst "Idol" moments will finally hit shelves this Tuesday (Nov. 22), in a collection dominated by fresh contributions from Abdul. While Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson appear only in canned highlights, Abdul offers new analysis, interviews former contestants and even opens up herself in a lengthy discussion available on the bonus disk of the "American Idol - The Best & Worst of American Idol" limited addition.


"They felt I'd be the right one for it, since I'm an artist myself and I have a close connection with what they go through and what it feels like to be under scrutiny of trying to be your very best for a minute-and-twenty-seconds getting through adversity and hitting your mark the next week even if you don't do the best," Abdul says of her extensive involvement. "They felt I'd be the best at it and I am."
The individual "Best" and "Worst" DVDs are also packaged separately and Abdul is well aware that the assembled masterworks of William Hung, Scary Mary and "Like a Virgin" Keith are likely to be more popular than the more melodic stylings of Constantine Maroulis, Kelly Clarkson or Clay Aiken. She insists that the showcased horrendous auditions represent the true bottom of the barrel, rather than the myriad fakers who show up every year.

"What you do see are the ones who are really delusional, who actually have a serious problem with us and think we are out of our minds," she says.

That's not exactly true. The "Worst" DVD does contain the catchy rap performed in Season Three by one Christopher Noll, the comic better known to MTV viewers as Chris Wylde. The DVD provides no explanation for the practical joke and Abdul is typically chipper about the incident.

"He fooled us," is all she'll say. "First of all, I thought he was really good at doing the rap. I thought he was funny. What you didn't see was how angry he was when he didn't get it."

When it comes to listing her personal favorites, Abdul begins with Season Three champ Fantasia Barrino, but the generally enthusiastic one-time pop star can spread the love.

"I loved it when Constantine did 'My Funny Valentine' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody,'" Abdul starts. "I loved Bo Bice's performances. I loved watching Vonzell Solomon grown into like a stealth warrior. I loved LaToya London and Jennifer Hudson, I loved when we have the Three Divas. There are so many. Season One, I was crushed when I saw Tamyra Gray leave the competition."

Although she's developed a reputation for rarely criticizing contestants, Abdul notes, in a surprisingly candid moment, that she was frustrated, particularly in the first season, by the way she was depicted on the show.

"They didn't represent me fairly at all," she declares. "They edited me out. It came out as 'Oh gosh, Paula doesn't say anything negative about anybody. She loves everybody. She doesn't have the courage or ability to say anything negative about anybody.'"

She continues, "It was a crash course in learning about television and editing and then learning how save what I had to say for live performances."

Abdul also briefly opens up on what true fans are sure to see as one of the major failings of the new DVD -- the absence of appropriate recognition for long-departed co-host Brian Dunkleman.

"That goes back to my theory about editing," she says. "A lot of people don't know what Dunkleman did for the show. Dunkleman won the Aspen Comedy Film Festival. That's why they hired him, so there had to be some substance there. That's all I'm going to tell you."

The "American Idol" DVDs, tragically sans Dunkleman, are now in stores. ``xEEuypZApFksMMirFZM``x1132646400``x(default) abdul opens up about painful eating disorder ``xIgor``xPaula Abdul's giant career spans decades, and this weekend, the "American Idol" judge was honored with a special award -- but it wasn't for her music or her success, but rather for overcoming her long-time battle with bulimia.

"It became a living hell for me," Abdul admitted. "I wanted to get help. I want to be free from weighing myself on the scales."

The National Eating Disorders Association presented Abdul with its highest honor, the Profiles in Living Award. So is Abdul happy with the way she looks today?

"You know, it's like any other girl," she admitted. "I have my moments when I look in the mirror and say, ‘I'm okay.' I refuse to weigh myself. I don't have scales in my house."

Abdul said she even battles sinister Simon when he slams "Idol" contestants about their weight. "It's perpetuating eating disorders," she insisted. "How much did Simon and I fight over that?"

Paula admitted the "American Idol" bickering is nothing personal. In fact, she even has a soft spot for Mr. Mean, telling us, "Three things I love about Simon Cowell. That he's nowhere around me right now; that he's on a plane back to London; and that I have a month before I see him."

As for her personal life -- don't even ask! "I'm not dating anybody," Abdul told us. "My life is pathetic. ‘Extra,' let's develop a show: ‘Win a Date with Paula Abdul.'" ``xEEuypZAEFVZETJkHYf``x1131004800``x(default) 'idol' helps established stars too ``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES (AP) -- It turns unknowns into icons overnight - but "American Idol" isn't just for aspiring singers. With its unparalleled exposure - the weekly audience is usually somewhere north of 30 million viewers - "Idol" is now launching record sales of the established artists who appear as guests.

As such, it has become a hot destination for music stars. Stevie Wonder and Shakira have appeared on recent programs, and veteran rocker Rod Stewart coached contestants on Tuesday's show and was set to sing on Wednesday's episode.

"It's a great opportunity for artists to be on the show in front of tens of millions of people," said Fletcher Foster, senior vice president of marketing for Capitol Records. "There's not a venue like that for music acts except when you come to the Grammy Awards and CMAs. But here's one program a week when you can be in front of that many eyeballs."

And those eyeballs are connected to wallets.




Barry Manilow's "Greatest Songs of the Fifties" soared from No. 24 to No. 4 on the pop charts - a sales increase of 140 percent - following his March appearance on the program. Shakira's most recent album, "Oral Fixation Vol. 2," which was reissued with a new single shortly before her hip-shaking "Idol" performance, jumped from No. 98 to No. 6 on the Billboard charts.

Artists have enjoyed sales boosts even when they didn't sing on the show, which began in June 2002, said Geoff Mayfield, senior analyst for Billboard magazine. Lionel Richie appeared as a guest judge during "Idol's" early days and saw sales of his greatest-hits collections shoot up, Mayfield said.

In fact, stars don't even have to appear on "Idol" to enjoy a sales spike. Sales of two Keith Urban singles increased more than 20 percent after contestants performed the songs on the show, Foster said.

"It's just those songs reaching a new audience," he said.

Music stars started appearing on "Idol" during its second edition. LL Cool J, Brandy, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Gloria Estefan and record mogul Clive Davis are among the big names who've lent their star power to the show.

No other weekly program promises such a massive audience of music fans, Mayfield said.

"In this era, you don't really have a variety show in prime time," he said. "So even though it's a newfangled contraption, and more `Amateur Hour' than `Ed Sullivan,' `American Idol' is today's version of a variety show. It's a weekly vehicle, not a once-a-year shot like the Grammys."

An "Idol" appearance can create its own media frenzy. After Kenny Rogers sang on the show two weeks ago, People magazine published a story about the country star, and radio stations added his new single to their playlists, Foster said.

Shakira's appearance was pegged to the release of a new single, said Lois Najarian, senior vice president of publicity for Epic Records: "It's an ideal place for a music star to be."``xEEuypZAFZumlACcfuI``x1127890800``x(default) paula abdul wins bet with simon cowell after emmy loss``xIgor``xPaula Abdul is $1,000 better off, thanks to her TV show American Idol losing out on an Emmy Award.

The Straight Up singer was certain her hit TV contest would not be victorious in the best reality competition show category at Sunday's (18SEP05) ceremony, while her fellow judge Simon Cowell begged to differ.

But once the award went to The Amazing Race, Abdul was seen declaring backstage, "I just won $1,000."

Cowell didn't attend the ceremony, as he was traveling in Italy.``xEEuypZAuypyQGSLbXR``x1127458800``x(default) paula abdul finds love``xIgor``xPaula Abdul has found love with model Dante Spencer.

American Idol judge Abdul, 43, met Spencer, 30, on a Hollywood dance floor just three months ago, and they're already smitten.

Spencer says, "We were salsa dancing in LA at a club called Mood on Hollywood Boulevard. I saw her and went right up to her. Before I said one word, she turned around and said, 'Who are you?' And it's been great ever since.

"It progressed slowly. We've been dating for a month and a half."

Spencer, who has modeled for the likes of International Male and Portuguese Men's Health, is currently pursuing an acting career and recently wrapped an independent film.

The only man she has been publicly linked with recently is American Idol reject Corey Clark, 25, who claimed that the two had a torrid three-month affair and that she coached him for the show. Abdul denied the allegations and an investigation was closed in August (05) due to "insufficient evidence".``xEEuypZAVkyjwsbpQsk``x1126854000``x(default) paula abdul reveals fondness for simon cowell``xIgor``xPaula Abdul has hinted her rivalry with fellow American Idol judge Simon Cowell is a sham, after heaping him with praise.

The pair have feuded throughout four seasons of the hit talent show.

But the singer has revealed affection for the sharp-tongued British record executive.

She says, "He's given a much-needed dose of reality to reality TV. Real cruelty is letting people believe in a dream they can never live up to.

"Simon's a man who gives credit where credit's due."``xEEuypZAypkRENhDnWs``x1126422000``x(default) paula abdul's with the 'idols' live! ``xIgor``xAmerican Idol Live!" has been touring the country since it debuted in July at the Office Depot Center in Sunrise, FL. This weekend the 10 "Idol" finalists came to San Jose, CA, and PAULA ABDUL was on hand to take us backstage for an inside look at the "Idols" on tour and a few behind-the-scenes secrets -- like who takes the longest to get ready!

"CARRIE UNDERWOOD, you might be coming up in the ranks," CONSTANTINE MAROULIS teases.

But Carrie contests, calling out finalist JESSICA SIERRA. "I would say Jessica because she takes an hour and a half for hair and makeup," she says. "I get whatever time is left!"

"ANTHONY [FEDOROV] might be coming in a close second!" Curly-haired Constantine says, continuing with the good-natured jabs.

Paula also finds out about a few embarrassing moments the singers have experienced on stage. "People like to throw Care Bears on stage and I've actually been hit with one before," Carrie reveals. "They weigh them down so they make it to the stage!"

Proving they have what it takes to keep an audience enthralled were ANWAR ROBINSON, Anthony, Jessica, Constantine, SCOTT SAVOL, NIKKO SMITH, who proved he can also dance and VONZELL SOLOMON, all of whom had major groups of fans in the audience.

MIA were NADIA TURNER and Alabama's favorite son BO BICE, who had surgery on Friday for a reported intestinal blockage.

Each finalist gets the chance to perform at least two songs, selected from their best performances on the hit FOX series, and some hook up for duets, such as Scott and Jessica on "Total Eclipse of the Heart."

Title holder Carrie is the final solo performer. She is then joined by the other nine finalists for a group sing on "Lean on Me" and "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A."

Carrie says that when she's not performing she's busy recording her new album. "We've had some top writers, some of the best people just sending their stuff," she says. "Because they're just as excited for me to sing their thing as I am about it."

Auditions for the fifth season of the talent competition kicked off last week in San Francisco at the Cow Palace, but that is just the beginning. If you think you've got what it takes to be the next KELLY CLARKSON, RUBEN STUDDARD, Carrie or FANTASIA, grab your overnight bag and boogie to:

Austin, TX Thursday, Aug. 25 Frank Erwin Center

Boston, MA Wednesday, Aug. 31 Gillette Stadium

Memphis, TN Monday, Sept. 5 FedEx Forum

Denver, CO Sunday, Sept. 11 Invesco Field

Chicago, IL Friday, Sept. 16 Soldier Field

(Note: Locations, dates and times are subject to change.)

For more of Paula's report on "American Idol Live!," tune in to tonight's ET.``xEEuypZAZFppAbSiouV``x1124694000``x(default) cowell glad abdul's still on 'idol'``xIgor``xSimon Cowell may not always care for fellow "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul's opinions, but the man knows it's good television. So it's no surprise he's happy to see Abdul remain with the show after being cleared of charges she got a little too close to a past contestant.
"Paula Abdul is coming back to the show and absolutely rightly so," Cowell tells "Extra" correspondent Terri Seymour -- who also happens to be his girlfriend -- in an interview airing Tuesday (Aug. 16). "The show would not be the same without Paula."

Former "Idol" contestant Corey Clark alleged earlier this year that he and Abdul had a sexual relationship and that she coached him on song choices during his time on the FOX show in 2003. Independent investigators hired by the network and the show's producers concluded last week that there was no evidence to corroborate Clark's charges.


Consequently, when auditions for the fifth season of "American Idol" begin later this week in San Francisco, Abdul will be in her familiar spot between Cowell and Randy Jackson at the judges' table. Cowell wouldn't have it any other way, although he says his hope for the coming season is that "Paula and Randy say less and me to be given more air time."
Cowell is also facing some heat of his own over a show called "Million Dollar Idea" he's developing at ABC. Last week the Minneapolis-based creators of a show with the same name and a similar premise -- giving inventors and entrepreneurs a shot at conquering the market -- sued, saying Cowell and the network stole their idea.

Cowell's response? "Let me tell you categorically -- and I will take a lie detector test -- I have never, ever seen their show," he says.``xEEuypZAlEVtMpHhQAz``x1124175600``x(default) american idol’s independent counsel makes a decision``xIgor``xAmerican Idol raised eyebrows when it was announced that an independent counsel had been hired to look into allegations of impropriety between Paula Abdul and Corey Clark. That counsel has come to a conclusion about Clark’s allegations, and Fox speaks on Abdul’s future, as well as the future of American Idol! Changes are coming!

"We have determined, based on the findings of this thorough and detailed inquiry, that there is insufficient evidence that the communications between Mr. Clark and Ms. Abdul in any way aided his performance," a statement from Fox and the producers reads. "Further, we are confident that none of these communications had any impact on the outcome of the competition.

"Paula Abdul, therefore, can continue as a judge on 'American Idol.'"

This announcement comes just six days before auditions for the fifth season of the top-rated talent competition begin.

We now know that Fox and the show’s producers hired Marcellus McRae and Ivy Kagan Bierman, lawyers with "extensive experience in handling investigations of this nature," to look into these allegations.

McRae and Bierman concluded that Clark's major claims "have not been substantiated by any corroborating evidence or witnesses, including those provided by Mr. Clark himself." Paula Abdul "expressly denies" Clark's allegations. Abdul did admit talking on the phone with Clark during his time on the show, but her recollection of those calls and Clark's "differ greatly." The investigators say they found no independent evidence to reconcile their accounts.

In her own statement, Abdul says she's "grateful this ordeal is over, and I'm so looking forward to getting back to the job I love."

But one change that has come out of this is that Fox says it will tighten the rules covering fraternization between Idol judges and contestants. The network wants to eliminate any situation "that could even appear to call into question" the relationship between a contestant and someone working on the show.

While there has not yet been a statement released by Corey Clark as of this writing, another contestant from season two finds the hiring of independent counsel to be little more than a publicity stunt. In a recent exclusive with Foxes On Idol’s Phil Kural, Trenyce had this to say about the hiring of independent counsel: “What network would actually hire an outside counsel to come in and rat them out? Now, they may pay to have someone keep their mouth shut or dump evidence, but why would they pay them to tell the public that FOX and Fremantle are covering their butts? I know that fans want to believe in this show because they become so attached to the contestants, but don't let it cloud your judgment. There is a saying that a friend of mine always says: If it LOOKS like a yellow duck, then it is NOT a gray goose! It is what it is.”``xEEuyplppVAPPhmJPTV``x1124089200``x(default) paula abdul to carry on as american idol judge following probe``xIgor``xPaula Abdul's job as a judge on hit TV contest American Idol is safe, after an independent counsel ruled there is no proof she had an affair with one of the show's contestants.

While bosses at US TV network Fox will keep Abdul in her role, they've vowed to implement an "enhanced non-fraternisation policy" for when the Straight Up singer and her fellow judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson return to work to prevent future questionable incidents involving contestants.

Abdul says in a statement: "I'm grateful this ordeal is over, and I'm so looking forward to getting back to the job I love. Once again, I thank my fans from throughout the world for their undying love and support."

Bosses at Fox hired an independent counsel last month (JUL05) to investigate claims by former Idol contender Corey Clark that he had a sexual relationship with Abdul when he was a contestant in 2003, and that she helped him prepare for his performances on the show.

Abdul dismissed the claims as lies, although she did admit to having telephone conversations with Clark.``xEEuypZAlZAuILswcQq``x1124089200``x(default) abdul cleared of 'idol' rumors ``xIgor``xAfter an investigation worthy of a landmark Supreme Court case, Fox TV suddenly announced yesterday that it found no reason to kick "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul off the show.
Abdul was accused of making whoopee with a show contestant, Corey Clark.

After 600 hours of work over 31/2 months - during which 43 people were interviewed and volumes of "records and materials" were examined - the verdict was that Clark had no proof to back up his claims.

Fox and the show's producers also said "an enhanced nonfraternization program" is being implemented to make sure judges and contestants keep their distance from now on.

"Idol" hit the fan in May when Clark, 24, claimed the 42-year-old Abdul coached him, dressed him, groomed him - and bedded him.

"She was like, 'You got to have better song choices, and I want to help you do that. I want to look out after you like I'm your mom,'" he said.

Abdul, who had denied the allegations, said she's "grateful this ordeal is over." ``xEEuyplpVuEzEnwRHWj``x1123916400``x(default) inquiry backs us idol judge abdul ``xIgor``xAmerican Idol broadcaster Fox has found no evidence that judge Paula Abdul privately coached one of the talent show's contestants.
Corey Clark, 25, alleged that Abdul trained him while the pair were conducting a secret affair.

A Fox investigation concluded that Abdul had not given him any special help with his songs or performance.

Abdul, who denied having a relationship with Mr Clark, said she was "grateful this ordeal is over".

Admitted conversations

Based on the UK's Pop Idol format, American Idol is one of the most popular shows in the US, launching the career of singer Kelly Clarkson and reviving the career of ex-pop star Abdul.

Mr Clark was ejected from its second series in 2003 for concealing a prior arrest.

In May he told the ABC TV network that Abdul, 43, coached him privately on his singing, gave him money for expensive clothes and began a platonic relationship that soon turned sexual.

In July Fox TV set up an independent council to examine his allegations.

It said Abdul acknowledged that she had phone conversations with Mr Clark while he was a contestant, but she denied the talks were related to her giving assistance.

The broadcaster concluded that Abdul and Mr Clark's accounts of the phone calls "differ greatly and no evidence was uncovered to resolve the conflicts in their accounts".

Fox said Abdul was expected to return as a judge for the fifth series of the hit show, to be shown in January 2006.

She recently joined Fox's latest reality show So You Think You Can Dance, travelling the US to give dancing tips to the general public. ``xEEuyplpupVyOJsbRFq``x1123916400``x(default) fox releases official response to corey clark allegations about paula abdul``xIgor``xStatement from FremantleMedia, N.A., Inc, Fox Broadcasting Company and 19 Entertainment, Regarding Paula Abdul and Corey Clark

Upon hearing allegations made earlier this year about an improper relationship between “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul and former contestant Corey Clark, FremantleMedia, N.A., Inc., Fox Broadcasting Company and 19 Entertainment immediately launched an internal investigation. This decision to begin an inquiry was motivated by a profound commitment to preserve the integrity of the “American Idol” competition.

The inquiry was jointly conducted by outside counsel Marcellus McRae, a partner at the law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and a former federal prosecutor, and Ivy Kagan Bierman, an entertainment and labor partner at the law firm of Morrison & Foerster LLP. Both have particular expertise in handling Entertainment Industry matters and extensive experience in handling investigations of this nature.

The investigation required almost 600 hours of legal work and spanned over three and a half months. 43 individuals were interviewed, including Ms. Abdul and Mr. Clark. An extensive review was also conducted of records and materials provided by Mr. Clark and Ms. Abdul.

After completing the inquiry, the investigators concluded:

· Mr. Clark’s allegations that he and Ms. Abdul had a sexual relationship have not been substantiated by any corroborating evidence or witnesses, including those provided by Mr. Clark, and Ms. Abdul expressly denies that any such relationship ever existed.

· Mr. Clark’s allegations that Ms. Abdul provided him any special assistance regarding his performance during the competition (including, but not limited to such things as song or wardrobe choice) have not been substantiated by any corroborating evidence or witnesses, including those provided by Mr. Clark himself, and Ms. Abdul expressly denies these allegations.

· Ms. Abdul acknowledges that she had telephone conversations with Mr. Clark while he was a contestant. Their accounts of those conversations, however, differ greatly and no evidence was uncovered to resolve the conflicts in their accounts. Ms. Abdul expressly denies that any of these conversations related to Mr. Clark’s claims of special assistance.

We have determined, based on the findings of this thorough and detailed inquiry, that there is insufficient evidence that the communications between Mr. Clark and Ms. Abdul in any way aided his performance. Further, we are confident that none of these communications had any impact on the outcome of the competition.

Paula Abdul, therefore, can continue as a judge on “American Idol.”

Regardless of these findings, and to further protect the integrity of the competition, we are implementing an enhanced non-fraternization policy aimed at preventing any future incidents that could even appear to call into question the relationships between contestants and judges or any other individuals working on “American Idol.”

We appreciate the cooperation of Mr. Clark, Ms. Abdul and others who participated. As the inquiry relates to matters of a personal nature, and in order to protect the privacy interests of the individuals contacted in the course of this investigation, no further information regarding the identity of witnesses or details of the inquiry will be disclosed.

We thank the fans of “American Idol” for their patience and support.``xEEuyplpEAprzqPgNFx``x1123916400``x(default) after probe, paula abdul to remain on ‘idol’``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES - “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul will remain with the hit Fox TV series after an investigation found no proof that she had an affair with a contestant or helped him on the talent show, the network said Friday.

Lawyers who investigated claims by former contestant Corey Clark of a sexual relationship with Abdul could not substantiate his allegations, Fox said.

“Paula Abdul, therefore, can continue as a judge on ’American Idol,”’ the network and series producers said in a statement.``xEEuyplplEFyiQFNLWN``x1123830000``x(default) paula steps out of "dance"``xIgor``xPaula Abdul's going to sit this Dance out.

The American Idol judge, who had been slated to appear as a roving correspondent on Fox's So You Think You Can Dance, will instead be spending her time fulfilling various Idol obligations, her publicist said Friday.

"We had not anticipated the time commitment required to successfully produce and appear" in the show, Abdul's rep, Ken Sunshine, said in a statement. "It became apparent that her prior commitments...made it impossible to be part of this new show."

Said commitments include promoting a new American Idol DVD and working on the upcoming fifth season of the show, Sunshine said.

Fox and the producers of So You Think You Can Dance took Abdul's pull-out in stride, issuing a statement that they "respect Paula's decision to step away."

"We wish her all the best and look forward to working with her soon," the statement read.

Abdul's role on the show was said to involve "teach[ing] large groups of real people how to find their groove thing and really shake it."

The quickstepping reality series features a format similar to Idol, with contestants throwing out their best moves in the hopes of landing a $100,000 prize and a one-year lease on a New York apartment.

Like Idol, the show's final outcome will be decided by viewers.

So You Think... started out strong, but rapidly slumped in the ratings as viewers seemed to recover from the dance fever first ignited by ABC's Dancing with the Stars.

Meanwhile, Abdul's Idol-heavy schedule seems to indicate that she will be returning to the show, despite an ongoing investigation into whether she carried on an affair with former Idol contestant Corey Clark.

Last month, Fox Entertainment President Peter Liguori said the network had hired an independent counsel to probe Clark's allegations that he was both bedded and coached by the "Forever Your Girl" singer while still in the running on the show's second season. Abdul has denied Clark's claims.

Liguori said that if the investigation wasn't completed by Aug. 18 when auditions for the new season begin, Abdul would be permitted to return to her seat between Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell and resume the business of giving young hopefuls her opinion on their vocal stylings.

"The audience loves Paula. She continues to get online support," Liguori said. "Her supporters light up our switchboard. We have nothing right now that says she shouldn't report for work."

Should the eventual findings in the investigation go against Abdul, it's still unclear whether she would be removed from the Idol panel.

However, Liguori stressed that the talent show's integrity is of utmost importance to the network.

"The credibility of that competition is important to us and we will do everything to maintain the integrity of the show," he said.

American Idol is scheduled to return to the airwaves in January 2006. ``xEEuyplpAkucWRkQYmS``x1123484400``x(default) paula abdul pulls out of fox's 'so you think you can dance' series``xIgor``x"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul will not appear on Fox TV's new talent reality show, "So You Think You Can Dance" after all.

Fox originally announced it was sendng Abdul across the nation to help dancers "find their groove thing and really shake it."

But her publicist released a statement Friday saying Abdul was too busy working on the "American Idol" DVD and preparing for the next season, Zap2it.com reported.

The statement said: "It became apparent that her prior commitments ... made it impossible to be part of this new show."

Fox President Peter Ligouri revealed last week the network had an independent investigator looking into charges of misconduct leveled against Abdul by former "Idol" contestant Corey Clark, who claims they were having an affair and she helped him select songs for the competition.

Ligouri said the results of the investigation would be made public.``xEEuyplEEFkGmwOJAER``x1123311600``x(default) 'idol' sticking with abdul ``xIgor``xBEVERLY HILLS - Despite allegations of "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul's sexual misconduct with 2003 finalist Corey Clark, Abdul will be participating as production begins soon on a new round of shows, Fox Entertainment President Peter Liguori said yesterday.
Fox has retained an independent counsel to investigate the allegations, but doesn't expect conclusions to be reached before the first "Idol" auditions are held Aug. 18 in San Francisco.

"We want the investigation to be thorough rather than expeditious," Liguori said. "The investigation is kind of winding down, but what I don't want to do is impose any of our production timetable on it.

"I'd rather be able to come to a conclusion with the independent counsel and our production partners, and come out with a definitive answer and conclusion for you."

Liguori would neither identify the independent counsel nor confirm that an "Idol" judge having sex with a contestant would be a firing offense. He did say that, if necessary, guest judges could be added to the show to complete the season - but for Liguori, the central question is whether a judge, or anyone else involved with the program, is improperly affecting the outcome of "American Idol."

"Any allegations against this show, we take quite seriously," Liguori said. "The credibility of the competition is extraordinarily important to us."

Abdul has denied the allegations.

On other Fox issues, Liguori said:


The still-feuding Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie will co-exist on a third season of "The Simple Life." "We'll figure it out," he said. "Both have been picked up, and both will be ready to work."

His programming strategy for fall: "We will launch virtually all of our shows before any of our competitors launch theirs. ... Our goal is to stay No. 1 [among 18- to 49-year-olds]. The only way to stay No. 1 is to be aggressive."

His reaction to the fact that the two fall shows receiving the best buzz, NBC's "My Name is Earl" and UPN's "Everybody Hates Chris," were developed but rejected by Fox: "I don't really want to second-guess my predecessors in this seat. ... We're not second-guessing ourselves into paralysis."

As for the increasingly graphic and gory depiction of crimes in TV cop shows: "We're gearing those crimes to almost be popcornish. ... The intent there is actually to create creative, fun crimes." ``xEEuyplEuFZblvScDGQ``x1122620400``x(default) counsel probing paula abdul's alleged affair with american idol loser``xIgor``xBosses of American Idol have hired an independent counsel to probe claims that judge Paula Abdul had an affair with a contestant on the hit talent show.

Fox Entertainment president Peter Liguori, who says that the competition's credibility is "extraordinarily important" to the company, refuses to say if Fox and producers Fremantle Media and 19 Television will fire Abdul if the claims by Corey Clark, an ousted contestant, are found to be true.

He says, "Any allegations against this show we take quite seriously."

The probe's results will soon be made public, declares Liguori, who adds that Abdul, Clark and "corroborating witnesses" have been questioned.

Clark claims Abdul advised him on his singing and appearance during their alleged relationship. In the past, Abdul has denied the allegations.

Although auditions for the fifth season are looming in August (05), Liguori insists the investigation will not be rushed, despite uncertainty over Abdul's continued role in the show.

He notes, "I'd rather be able to come to a conclusion with the independent counsel and our production partners and come out with a definitive answer and conclusion for (the public), rather than race to have a conclusion before production starts."

Clark was dumped from American Idol in 2003 because he failed to reveal a prior arrest.``xEEuyplEFFZnIXrpymt``x1122620400``x(default) paula gets an "idol" timeline``xIgor``x
Headlines • First Look • The Dotted Line • E! News




Paula Gets an "Idol" Timeline

by Sarah Hall
Jul 28, 2005, 2:30 PM PT



The countdown is on to determine whether Paula Abdul will keep her job as an American Idol judge.

Fox and the producers of the talent search have launched an investigation into former Idol contestant Corey Clark's claims that he carried on an affair with Abdul before he was booted off the second season of the show.

a d v e r t i s e m e n t





But if the independent counsel hired to conduct the probe does not complete the task by Aug. 18 when auditions for the fifth season commence, Abdul will be permitted to take her seat between her fellow judges Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, Fox Entertainment President Peter Liguori said Thursday at the Television Critics Association press tour.

Liguori said that both Clark and Abdul have already been interviewed regarding Clark's allegations.

He said that Abdul had denied some of Clark's claims, but declined to go into details.

"Some allegations were denied," Liguori said. "I don't want to get into the guts of it."

He said that until the independent counsel reaches a final decision, he sees no reason that Abdul shouldn't continue clocking in on the Idol set as usual.

"The audience loves Paula. She continues to get online support," Liguori said. "Her supporters light up our switchboard. We have nothing right now that says she shouldn't report for work."

However, Liguori stressed that the network was taking the investigation into its highest rated show very seriously.

"The credibility of that competition is important to us and we will do everything to maintain the integrity of the show," he said.

Clark, who faded into obscurity following his Idol elimination, resurfaced in April 2005 to expose his allegations against Abdul.

He was the subject of an ABC Primetime Live report titled Fallen Idol, in which he claimed that Abdul had coached him on song choices and given him money to buy expensive clothes. Ultimately, he said, the two became lovers.

Abdul has denounced Clark as a "liar" and refused to dignify his "false statements" with a response.

Shortly after his Primetime exposй, Clark released a self-titled album and a tell-all book titled They Told Me to Tell the Truth, So...(The Sex, Lies, and Paulatics of One of America's Idols).

At the time, Fox and the producers of Idol claimed to have "concerns about the motives" of the ABC special. On Thursday, Liguori said he had watched the report and considered the reporting "thin."

"It was suspicious it was done during sweeps when the Idol finals were coming up," he said.

Should the evidence revealed by the probe work against Abdul, the former Laker Girl already has another gig in the works.

Abdul has been tapped as a roving correspondent on Fox's new reality series, So You Think You Can Dance, the network's apparent answer to ABC's Dancing with the Stars.

The "Forever Your Girl" singer's duties consist of traveling the country to "teach large groups of real people how to find their groove thing and really shake it."

Though Abdul's air date has not yet been announced, Dance has already proven to have moves.

Last week's premiere of the groove contest drew 10.3 million viewers, landing it a third-place finish in the ratings. ``xEEuyplkEpFlwLIMUhL``x1122534000``x(default) will abdul be forever fox network's girl?``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES — Paris and Nicole will be back on Fox, but Paula was on the minds of TV critics Thursday as they peppered the network's new entertainment chief Peter Liguori about American Idol's judge.

The cloud of controversy over allegations from ousted contestant Corey Clark that he had a relationship with and was coached by Abdul raised many questions from critics but few answers from Liguori.

"Any allegations against this show we take quite seriously," he said. But his main concern is whether "a judge or producers (are) affecting the outcome of the show."

He said the investigation by an outside lawyer is "winding down" after Clark agreed to cooperate. But Liguori called ABC News' report on Clark's charges "thin" and defended her on-air performance, which some critics called overly solicitous.

Abdul's future on the show should be determined by the time Idol begins auditioning contestants for its fifth edition Aug. 18 in San Francisco, followed by stops in Austin (Aug. 25); Boston (Aug. 31); Memphis (Sept. 5); Denver (Sept. 11); and Chicago (Sept. 16). Singers must be ages 16 to 28.

Meanwhile, Liguori confirmed that Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie will be reteamed for a fourth season of The Simple Life, scotching Hilton's plan to replace Richie with her new best friend Kimberly Stewart.

"We're not definitive with what direction it will take, but there's got to be something with the fact that Paris and Nicole are engaged and about to be married," Liguori said. It's possible that the duo will be filmed separately.

With 24, The O.C. and new hit House, Fox is less dependent on reality, but the network touted Xquest, due next summer, in which contestants will compete in space-travel simulators, and Skating with Celebrities, due by January, which is close to signing Nancy Kerrigan and Katarina Witt as judges, says reality chief Mike Darnell.

But the main focus for Liguori, who previously ran sibling cable network FX, is keeping Fox's grip on its target audience of adults ages 18 to 49.

Boosted by Idol - which had its highest numbers yet — and NBC's woes, ratings were up 2%, last season, marking Fox's first win among young adults. Now it hopes to expand with more "distinctive" and "dangerous" programming, he said. "It's the scariest position to be in; everyone in the office feels there's a target on our back."

Fox has high hopes for Prison Break, a serialized thriller about a man attempting to bust his wrongly accused brother out of jail, which gets an early start Aug. 29, and Bones, a crime drama about a forensic anthropologist that stars David Boreanaz (Angel) as an FBI agent.``xEEuyplEZlVlrhIwMMK``x1122534000``x(default) paula abdul returns to dancing roots ``xIgor``xPaula Abdul is set to show off her fancy footwork once again for a new US dancing reality TV show.

The Straight Up singer, who has served as a judge on hit TV contest American Idol since 2002, will return to her dancing roots on the new show So You Think You Can Dance.

Abdul, who has choreographed for stars including Janet Jackson, INXS and Prince, will travel across the US to teach large groups of people how to dance.

The show will make its debut tomorrow (20Jul05), while Abdul's efforts will be screened in video clips later on in the series.``xEEuyplkkEVNTFBSjfg``x1121756400``x(default) paula abdul saves anna-nicole smith``xIgor``xPaula Abdul came to Anna Nicole-Smith's rescue on the eve of Live 8 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when the busty actress realized her hair and make-up experts wouldn't be able to make the trip.

A distressed Anna-Nicole called the American Idol star for help after fearing she'd have to show up at the awareness concert not looking her best - and Adbul insisted she use her people.

Smith says, "She saved my butt and I won't forget it."``xEEuyplkFppILOaIWfk``x1121410800``x(default) how safe is your manicure?``xIgor``xWhy Paula Abdul Is Pushing for Better Standards in Salons and What You Can Do to Get a "Clean" Manicure
BEVERLY HILLS, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 07/11/2005 -- Paula Abdul recently testified in front of the California Senate Business and Professions Committee to lobby for stricter sanitation standards in nail salons. One can clearly appreciate that there is an alarming health risk spreading across the country. While "nail salon victims" are lucky to have a strong and respectful voice promoting Dr. Siegal's mission to make manicures and pedicures safe, we must realize that until the changes have solidified, the consumer must continue to take serious precautions. While you wait patiently for the government to take notice of this serious health scare, you must bring Dr. Siegal's Savvy Nail Kit to each of your nail appointments. The kit, created by Dr. Carolyn Siegal, a Beverly Hills podiatrist and attending physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, includes physician-selected nail implements and a special patent-pending liner for pedicure tubs. "It is refreshing to see affected individuals making impressive efforts to change the sanitation regulations in the cosmetic industry," explained Dr. Siegal. "We can only hope to see such changes; but in the meantime, my firm medical advice is to take your own tools and tub liners to the salon in order to reduce your risk of exposure to transmissible diseases. I have made it fashionable and fun for the consumers to take their own tools."

Many cosmetologists are not educated about disease prevention and may unintentionally put their customers at risk. An estimated 36 million people in the United States have nail fungus. Of these, only 6.2 million individuals have been diagnosed and only 2.5 million are being treated with oral medications. This leaves over 28 million people in America walking around with toenail fungus, a disease caused by an organism which thrives in warm, damp locations like the salon's pedicure tub.

Below are five tips that you can follow to protect yourself during a nail appointment:

-- Buy your own nail kit and use it for every appointment. Do not share
any of the tools.
-- Know that Credo blades and razors are illegal and should never be
used. A medical grade autoclave is the only way to effectively sterilize
metal items through intense pressurized heat (this is not the same as the
small machines with ultraviolet light).
-- Barbicide, the blue liquid used in many salons, will not kill
hepatitis C or similar viruses because it is only a disinfectant.
-- Make sure that the license for each technician is clearly posted and
that the salon looks sanitary.
-- Manicurists must wash their hands between clients and stations should
be clean and dry.
-- Contact your doctor immediately if something "unusual" happens during
your routine mani/pedi.

Siegal said that she is astonished that the Board of Cosmetology regulations are not as strong as OSHA's regulations in the medical arena. She frequently sees patients in her office who have asymptomatic hepatitis C that she treats for nail-fold lacerations (cuts) obtained during pedicures. It is alarming to acknowledge that the nipper exposed to the blood of these patients was used on many other nail salon consumers without medical grade sanitation. The thought of this serious blood-borne disease being spread to others through unsanitary salon practices is nothing short of disturbing.
She notes that doctors are required to sanitize their instruments with an autoclave, but salons are not. Also, most cosmetologists are uninformed about the "Universal Precautions": guidelines which the Center for Disease Control (CDC) set up in 1980. These strict guidelines require that medical professionals treat every patient as if they have a blood-borne disease. Siegal notes, "It would decrease everyone's risk of contracting infections and diseases if cosmetologists would practice Universal Precautions; however, most are unaware of what this would entail." In 1991, OSHA extended the Universal Precautions for police workers, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and people in related fields to prevent the spread of HIV and other diseases. People like Siegal, Paula Abdul and many others believe it is time for the salon industry to catch up and help keep people safe.

Jennifer Aniston, Lindsay Lohan and Neve Campbell have Dr. Siegal's Savvy Nail Kits, as does Los Angeles wedding planner Mindy Weiss, who purchased several as bridal party gifts. The kit retails for $49.99, and the foot tub liners, which are also being used in many salons, can be purchased at $19.99 for a ten-pack. Visit www.drcarolyncollection.com or call 1-866-500-KITS to purchase kits and tub liners or for more information. ``xEEkEFypEukodgTZzPO``x1121360142``x(default) paula abdul to leave american idol? ``xIgor``xAfter Corey Clark accused American Idol judge Paula Abdul of lending him a helping hand in more ways than one during season two of the show, many fans and critics believed that Paula should be booted from the show.

While I was never one of those people, that wish may just be coming true.

Rumors are flying that Paula Abdul will be replaced for season 5 of AI.

First in line as of right now to take her place between Simon and Randy is Whitney Houston. While this hardly seems like a step up, Whitney has clearly had a more successful music career than Paula. If Whitney does in fact replace Paula, one can only hope that her success as a performer will translate to her being more beneficial to the contestants than Paula ever was.
Other than Whitney, it seems Mariah Carey is also in the hunt to be judge number three. While this would certainly be a much better replacement in my opinion, I find this one highly unlikely. Considering Mariah is once again atop the charts I don't think she would waste her valuable recording and touring time hanging around the set of AI.

Even though Paula has been virtually useless as a judge, if she does in fact leave I would actually be a little sad. It's hard to imagine the show without her.

But don't feel too bad for her. If the rumors hold true she will be switching shows to the American Idol spin-off "So You Think You Can Dance." We'll know soon, "Dance" premieres next Wednesday. ``xEEuyplkuVyPaVmrlWU``x1121238000``x(default) dance fever hits tv, again, as "so you think you can dance" warms up``xIgor``x(AP)--Shall we dance, ABC's Dancing with the Stars asked viewers.

The mildly astonishing answer was: Heck, yes. Pairing professional hoofers with celebrities of varying degrees of talent or klutziness (former boxing champ Evander Holyfield was game but no Astaire or even Ali) the show challenged them to dance styles not seen in most clubs.

Maestro, a quick step, please.

Dancing with the Stars caught the audience's imagination and drew up to 16 million weekly viewers - the most-watched summer series since Survivor debuted in 2000.

General Hospital star Kelly Monaco and her partner, professional dancer Alec Mazo, tore up the dance floor Wednesday night with a hip-shaking samba to win the contest.

They beat the odds-on favourite, John O'Hurley and his partner, Charlotte Jorgensen.

The ABC program, also on shown on CTV, may even qualify as part of a trendlet. Dance is on display in movie theatres, with the charming documentary Mad Hot Ballroom, about a competition for fifth-graders in New York, and Rize, detailing the culture of the athletic, urban-born dance called krumping.

Another TV entry, So You Think You Can Dance, is poised to show it has the right moves.

From the producers of American Idol and Dick Clark, the Fox series, also shown on CTV, debuts July 20 (8-10 p.m. EDT) follows roughly the pattern of the network's hit singing competition. Viewers pick the winner of a potentially career-building prize.

For singers, it's a record deal. For dancers, it's $100,000 and an apartment in New York for a year, putting them within a high-kick of Broadway.

But a single champ doesn't mean the performances are always solo. The 16 finalists will be randomly teamed up each week and told to strut their stuff on old and new dances ranging from ballroom to salsa to hip-hop.

It's time to bring couples dancing back, said series producer Nigel Lythgoe, who started as a dancer and choreographer in his native England and worked with such stellar talents as Gene Kelly and the Muppets on TV specials.

"I wanted to go back to, 'Hey, you can take somebody in your arms and dance.' What happened to the great American proms we see so much in movies?" he said. "Now it's all turning into dance battles."

So the series embraces the romanticism of dance?

"Yes," Lythgoe says, then offers a qualifier: "It's still competition, but it's not combative."

One interested observer welcomes dance's resurgence. Deney Terrio coached John Travolta for Saturday Night Fever and hosted disco-fuelled Dance Fever, which debuted in 1979 and aired in syndication through 1987 (with Adrian Zmed as host the last two years.)

Today's talent contests echo Dance Fever, on which couples were judged by celebrities including Tina Turner, Sammy Davis Jr. and actor-dancer Donald O'Connor.

Terrio, who has a six-day-a-week disco music program on Sirius Satellite Radio, thinks pairs dancing has an inevitable appeal and is pitching his own project to TV networks.

"I think romance will never die. People like dancers who can do the gymnastics and other moves but there's nothing like a couple - how am I going to say this - making love on the dance floor," Terrio said.

American Idol creator Simon Fuller and Dick Clark Productions had initially teamed to revisit Clark's American Bandstand. But they decided an updated format was in order and called on Lythgoe to create a contest.

(Clark has been recovering from a stroke he suffered last December.)

So You Think You Can Dance opens with 50 contestants, amateurs and pros between jobs, who were chosen at open auditions in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.

Asked what he observed at the tryouts, Lythgoe cited a startling number of belly dancers: "I've been to the Middle East and never seen so many belly dancers as in this country. Maybe it's something they do to keep fit."

More importantly, the experience reinforced for Lythgoe the importance of training and the general lack of it in contemporary dancing.

"Once you pirouette on your head, you've got to remember that dancing's also done on your feet. And they weren't very good when you took their tricks away from them," he said. "Once we put them with a choreographer, there were very few people who could pick up (steps)."

Top choreographers will help whip them into winning shape. They include Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, Dan Karaty, Alex Da Silva and Mary Murphy, who count such pop stars as Celine Dion and Britney Spears in their collective credits.

The choreographers also will serve as judges, whittling the dancers down to four finalists. Viewers will choose the winner.

Terrio offers a word of advice for viewers, based on experience.

"Look out, guys. Women will be watching the dance show and saying, "Why don't you dance like that?"' ``xEEkEEpZFuEceazmoMY``x1121107341``x(default) whitney as a future american idol judge?``xIgor``x(UK-flava)--It has been reported that producers of American Idol have asked Whitney Houston to be a judge on the fifth season of the show.

The R&B singer who is now 41 years of age, is the producers' first choice as a replacement for Paula Abdul if she leaves to become a judge on Fox' spin-off 'So You Think You Can Dance' reality show.

Mariah Carey has also reportedly been approached to appear in the show.``xEEkEEpyAVuhNIjDzKm``x1121106954``x(default) paula abdul sued by jeweler ``xIgor``xPop star-turned-American Idol judge Paula Abdul is being sued by a Los Angeles jeweler who claims she never returned items she loaned her for TV appearances.

Nancy Davis claims she gave Abdul $36,000 of jewels, which she wore for the Idol final in May (05) and the star still has them.``xEEuyplkFylVfjMHIls``x1120978800``x(default) paula abdul “takes it to the beach”``xIgor``xSinger Paula Abdul, a celebrity judge on TV’s hit show American Idol, will make a special guest appearance at “Takin’ It to the Beach,” the L.A. Mart’s Gift for Life benefit, Saturday, July 23. “We are ecstatic that Paula has agreed to lend her support to our fundraising efforts for amfAR,” said L.A. Mart v.p. and general manager Gerry Siebel. “Her extraordinary talent and genuine appeal as a performer and humanitarian will guarantee strong attendance, advancing our cause for those living with HIV and AIDS.” The L.A. Mart’s “Takin’ It to the Beach” 2005 is projected to raise total revenues for the four-year event to more than $100,000.``xEEkEEpZpZuAJpCgOTg``x1120806000``x(default) paula abdul may step into fox's dance show``xIgor``x(GRANDFORKSHERALD)--The imbroglio over Paula Abdul's alleged affair with ousted "American Idol" contestant Corey Clark apparently is all but forgotten.

"Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, who also is producing Fox's upcoming competition series "So You Think You Can Dance," said he is looking for a way to involve Abdul in the new show.

"I'm still trying to talk her into something," Lythgoe told reporters during a conference call Wednesday.

He didn't offer specifics as to how Abdul, who is a seasoned dancer and choreographer, would contribute.

"I don't want to talk about (it) yet because if it doesn't come off it will be sad," he said. "But I'm still talking to her. There's a little idea that I think would be fabulous for her. She loves it, but we've just got to try to make it work date-wise and everything else."

Last month, Clark went public with allegations that Abdul lavished special attention on him during the 2003 cycle of "Idol,"

including offering grooming tips and advice on song selection. Their relationship, Clark said, eventually turned sexual.

Clark was ousted from the wholesome competition show when it was revealed that he had been arrested for allegedly assaulting his younger sister.

Lythgoe said he expects Abdul to be back in her judge's seat between Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson for the foreseeable future.``xEEkpVlyElVReSCHlOY``x1120287600``x(default) bloody-thumbed paula abdul fights back against fungus``xIgor``x'Idol' judge says her thumb was covered with a foul-smelling, green-and-yellow substance.

(MTV)--Paula Abdul: "American Idol" judge. MC Skat Kat's love interest. Foe of fungus.

Abdul says she suffered a fungal infection on her hand as a result of coming into contact with unsanitary manicure tools at a Studio City, California, nail salon last year. Treating it took a year's worth of hospital visits, local anesthetic shots, prescription medication used to eliminate parasites, and enduring jabs about her condition on late-night television.

But now Abdul is fighting back.

She testified in front of the California Senate Business and Professions Committee on Monday to lobby for legislation that would establish safety standards for manicure and pedicure equipment, as well as rewrite state regulations mandating that nail salons follow sanitary practices, according to The Associated Press.

"What I saw fly out of my thumb was a green-and-yellow, thick substance that smelled foul. And then blood, blood, blood," Abdul said. "Being a professional dancer, I'm no stranger to pain, but this time the pain was so excruciating that even my hair touching my thumb caused me to scream."

If passed in committee, the bill will likely come before the full Senate in the next two weeks.

"I was publicly humiliated," Abdul said in her closing testimony. "That is why, with an open heart and a selfless agenda, I implore you to pass this bill." ``xEEkpVlyluFzpxFSptI``x1119942000``x(default) celebrity american idol in the works ``xIgor``xBosses of American Idol are set to launch a celebrity spin-off of the hit TV singing contest.

The new show - dubbed Celebrity Idol - will be broadcast as a 10-episode special, which will feature 10 non-professional singers competing for a $1 million prize, which will go to a charity of the winner's choice.

It is also hoped that judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul will give their opinions to the singing celebrities, who have yet to be chosen.

While an official air date has yet to be announced, it is expected that the show will launch in later this year. ``xEEEAZlVlkFFpvINJrw``x1119596400``x(default) happy birthday paula``xIgor``xJune 19, Paula Abdul turns 43 today. Happy Birthday Paula! We wish you all the best in your life!``xEEEAEZuVZuxHxZmjbb``x1119174574``x(default) entertainer abdul's visit creates mob scene ``xIgor``xGALLUP — Area residents came out in force Saturday to meet and greet "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul.

That was the good news.

The bad news was that way too many area residents came out to meet and greet Abdul and her appearance a local department store quickly became, as one person described it, a "mob scene."

Mary Ann Armijo, manager of the local Clear Channel stations, was asked by KASA Fox of Albuquerque and Direct TV to coordinate the appearance. She estimated that 2,000 people crowded the aisles of Wal-Mart hoping for a chance to see Abdul and get her autograph.

A lot of those who came went away unhappy as Abdul, who was only committed to stay at the store for two hours, was only able to make a dent in posing for photos and supplying autographs to all of those who came to see her.

She was there as a promotion set up by Direct-TV which promised to have a Fox TV star (no names given) go to the community where the most Direct-TV hookups were purchased during February and March.

Gallup easily won the contest, beating big cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, leading a Direct-TV spokesman here Saturday to remark that he wasn't surprised since Direct-TV's primary market is in the nation's rural areas where reception of regular television is spotty.

Abdul, who spoke to the press in the lobby of El Rancho Hotel before going to the store for the signing, was the star who was chosen.

Talking to The Independent, she said that she has been doing a large number of promotional meetings in the past three years because of "American Idol" and her various sidelines, such as her jewelry line, but no one was prepared for the reception she found when she arrived at the store.

People were packed into almost every aisle and shopping for Saturday usually the busiest day for the store was almost impossible.

She arrived about 4:20 p.m. for the signing and then spent almost a half an hour meeting with employees of the store and posing for photos and signing autographs for them.

She started with the crowd at 4:45 p.m. and soon realized that there was no way she would be able to give everyone there a moment of her time.

At various times, she stood on a counter and talked to the crowd, thanking them for coming but she soon gave up on autographs and devoted her time to posing for photos.

People who brought in albums from the days when she was a recording star were taken aside and she tried to sign them during breaks in the photo shoots but at the most, according to people who were there, she probably only had a chance to meet and greet less than a tenth of the crowd by 6 p.m. when she was scheduled to leave.

Turning pale
At one point, said Armijo, she told her security personnel that she wanted to go into the crowd but within a few feet, she was surrounded and her security personnel had a hard time getting her back to the counter area.

Armijo said Abdul turned "pale white" when she saw the crowds converging on her.

At 6 p.m. when she was leaving, some members of the crowd started booing her because they had been waiting for five or more hours for a chance to get her autograph; however, Armijo said Abdul had no choice but to leave since the jet provided by Direct-TV was scheduled to leave about 7 p.m.

If she had another chance to do this, Armijo said she would do it differently.

Instead of inviting everyone to come by and get autographs, she said she would hold contests and limit who got autographs to just the 600 or 700 who won the contest.

Armijo said Abdul was gracious throughout the ordeal but it was obvious toward the end that she was getting tired.

She was also gracious during the meeting with the press at El Rancho earlier in the afternoon.

Only about 40 people showed up for that people connected with the media and friends and relatives of the sponsors.

Armijo said she tried to keep that as secret as possible because of fears there would have been a mob scene there as well if the news had leaked out that she was going to be there.

While at El Rancho, area press representatives each got a few minutes with her to talk about whatever they wanted (except for that controversy that has been in the news regarding a former contestant who claimed to have had an affair with her the press was told she would not answer questions on that subject).

During the interview with The Independent, she was asked if she had ever been to Gallup before, and she said she remembers being here several times, stopping off at local restaurants to eat on her drives between Los Angeles and Santa Fe, where she owned a home in the early '90s.

She said she remembered the kindness of the people she met here when she stopped over and always enjoyed stopping over in Gallup.

She also talked about "American Idol," a show now in its fourth season and the top-rated show on television.

When she arrived at El Rancho, she was greeted by Mayor Bob Rosebrough, who presented her with two pieces of Indian jewelry donated by Stoneweaver, Inc., a local Indian arts and crafts store.

Rosebrough brought his two youngest daughters to the event, both of whom said they were "American Idol" fans. Rosebrough said he caught the show as well when it got near the end of the competition, but admitted that he watched it more for "the banter of the judges" than for the music itself.

But Abdul, during her interview, said the show has taken on a life of its own throughout America as young people all over the country dream of one day becoming a singing sensation and winning the competition.

Impromptu auditions
She said it's common when she makes publicity tours to have young people come up to her and start singing and she remarks about their wonderful voice, only to be told that they auditioned and were rejected by the production crews before they had a chance to go before Abdul and the other two judges.

The show now gets several hundred thousand people a season coming to the auditions and Abdul said that what happens is that production assistants listen to everyone and then make a selection who will go on to be heard by Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Crowell.

"What we get are who they think are the absolute worst and best," she said.

Many people who have potential may fall through the cracks, but there's no way around this since it would be impossible for three people to be able to audition everyone, she said.

By Bill Donovan
Staff writer``xEEEllyyyZlnaiynVhQ``x1118732400``x(default) exclusive unreleased pictures ``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents exclusive unreleased pictures from Paula Abdul photoshoot for Glamour magazine, February 2004 issue. Photos: Art Streiber; Stylist: Debbi Mason; Dress: Vera Wang.

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>>>Picture 12``xEEElypyZlysXASNeWh``x1118606786``x(default) vma acceptance speeches ``xIgor``xPaula at #9 on MTV Top 10 VMA Acceptance Speeches.

9. Forever Our Girl (1989)
Paula Abdul marked three of her VMA victories with a valiant struggle to fight back tears. Her sincerely sweet speeches made us love her all the more and forever established her as a VMA fave.``xEEElyEpEklqSFoYsgv``x1118473200``x(default) paula abdul visits new mexico``xIgor``xPaula Abdul from American Idol will be in New Mexico on Saturday, June 11!
That's right - the award winning singer and dancer and the "heart and soul" of American Idol, giving positive feedback and encouraging the contestants on American Idol.

And you can meet Paula and get her autograph from 4 to 6 p.m.at the Wal-Mart Supercenter located at 1199 W. Maloney Ave. in Gallup, New Mexico, all sponsored by KASA-Fox-2 and Direct-TV.

Paula is also known as one of the most gifted and recognized choreographers in film, television, video, stage and live tours. She continues to honor her roots by running dance and cheerleading camps, competitions and scholarship programs throughout the country.
She's come a long way from her first career break as a Los Angeles Laker Girl!

Take a Saturday drive and meet Paula Abdul!``xEEElyppZElLMMJrQxg``x1118127600``x(default) latest pictures``xIgor``x>>>Picture 1 - American Idol judges Randy Jackson (L), Paula Abdul (C) and Simon Cowell pose at the 'American Idol' season four grand finale at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood May 25, 2005. Country singer Carrie Underwood beat fellow finalist Bo Bice to win the top-rated televised singing contest that was decided by votes sent in by the public via telephone and text message.

>>>Picture 2, >>>Picture 3 - American Idol judge Paula Abdul arrives at the 'American Idol' season four grand finale at the Kodak theatre in Hollywood May 25, 2005.

>>>Picture 4 - Judges Randy Jackson (L), Paula Abdul (C), host Ryan Seacrest and judge Simon Cowell are shown between taping segments at the finale of Fox's 'American Idol' at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood May 25, 2005.

>>>Picture 5 - 'American Idol' judges Randy Jackson (L), Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell are pictured during a break in the show at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, May 24, 2005. In a stunning comeback, the Fox Broadcasting Co. was poised on May 25, 2005 to finish its first TV season as the No. 1 U.S. network among the young adult viewers most prized by advertisers, thanks in large part to the success of 'American Idol.'``xEEElypEZppUXQEOaRk``x1117090800``x(default) big celebrity tribute for 25 years on new york television``xIgor``xTV news legend, Walter Cronkite, calls him, “A great anchorman with high standards and style.” Talk show host, Regis Philbin, says, “He’s a classy guy who wears the best ties on television.” And, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani declares, “In New York City, he’s considered a Greek-American idol.”

These top personalities are all singing the praises of Ernie Anastos, an Emmy award winning TV anchor, who is celebrating 25 years on New York television and has earned the distinction as America’s first Greek-American anchor. Ernie also recently signed a huge multi-million dollar contract to move from CBS to FOX 5 starting July 1st, where he will anchor New York’s number one-rated evening news.

To honor Anastos, more than 1500 invited guests and celebrities will gather on May 21st at a spectacular gala event at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York, hosted by FOX-TV “American Idol” star, Paula Abdul.

Also part of the evening will be former ABC “Good Morning America” host Joan Lunden and “CSI Miami” star Sofia Milos. The evening’s entertainment spotlights Greece’s pop music superstar, Anna Vissi, who will sing her #1 Billboard dance hit “Call Me,” along with legendary hit recording artist, Jay Black of Jay and the Americans, who will honor Ernie with many of his hit songs including, “Only in America.”

The charity affair is sponsored by the Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund, which has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to students across the country including the annual Ernie Anastos Scholarship for Broadcast Journalism. This year the HTSF will be awarding 34 scholarships to students from 19 states.

Throughout the evening, the gala celebration will also be accented with personal tributes to Ernie from a who’s who of celebrity friends including; The View’s Meredith Viera, Entertainment Tonight’s Mary Hart, NBC’s Brian Williams, TV host Regis Philbin, CBS’s Walter Cronkite, NBC Today Show’s Matt Lauer, Actress Mary Tyler Moore, Actor Kevin Kline, NBC Sportscaster Bob Costas, CBS Late Night’s Paul Shaffer, Entertainer Kathie Lee Gifford, CBS Sportscaster Greg Gumbel, Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, CBS Sportscaster Jim Nance, CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo and many others.

Ernie Anastos’ career is highlighted by 28 Emmy awards and nominations, including the prestigious Edward R. Morrow award for excellence. “He is an outstanding journalist who is the epitome of good style and professional standards,” says famed CBS news anchor, Walter Cronkite. “Ernie is a great anchorman and a good friend. I am proud of his many contributions to broadcast journalism.”

Throughout the years, Ernie has gained wide popularity within the city’s uniquely diversified community. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani says, “Ernie’s stature in the community speaks for itself and he’s in people’s living rooms every night on TV. So, New Yorkers feel he’s part of their extended family.”

Indeed, New Yorkers can relate to Ernie and so can his friends. Perhaps that’s what 25 years on New York television will earn you, but it’s more than longevity. In this great melting pot, Ernie’s ethnicity blends well with his professional style and personality. Longtime friend, Regis Philbin says, “Even through all the difficult news he manages to make us feel secure. He has a warm smile and makes you feel comfortable.”

As a seasoned TV anchor, he has covered the gamut of major news stories from live coverage of breaking news to political conventions. On September 11th, Anastos anchored CBS 2’s award winning coverage of the World Trade Center attacks. He has also traveled inside Cuba and met with Fidel Castro with exclusive reports on the 45th anniversary of the Cuban revolution.

Other assignments have taken him to the Vatican in Rome, and to the war-torn countries of El Salvador and Nicaragua. Ernie has also reported live from London on the tragic death of Princess Diana and won an Emmy nomination for his reporting on the death of John F. Kennedy, Jr.

In addition, he is a notable author of a book covering the history of teen life in America, and currently, Ernie is writing a series of children’s books with a news theme, scheduled to be released next year. Selected by the International Who’s Who of Intellectuals, he is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Northeastern University with graduate studies at Columbia University and holds an honorary doctorate degree in humanities.

Born in a small town in New Hampshire, but with dozens of relatives and family in the New York area, Anastos considers himself a true New Yorker.

It’s truly a success story that starts with a big dream and a loving family brimming with Greek pride. Over 80 years ago his grandfather came to America from Greece to become an early pioneer priest in the Greek Orthodox Church. A generation later, his father became a successful travel executive associated with Aristotle Onassis and Olympic Airways. Following in those inspirational footsteps, Ernie Anastos also fulfilled his dream of becoming a distinguished television news legend in New York City, the media capital of the world.

A pioneer himself, Ernie has achieved the distinction as the first Greek-American TV anchor in the country. His early love of broadcasting further inspired him to independently acquire and operate his own group of radio stations in upstate New York and New England.

“It all started when I was just a kid with my family and dreaming about being a broadcaster,” recalls Anastos. “It was a very Greek home. I could smell my mother’s cooking and see my grandfather’s face with his priestly white beard. There was the fragrance of incense… and the sound of church bells next door. I also remember our home filled with friends and relatives celebrating holidays, all the time,” says Anastos.
“What’s really interesting,” says Ernie, “is that everybody around me was a storyteller…sharing family yarns and Greek mythology. It was like watching a stage performance with plenty of drama in their voices, along with gestures and facial expressions. I loved it! So, I guess these wonderful early experiences became a part of my personality… and that’s how I became a TV anchor, a storyteller.”
Ernie’s passion for broadcasting carried over into grade school where, at age 13, he started a current events club and even built a little radio station in the basement of his home.

“I grabbed some wood and other materials and put together my own broadcast studio,” Ernie fondly remembers. “I found some turntables and microphones and wired it all up so that my family would listen to me upstairs in the house.”
By the age of 15, Ernie’s determination got him a job as an announcer at a local station. “I knocked on the door and asked, ‘Would you hire me?’” He quickly ended up hosting a talk show interviewing teenagers about social issues and current events. That was his very first introduction to on-air broadcasting, setting the groundwork for great things to come.

Interestingly, many years after his success in New York, he went back and bought the same radio station that gave him his first break. “What a full circle for me,” says Anastos. “It’s a love story.”

TV’s Joan Lunden, who worked with Ernie at ABC says, “He has a wonderful gift to connect with people, it’s a sincere and natural style, everybody loves Ernie.”
In the late 1970’s, millions of radio listeners indeed loved Ernie as he advanced to WRKO-AM, the number one radio station in Boston, followed by a top position in Chicago at WFYR-FM under the guidance of radio programming giant, Bill Drake. Although Anastos was a success in radio, he wanted to make the transition to television, and so he made what was probably the most daring move of his career. Ernie gave up his very comfortable radio job and temporarily set up quarters at his parent’s home in Nashua, New Hampshire looking for his break into TV news.
“I visited every television station in New England, knocking on doors and hoping that someone would take a chance and hire me,” says Ernie. “It was the only way I knew how to get things done; hard work, enthusiasm and believing it’ll happen.” Well, it turned out to be a dream come true and history in the making when he landed his first TV anchor position in 1976 at WPRI-TV in Providence, Rhode Island.
Today, in celebrating 25 years on New York television, Anastos is credited with leading the way for other broadcast journalists of Greek heritage. His initial success in Providence, catapulted him to the top position in the nation’s largest TV market, New York City. In 1978, he was named anchor at WABC-TV solidifying his mark in broadcast history as the country’s first Greek-American anchor.

“He was the first anchor on the air carrying a Greek name and part of that early wave of ethnic change in the media. says Alexis Christoforous, host of CBS MarketWatch. “He gave us inspiration. I admired him and he became my role model.”
Throughout his life, Ernie has also been greatly influenced by the role models in his family, his parents and especially his grandfather’s legacy. In 1923 at Holy Trinity Church in Lowell Massachusetts, Reverend Anastasios made history when he was ordained among the first 100 Greek Orthodox priests in the U.S. He became a pioneer of the Orthodox faith in America.

“My strong and lasting impressions came from my Greek family, the impact of church and a sense of purpose in life,” says Anastos. “I was taught that the most important things in life were faith, family, friends, integrity and reputation.” Today, he happily shares these feelings and personal values with his wife of many years, Kelly, and their two children Nina and Phillip.

Respectful of all races and nationalities, Ernie points out how he upholds many traditions that are part of his own Greek culture in America. “I can speak, read and write Greek, thanks to my family. I especially like to follow my grandfather’s customs at home with prayer and the sweet scent of incense on holidays to remind me of my faith and family,” says Ernie.

His spirituality is underscored through his active presence within the Greek Orthodox Church. He holds the title of Archon, the highest honor bestowed on a lay person and is also a member of Leadership 100, supporting various church programs around the world.

Perhaps, one of his most personal gifts to the church is a beautiful Byzantine white chapel that overlooks the Aegean Sea on the Greek island of Samos. Built for the local residents and named after St. Fanourios, the chapel has also become a favorite tourist attraction where people of all ethnic backgrounds offer their prayers.
So now, Ernie Anastos heads into the next stretch of his marathon career as the lead anchor for FOX-TV 5 News in New York. He brings with him, not only a sterling reputation as an Emmy award winning anchor, but vivid and personal memories of growing up in a Greek-American home.

“When I’m on television reporting the news,” says Anastos, “I still warmly remember those early years in the basement of our family home, practicing and dreaming of becoming a broadcaster. In a way, it’s my comfort and happiness… it keeps me forever young.”``xEEEyplAkuEeoZMJQnx``x1116089241``x(default) new pictures``xIgor``xHere you can see pictures of Paula Abdul arriving at her hotel after "Saturday Night Live", New York City, NY. May 7, 2005.

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>>>Picture 5``xEEEVlFAFFEaezlwDVn``x1115839331``x(default) fantasia defends paula``xIgor``x(CONTACTMUSIC)--AMERICAN IDOL victor FANTASIA has spoken out in defence of the show's troubled judge PAULA ABDUL, insisting the former pop pin-up is naturally friendly with all contestants behind the scenes.

Ousted contestant COREY CLARK claims he enjoyed an affair with the STRAIGHT UP singer when he was competing on the show in 2003 - and Abdul often gave him advice on song choices and his image.

But Fantasia, who won the competition last year (04), insists that Abdul helped other contestants too.

She says, "I love Paula a whole lot. She's an awesome lady. When I was around her, when I was with her, the advice and how she treated us like her own kids, she would fuss at us.

"She'd sit us down and would talk to us about a lot of things. She's an artist herself. She knows music and she knows fashion, so she would say to the young ladies, 'Get a nice little skirt...'"

She slams Clark's claims, "It's gossip, it's tabloids, it's always something and I'm never getting involved." ``xEEEVlFFlVydxwSrtKs``x1115833856``x(default) paula abdul cries ``xIgor``x(THEBOSH)--According "SNL" moles speaking Page Six on the down low, Paula Abdul burst into tears on the set of "Saturday Night Live" just hours before she appeared in the opening sketch, which made fun of the scandal surrounding her alleged affair with "American Idol" contestant Corey Clark.

"SNL" moles says Abdul melted down Saturday afternoon after complaining about "the pressure" of her heavily hyped appearance. We also hear that Abdul was asked to appear in three sketches, but agreed only to make an appearance at the end of the opening skit, which featured Amy Poehler as Abdul and Finesse Mitchell as Clark.

Following her appearance on Saturday Night Live, Paula Abdul sat down with The Insider.


"I think every artist wants to do Saturday Night Live," said Paula. "Especially when they're part of the biggest news story of the week,"

"I was a little nervous," Paula confessed. "Look, I didn't even know what I was going to wear."

The "Saturday Night Live" sketch made comical allusions to the controversy, featuring Amy Poehler as Abdul and Finesse Mitchell as Clark. At the end of the sequence, Abdul made her own "Idol" -style critiques of her imitator.

Abdul, told Poehler: "You need to perfect the clap a little more and be a lot more sexier so contestants will be willing to sleep with you." ``xEEEVlFFZlAFmWFYRfJ``x1115833789``x(default) sign petition``xIgor``xA Paula Abdul fan by the name of Lara has come up with a petition for fans to sign to keep Paula as a judge on American Idol. To sign the petition, click here. The petition will be forwarded over to Fox television and the people who also represent Paula. We want to show all of them how much Paula's fans want her to remain on the show. Please pass this petition on to your friends so they can sign it too.``xEEEVZVuAlVPRuPgaSk``x1115754985``x(default) paula abdul soars in search engine queries ``xIgor``xLycos Announces Paula Abdul Is Four Times More Popular Than Corey Clark With Web Users; Gwen Stefani And Kelly Clarkson Make First-Ever Appearances On List; Godcasts, Hottest Trend In Podcasting

The Lycos 50 for Week Ending May 7, 2005

WALTHAM, Mass., May 10 -- Lycos, Inc.(http://www.lycos.com/), a leading provider of search, community and technology lifestyle destinations, today announced the following information from The Lycos 50(TM), the 50 most popular Internet search results for the week ending May 7, 2005. For a complete list of The Lycos 50(TM) and for in-depth text of The Lycos 50 Daily Report, go to http://50.lycos.com/. Readers of The Lycos 50 can also share their thoughts on Internet trends and pop culture on The Lycos 50 Blog located at http://lycos50.tripod.com/blog/.

The Lycos 50(TM) Top 10 Search Terms for the Week Ending May 7, 2005:

1) Pamela Anderson
2) Paris Hilton
3) Mother's Day
4) Star Wars 3
5) Britney Spears
6) American Idol
7) Cinco de Mayo
8) Mariah Carey
9) Poker
10) Lindsey Lohan

Notes of Interest:

The recent Prime Time Live ABC American Idol (#6) interview gave Paula Abdul (#36) the jump-start she needed to make her first-ever appearance on this week's Lycos 50. If web search activity is any indication, America could care less about Corey Clark, as he barely makes a dent in online search interest. Following the highly-watched Prime Time Live special, searches for Abdul increased 275 percent, while searches for Clark are up only 45 percent and are so miniscule, that he doesn't come near to making this week's list. In fact American Idol judge, Paula Abdul is searched four times more frequently than Clark. Meanwhile, another American Idol, Kelly Clarkson (#43) makes her first appearance on The Lycos 50, as does singer Gwen Stefani (#46).

Other Notes of Interest:

Search Interest in Podcasts and Podcasting is up more than 1,000 percent. Thanks to Apple's iPod, this year's most popular gadget has given birth to the latest technological evolution; the podcast. Podcasting enables anyone to create and host his or her own radio show and make it available for others to download to a computer or portable media player. One of the hottest trends in podcasting is "Godcasts," with many "pod preachers" of all faiths converting their weekly sermons into Godcasts, to more easily spread the word. ``xEEEVZVEEpyChyEZWJF``x1115751106``x(default) paula leaving hotel pictures``xIgor``xHere you can see pictures of Paula Abdul out and about in SoHo, New York City, NY. May 7, 2005.

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>>>Picture 11``xEEEVVVEkEVAtZUISLL``x1115551215``x(default) saturday night live``xIgor``xPaula Abdul is showing she can have a sense of humor despite the controversy swirling around her.

Although the "American Idol" judge is being investigated for an alleged affair with a former contestant, she made a cameo appearance introducing the opening sketch on N-B-C's "Saturday Night Live." The sketch made comical allusions to the controversy with a mock interview and stage performances.

The sketch featured Amy Poehler as Abdul and Finesse Mitchell as Clark. But at the end of the sequence, Abdul returned to the set making her own “Idol”-style critiques of her imitator.

To Poehler she said: “You need to perfect the clap a little more and be a lot more sexier so contestants will be willing to sleep with you.”

Here you can see screen captures and video file from "Saturday Night Live."``xEEEVVupkZFBfYwlSnR``x1115540273``x(default) american idol needs paula abdul to remain on board``xIgor``x(Useless-Knowledge)--Jennifer Wilbanks, Michael Jackson, Paula Abdul... This has not been a good week for fans of serious news; freaks and geeks have dominated the attention of the media.

I've had my say about Jennifer Wilbanks and Michael Jackson, it's time for me to focus my attention on Paula Abdul.

Paula Abdul has been accused of coaching and sleeping with an "American Idol" contestant.

Let me make a disclaimer: I realize that Paula's alleged transgression is not on the same level as a Supreme Court Justice sleeping with the principal of a case he is hearing, but American Idol is the most popular program on TV, so I can't very well ignore the story.

Paula Abdul makes a very inviting target: A one-time cheerleader, a kitschy former pop star, a drama queen. It may surprise some of my readers that I am coming to the defense of Ms. Abdul.

Let's consider the weakness of the case against Paula Abdul:

The accusations come from a guy with a penchant of beating up his little sister.

They come at a time when the accuser is hawking a book and an album.

The accuser admitted to lying on "American Idol". The liar claims Paula told him about a Journey song that Randy Jackson once had a hand in, and when Randy told him that, he cooed, "I didn't know that".

What evidence does the accuser have? There is no Paris Hilton type sex video circulating the Internet, all this guy has are phone records showing he called Paula Abdul many times. So what? Any stalker could produce phone records showing he called a famous celebrity numerous times, that doesn't means any of the calls were answered.

An alert reader will notice that I haven't mentioned the accuser by name. I will not give him what he is so desperately seeking: Publicity.

A gentleman does not "kiss and tell"; obviously this liar is anything but a gentleman -- he is a cad with no talent who is desperate to make it as a singer.

For the record, Paula Abdul strongly denies the accusations. I think we should give the lady the benefit of the doubt, the show needs her warmth and friendliness to counter balance the ugliness and hatefulness of Simon. ``xEEEVullkEuywVJDvOa``x1115488214``x(default) statement of paula abdul ``xIgor``xNEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Firstly, let me express my deepest appreciation to the thousands of people throughout the world who have written, e-mailed, and called to express their support for me. Words cannot express how grateful I am and will always be.

All my life, I have been taught to take the high road, and never to dignify salacious or false accusations. And I have been taught never, never to lie. Not only do I never lie, I never respond to lies, no matter how vicious, no matter how hurtful.

I do trust my fans who can see through attempts at character assassination, and I do trust the essential fairness of the American public. ``xEEEVuuAyFZjwqSFzPW``x1115449637``x(default) networks feed off of celebrity scandal``xIgor``x(Los Angeles Times)--Networks have long been ushering reality show castoffs onto morning shows and otherwise deploying news divisions to promote in-house product, but on Wednesday night, in the heat of the May sweeps, some kind of dam seemed to burst. ABC, in a twist on the typical embrace, used its news division to go after the hottest property in Fox's entertainment division, airing a so-puffed-up-it-was-hilarious expose of the alleged affair between "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul and ex-contestant Corey Clark.

"Fallen Idol," the name of ABC's "Primetime Live" special, aired after it was revealed that current "American Idol" contestant Scott Savol had been voted out of the final competition. The departure of Savol added to a general sense that "American Idol" is in the throes of a putsch, cleansing itself of recent scandal and tumult. Savol, who sings off-key, was voted out before he could become the show's first antihero, his candidacy the subject of a subversive Internet site, www.votefortheworst.com, that was hoping to carry him to victory.

So Savol the fallen Fox idol ended up setting the table for "Fallen Idol," the ABC special. After drumming up much speculation about what they had on the Fox show, the ABC special revealed that it only had what everyone figured they had -- an interview with an ex-contestant, Clark, who is selling a record and writing what ABC News termed a "memoir" (you know, like Kissinger), alleging an affair with Abdul.

Granted, if the charges are true, Abdul will probably lose her job. But the "Primetime Live" hour itself was a joke, featuring co-anchor John Quinones in casual chic, prowling the L.A. night like a Raymond Chandler detective, or maybe just somebody who'd been abandoned by Snoop Dogg's posse three clubs ago and now can't find his car.

This was an L.A. story, complete with receipts for clothes Abdul purportedly bought Clark at Fred Segal in Santa Monica, although whether it was during one of the store's sales I can't say.

As it happened, ABC's "20/20" had done an earlier piece going behind the scenes of "Idol," for a "nice" story, so now "Primetime Live," doing the "mean" story, had B-roll of Clark's audition two seasons ago, in which he serenaded Abdul and kissed her hand, which "Primetime Live" kept re-showing in Zapruder--like fashion.

What the hour told, for all its ham-handedness, was a classic story of workplace sex harassment, the boss in this account being a woman and the victim an impressionable 22-year-old kid from Nashville who came to Hollywood with a dream and ended up in a different kind of dream, one that involved getting Abdul's home and cellphone numbers on a scrap of paper, followed by late nights at Chez Paula, where promises were whispered into his ear in the hills above the glitz factory. He ends up with a broken heart, while the other contestants feel wronged when they learn -- courtesy of "Primetime Live" -- about the favoritism occurring under their noses.

As Hollywood cliche, the Abdul-Clark story used to end with the kid back in Nashville, or maybe bagging groceries in a Vons on Fountain. "Hey, aren't you Corey Clark?" a shopper would ask, and Clark, not wanting to go back there, would mumble that he wasn't.

But nowadays there are no standards of fame, there is just fame, however it's gotten. And so Clark (and no doubt the people behind him) put together their own little media campaign. Clark said it wasn't about publicity for a record deal or a book contract. "I want to set the record straight for myself," is how he put it.``xEEEVupFFEAWTgZkYJq``x1115403319``x(default) 'idol' producers rip Abdul's accuser, detail judges' role``xIgor``xIs ''American Idol'' standing by its woman?

Another volley has been fired in the ''Idol'' mess and — for a change — this one wasn't directed at embattled judge Paula Abdul.

The producers of ''Idol'' — Fremantle Media and 19 Entertainment — released a statement Thursday lambasting ''the motives'' of Corey Clark, the former contestant who said he had an affair with Abdul in 2003. But the producers also suggested the judges have a negligible role in determining the show's outcome, a possible sign that they won't whack Abdul.

And in further proof that there must have been something in the water on the ''Idol'' set in 2003, People Magazine is reporting today that Simon Lythgoe, son of show runner Nigel Lythgoe, who is also a show producer, had a ''relationship'' with Kimberley Locke, another finalist that year.

But Locke told the magazine, ''Any relationship I had with anyone involved in the series started after the competition ended.''

There was no immediate comment Thursday from Abdul about Clark's claims on ABC's ''Primetime Live,'' which were buttressed by phone records, a voicemail message, the testimony of his parents and friends and other circumstantial evidence.

She has called Clark — who's almost 20 years younger than she is and who was kicked off ''Idol'' for not coming clean about charges he assaulted his younger sister — a ''liar'' and an opportunist with a new book and CD to sell. She has not specifically denied his charges, however.

''If there is a shred of truth that she messed around with a contestant, you won't see her as a judge next year,'' said Shari Anne Brill, a television analyst for the media buying firm Carat USA.

Still, Brill said, ''The franchise will live on. They seemed to weather all of these other storms.''

There was a little bit of sunshine for Abdul on Thursday. Her producers said in a statement: ''It should … be noted that the ultimate decision on which contestants move forward on 'American Idol' has always been determined by the voting public. We have gone to great lengths and great expense to create a voting system that is fair and reliable. Judges may offer opinions, but viewers vote using their own subjective criteria, and it is the voters who ultimately determine each season's 'American Idol.'''

Translation: Abdul may have been a naughty girl but she had, or has, nothing to do with the show's outcome. Indeed, ''Primetime Live'' pointedly failed to clarify the judges' overall role, which — as viewers well know — is window dressing.

Moreover, all top contestants receive extensive help from production professionals as they get to the final rounds, another point the broadcast declined to explore.

''Idol'' producers said that Clark was refusing to talk to them, which could abort whatever sort of ''investigation'' the show undertakes.

And what about ''Primetime Live,'' which launched this whole sordid sweeps stunt in the first place? Wednesday night's show was seen by 13.8 million viewers, double its season average, and won its time slot against original episodes of ''CSI: NY'' on CBS and ''Law & Order'' on NBC.

Verne Gay is a reporter for Newsday, a Tribune Publishing newspaper.

The Associated Press contributed to this story. ``xEEEVupEVEFObQKPMFl``x1115401513``x(default) paula visits "snl"``xIgor``x(ET)--"The Insider" breaks news that PAULA ABDUL will make an appearance on "Saturday Night Live" this Saturday, May 7. Abdul's appearance on the famous NBC sketch-comedy show, hosted this week by JOHNNY KNOXVILLE, comes in the midst of media attention about an alleged affair that occurred between the popular "American Idol" judge and a former contestant on the show. Following the broadcast of an ABC's exposй Wednesday night, much support for Abdul (from previous "American Idol" contestants and the producers of the popular FOX show) continues to pour forth.
``xEEEVupEkEypuVMjgcA``x1115401216``x(default) support paula``xIgor``xBe sure to sign the Paula support book here. Paula needs to know we all love and support her.
``xEEEVuVEFukRuIXnnUA``x1115362800``x(default) former idol contestant dismisses abdul scandal``xIgor``x(CTV.ca)--Vanessa Olivarez, who was a contestant on "American Idol" along with Corey Clark, says she finds it difficult to believe that he and judge Paula Abdul ever had an affair.

"Honestly, my first reaction was, I thought to myself, 'I'm not surprised that Corey would come out with these allegations'," Olivarez told CTV's Canada AM from Atlanta.

"I've seen some things from him that have led into me to believe that he's not a very strong character. And, I don't know, I really don't see how it could possibly have happened, any of the stuff that he is claiming happened."

Clark, 24, was a contestant with Olivarez during Season 2 of the show. Clark now alleges that Abdul coached him on song selections, helped buy him clothes for his TV performances and even gave him prescription cough medicine to soothe his throat.

As well, he says Abdul initiated a sexual relationship and slept with him at her home. He says she recently called him and pleaded with him to keep the affair a secret.

While Abdul, 42, has not specifically denied his charges, she has called Clark a "liar'' and an "opportunist."

Olivarez told AM that while she didn't have a lot of time to get to know Clark, because she was the first of the final 12 to be voted off, the time she did spend with him was long enough for her to form an impression.

"I'm not saying he's this horrible person but, you know, from what I've seen of him, he just doesn't seem to be very honest," she confided. "And he doesn't seem like the kind of person that maybe I would want on my side, only because I feel like he would be a very good person to be able to manipulate things."

Clark alleges that someone slipped him Abdul's phone numbers. He says he called and she sent a car to bring him to her house. He says they spent the night talking about how to get ahead in the contest.

Olivarez says she finds that difficult to believe and notes that it would have been difficult for the pair to have had an affair, considering the tight leash the contestants were kept on.

"Honestly, the only contact we had with (the judges) was before and after shows. and all these allegations that he's making as far as, oh, being able to sneak out of the mansion at night and things like that -- security was very, very, very tight.

"So I don't see how there was any way that he could have snuck out in the middle of the night and gotten a limo and ran off to Paula's house, unless the security guards were in on it, which I seriously doubt it because I knew a lot of them and I don't think they would do anything like that."

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.

He has now written a book about his experiences titled They Told Me to Tell the Truth, So... The Sex, Lies, and Paulatics of One of America's Idols. He also has his debut CD coming out soon.

Olivarez says she finds the timing of Clark's allegations rather suspicious.

"I just think it's kind of strange that his CD is coming out at the same time as all this stuff is coming up. And it seems like the right timing to get a little extra PR in there. I don't know."``xEEEVuppAZZAojOKInX``x1115276400``x(default) fox support paula``xIgor``xThe support for PAULA ABDUL, from former "American Idol" contestants and the producers of the popular FOX show, continues to pour forth following the broadcast of ABC's expose Wednesday night. The hour-long show explored one-time hopeful COREY CLARK's claims that he had a romantic relationship with Abdul. "We have concerns about the motives behind last night's purported news special," say "Idol" producers, "as much of it was filled with rumor, speculation and assertions from a disqualified contestant who admitted during the special to telling lies." They say the renowned series is "absolutely committed to the fairness of this competition. We take any accusations of this nature very seriously, no matter their source, and we have already begun looking into them." The producers also add that they were never contacted directly by Clark about any of his concerns, even though they requested that he do so after learning of his accusations. Meanwhile, first season second-place winner JUSTIN GUARINI tells ET, "Paula Abdul and I have never shared any type of a romantic relationship. I have, and always will, treasure her support on both a personal and professional level in this crazy business we are both a part of. She is truly an icon of the music business and I will continue to appreciate, respect and take to heart all the encouragement she has shown me over the past several years." ``xEEEVuppAEpAyCWShhP``x1115276400``x(default) paula abdul disease could help battle neurological disorder``xIgor``x(Flint Journal)--American Idol judge Paula Abdul's recent announcement that she suffers from a little-known neurological disorder could be a mixed blessing for those battling the same disease.

"I'm already calling it 'the Paula Abdul disease,' " said Cynthia Toussaint of California, a former ballerina who suffers from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), a chronic disorder that causes severe, debilitating pain. (See story at left).

"I've been on the phone with Paula Abdul's publicist, because there's so much Paula could do to help other people with this," said Toussaint, the founder of For Grace, a nonprofit organization devoted to raising awareness about RSD.

"She could make RSD a household name."

Abdul, 42, has said she was diagnosed with RSD in November after a series of accidents triggered severe pain. The disorder is characterized by unrelenting pain following an injury.

Added to the physical pain of RSD is the emotional pain of not being believed. Most doctors are unfamiliar with the disorder and Toussaint, like many RSD patients, was dismissed for years by physicians who told her the problem was "all in your head."

Improperly diagnosed and treated, the condition can cause permanent, irreversible damage. In Toussaint's case, she lost her career and her mobility to the disease.

"I spent nearly a decade of my life bedridden, writhing in pain, thinking about suicide," said Toussaint, who is confined to a wheelchair. "I still have days when I don't know how I'm going to get through the next minute."

Toussaint's experience with RSD is more typical than that of Abdul, who says she finally is pain-free after treatment.

"Four out of five people with RSD don't ever return to their former activities," said Jim Broatch, executive director of the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association.

Broatch is hopeful that Abdul's announcement will bring attention to what he calls "our little-known, under-diagnosed syndrome." But both he and Toussaint are concerned that the public will see how well Abdul is doing and discount the severity of the disorder.

"I hope her case doesn't make other people with RSD feel like failures because they're not cured," Toussaint said.

Perhaps Abdul's case shows what can result when a patient is believed by doctors and gets excellent, early care, she added.

"Unfortunately, I'm the example of the dancer who was not believed and didn't get care in time." ``xEEEVkkAFZkHZROqhFX``x1115017200``x(default) paula abdul gives a girl scout cookies to idol cast``xIgor``x(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!"``xEEEuluAlAAsaTNsBJc``x1114849899``x(default) us weekly``xIgor``xClick here to see new picture of Paula from US Weekly magazine, May 9, 2005 issue.``xEEEuZuAuyAkRcYaazg``x1114749469``x(default) paula abdul gallery``xIgor``xPaula-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.``xEEEuZEupVlKDTFdTtP``x1114714058``x(default) tony danza show``xIgor``xPaula Abdul and Randy Jackson are going to be on the Tony Danza Show, May 2, 2005.``xEEEuyyyklkEIffkSsp``x1114666282``x(default) s.j. 'idol' alum stands by abdul ``xIgor``x(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." ``xEEEuykFllZYMgxaEPW``x1114623887``x(default) paula abdul responds to 'idol' allegations ``xIgor``x(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.``xEEEuykEylEwvMXdxOQ``x1114621681``x(default) paula abdul's lawyers fight idol expose``xIgor``x(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. ``xEEEuykEyFkcjAbuNET``x1114621632``x(default) american idol: could paula abdul bring down franchise?``xIgor``x(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. ``xEEEuuAFkuEyyvlDUKp``x1114493241``x(default) 'american Idoi' under attack ``xIgor``x(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. ``xEEEuuAFEFyPIIkZxzg``x1114493136``x(default) new choreography project``xIgor``xPaula will be choreographing Kelly Osbourne's new music video.``xEEEuuyEyZplWAfKjbW``x1114461670``x(default) simon plays cupid for paula``xIgor``xPaula 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.``xEEEuFVEpFZpvSKKGUq``x1114351037``x(default) complete woman magazine``xIgor``xPaula on the cover of Complete Woman magazine, June/July 2005 issue. Here you can see scans from magazine.

>>>Picture 1
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>>>Picture 3``xEEEuFupAFFecMDfNym``x1114340933``x(default) paula abdul contact``xIgor``xDo 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]``xEEEuFFElVZktxHxQBz``x1114331857``x(default) paula comments on corey clark``xIgor``xCorey 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." ``xEEEukZEZEVycuLtPVl``x1114271715``x(default) all of us``xIgor``xCatch 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. ``xEEEukpAulAfKcRPsmU``x1114209489``x(default) people magazine scans``xIgor``xHere you can see scans of People Magazine, May 2, 2005 issue.

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>>>Picture 6``xEEEukpyyykrGnIBKVF``x1114206662``x(default) rsd may affect more than 1.2 million ``xIgor``xEarly 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.``xEEEukpyEZEoTvaJpwq``x1114206171``x(default) 'idol' judges face the music on abc``xIgor``xThe 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.''``xEEEuEAApAyqdWzClkI``x1114199096``x(default) anwar gets booted from 'idol'``xIgor``xAmerica'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.``xEEEuEAApEFDbhVfvlc``x1114199013``x(default) paula abdul: my secret battle``xIgor``x(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. ``xEEEuEEpEuEYKlxFMwv``x1114110141``x(default) hollywood walk of fame ``xIgor``xTelevision 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.

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>>>Picture 21``xEEEuEpuVFFGezMRrLS``x1114104533``x(default) paula's secret battle ``xIgor``x(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. ``xEEEuEpkllynTdYDkdJ``x1114102886``x(default) abdul says odd behavior not drug-related``xIgor``x(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."``xEEEuEpkyZuvOGdVLXE``x1114102674``x(default) ex-‘idol’ contestant claims abdul affair``xIgor``xHas 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. ``xEEEukEkyAlEmHrWPfj``x1114066800``x(default) attorneys turning thumbs down on abdul's nail suit?``xIgor``x(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. ``xEEEFyukZkpjLemVAvo``x1113642720``x(default) mtv's trl``xIgor``xPaula Abdul and Randy Jackson of American Idol made an appearance on MTV's Total Request Live on April 14, 2005 in New York City.

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>>>Picture 14``xEEEFVAkuZuIgLHujfD``x1113592474``x(default) paula's "all of us" guest star appearance``xIgor``xUPN 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. ``xEEEFVplpluxkyYehWA``x1113508084``x(default) 1985 lakers championship team reunion``xIgor``xLOS 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.

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>>>Picture 3``xEEEFVppAAymGfcXfbM``x1113500996``x(default) abdul, jackson 'voice coach' package a dud``xIgor``xBy 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. ``xEEEFVppuZFRnUpQYMZ``x1113500473``x(default) paula abdul being honoured at the bollywood awards``xIgor``x(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. ``xEEEFuEZuEpbMUWsUyn``x1113417410``x(default) paula abdul in another traffic accident ``xIgor``xBy 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." ``xEEEkZElVlujRvmxsNh``x1112718584``x(default) 18th annual kids choice awards``xIgor``xTV 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.

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>>>Picture 11``xEEEkyuylZlzWbfHtGG``x1112646878``x(default) what's wrong with paula abdul?``xIgor``xby 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.``xEEEkyFAuFZJnmwAGpp``x1112639437``x(default) paula's hit-and-run tantrum? ``xIgor``x(MSNNEWS)--It's been years since Paula Abdul danced a deux with MC Skat Kat in her "Opposites Attract" video, but she apparently still remembers how to bare her claws. The New York Post claims the bubbly if often incoherent "American Idol" judge had a minor "meltdown" in Malaysia.

According to the paper, Abdul's recent trek to Kuala Lumpur for a tsunami benefit turned ugly when she learned she would face a hit-and-run charge stemming from an accident late last year, in which her Mercedes allegedly made contact with another car on a Los Angeles freeway.

The news was supposedly so upsetting that Paula took to her bed at the swanky Ritz-Carlton and refused to attend a scheduled tea at the palace with the Malaysian king and queen, who had reportedly picked up her travel tab.

A girlfriend who was traveling with Abdul is said to have convinced her to honor her commitment by reminding her who, exactly, was paying her way, but once she fulfilled her royal obligation and returned to the hotel, she let loose.

The paper reports Paula got into a tussle with the pal, scratching her face. The next day, she purportedly had another flame out on the flight home, winging a bracelet at her buddy and loudly insisting she "owed her money" for a burger she had at the hotel.

Abdul's rep, however, pooh-poohs the freak-out talk. "She had a great time in Malaysia and enjoyed her visit to the palace," her flack tells the paper. "She was upset when she heard about the stories related to the accident, which was resolved. And she wasn't feeling well because of a bout with the flu. But that's about it." (The news that she was under the weather might explain why she was so insistent on spreading her germs by repeatedly smooching Simon Cowell on last week's "Idol.")

On Thursday, Paula pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge in the fender bender and paid around $900 in fines and penalties and another $775 for the damage to the other car. If she stays out of trouble for the next two years, the mishap will be expunged from her record.

"Late last year, while driving on the Hollywood freeway, unbeknownst to Paula, there was some minor contact between the tire of her car and another vehicle on the roadway," her attorney said in a statement. "The result was a small amount of property damage to the other car and no damage to Paula's car. This week, after learning that it had been determined that her car was actually involved, Paula immediately took full responsibility ..."``xEEEkEkZyypLyQwAytP``x1112127660``x(default) a&e paula abdul biography``xIgor``xBIOGRAPHY: Paula Abdul
Friday, April 29 at 10pm / 9c
A&E

Profile of the "nice" judge who sits next to the scowling Simon Cowell on American Idol. We look at Paula's 15-year rollercoaster ride through the spotlight. A Laker Girl, a choreographer for Michael Jackson videos, and a pop star in her own right, she however, battled a dangerous eating disorder and went through two difficult marriages before hitting it big again on "Idol."
``xEEEkEEVFppIoGvLqRG``x1112115300``x(default) hard rock’s memorabilia collection``xIgor``xThe story of the birth of Hard Rock’s memorabilia collection is itself a part of music history. The collection was started when Eric Clapton, a regular customer at the original Hard Rock Cafe London, asked the staff if he could hang his guitar on the wall to mark his favorite bar stool as “his spot.” They did, and one week later, a package from The Who’s Pete Townshend arrived with a guitar and a note bearing the message, “Mine’s as good as his! Love, Pete.”

Memorabilia: Top Ten Items

1. ZZ Top - Handbill from a concert on August 7, 1970 at Panther Hall.

2. The Mamas and the Papas - Black and white photo of Mama Cass Elliot.

3. Bon Jovi - White Fender Stratocaster guitar autographed by all the members of Bon Jovi.

4. Aerosmith - This 1969 Les Paul gold top electric guitar was owned, used and autographed by Brad Whitford.

5. Fred Schneider - Black jacket.

6. Paula Abdul - Costume worn in video for "Cold Hearted."

7. Bob Seger - Gold Award for his 1980 LP Against the Wind.

8. Kiss - Gene Simmons' black and silver Axe Bass guitar, autographed by Gene.

9. Genesis - Original artwork for the We Can't Dance album cover, autographed by Phil Collins, Michael Rutherford and Tony Banks.``xEEEkpuEFyANoPbjIOr``x1112041369``x(default) paula abdul fined after pleading no contest to hit-and-run``xIgor``x(AP)--"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul was fined and placed on probation Thursday after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor charge of hit-and-run driving stemming from an accident last December in which her Mercedes clipped a car on a San Fernando Valley freeway.

Abdul was not in court as her attorney entered the plea, city attorney's spokesman Frank Mateljan said.

Superior Court Commissioner Patricia Schwartz sentenced Abdul to 24 months of informal probation. She also was ordered to pay about $900 in fines and penalties and to reimburse the other motorist $775 for the car damage, Mateljan said.


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The charge carried a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

"Unbeknownst to Paula, there was some minor contact between the tire of her car and another vehicle on the roadway," said a statement from her attorney, Neil E. Meyer. "Paula immediately took full responsibility."

Authorities said Abdul was driving Dec. 20 on Highway 101 in Encino, about 15 miles northwest of downtown, when she changed lanes and struck another vehicle, causing minor damage.

The driver and passenger snapped a photograph with a cellular telephone camera and wrote down the license plate number of the car, which was traced to Abdul, Mateljan said.

Abdul is one of three judges on "American Idol," Fox's top-rated TV talent show. ``xEEEEZZEkZkluQbsUpd``x1111771272``x(default) paula abdul receives probation for hit and run crash``xIgor``x'American Idol' judge Paul Abdul has been put on 'informal probation' for two years and fined $1,675 due to her role in a hit and run accident that took place last December. Abdul must also reimburse the other driver for the damages to their vehicle.

Abdul did not stop at the time of the accident. She was traced by a photograph taken by a witness on a mobile phone. The license plate number of the car in the photograph matched Abdul's.

According to her lawyer, Abdul was 'unaware' of the accident when it happened which is why she did not stop and exchange insurance information with the other driver. Once she was informed, she has taken 'full responsibility.'

The maximum penalty for the hit and run case could have included up to six months in jail for Abdul, known as the easy going and less harsh judge on Fox's hit 'American Idol.' Prior to her 'Idol' days, Abdul choreographed numerous music videos and had a string of hits in the late 80s and early 90s such as 'Opposites Attract' and 'Straight Up.'

Although she was sentenced to two years probation, Abdul will not have to report to a probation officer. The probation will be considered 'informal.' However, should she get into more legal trouble, the consequences for the
'Idol' judge could be more severe.``xEEEEZZEkEFaTsjVCBS``x1111771213``x(default) paula abdul charged with hit and run``xIgor``x"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul has been charged with one count of criminal hit and run charges by the Los Angeles city attorney for an incident that occurred late last year. The misdemeanor charge carries a maximum punishment of 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Law enforcement sources tell "CJ" the incident occurred at 7:40 a.m. on December 20th. Cops say Abdul made a lane change on a Los Angeles freeway and hit another car, causing minor damage. The driver of that car claims Abdul took off, never stopping to exchange information. "CJ" has learned the driver of the car took a photo of Abdul's Mercedes on his camera phone and that his passenger recognized the "American Idol" judge.

"CJ" is told by law enforcement sources that when California Highway Patrol investigators interviewed Abdul, she claimed she could not have been involved in the collision as her car was in the shop at the time of the incident. "CJ" has confirmed, however, that Abdul's car was taken to Mercedes Benz of Beverly Hills the day after the accident. "CJ" is told that Abdul complained that her car suddenly died on the freeway, but mechanics could find nothing wrong.

According to sources, Abdul told the CHP she only remembers hitting a pothole around the time of the incident. ``xEEEEylAZEAWJQwKgVC``x1111689719``x(default) morris o'kelly: paula abdul? i'm not buying it``xIgor``x(EURWEB)--I know what some of you are saying. Some of you are saying, “FINALLY, he’s not clownin’ Hip-Hop.” Some of you are sayin’ “SEE, even pop and R&B stars run afoul too.

Well, yes and no.

Yes, I’m not going to vilify Hip-Hop (this week) but no, I not going to vilify a non-Hip-Hop star either. This week I’m going to ask some questions in regards to this ‘alleged’ hit-n-run involving a car owned by Paula Abdul. Something is clearly not quite right with this situation. Things are not as they seem and/or material information is being withheld from public consumption. I have a number of questions in regards to this ‘accident’ and I’m not sure there are reasonable explanations for most of them ... given published reports. Maybe I’ve simply overlooked some key facts, but I don’t think so. If I have, please enlighten me. Maybe there are some plausible explanations as to why things just don’t add up because certain variables have been omitted in this equation. If there are, please share them with me.

Maybe ... but I’m not so sure.

Prosecutors are “currently deciding” whether to file criminal charges against Paula Abdul for an alleged hit-and-run accident last December 20.

As in, December 20th of last year.

Really? Does it usually take 3 months to ‘decide’ whether to file charges when someone is claiming a hit-n-run, which is a felony? 3 months? Or did it take 3 months or close to it for someone to claim that it happened in the first place?

Hmm ...

There supposedly is a picture of the license plate but here we are three months later “unsure” of whether charges will even be filed?

I’m not buying this…not even a little bit.

Even though allegedly the Mercedes struck another car and failed to stop, there is no indication whatsoever as to who was driving the Mercedes. Mind you, the reports say that the wronged parties did manage to take a picture of the license plate with a cellphone.

Man, that’s some special phone.

This phone would have to be awful close to get a decent photo of a moving car that is attempting to leave the scene of an accident. If you doubt me, try it yourself. I haven’t seen any published report detailing whether the incident took place in daylight or at night…but from what I’ve seen, camera phones generally do extremely poorly at night, especially in motion.

Man, that’s some special phone.

So if I have this straight…

A person managed to take a picture at close range of a license plate after an “unforeseen” accident …yet there is no indication as to who was driving the car? Male, female, Paula, Randy, Simon or Ryan? Nothing? So I’m really beginning to suspect this ‘incident’ took place at night…which reinforces my original incredulity about this “special” phone.

The alleged accident was a result of the Mercedes clipping the other car in question while changing lanes.

And still, 3 months later authorities are still to ‘decide’ whether to file charges? In a way, I’m glad they haven’t and I’m beginning to suspect they have the same doubts as I do. Something or some things just aren’t right here. If you hit my car and leave the scene, odds are that you will be reported that same hour. If you hit my car, leave and I get your license plate…odds are that it won’t take three months to either ascertain who the car is registered to or whether charges will be filed. I was under the impression that the moment the police “run your plates” they can instantaneously know who owns any registered vehicle. Maybe I was wrong, but since I get all of my parking tickets in the mail 20 days after that little punk meter butler/maid leaves them on my car; I’m guessing it doesn’t take 3 months to run the plates of a Mercedes allegedly involved in a hit-n-run.

December 20th, 2004? Something is hideously out of kilter in this equation and I suspect the authorities might just agree with me. So no, there will be no Halle jokes on this occasion. I could and in fact probably would churn out a few chuckles at Halle’s expense if the circumstances surrounding this ‘incident’ weren’t so glaringly peculiar.

For now, Halle gets a free pass and so does Paula. For now…

Speculation has abounded as to whether “the driver” was drunk or conscious of not having the specter of bad press lead back to Abdul.

I don’t buy that either…for the same reasons. This story would have broken in the press the same way the Halle Berry story broke; as in fewer than THREE months after the fact. And in Halle’s case, the car wasn’t even registered to her, it was rented. In this society where stars falling from grace is usually a lead story for any form of media, there’s no way anyone sits on this story for three months.

Not happening.

It’s not that the story is major, simply that the would-be attached name is major.

Granted, the public obviously does not have all of the information concerning this situation. But also granted, let’s be reasonably intelligent and read between the lines.

Could this be a close encounter with the paparazzi? Possibly. It would explain the ‘closeness’ of the cars in the first place, the photo of the license plate (which we don’t know exactly when it was taken) and the delay in reporting the incident to the authorities. It would explain why the Mercedes would keep going (if in fact Paparazzi were instigating the event). It would also explain the delay in charging Paula Abdul (the registered owner) with any sort of crime after it was eventually reported…whenever that was. Yes, maybe this incident was in fact instigated by an over-anxious photographer or fan, acutely aware of the Mercedes in question. That, to me is far more believable than anything released in published reports thus far. True, this is all speculation but also true the story so far on record isn’t adding up.

There haven’t been many ‘facts’ released about this alleged hit-n-run, other than that the car is registered to Paula Abdul. Abdul hasn’t been charged with any wrongdoing, even 3 months after the fact. That in itself is a shame because at this point, no criminal wrongdoing has been attributed to Abdul yet she’s being vilified in the press nonetheless.

If she’s formally charged and more facts come out in support of the original allegations, then fine, so be it. But at this point, I’m not buying it…not even a little bit and it’s been grossly unfair to Abdul thus far.

Morris W. O'Kelly is a freelance entertainment writer who has neither a Mercedes nor a crush on Paula Abdul. You can always reach him at: dark.gable@sbcglobal.net and he welcomes all comments.``xEEEEVAAVEkTJetTfqX``x1111599512``x(default) paula abdul: caught in a hit-and-run?``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES -- Back when she had a singing career -- instead of judging other's prospects for one -- Paula Abdul had a hit with the song "Straight Up."

One of the lines in the song asks a boy trying to play her if she is "caught in a hit-and-run." These days, prosecutors in Los Angeles are asking the same exact question.

They are considering whether to file criminal charges against the "American Idol" judge in connection with a freeway accident last December.

She's accused of clipping another car with her Mercedes-Benz while changing lanes on a freeway last December and then taking off. The other driver took down the license plate number of the "Benz" and took a picture with a cell-phone camera.

No injuries were reported.

Abdul, a former cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers, recorded such hits as "Straight Up", "Forever Your Girl", "Cold Hearted" and "Opposites Attract."

In addition to "American Beauty," Abdul designed the choreography for such films as "Jerry Maguire," "The Doors" and "Coming to America."``xEEEEVkZZEADnabZPBw``x1111392000``x(default) tsunami relief 'force of nature' concert ``xIgor``xTsunami Relief 'Force of Nature' Concert Brings Together Paula Abdul, Backstreet Boys, Lauryn Hill & An Audience of 13,000 in Malaysia.

On Saturday, March 19th 2005, in the country of Malaysia, over 13,000 people came together to raise money for those impacted by the Asian Tsunami which rocked our world on December 26th 2004.

A rock concert at Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil inspired a pool of stars to perform at The Force of Nature.

Among the 13,000 guests in attendance were the country's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Information Minister Datuk Paduka Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir and director and trustee of the Force of Nature Foundation, Kamaluddin Abdullah Badawi.

The goal of the foundation and the artists in attendance: To do their part in the campaign to educate and empower people throughout the world with the belief that every individual can make a difference in the long-term aid to tsunami-affected countries.

The Backstreet Boys were one group who wowed the crowd.

Other artists included:

The Black Eyed Peas

Boyz II Men

Wyclef Jean

Lauren Hill

American Idol finalist Clay Aiken

Aiken, who joined American Idol judge, Paula Abdul in Malaysia to entertain the crowd said:

I just returned from Aceh and I can tell you first hand that the emergency workers deserve our respect and admiration for their sacrifices and lives they saved.

American Idol judge, Paula Abdul was one of the surprise celebrity guests.

Before the concert, Abdul revealed to reporters that her favorite contestant this year is Anwar Robinson.

She said she regarded the twenty-five year-old music teacher from East Orange, New Jersey as "da voice" in the contest.

"He's the best," she said.

At the Malaysian concert last night, Abdul shared the stage with Clay Aiken, last year's American Idol runner-up. Perhaps next year, she and Robinson will use their celebrity status to do good things for the world.

Other surprise appearances on Saturday night included:

Actor Alan Cumming and actress Bai Ling

Actor Ken Watanabe

Indonesian songstress Ruth Sahanaya

Magician David Blaine

Actor Nick Stahl from the HBO hit TV Series Carnivale

Joey Fatone from pop group N Sync

Former Baywatch star Carmen Electra.

Local Malaysian artists Sheila Majid, Innuendo, Dayang Nurfaizah and Anuar Zain performed five songs among them.

Majid says, "I am a force of nature." This was the rallying cry

The highlight of the concert was the reunion of Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill.

The former members of the Fugees performed three songs from their "previous life" repertoire -- 'Oh La La La', 'Ready or Not' and 'Killing Me Softly'.

Force of Nature Foundation special ambassador Tan Sri Razali Ismail said after the first act:

Force of Nature' is a phrase to remind us about the power of the human spirit and this evening is dedicated to the spirit that brought everyone to Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil.
Tan Sri Razali Ismail and all those who came together proved that the Force of Nature is a force to be reckoned with.

Saturday night's concert was the first time in Malaysia's history that a pool of celebrities came from all over the world to benefit Asia's tsunami victims.

The concert raised more than its target collection of RM10 million.

Proceeds from the concert will be used for relief efforts.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, "force of nature" living!``xEEEEyppkEFFqDSMVtc``x1111305600``x(default) paula abdul may be charged in car mishap ``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES - Prosecutors are considering whether to file criminal charges against singer Paula Abdul for an alleged hit-and-run freeway accident last December, officials said Thursday.

Frank Mateljan, city attorney's office spokesman, said a Mercedes-Benz belonging to the "American Idol" judge clipped another car Dec. 20 on the 101 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley. The driver apparently failed to look while changing lanes and did not stop to exchange information, he said.

Nobody was hurt in the accident. The driver and passenger in the struck car took down the Mercedes' license plate number and photographed it with a cell phone camera, Mateljan said. The plate was traced to Abdul.

Abdul was out of the country Thursday and could not immediately be reached for comment, said her publicist, Stephanie Sher. ``xEEEEVkZlkATMkUJWuy``x1111132800``x(default) 'you're the real deal, bo,' says paula abdul``xIgor``xBy Ronnie Thomas
DAILY Staff Writer
rthomas@decaturdaily.com · 340-2438

The Bo Bice saga continues on "American Idol."

Bice, 29, of Helena, whose grandmother Madge Schofield and other relatives live in Somerville, learned Wednesday night that he is among eight male singers who will remain in competition on the show that airs on Fox 54.

They compete again Monday at 7 p.m. Following the show, the public will have two hours to cast votes.

The eight remaining women singers will compete Tuesday at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, "American Idol" will announce the four lowest vote getters, trimming the field to 12 when the competition resumes. To date, fans have cast 42 million votes during this season's run.

Bice, who attended the University of North Alabama, made a hit Monday with the show's three judges with his performance of an Allman Brothers song, "Whipping Post."

Paula Abdul said, "Everything that comes out of your pores is authentic. You are the real deal, Bo."

Simon Cowell, comparing Bice to last season's winner, Fantasia Barrino, said, "Every year, somebody comes on the stage and does something that's so fantastic, it blows you away."

And Randy Jackson called Bice "da bomb."

Bice's cousin, Evie Hawkins of Somerville, said his mother, Nancy Downs, watched the show Wednesday in Helena at the Incahoots Restaurant, which hosted "Bo Night."

"He has done a lot for the community and his church," Hawkins said. "He told his mother Monday to thank everyone in Morgan County for supporting him."

Hawkins said Bice told her before Wednesday's show that he would be happy and pleased even if he is eliminated, because he said he has met so many people and it has been such a wonderful experience for him.

Hawkins said Bice left his job at a guitar store in Pelham to audition for "American Idol" in Orlando.

"His mother said the store fired him after he made the cut and traveled to Hollywood for the competition," Hawkins said. "He started drawing unemployment. But he's probably getting closer to his dream of purchasing his own store."

She said fans can e-mail her cousin at Bobice@sugarmoney.net.

"He said he is getting a lot of responses and reads them all," Hawkins said.``xEEEpEFVVVVmKKxPUwv``x1109750400``x(default) elton john aids foundation academy awards``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Television personality Paula Abdul arrived at the 13th Annual Elton John Aids Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party at the Pacific Design Center on February 27, 2005 in Los Angeles, California.

>>>Picture 1
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>>>Picture 3``xEEpAyEFAAyiXdXdzhd``x1109613996``x(default) still looking for love``xIgor``xStar magazine, March 7 issue.

Paula Abdul has been less than lucky in love, but the American Idol judge hasn't given up on romance, professionally or personally. Paula, 42, is not only producing a line of jewelry with messages of love, but she'ls also helping to promote the online dating service Yahoo! Personals. As for her own love life, whose last relationship with gun executive Colton Melby ended in early 2004, tells Star that she's happy being single but hopes to have a boyfriend "within the next year." "I want someone who is secure with themselves, who has a good personality and a great sense of humor. And a sense of rhythm would help, too!" For now, however, the only man she's seen smooching on a regular basis is her Idol co-host Simon Cowell. "I think Simon kissing me on the show turns men off," she laughs. "I'll have to tell him to lay off. He has cooties!". "I thought I'd be married with kids by now". ``xEEpAyEkEuFABZnTMxU``x1109612143``x(default) can paula make a comeback? ``xIgor``x(ABOUT.COM)--Paula Abdul has made plenty of noises about making a musical comeback. As a judge on American Idol, she's in front of tens of millions of fans on a weekly basis, so she has the recognition to get some buzz about a new release.

It helps, too, that she's the "nice" judge -- the good cop in comparison to Simon Cowell's bad cop. This gives her the warm 'n fuzzy public relations momentum to sell some records. She's reportedly not under contract with any label, but that could probably be arranged with a minimum of difficulty.

But whether she will actually try to make a comeback, and whether she would succeed, is unclear. First, it would be a major risk. She's seems comfortable in her Idol post, but if she were to put out a CD with minimal sales -- or mostly terrible reviews -- it would make being a judge somewhat awkward.

She had a hugely successful career as a singer-dancer-choreographer. Between the late '80s and the mid '90s she was a major dance pop maven, selling some 20 million albums worldwide, with hits like "Straight Up" and "Opposites Attract."

But in the 10 years or so since Abdul has been on the charts -- in pop music years, that's about four generations -- a lot has changed. She would have to significantly update her dance pop sound. Even tougher, she's 42 years old. For better or worse, we like our pop stars to be young.

There are, of course, some older stars, like Sting or Eric Clapton. But these older musicians generally play a more sophisticated brand of music that appeals to older listeners. Being a dance pop star at age 42 would be an uphill climb. Maybe Abdul could be the star to change that. If she gives it a try, more power to her. ``xEEpAuEAukutwFfROJN``x1109419424``x(default) soul train awards``xIgor``xBrian McKnight, Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia, Ciara, Nick Cannon and Kierra "Kiki" Sheard and Karen Clark Sheard are set to perform on the 19th annual Soul Train Music Awards, to be taped on Monday, February 28th, at Paramount Studios in Hollywood.

Special awards will also be handed out at the ceremonies. Superstar Usher and "Princess of Crunk" Ciara --both leading nominees for the evening--will each receive the 2005 Sammy Davis, Jr. Entertainer Of The Year Award. Rapper, producer, actor and director Ice Cube will receive the coveted Soul Train Music Awards' Quincy Jones Award for Outstanding Career Achievement.

The show, which honors the best in urban music for the previous year, will also be hosted by McKnight, American Idol winner Fantasia, actor-rapper Cannon, and Simple Life star Nicole Richie.

Usher earned five nominations, including Best R&B Soul Single Male for "Confessions, Part II," Best R&B/Soul Album for Male Confessions, and the Michael Jackson Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap video for "Yeah!" featuring Lil' Jon and Ludacris. Ciara follows Usher with four, including Best R&B/Soul single for "Goodies," and Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist. Other multiple nominees included Alicia Keys, Prince, Destiny's Child, and Jill Scott.

The Soul Train Awards have also lined up top celebrities as presenters. They include Paula Abdul, Christina Milian, Tweet, Baby Phat creator Kimora Lee Simmons, Aisha Tyler, Boyz II Men, New Edition, Bow Wow, B5, the O'Jays, Vivica A. Fox, Elise Neal, Gary Dourdan, and Steve Harris.

The 19th Annual Soul Train Awards will be broadcast in syndication on March 12 via Tribune Entertainment Company Distribution (check local listings for channel and times).``xEEpAuEFyVuCRwEwPbw``x1109413654``x(default) new idol dvd's being planned covering additional seasons``xIgor``xTrade magazine Home Media Retailing (formerly Video Store Magazine) has posted an article about the American International Toy Fair that was held earlier this week in New York City. The story, written by Anne Sherber, discusses how toys and DVDs are now rather co-dependent on each other, and releases of one are often tied into another. One example given brings good news for American Idol fans: it turns out that a new Idol-themed series of Barbie toys will find synergy with a new round of DVDs featuring the first three seasons of the show. Here's a quote from Gerber's report:

David Luner, VP, licensing of Freemantle Media, the license holder of TV series "American Idol," enjoying its fourth season as an entertainment juggernaut, is launching its licensing program with "American Idol Barbie." ...Luner also notes that the company is in negotiations with a video company to release the first three seasons of the program on DVD. Although he said the companies are close to an agreement, he declined to name the potential partner. Ventura Distribution released the first season on video.

Note that the original DVD release, while distributed by Ventura as noted in the story, was actually produced by Respond2 Entertainment. It was a best-of disc, showing the highlights of the first season as contestants are eliminated on the road to deciding a winner. The move away from a full-season release was due to the nature of the show: 1) it would be costly to license every song that the Idols sung for DVD release, and 2) it was thought that fans wouldn't be interested in re-living every moment of the show, but just seeing the most important parts of the contest.

That release was available in a 1-DVD version with the best parts of the 2002 competition, and also a more limited 2-DVD version which also included the "Making of an American Idol" extras disc.

Would new releases continue with the Best-Of format, or - like Survivor, another hot reality show - jump from best-ofs to full season sets? We don't know, and we suspect even Freemantle doesn't know until they conclude the process of partnering with a North American distributor, and work out the details with them. Who will that distributor be? We honestly don't know, but we will point out that Freemantle has an existing relationship with A&E for the Thames library of U.K. properties, so it might be a good guess that they're the front runners. On the other hand, we *are* just guessing. Stay tuned, and we'll let you know for sure when we do.``xEEpAFVyVylSmXsysZr``x1109356568``x(default) "ultimate voice coach" dvd``xIgor``x"American Idol" judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will soon release "Ultimate Voice Coach," a DVD package aimed to make anyone "Idol" ready. The three-disc set will feature three hours of video instruction from top vocal coaches as well as five Karaoke songs. Aspiring singers will also get the chance to have their crooning rated on the "Ultimate Voice Coach" Web site. The package hits stores April 5."
``xEEpAFVVAElRTUdOjXF``x1109355918``x(default) ask billboard``xIgor``xThis was issued in Ask Billboard website this Thursday.

AN ABDUL COMEBACK?

Dear Keith

We all know Paula Abdul is currently judging "American Idol," but what comes next for Paula Abdul the singer? Are there any plans for a new record? Is she signed to label? How long ago since she last appeared on the charts?

Thanks!

David

Hi David,

This is one of the most popular questions Ask Billboard receives. Paula Abdul has openly admitted she is considering the possibility of recording music sometime down the road, though she is not currently signed to a record label.

Her last appearance on any Billboard chart came in 1996, when "Ain't Never Gonna Give You Up" peaked at No. 12 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.

As most know, Abdul lays claim to eight Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits -- six of which went to No. 1. Her first two studio albums, "Forever Your Girl" and "Spellbound," both reached No. 1 on The Billboard 200.``xEEpAFVVylVMmgtlhgw``x1109355685``x(default) simon vs. paula people magazine issue``xIgor``xSimon's sneering, Paula's in tears. Has the American Idol judges' love-hate feuding finally gone too far?

"It is sort of like a sport sometimes with her," says Cowell about Abdul. "Probably because she is so easy to provoke. I can't help myself. It amuses me."

"It's like a scene out of The Exorcist sometimes," says Simon Cowell of Paula Abdul's dramatic outbursts, which often occur less than six inches from his face. Actually, there've been no swiveling heads or obscenities – yet. But Abdul has been erupting, angrily defending her turf and her opinions against the sarcastic, dismissive Brit. "You take the joy out of me having fun and showing love!" she all but howled at him during the New Orleans...

Check out this month's Simon vs. Paula People Magazine issue!``xEEpAkZFyFuferXIJDa``x1109273634``x(default) paula abdul: forever our girl? ``xIgor``x(Star Tribune)--Imagine waking up tomorrow to find 10-year-olds trading in their Game Boys for Rubik's Cubes; adults passing on beer for wine coolers; teenagers discarding their Dockers for big baggy pants, insisting to everyone who will listen that it's definitely Hammer Time.

It's a nightmare that's bound to put your hair on end -- Flock of Seagulls style -- unless you're sitting in the middle of the Mall of America one morning with a misfit doll in your lap, waiting for your career to reignite.

The woman is Paula Abdul and the doll is a Cabbage Patch Kid, two former icons who would shoot J.R. for the kind of fame they shared in the '80s.

Yes, children, Abdul was once more than the sweet, supportive judge on "American Idol."

She helped pave the way for every dance-pop diva in a Catholic schoolgirl uniform to come, choreographing videos in the mid-'80s for Janet Jackson, topping the charts six times from 1988 to 1991 with sugary bubble-gum pop such as "Straight Up" and "Opposites Attract," marrying and divorcing a celeb (Emilio Estevez!), losing and gaining weight at rates that made the tabloids giddy and producing some of the sexiest videos this side of Playboy TV, most notably "Crazy Cool," in which the former cheerleader partnered with a dance pole and sprayed herself with water.

But on this morning in August, she looks anything but sultry.

She's dressed in a black suit, her eyes fluttering to stay awake. Her focus is centered on the doll, dressed like her owner in her prime, black leather pants, a pink top and a belly necklace hanging down.

"I wish I looked like her," Abdul says, stroking the doll's head.

Abdul sleepily recalls the '80s.

"Tight jeans were hot, but if you had a Cabbage Patch doll you were in," she says.

She talks about how both she and the Cabbage Patch craze are poised for a comeback, how everything old is new again, how it's time for magic to happen.

The only thing you can predict in her future is a nap.

Her publicist tells you that she's suffering from the flu, but you wouldn't be surprised if she was just plain tired. Trying to catch up with your former image can be exhausting even without the sniffles.

In addition to hosting "American Idol," which seems to be on more often than the evening news, Abdul has co-founded a dance competition contest, modeled during Fashion Week, taped a sitcom cameo, signed on as a spokeswoman for an anti-aging skin care, formed "Paula Abdul's Extreme Dance Team" to support the Los Angeles school district and put out a jewelry line.

She's been doing just about everything except ... singing.

Abdul's last album of new songs came out 10 years ago and today's youngsters couldn't tell her music from Rosemary Clooney's. She may be on one of TV's biggest hits, but without some hit singles, Abdul is little more than a novelty act, the kind that used to fill "Hollywood Squares."

"It's not so much about her music," said Alfred Kahn, chairman of 4Kids Entertainment, which markets the Cabbage Patch dolls. "Parents are comfortable with her. They can watch 'American Idol' with their kids and say, 'I used to dance to Paula's music when I was a kid and now we're watching her on TV.'"

Not exactly the kind of endorsement you'd want to hear during your induction at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

It's not that Abdul can't make a legitimate comeback. She is, after all, a big presence on one of TV's hottest shows. But while other '80s icons have made big splashes with their recent comebacks -- Duran Duran, George Michael, Deborah Harry -- they have failed to make a significant sales impact in the music world.

And the struggle is not limited to musicians.

Despite the full-course press at the MOA in August, the Cabbage Patch Dolls failed to invade children's homes come Christmas Eve.

Abdul, however, seems oblivious to the odds. You see her in Los Angeles in January and are blown away by how energetic she appears. She holds center court at a Fox cocktail party for critics, then shows up a couple nights later for a WB bash, even though she doesn't have a show on the network. On a recent episode of "American Idol," she stormed out on Cowell, a nice bit of dramatics that also managed to exhibit some backbone. She's also dropping suggestions these days that she'll be taking a break from "AI" to concentrate fully on a musical comeback.

"I'm desperate to get back to doing my own stuff," she says in Los Angeles. "My fans are always asking, 'Are you going to have you own career again?' The answer is yes."

Hallelujah. Now pass down another wine cooler. ``xEEpAkZFEAZVVFEWtuS``x1109055600``x(default) american idols get "innergy" from paula abdul``xIgor``x(PRLEAP.COM) (HOLLYWOOD, CA. FEBURARY 22, 2005) On tonight’s “American Idol”, the twelve female contestants will battle it out to be part of the top ten female finalists to make onto next weeks show. Thanks to ‘Idols sweet-heart, and fans favorite judge Paula Abdul, they will each have a little inspiration to get them through the high stakes performance in the form of one of Paula Abdul’s “INNERGY” bracelets.

“INNERGY” is a line of inspirational jewelry created by Paula Abdul; based on the hard work and dedication put forth by the contestants of Idol. Each piece represents the "Inner Energy" it takes to succeed.

Each one of the aspiring divas received a star pendent necklace with an ID tag with the inscribed message "Reach for the Stars… You Just Might Become One."

“Everyone can use a little luck and inspiration” says Paula Abdul. “My “INNERGY” line just reminds them that it all comes from within. If you believe it, then you can achieve it. That’s what INNERGY is all about; finding your inner energy to get you through your darkest night, or even worse, a performance in front of Simon.”

Some of the other items in the Paula Abdul “INNERGY” collection include;
• A Music Note pendant with an ID tag engraved with the message "SING YOUR HEART OUT AS IF NO ONE’S LISTENING".

• A Lightning Bolt pendant with an ID tag engraved with the message "BE ELECTRIFYING, CREATE A SPARK OUT OF LIFE"

The “INNERGY” collection is available at SAMS Club’s nationwide and the official Paula Abdul website: www.Paulaabdul.com ``xEEpAkZkAAZUdaxrOiL``x1109055600``x(default) idol fans notice paula's finally tellin' it straight up``xIgor``xPart of Paula Abdul's appeal the first time around was her evolution, from Laker Girl to choreographer to pop star, so it's fitting that almost two decades later she's doing it again.

In her four seasons on American Idol, the once soft-spoken and sweet judge who found something to praise in every performance has transformed into an outspoken and opinionated authority who has no problem chastising a struggling singer or fighting with the other judges to push forward a favorite.

Paula's evolution, which peaked last week when she nearly walked out of the auditions over a disagreement with fellow judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, has been so blatant in recent weeks that it's become the talk of the show.

"Paula is feisty this year; I like it," last season's runner-up, Diana DeGarmo, commented.

"It's good to see her coming out of her shell," second season winner Ruben Studdard said.

"We talk about this journey that the kids go on, but the judges have certainly done that too, especially Paula," co-executive producer Nigel Lythgoe warned at the start of the season. "Paula's very mouthy this year and she speaks up for herself."

So what's caused the change?

"There's only so much of Simon that I'm gonna take," Abdul said over the weekend. "And actually, I've always been passionate and fighting for people, but I get edited out. I'm glad they're leaving some of that in."

Producers say they're showing more of Paula's passionate rants, good and bad, simply because there are more of them.

"The truth of the matter is because she is more familiar with [Simon and Randy] and she's more familiar with the situation, she's more comfortable with her own opinion than she's ever been before," co-executive producer Ken Warwick said. "Basically, she isn't going to take any bull from either of them anymore, and I have to say, from the program's point of view, we love it. Good for her. Give them as much as they give. ... As long as she doesn't start swearing and doing any costume malfunctions, I'm quite happy."

Warwick is pleased to see Paula evolve (and even happier that the ratings have gone up as she's become feistier), but he insists he's not encouraging her.

"We are constantly accused of manipulating the situation to make them more spicy, and the truth is ... what she's saying is heartfelt, it's honest, it's straight, it's true," Warwick said. "The only thing I have to say [to the judges] is: Whatever you say, however you react and whatever you do has got to be genuine, because you ain't fooling anybody. If backstage we said, 'Let's have her freak out this week,' it wouldn't work, partly because Simon is the worst actor in the universe, as you've probably seen."

Part of Paula's transformation also has to do with the success of American Idol. Four years ago, she was almost entirely out of the spotlight, writing songs for other artists like Kylie Minogue. Now she's everywhere, recording her long-awaited follow-up to 1995's Head Over Heels, making jewelry and developing other TV shows.

"It's put Paula back on the map, this program," Warwick said. "So she's obviously going to stick with it, and it's a question of whether you like it or [not], and she actually genuinely does like the job. She is now more than ever good at the job. And that relationship [with the other judges] is just a natural progression. It's just like any other relationship anybody has with someone they work with. ... And like most relationships, the longer you're in them, the more you become your own person, and that's basically what happened to her here."

Randy considers the judges a family — "one big, dysfunctional family," that is — but he's not so sure Paula's personality has changed because she likes the gig.

"If you look from the first season to this one, I think both Paula and I have gotten a little tougher because you get a little tired of it," he said. "Listen, sometimes we really hit it and sometimes we get on each other's nerves, because as you can tell, you get somewhat irritated with people singing all day. You sit there for 12 or 14 hours a day, you see 200 people and you just go, 'Oh my God!' I just want to run out and scream or punch myself or something."

-- Corey Moss (MTV.com)``xEEpAkZuZkAVEDTUEuP``x1108969200``x(default) a piece of peace``xIgor``x(L to R) TV Host Mary Hart, unidentified guest, singer Paula Abdul, Jimmy Demers and model Cheryl Tiegs attend A Piece of Peace at a private residence on February 17, 2005 in Los Angeles, California.

>>>Picture 1``xEEpAuuEkAAqjPeZcvq``x1108623600``x(default) be cool``xIgor``xPaula attended Premiere of MGM's "Be Cool", February 14, 2005.

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>>>Picture 2``xEEpAuuEpuVUuqlNsBa``x1108364400``x(default) clive davis pre-grammy party``xIgor``xPaula attended 2005 Annual Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Party at the Beverly Hills Hotel, February 12, 2005 - Beverly Hills, California.

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>>>Picture 6``xEEplkAkFFuNZxNrsxu``x1108292334``x(default) musicares 2005``xIgor``xPaula attended MusiCares 2005 Person of the Year Tribute to Brian Wilson at the Palladium, February 11, 2005 - Hollywood, California.

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>>>Picture 4``xEEplkAkEypzBqOQWQu``x1108292160``x(default) grammy awards``xIgor``xPaula attended The 47th Annual Grammy Awards, February 13, 2005.

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>>>Picture 2``xEEpAuupApZXYgTjNnA``x1108278000``x(default) paula in touch``xIgor``xIn Touch Magazine Issue: February 21, 2005

THE YEAR THEY'LL END THEIR FEUD

What's wrong with Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul? On this season of American Idol, the dueling judges actually seem like they're on friendly terms!

"I know that Simon likes me," says Paula, which definetly didn't appear to be the case on the show's first season. Back then, Simon said, "Sometimes I just don't like her. I don't think she will be having my children!"

Ken Warwick, the executive producer of Idol, confirms that the tempestuous twosome did not see eye-to-eye in the beginning. "It was hard," he says. "Paula thought Simon was a rude, ignorant, English so-and-so."

So what's changed? Warwick credits Paula's increasing confidence. "She is more comfortable with her opinion and is not intimidated by Simon," he says.

The increased affection between the two has even sparked rumors they've started an affair! "I can quite honestly say they've never gone any further than kissing," says Warwick. "And if they do, I certainly won't put that on screen!"

THEY'VE ALWAYS HAD A LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP

For each season, a Paula and Simon highlight.

1. Paula preferred working with a cardboad Simon than the real deal!
2. The duo shared a kiss in a dream sequence on the finale.
3. Things got rocky during the auditions and didn't improve all season long.
4. So far, the judges have shared some smooches and several back rubs.

UPDATE

"We have a very weird relationship," says Simon. "When I first met Paula, I was coninced we'd end up in bed."

"I've acquired a taste for Simon," says Paula. ``xEEplkuuFpZulNQMEfy``x1108244307``x(default) videos dvd online petition``xIgor``xAs we all know EMI/Virgin released Paula Abdul "Video Hits" DVD in January, 2005. DVD is disappointing. It features only 6 of Paula's 16 amazing music videos. Why not put all 16 videos on DVD? Let's show our support and love to Paula that we all want to have the full collection on DVD of Paula's videos with some extra features like live performances, interviews and rare material.

Later we will send this petition to Paula Abdul's management and EMI/Virgin.

Go >>>here to sign!

Also feel free to use >>>this banner to promote this online petition on the web!``xEEplkFpAkuwbaJQcSZ``x1108230924``x(default) "video hits" dvd artwork``xIgor``xHere you can see Paula's "Video Hits" DVD artwork:

>>>Front Cover
>>>Back Cover
>>>DVD Disk

Pick up your copy of "Video Hits" DVD in stores already! ``xEEpZAZkukuaqHmYkZx``x1107972424``x(default) larry king live``xIgor``xSinger Paula Abdul, one of the judges on the popular Fox television network show 'American Idol' is shown during her appearance with Ryan Seacrest, host of the show as she is interviewed by talk show host Larry King on the CNN program 'Larry King Live' at the CNN studios in Los Angeles February 8, 2005. Abdul and Seacrest discussed the fourth season of 'American Idol' and the changes made to the show this season.

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Here you can read transcript:

KING: Tonight, "American Idol's" Ryan Seacrest and Paula Abdul, the real stars of the TV phenomena. Taking your phone calls.

And then did a popular prescription drug make a 12-year-old kill his own grandparents? We'll go inside the sensational, disturbing Zoloft murder trial in South Carolina, with Court TV's Nancy Grace, the former prosecutor, who's about to launch her own show on CNN's Headline News.

Psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig, high profile defense attorney Michael Cardoza, and others, next on LARRY KING LIVE.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

"American Idol" is now in its fourth year on FOX. They said it wouldn't last.

We welcome its host, Ryan Seacrest, who also hosts the nationally syndicated radio show, "American Top 40," as well as "On the Air with Ryan Seacrest" on KISS-FM in Los Angeles. E! Online named him one of the 20 young guns under 30 who hold the future of Hollywood in their hands.

And Paula Abdul, judge on "American Idol," recording artist has sold more than 30 albums, and winner of a Grammy, Emmy and MTV award.

Did you think this would go four years?

RYAN SEACREST, "AMERICAN IDOL": You won all of those? That's great, sorry. That's the first time I've heard all of those.

PAULA ABDUL, "AMERICAN IDOL": Over 40 million.

SEACREST: Wow.

KING: Forty million.

SEACREST: Put that down on the card.

KING: We got it wrong.

ABDUL: I have two Emmys.

KING: And two Emmys -- changing as we talk. Wait a minute. You just won another.

SEACREST: We had no idea it would be this big. And I think that we had no idea it would still be this big, wouldn't you say, especially the fourth time around?

KING: What were your expectations?

ABDUL: Well, I must say, this fourth season, in the auditions, I was phoning home saying, "This feels magical." And I was also telling everyone back home that it feels like this is the first season.

KING: Why?

ABDUL: There is something magical. And I think maybe because Fantasia Barrino won, that she woke up uber-talented people, who felt that, if people embraced her unique talent, maybe I should audition, too.

KING: This is basically a talent contest. Now, radio has had this for years. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scout.

SEACREST: Right.

KING: We've always had this.

SEACREST: Look for talent, make a record, we'll play it.

KING: If you win, you're on.

SEACREST: Right.

KING: So why now? Why this?

SEACREST: I think it's a sum of all parts. I believe that this show -- it doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it has a very compelling component. And that is the people, America as a country, as a nation, can invest in each of these contestants and they decide.

I also think that this panel of judges, I mean, when you watch the panel of judges, and you see a contestant perform in front of them, you're always on the edge of your seat wondering what they're going to say and wondering how that contestant is going to handle the criticism. So I do think that the contestants are not only judged on their song but also how they handle the adversity of competition.

KING: And the diverseness of the fact that you could like someone the audience doesn't like, right?

ABDUL: Absolutely.

KING: And they'll resonate in votes. The people you like doesn't always win.

SEACREST: People take pride in who they, I think, invest in early on in the season.

KING: Let's see some of the changes this year. We raised the age limit to 28. Why?

SEACREST: Twenty-eight years old changes the competition a little bit. I believe, from a perspective of a contestant, it makes it more difficult. I think it makes it more challenging. I think that these contestants who are older have been through more life experience.

ABDUL: Absolutely. If they're singing about heartbreak, one of the things...

SEACREST: They've lived it.

ABDUL: They've lived it. I mean, it is -- they feel that, at 28, if I don't make it in my career now, really, that is a certain age that, you know...

(CROSSTALK)

SEACREST: It's do or die at that point, right?

ABDUL: And if they're singing about heartbreak, they've actually had heartbreak.

KING: What was it before, 25?

SEACREST: Twenty-four.

KING: Now another change. You've divided the guys and girls. Guys and girls are separated for the semi-finals. Men and women sing separately with six female and six male finalists. Why?

SEACREST: Paula wanted it that way. She's very demanding this time around.

KING: One call from Paula...

SEACREST: And she says, "Or I'm walking out." LOL sorry, just made me laugh

ABDUL: The producers decided.

KING: The suits?

SEACREST: The suits decided to do this.

ABDUL: I think that this is a very good change that the producers made. All these changes have been made to make the television viewer have a better time getting to know each of these contestants. It's going to be harder for the television viewer to say goodbye to these contestants. It's not going to be easy.

KING: This is like a reality show, in that sense?

SEACREST: It is the ultimate reality of making it in pop music and making it very quickly. These contestants who compete -- it's a bit of culture shock. Because many of them have never been to Hollywood before. Then they're thrown into this machine. And there are no breaks. Every single day they are working. And every single day they have to compete.

KING: And 24 now semi-finalists instead of 32. Why?

SEACREST: Twenty-four instead of thirty-two?

ABDUL: Felt that that was a fair number to be able to get -- 24 would be good for the audience, the television viewing audience, to really get to know who these 12 and 12 are.

SEACREST: Exactly, to get to know their story.

KING: Do you think, Ryan, they're voting talent or personality, because I like that guy?

SEACREST: I think both. I think it's a combination of it all. I think it is a combination of the personality. I think it's how they come across to the audience. I think, if they sell themselves as a genuine person, I think that goes into it. And I think obviously a lot of it is heavily weighted in the talent. But I think it's big equation.

ABDUL: And it's a great equal mix this time. It's unique talent this time.

SEACREST: And you know what? What I've noticed with these contestants who are older, they're not as careful in front of the cameras. In years past, the younger contestants have really been aware of the camera and being careful...

ABDUL: Well, they've been very pageant-oriented.

SEACREST: They've been pageant-oriented, and almost like politicians to a degree. Whereas these older contestants tell us how it is. And they will say to you, look, I don't care about you. I just want to win the competition.

KING: Do you feel pressure?

ABDUL: Do I feel pressure? No.

KING: When you're judging these people, you got to be honest?

ABDUL: I feel that it is my job to make sure that these kids who are talented get every chance that they can and not to be passed over, that this is life or death for them.

KING: What do you make of William Hung who butchered a Ricky Martin song and got a recording contract? Now, this is where that I go wrong.

SEACREST: "She Bangs" is the title of the song. And there's a dance that goes along with it, Larry, a little of this. Ryan was doing the litte arm-swinging thing lol

KING: Right. And why did he get a recording contract? SEACREST: He was memorable.

ABDUL: That's America. That's America that fell in love with the innocence of a kid who just was honest, saying, "I did the best I could, and I had no formal training."

SEACREST: I think people followed that story. He came across as so naive, and America wanted to follow him to see when he was going to pull off the mask, and say, OK, hey, the joke's on you. But there really was no end to that.

KING: By the way, I won "Faraway Idol" in "Shrek 3's" Idol contest. Simon judged me, but I won. The voters voted.

SEACREST: And what was it that he saw in you?

(CROSSTALK)

SEACREST: What did the judges see in you? The good singing voice, stage presence?

KING: I sang "Girls Just Want To Have Fun."

(LAUGHTER)

KING: I was good.

ABDUL: Did that just give you the itch to...

KING: It was my new chance. Oh, I'm going to be big in "Shrek 3." I think I get an opera.

Simon, he's sort of like Cosell, voted hated and loved at the same time. How big a part is he?

SEACREST: Huge. He's a major part of the show. He was a big part of it before it came over to the United States of America. I think that's the problem with our relationship with Simon, is that he's extremely aware of how important he is to the success of the program.

KING: Is he pompous and egotistical off the air?

SEACREST: Is he pompous? I think it's a mild term to use. Yes. He's arrogant, he's pompous, he believes that everything he says is right. He drives you crazy.

ABDUL: He drives me crazy. HAH! understatement of the century

SEACREST: He actually tries to get under your skin, but he, you know, he does know what he's doing. He does know what he's doing.

KING: He knows the business.

SEACREST: I think he knows the business well, yes. You?

KING: You don't think so?

ABDUL: No...

SEACREST: No, no. I have to actually set the stage. This has been a very interesting year and season. The two of you have gone at it more than I've ever seen you go at on the show. And it's real.

KING: That could be, maybe, an attraction?

ABDUL: Oh, no.

SEACREST: A physical attraction? Ryan's just begging her to tell the truth

KING: Sometimes, come on, sometimes...

SEACREST: I remember that one night when I went to bed and you guys stayed up in the lobby of the hotel room when we were on the road.

ABDUL: Arguing. We were still arguing.

KING: Let me get break and we'll come right back...

SEACREST: It was still romantic, for arguing. See, they were still arguing as they went upstairs. THEN, he pushed her up against a wall and kiss the heck out of her. And the rest is history

KING: Here they go. Paula Abdul and Ryan Seacrest, fourth season of "American Idol." Don't go away.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When you're stuck in the middle, and the pain is thunder, I sent my baby girl to the doctor for nothing but a fever for nothing (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the podiatrist in the street said she had a break down.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I never felt before your touch, I never needed anyone to make me feel alive

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did anyone ever say to you that you sounded like a woman?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, I get that a lot.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Your golden sun will shine for me.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

This was scary Mary!!!
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I feel the sky tumbling down. I feel my heart start trembling. (UNINTELLIGIBLE)

SIMON COWELL, "AMERICAN IDOL": Honestly? One of the worst I've ever heard in my life. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The worst?

COWELL: Yes, honestly.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Are you just saying that to get on my nerves, or are you totally serious? Because something tells me that I think you're saying it to annoy me.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KING: A little bit of a "Gong Show" here, too?

SEACREST: A bit. That one was a little scary.

KING: Did he call you, Simon, today on the radio...

SEACREST: He did, yes.

KING: ... saying that, what, you called him fat?

SEACREST: I didn't call him fat. I said I read a report recently that he thinks he looks a little chunky on this season's show. And he agreed and said that he was going to stop eating cake.

ABDUL: Oh, really? I don't know why, but it reminded me of the birthday clip where he's licking cake off her finger

SEACREST: Yes, I did have a conversation with him a couple of times recently on the radio about that, the fact that he has this really wet pit sweat on the show that just drives me crazy when he puts his hands up like this and talks to the contestants.

ABDUL: Oh, it's yucky. HAH!

KING: But he also revealed that you broke up with your girlfriend?

SEACREST: He revealed that?

KING: Simon did.

SEACREST: He did reveal that. He revealed that a couple of weeks ago.

KING: Did that bother you?

SEACREST: Well, I told him in confidence. We were talking about our relationships. And he's been in a very serious one for a long time. And I think they'll probably get engaged. But he...

This was where she snorted, then Larry looked at her.

KING: What's with you Paula. How are you doing in that department?

ABDUL: I'm part of that, too, I suppose, the threesome.

KING: Wait a minute.

SEACREST: I don't want to shift gears, but I got out of that one, so, Paula...

KING: So you are single again, like you're floating?

SEACREST: I'm single. I think floating is an appropriate term.

KING: Saturday night -- are you married or anything? married?!?!

ABDUL: No, I'm single.

KING: You dating anyone special?

SEACREST: Valentine's Day is just around the corner.

ABDUL: That's right. I'm happily single.

SEACREST: Oh, happily. That's rejection.

KING: Who's married on the show?

SEACREST: Randy Jackson is married. Simon is soon to be married. I promise you I'm going to call in the day that he tells me so you can break the news.

KING: "Saturday Night Live" had fun with "American Idol" this past Saturday. Watch.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You're not serious, are you?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, come on, you're goofing on us, dawg.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm not goofing on no one, Randy. I'm going to be a star.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Honey, you really think you can sing?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I know I can sing. Anybody knows I say so.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, get yourself a new everybody you know.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ABDUL: That was funny.

KING: Do you appreciate that when they do it?

SEACREST: I love it. I think it's great. It's fun to watch.

KING: It's high compliment that they take you on, right?

ABDUL: Oh, yes.

KING: Now how long is this show entrenched for, "American Idol"?

SEACREST: I don't think we actually know the real answer to that.

KING: Is it renewed year-to-year?

SEACREST: I usually answer that question by saying everything in my mind in television is renewed year-to-year. There are no safe bets. You know, just when you think it's going to be picked up forever, and you can count on it for the rest of your life, it goes away.

KING: How did you get this job?

Abdul: Well, you know, I thought for sure that I got it from the U.K., because I was called from...

KING: It started in the U.K.

ABDUL: It started in the U.K. And I was called from my attorneys, saying that there was a producer from the U.K. saying that they wanted to talk to you regarding -- I needed to give over licensing and mechanical -- just to give up -- saying, yes, I would give away the ability to let these kids sing, lip sync, and also then to sing, actually, songs that I recorded. And especially one that I wrote for Kylie Minogue.

And a lot of kids in the U.K. were singing this Kylie Minogue song. And one of the producers called me up, named Claire (ph), and she said, "Listen, when we get to that final ten, we would like for you to come over and work with the top ten." And she said this show's huge. The queen clears her calendar. And I said, I'm really interested. She goes, oh, and it's really great, because the whole U.K., they vote. And it's wonderful. I never knew they wanted her to come over and work with them. Si and her could have met earlier if she did

And we have these really mean nasty guys that sandwich each other. And they just insult these kids. And I went, "This is horrible." And I didn't know much about it. She goes, "Probably there will be a bidding war in America." And, almost seven months later, I got a call to come in and meet FOX and Free Mantle (ph) and the rest is history.

KING: And the rest is history. Clay Aiken didn't win, but he's been the most popular winner so far, right, the non-winner?

SEACREST: The most popular, yes, runner-up. Why? Love affair with this guy. He came across -- I think you asked the question earlier about how people assess, judge the contestants. He was a guy that people liked in terms of personality. He was a guy that carried himself well. He had likeability and a fantastic voice.

KING: So he had all of it.

SEACREST: He had all of it. And there was a niche, there was a void in the marketplace.

ABDUL: For that kind of marketplace, for that kind of singing.

KING: And how is Fantasia doing? She won last year, right? ABDUL: Fantasia is actively promoting her new record.

KING: She has a new CD.

ABDUL: And, you know, she is so loved by so many. She has so many fans out there, so everyone wants to get her out there and see her out there.

KING: Let's take some calls for Paula Abdul and Ryan Seacrest.

Clark Summit, Pennsylvania, hello?

CALLER: Hi. First of all, I'd like to tell Paula that it was dream come true meeting you in Washington, D.C., this past summer. And I was wondering if you were going to be touring with your new CD?

ABDUL: You know what...

SEACREST: What's the story with the new CD? What new CD?

ABDUL: This came about when Randy mentioned that we were going to collaborate together...

SEACREST: Back at the studio.

ABDUL: Which we are. We're collaborating on several projects together, and, provided, you know, that there's time in between the next "American Idol." When that's all said and done, if I decide to tour, I definitely would come to Washington, D.C. We'll see. She's not quitting!

KING: Is "American Idol" now take preference in your life?

ABDUL: It's like taken over my whole life.

KING: Really?

ABDUL: In an odd sense, it has pretty much taken me sort of out of my recording and out of my choreography. However, I have managed to slip in some choreography jobs. And I've been writing songs for other artists now.

KING: If you could go back, be a youngster, would you enter this?

ABDUL: Consensus amongst every recording artist I know, heck no. Who wants to audition in front of Simon Cowell?

KING: No one wants to be embarrassed.

ABDUL: I don't think Simon -- Simon would not want to audition in front of Simon.

KING: How much of Simon is a shtick?

ABDUL: None. quick answer

KING: None is a shtick?

ABDUL: None.

SEACREST: Well, it's an interesting question.

ABDUL: None.

SEACREST: None of it's a shtick?

ABDUL: You just said on your radio station... ya, we know you listened just for Simey

SEACREST: This morning?

ABDUL: ... how rude he is in public.

SEACREST: Yes. He's rude in public. But let's be totally honest with Mr. King.

ABDUL: He can be charming.

SEACREST: Yes. He can also be charming. But he does say things to make a sound bite. He does say things to get a ride.

ABDUL: He's a walking sound bite.

KING: That means shtick. If you can say, if you hear, like, there are certain disc jockeys, or wild guys in America, if you hear them doing wild things, you know that, driving to work, they said, "What am I going to do today to rise them up?" That's shtick.

SEACREST: I think he knows how to articulate something that people are entertained by and still be true to the message he's trying to send the contestant.

ABDUL: That is absolutely true.

KING: All right. So he's aware of himself?

SEACREST: He's aware. Very aware of himself.

KING: We'll be right back with more on this fourth season of "American Idol." More phone calls, don't go away.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: The other night, last week, Groundhog Day, and Jay Leno had a little fun at Ryan's expense. Watch.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JAY LENO, NBC "TONIGHT SHOW": Hey, Kev.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What's up, Jay?

LENO: What's the difference between Punxsutawney Phil and Ryan Seacrest? UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Wow, what's that?

LENO: Phil came out this morning. See, that's the difference.

Oh, we tease the Ryan Seacrest. We love Ryan.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KING: How do you react to stuff like that?

SEACREST: I think that's funny.

KING: Where did that start?

SEACREST: Where did it start? Perhaps it started because I put a chemical in my hair at one point in time. And, you know, people seem to think that if you highlight your hair in some way it means, perhaps, that you are gay, or if you like to put on a nice shirt and go shopping for new shoes, perhaps the stereotype is that you lean more...

ABDUL: Or Botox. I just thought it was funny that she threw that out there.

SEACREST: I don't Botox. I've never Botoxed.

ABDUL: Tanning bed.

SEACREST: I've gone to a tanning bed.

KING: What is that other term, metrosomething?

SEACREST: Metrosexual.

KING: Are you metrosexual?

SEACREST: Oh, for sure. Proud of it. I think you are, too. I'm looking at the tie and the shirt. Again, Larry, this is a couple of times I've been here, and you've got the metro look kicking high.

KING: I'm a Jewish guy.

SEACREST: Well, you can still be a metrosexual.

KING: I'm a Jewish metrosexual.

SEACREST: You are a Jewish metrosexual, yes.

KING: Is it true you dated Teri Hatcher this weekend?

SEACREST: That is not true.

KING: My spies tell me you did.

SEACREST: I did not date Teri Hatcher this weekend.

KING: Where did that come from? SEACREST: I don't know where that came from.

ABDUL: That's good. she is like the mother, "hunny, that's good. i'm proud of you!" lol

SEACREST: I have these polar rumors.

KING: You're supposed to say maybe.

SEACREST: Oh, OK, sorry. Ask me again. Ask me again.

KING: Here's where you...

(CROSSTALK)

KING: Did you date Teri Hatcher this weekend?

SEACREST: Terri is a very talented and beautiful young lady on a fantastic television show, and I'm very proud of her, and don't want to say anything.

ABDUL: "That's all I'm going to say." trying to help him

SEACREST: Well, I screwed that up.

KING: OK. Charlotte, North Carolina, hello.

CALLER: Yes, yes. Hi, Larry. This is Alfea (ph). It's great to see Ryan and Paula. I'm big fans of the show. I love it.

ABDUL: Great.

KING: What's the question?

CALLER: Yes, sir. I'm 32. And I wanted to know if they were going to, maybe in the future, raise the age anymore?

SEACREST: A very common question. It's a very common question. If it were up to you, what would you do? It's not my decision.

ABDUL: I think they should. I think it would be great. I think it would be great if there were no age limit. I think there should be...

KING: Sixty-five-year-olds.

ABDUL: Yes.

KING: Why can't you have talent there?

ABDUL: Absolutely.

(CROSSTALK)

ABDUL: There are many talented people.

KING: Wakefield, Massachusetts, hello? CALLER: Hi, Larry. I wanted to know. Can I marry Simon? Because I think he's so hunky. And I don't know why Paula -- why she isn't crazy about him.

SEACREST: Oh, wow.

KING: Is there any attraction? Can you find any attraction?

ABDUL: It's love-hate relationship.

KING: There is love then?

ABDUL: There is love there. And then there's times when I can't even stomach him.

KING: Would you date him?

They forgot to add the LONG PAUSE lol

ABDUL: No, because I'd have to face him after the date.

SEACREST: There was hesitation. That means a little hope. There was hesitation. That indicates a bit of hope.

ABDUL: You don't have to sit next to him. That's all I have to say.

SEACREST: Yes, but, I mean, think of your worst nightmare, and never waking up from that. That would be the rest of your life married to this man. And it would all be about him and not you. At Valentine's Day, it would be a celebration of him.

KING: That's right. He would say things to you, like, "Enough about me. Let's talk about you. What do you think of me?"

ABDUL: I would always think he was cheating on me with himself.

KING: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Anyway, we'll be back with a few more minutes with the group, and then we'll discuss that incredible case in South Carolina. Don't go away.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEACREST: Let's see what's out there in San Francisco.

(voice-over): As the wannabes warmed up, we wondered if they had come to the right audition. We found trombone players and some people looking for more than "American Idol" audition.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, America, you're watching "American Idol" on Fox. My name is David Corbel (ph) and I'm auditioning for "American Idol" here and I'm also auditioning to take Ryan Seacrest's job.

SEACREST (voice-over): For some reason I don't feel too threatened by that guy. (END VIDEO CLIP)

KING: That ain't bad.

SEACREST: He's pretty good that's why I had to say that on the track.

KING: Millersburg, Ohio. Hello.

CALLER: Hello. First of all I'd like to say to Paula, I'm a huge fan and I love the show. And my question is do you know if there is going to be auditions in Cleveland this summer?

KING: Do you sing?

CALLER: Yes, I do.

KING: Give us a couple of lines.

SEACREST: You sound like a rapper. You sure you sing?

CALLER: Yes, I'm not a rapper.

SEACREST: OK. All right.

KING: Do a couple of lines.

ABDUL: Larry, listen to you.

CALLER: OK, sing?

KING: Go ahead.

CALLER: When I first saw you I already knew that there was something inside of you...

KING: I like her.

(CROSSTALK)

SEACREST: Let's go to our judges. Larry King, what do you think?

KING: I liked her a lot...

SEACREST: What did she have?

KING: She had talent, she had grace, she had performance level. And I liked the tone of your voice.

SEACREST: Larry would like to offer you a job singing at his home for dinner each and every night for the next month.

KING: You're going to Cleveland? When do you...

SEACREST: We don't make those decisions. We're going to get through the season first then we make decisions about next year.

KING: La Palma, California, hello.

CALLER: Hi. My question is for Ryan. I know you say you haven't gone in for the Botox shots. But I want to find out if it's true that you enjoyed the buttocks injection?

SEACREST: Yes. I haven't heard that one, but not a lot of experience in that area.

KING: By the way, someone called in and said, now, this was just was someone, that they saw you with Teri Hatcher.

SEACREST: You're driving me -- you're just driving this.

KING: I'm just reporting...

SEACREST: Larry.

KING: Ryan.

SEACREST: It's not a bad rumor. It would be a dream come true, wouldn't it?

KING: Why not?

ABDUL: Look at you.

SEACREST: It would be a dream come true.

KING: Maybe she's watching. Maybe she would like you.

SEACREST: Well, give me some advice if I were in a relationship or entering into a new one. For example, what are you doing for Shawn this Valentine's Day? What should I do for her?

(CROSSTALK)

KING: We go to dinner. And I get her a nice gift and I have two boys so they have to get her a gift, you know, it's a boy-girl...

SEACREST: They have to or they feel obligated to or they want to?

KING: They already told me what they want to get.

SEACREST: What?

KING: I can't tell you on the air.

ABDUL: You can't blow it on television.

KING: OK, last call. Akron, Ohio. Hello.

Akron, are you there?

CALLER: Yes, hello.

KING: Speak.

CALLER: I was wondering. I kind of have two questions. What is the youngest you've ever had and would you consider lowering the age limit?

ABDUL: The youngest is 16 years old.

KING: What was the second part?

CALLER: And would you ever consider lowering the age limit?

KING: Lowering the age limit.

ABDUL: I think sixteen's the youngest it's going to be.

KING: By the way, I know anyone can show up for audition, clarinet players, right? Must you be a singer to be on "American Idol?"

SEACREST: To be on, to make it, yes. To show up, no. It's an open call. If you think you're...

KING: What if you had a guy come in with a clarinet, he came in front of you and he plays like Kenny G. What do you say to him?

SEACREST: We say that you're fantastic.

ABDUL: We say you play like Kenny G. Maybe we'll direct him to...

SEACREST: The right person who can help.

ABDUL: The right person who can help.

SEACREST: But that's not what this show does. This show's looking for a pop singer.

KING: Got to be a singer to make it.

ABDUL: Maybe hire him for the band when we have a band.

KING: Great seeing both of you as always. Continued good luck.

ABDUL: Great seeing you, too.

SEACREST: Thank you. Good to see you.

KING: May it last many moons. Give our best to Teri. lol, he won't drop that

Paula Abdul and Ryan Seacrest. "American Idol" in its fourth season. When we come back, the subject will change dramatically to that story in South Carolina that might or might not involve the effects of an antidepressant. Don't go away. ``xEEpZAZElZyYshAwSIy``x1107971876``x(default) baby phat fall 2005 show ``xIgor``xSinger Paula Abdul attended the Baby Phat Fall 2005 show during the Olympus Fashion Week at Skylight February 5, 2005 in New York City.

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>>>Picture 7``xEEpZZpZlkVutStotjW``x1107707825``x(default) what's up with paula? ``xIgor``x(Ottawa Sun)--The usually perky Paula Abdul was anything but this week when she was a guest on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

The "American Idol"judge Tuesday night repeatedly gave jarring, one-word answers and seemed strangely subdued compared to her "Idol" and "Entertainment Tonight"appearance during the uncomfortable-to-watch interview near the end of the show.

After a clip on one of the singing talent show's more atrocious hopefuls, Abdul proclaimed him "good."

A bemused Stewart seemed, to the regular viewer at least, to be slightly egging her on. When he asked about the new season, Abdul replied, "it's magical."

After an awkward silence, Stewart replied, "What did you put in it to make it magical?"

Later, he told the '80s pop star how much he likes the show for its clean entertainment, then joked "and I love getting high and watching it" as Abdul laughed and clapped.

New York's irreverent media gossip sheet Gawker.com pointed out Abdul's strange behaviour and linked to Comedy Central's website, which had video of the appearance. They also suggested the singer might just have been "tired" or "nervous."

Online bloggers had fun with Abdul's appearance too.

"Well, I suppose she could have slipped and fallen and hit her head backstage," surmised one.

"Whatever she's on, I want some," joked another.

"American Idol" referred questions about the appearance to Abdul's publicist who did not return calls. Stewart's rep had no comment. ``xEEpZyEZZEyAVgXoGcD``x1107617716``x(default) innergy``xIgor``x(PRLEAP.COM)--Just in time for Valentine’s Day, award winning Singer, Dancer, Choreographer, and now Jewelry Designer, Paula Abdul has two exciting new pendants from her “INNERGY” collection that are the perfect gifts of inspiration for the ones you love. Inspired by the hard work and dedication put forth by the contestants of Idol, each piece represents the "Inner Energy" it takes to succeed.

For Valentine’s Day Paula created a sparkling Heart pendant with ID tag engraved with the message. “LOVE YOURSELF IT’S THE BEGINNING OF A LIFELONG ROMANCE”. And a beautiful Circle pendant with ID tag engraved with the message, “THE CIRCLE OF LOVE BEGINS AND ENDS WITH YOU”.

“The best part about the “INNERGY” collection is that its not just for couples” says creator Paula Abdul. “The “INNERGY” pendants are great gifts for best friends, girlfriends, and family members to give each other, reminding them that the greatest love of all comes from within. It’s the perfect gift to celebrate any day. When you give the gift of love, every day becomes a holiday to that special person.”

Some of the other items in the Paula Abdul “INNERGY” collection include;

· A Music Note pendant with ID tag engraved with the message "SING YOUR HEART OUT AS IF NO ONE’S LISTENING".

· A Lightning Bolt pendant with an ID tag engraved with the message "BE ELECTRIFYING CREATE A SPARK OUT OF LIFE"

· A Star pendant with ID tag engraved with "WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR YOU JUST MIGHT BECOME ONE"


Paula Abdul’s new “INNERGY” collection consists of handmade gold and silver pendants and bracelets. Each piece was specially designed to represent the “INNERGY” within. On this season of the Fox Network mega-hit show “American Idol” Paula will give pieces of the “INNERGY” collection to contestants, for strength and inspiration to get them through the stressful times on the high-stakes show

The Paula Abdul “INNERGY” collection is available at SAM’S Club nationwide, (www.samsclub.com), and on the Paula Abdul website( www.paulaabdul.com)..

For more information regarding Paula Abdul and the “INNERGY” collection please contact:

Terrance Gillum
AB&G
323-365-4602
Terrancegillum@sbcglobal.net ``xEEpZyEVllutVslspAX``x1107615884``x(default) abdul makes wild kylie claim``xIgor``x(CONTACTMUSIC)--Paula Abdul has been left red-faced after claiming she helped Kylie Minogue land her first UK number one single - the Australian beauty had already topped the chart on four occasions.

The American Idol judge can credit herself with ending a barren spell of chart success for Kylie after co-writing the 2000 smash hit Spinning Around.

However, Kylie hit top spot with her debut single I Should Be So Lucky in 1988 and was one of the most successful pop artists in Britain until the mid-90s when she took on a more adult image.

Abdul says: "I'm responsible for helping Kylie Minogue come back. She couldn't get signed to a worldwide deal… She entered for the first time ever on the UK charts number one on a song I wrote." (*)

*Note: It is sad to read such article, people who wrote it even did not understand what Paula wanted to say. Paula talked about entered at #1 in UK singles chart, not reached. Kylie Minogue entered at #1 in UK singles chart with Spinning Around for the first time!``xEEpZVuElpAUoQNMHob``x1107541809``x(default) paula says "no" to super bowl ``xIgor``x(AP)--Paula Abdul says she gets asked to be part of halftime shows all the time.

She turns them all down because her standards are too high. Abdul says sometimes she'd be asked to do the choreography, or sometimes to sing. Abdul says if she takes part in a halftime show, she wants to perform. However, she doesn't want to perform unless she either has new material or she does a great tribute to her old stuff.

She'll still be at the Super Bowl, though, watching in a private skybox with a contest winner.
``xEEpZVuplVVUWliTUja``x1107540855``x(default) tony danza show``xIgor``xPaula will be a guest on Tony Danza's talk show on Monday, February 7.``xEEpZVupZlEglijjYav``x1107540781``x(default) fashion week``xIgor``xPaula Abdul models a dress by Esteban Cortazar as she walks the runway in the Red Dress Collection 2005 Show at New York's Fashion Week, February 4, 2005. Abdul and 25 other high-profile women modelled red dresses by famous designers in support of The Heart Truth, a heart-disease awareness campaign.

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>>>Picture 19``xEEpZyEVlkZYCjfGlyN``x1107500400``x(default) soundscan numbers of paula's albums``xIgor``xThese rounded-off SoundScan totals are through 1/23/05. Forever Your Girl and Shut Up And Dance were pre-SoundScan albums, but these are their totals from 1991 to present days.

Forever Your Girl: 1.128 million
Shut Up and Dance: 648,715
Spellbound: 3.215 million
Head Over Heels: 420,060
Greatest Hits: 119,210
``xEEpZuAAAllwSDsCnSq``x1107499988``x(default) 2005 wb network all star party pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents latest Paula pictures from 2005 WB Network All Star Party at Warner Bros. Studio Lot, January 22, 2005 - Burbank, California.

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>>>Picture 7``xEEpZFZlVyZgIWbYRDL``x1107378567``x(default) abdul and cowell get protection``xIgor``x(CONTACTMUSIC)--PAULA ABDUL and SIMON COWELL are so worried about being attacked on their hit show AMERICAN IDOL, contestants are required to pass through metal detectors before auditions.

Abdul and sharp-tongued Cowell, who serve as judges on the show alongside RANDY JACKSON, also have the added comfort of burly security men guarding them in the audition rooms as they dish out their often harsh critiques.

Former pop pin-up Abdul says, "Do you think that I wanna get shot? We have security in the room that are standing by. Sometimes, when we don't even think that they may be a little harmful, (the security men) are kinda edging towards getting the kids out the door before we can even (dismiss them)." ``xEEpZFyylZplosRMRRc``x1107366870``x(default) "should paula abdul return to singing?" Poll``xIgor``xThere's a poll on E!online that asks if we want Paula to sing again. Please follow >>>this link and vote "Yes, she's forever my girl"! So far, more people are voting "No, I'd rather hear Simon sing", so let's show Paula should return to singing.``xEEpZFyyklViYIdQAFf``x1107366285``x(default) national call in single day``xIgor``xSUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 1, 2005-- Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq:YHOO - News) today announced that Yahoo! Personals (http://personals.yahoo.com), a leader in the online dating market, is encouraging singles to set aside time for themselves and their love lives in celebration of National Call in Single Day on Monday, February 14th. By creating real-life enactments of the age-old metaphor "finding a needle in a haystack," Yahoo! Personals will show that when it comes to finding a special relationship, you can indeed find a needle in a haystack with the right help.

In honor of National Call in Single Day, Yahoo! Personals will be hosting events across the U.S. -- with Paula Abdul in Los Angeles -- to help singles find love by searching in giant eight-foot tall haystacks filled with attractive single men and women and fun prizes.

Why 'Call in Single?'

According to a recent survey by Yahoo! Personals, an overwhelming majority of respondents (77 percent) already spend an average of one to three hours per day looking for love. When asked what they would do with more free time, one in four singles cited looking for or meeting potential dates as high on their priority list. Yahoo! Personals' National Call in Single Day encourages singles to make the most of that time this Valentine's Day by extending their lunch hour or taking a personal day to gain some self-insight, make better dating decisions and maximize the chances for love.

During National Call in Single Day singles are invited to log onto http://personals.yahoo.com/callinsingle to take the free Personality & Love Style Test and Relationship Test, to discover how their own personality and love style play an essential role in finding the most compatible matches for them. Visitors who take the free test will be entered into the "Find Your Needle in a Haystack" promotion which will send one lucky single and their "needle" on a romantic trip to Paris, France.

Haystack Fever

The majority of singles (85 percent) believe that when it comes to finding love, they will find their needle in the haystack. Paula Abdul, one of America's most sassy and stylin' single women, will be celebrating National Call in Single Day by hosting the Los Angeles "haystack" and helping local singles enjoy some Valentine's Day fun. In addition to finding a possible love match at the haystacks across the U.S., singles can win prizes such as diamond earrings and digital cameras. But, logging on in the name of love might be the best past-time yet for singles this Valentine's Day.

Events details for the three cities follow are:

New York, Herald Square, 9am - 4pm EST
Chicago, Union Station, 11am - 7pm CST
Los Angeles, Third Street Promenade, 10am - 7pm PST ``xEEpZkAFZpZaSxcbYUn``x1107293707``x(default) fourth season on "american idol" will be her last``xIgor``x(AP)--For the past few years, Paula Abdul has been helping others make their careers take off.

Now she says it's time to re-launch her own career. She says there's a pretty good chance that this fourth season as a judge on "American Idol" will be her last. The reason? She says she misses her art.

Abdul says while she has spent so much time helping others in her career as a choreographer and talent judge, she still wants to resume her performing career.

She says she needs to "infuse a little bit of energy" into her singing. So, Abdul has made "a conscientious decision" to take time off from "Idol" after this season.``xEEpZklZVluHbehYBTa``x1107287584``x(default) abdul eyes career as a sitcom star``xIgor``xFormer pop pin-up PAULA ABDUL wants to embark on life as a sitcom star, after appearing with JULIA ROBERTS' brother ERIC in his show LESS THAN PERFECT.

In an episode of the comedy airing on Friday (04FEB05), the STRAIGHT UP singer plays Roberts' girlfriend, and she admits it was a far more pleasant experience than her role as a judge on hit TV contest AMERICAN IDOL.

She says, 'If I had my wish for any other job, I would want to have a job like that. I had a blast, and everyone was so fun and easygoing.

"They have such fun on their set. It's not how it is on American Idol, with the tension and stress. Live TV, you know, it's crazy.

"Doing the show is hard. The (contestants) don't realise sometimes that the joke is at their expense. I want to always fight to keep it human." ``xEEpZklVEuFGtircVaI``x1107285143``x(default) paula abdul looks to restart singing career ``xIgor``xNEW YORK - Spending three seasons watching thousands of wannabes warble their way toward attempted singing stardom can make anyone a bit restless. But with the fourth season of Fox's "American Idol" under way (8 p.m. EST Tuesdays and Wednesdays) Paula Abdul (news) — the "nice" judge of the often brutal talent competition — is getting anxious for another reason altogether.

"I miss my art," Abdul sighs as she looks out the window, looking like a classic '50s sweetheart, right down to her flowery, flared-out dress. "The great part about who I am is, I came into this business as a facilitator. I was a world-class choreographer ... I've always been able to help mold (other people) into their greatness.

"But there is a whole other hat that I wear as a performer that I need to infuse a little bit of energy into, so I've made a conscientious decision that after this season, I have to take some time to be mindful of my own craft."

When Abdul refers to her craft, she's talking about her time as a singing sensation. More than a decade before "American Idol" became a pop-culture phenomenon, she was the real thing, segueing from a career as a top choreographer for Janet Jackson (news), the Laker Girls and the Academy Awards (news - web sites) to one as a chart-topping entertainer. Among her No. 1 hits, mostly pop and R&B tunes, were songs such as "Straight Up" and "Forever Your Girl."

Her catchy hits, along with her fast-paced, drop-on-a-dime dance moves, made her a dazzling video artist, while her girl-next-door persona made her a media darling. She even had a celebrity marriage to Emilio Estevez (news) (though it ended in divorce, as did a subsequent marriage).

But her time on top of the music charts was relatively short. While her two albums, "Forever Your Girl" in 1988 and 1991's "Spellbound" sold millions, by the time 1995's "Head Over Heels" came out, the music world was over Abdul.

While her singing career faded, Abdul didn't go away. The 42-year-old laughs at the idea that she wasn't up to much before "Idol": She continued to choreograph (including in movies such as the Oscar-winning "American Beauty"); she ran her own dance camps and competitions for youth; and she even wrote songs for others.

"I'm responsible for helping Kylie Minogue (news) come back," she maintains while talking about the song "Spinning Around," which she co-wrote for the dance music star in 2000. "She couldn't get signed to a worldwide deal ... She entered for the first time ever on the U.K. charts No. 1 on a song I wrote."

Still, for many, Abdul had drifted into the "Whatever Happened to ..." category until her incarnation as part of the judging trio on "American Idol." Her "let 'em down easy" approach to the horrid tryouts became the perfect balance against the viciousness of Simon Cowell, while her motherly guidance of the show's true talent endeared her to both contestants and the audience.

"I think people knew me as a celebrity, as a pop star, as the famous choreographer. This show has done an amazing thing. It's reacquainting my fans with Paula the human being, and guess what? Everybody get over it — Paula's a nice person," she says with her smile, so broad and constant one wonders whether she could frown even if she wanted to.

Finding the good in other people has been very good for Abdul herself. She has become as popular as she was in her singing heyday. But it's singing that she craves to do more than anything, and she believes fans are waiting: "People say they miss me out there as an artist because I'm very creative."

Of course, there are plenty of critics would take issue with that statement. As a singer, Abdul's thin voice was constantly panned, and at times, her choreography drew jeers.

But Abdul smiles as she talks about the "Simons" in her own life.

"You can't be the popular people's choice and be the critics' choice," she says. "It's just the way it is in art. It's subjective, and I learned that very early on my career."

Besides, Abdul is too interested in the future to worry about what critics said about her in the past.

When she does make her grand return, fans should expect a different Paula than the one we knew way back then, she says. "I'm different as a human being. I'm much older and I have a lot more wisdom."

Except, of course, dance — that, we can count on from Abdul.

"Paula without dance would be a really dark world," she says, laughing. ``xEEpZkluZyueZIsUPnu``x1107284764``x(default) paula modelling for charity ``xIgor``xFriday is National Wear Red Day, a push by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and other groups, including the American Heart Association, to raise awareness about women and heart disease. Called The Heart Truth, the campaign's aim is to spread information that could prevent heart disease in women and save lives. The campaign also works with the fashion industry, offering the Red Dress Collection -- created by 22 U.S. designers. The dresses will be shown Friday during New York Fashion Week, worn by celebrity models. Participating designers include Tommy Hilfiger, Badgley Mischka, Betsey Johnson, Calvin Klein, Carmen Marc Valvo, Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg, Esteban Cortazar, Kenneth Cole, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta and Zac Posen. Celebrity models wearing the dresses on the catwalk include Michelle Kwan, Sheryl Crow, Paula Abdul and Venus Williams. ``xEEpZEAyEypHVmcCDQq``x1107196160``x(default) the daily show``xIgor``xPaula will be Jon Stewart's guest on "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central on Tuedsay, February 1st. ``xEEpyAupApkVZnDVbCh``x1106940902``x(default) abdul's waistline still shrinking``xIgor``xFormer pop pin-up PAULA ABDUL has a problem with her weight - she's continually shrinking.

The AMERICAN IDOL presenter's clothes size has gone down to dimensions she didn't even know existed, after forming a new dance troupe.

Abdul, 42, says, "I'm actually a double zero right now which I never knew existed.

"I've been on a dance treat. I just put together PAULA ABDUL's EXTREME DANCE TEAM. While we were doing American Idol auditions I would hang back two days in each city and run my dance auditions."

The dance team is part of a music and dance appreciation program she's putting together for the Los Angeles school district. ``xEEpyAFyFlpHJruMhZE``x1106936380``x(default) simon cowell's furious bust-up paula abdul``xIgor``xSimon Cowell had a furious bust-up with fellow judge Paula Abdul on the latest episode of 'American Idol' - before she stormed out of an audition.

The music mogul repeatedly clashed with Abdul after he left a host of pop hopefuls devastated with a series of cruel jibes about their performances.

(FEMALEFIRST)--Eventually the 80s pop star branded Simon - who has been dubbed Mr Nasty because of his vicious put-downs-a "jerk" before storming off the set, in New Orleans.

After Abdul walked off, the music guru was left red-faced as he sat next to Kiss rocker Gene Simmons - who is also a judge on the panel.

Only last week, Simon was branded an "a**" by Abdul after he reduced a host of contestants to tears on the show.
The record producer was also punched by his fellow judge on the first episode of the hit TV talent show after he left one religious contestant - who told Simon she had been "singled out by God" to win the competition -devastated by telling her: "Trust me. ``xEEpylulVuEocLZlUVJ``x1106848541``x(default) greatest hits soundscan numbers ``xIgor``xPaula's "Greatest Hits" album scanned 112,512 copies in USA to date. ``xEEpyZEyypkEoregOGX``x1106716602``x(default) paula abdul plans come back``xIgor``xFormer pop pin-up PAULA ABDUL has decided to make a musical comeback with a new album of dance tracks.

The STRAIGHT UP singer enjoyed international chart success in the late 1980s and early 1990s before returning to the spotlight in 2002 as a judge on hit TV show AMERICAN IDOL.

And now she wants to sing again - and she's enlisting the help of fellow Idol judge RANDY JACKSON, who will produce the project. He says, "We're working on some new music as we speak. It's gonna be hot. A little different, still kinda like a funky dance record. "We were sitting there one day and... we decided to try and do something. I think it's gonna be hot." ``xEEpyylyVppddtOKXgJ``x1106686500``x(default) less than perfect: "distractions" ``xIgor``xClaude is excited to be starting the GNB Management Training Program with her new boyfriend, Charlie - until Kipp joins the program and befriends Charlie. Meanwhile, Owen volunteers to photograph Lydia and Jeb's wedding, but Lydia is uninterested until she sees his work up at a prominent New York art gallery. Paula Abdul guest stars as Kathleen, Will Butler's girlfriend and art gallery owner. February 4th, ABC, 9:30 pm estern. ``xEEpyylyuuuuEjlMxlF``x1106686444``x(default) lack of talent kicks off Idol``xIgor``xWarning: the earth has been invaded by a delusional species of deaf-defying shriekers — again.

The fourth season of American Idol got off to a rocky start last night. It wasn’t Armageddon, but the end must surely be near if the talentless and tone deaf are auditioning to become America’s next singing star.

The show’s producers should be fined for airing such cruel and damaging programming.

The never-ending ride of horrible wannabe singers began in Washington, D.C., with a lineup of dreadful U.S. national anthem remakes. What a nightmare. The shrieking and wailing from some hopefuls was so bad that grumpy judge Simon Cowell was left speechless for the first time ever.

With the maximum age limit of contestants raised from 26 to 28, you would think there would be some mature, experienced singers trying out. Wrong. Not only did the talent pool shrink, the curse of forgotten lyrics haunted the auditions like a lash well stuck in an eye. Idol fans are in for one hilarious season with these jokers — oops, I mean, contestants.
Even the judges — Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul — have turned it up a few notches with their comical bickering. And watch out, Paula has got some bite this time around.

This season will also include a long list of celebrity guest judges ranging from Brandy to LL Cool Jay, and Gene Simmons to Kenny Loggins. Last night’s treat was Sugar Ray’s lead singer, Mark McGrath.

Just when it seemed the contestants couldn’t get any worse, Toni Braxton’s “cousin” graced us with his singing, which left a blank look on each of the judges faces. This kid was so bad he should have tried out for America’s Funniest Home Videos instead of American Idol. He should also get the wax buildup removed from his ears. Oh yes, the mirrors were cracking all over D.C.

Some people really shouldn’t open their mouths to sing a single note, let alone try to bust a move on the dance floor. At least it makes for a good laugh or two. Then there was the touching story of a woman who sold her wedding rings to get to the audition and prove she’s got what it takes to be the next singing superstar. “If I can’t live my life through music, I’ll probably die,” she said before getting a gold ticket to Hollywood, where the next round of the competition will take place. And the winners finally began pouring in. But the icing on the cake was the last girl to audition. And she needs to be heavily medicated if she plans to walk the streets again. Her atrocious singing makes nails on a blackboard sound impressive. The next William Hung has been discovered.

Catch American Idol tonight on CTV at 9 p.m.``xEEpyEZpFZpkXpWZIFC``x1106170370``x(default) simon wanted sex with paula``xIgor``xWashington, Jan 19 : Simon Cowell has revealed that he had a crush on fellow 'American Idol' judge Paula Abdul when they first met, but added in the same vein that he couldn't bear the thought of waking up in bed next to her.

According to rate the music, Cowell and Paula are bitter enemies on American TV, where they argue endlessly and leave no stone unturned to make things difficult for each other.

Cowell, who is currently dating British TV star Terri Seymour said, "When I first met Paula I thought, yes, you're very cute and it (sex) did cross my mind but then I realised I'd have to wake up next to her and I couldn't do it only because we'd have to talk.

"I just don't think it would be a great conversation. We're better off as friends... But she still wants me," he added. (ANI) ``xEEpyEZppEZOrhqJTrb``x1106170017``x(default) 'idol' auditions new format ``xIgor``xHow much "American Idol" is too much Paula Abdul and Ryan Seacrest?

We'll get a chance to find out this winter and spring as Fox pumps up the visual volume on its signature talent showcase, which kicks off its fourth season with a two-hour premiere at 8 tonight.

Right up front, Fox is expanding the wildly popular audition phase of television's No. 1 reality series to 10 episodes. Holy pop overload!

And, yes, along with the many new Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard wanna-bes who can actually carry a tune, we will be subjected to the atonal wonderment of all those dreadful, delusional warblers who may have dreams of becoming the next William ("She Bangs") Hung.

"That's been the phase of the show that really, really goes down well with viewers," says "American Idol" executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz, adding that viewers love the auditions because "they're humorous, they're dramatic, there's all the emotions; there's the bad, there's the ugly, there's everything."

After the good, the bad and the ugly auditions, "Idol" will expand to three episodes a week for three weeks during an overhauled semifinal round, starting Feb. 21.

Some things never change, of course.

For those with a limited tolerance for B-list pop diva career rejuvenation, Paula Abdul, the "American Idol" judge who speaks no evil, is back to spew her sugarcoated gospel of innocuously positive twaddle. She'll share the spotlight with the more forthright assessments of fellow judges Randy ("I call everybody dawg!") Jackson and the blessedly acerbic, brutally honest Brit twit Simon Cowell.

It's always a close call on who's more irritating: Abdul or the icky slick, hyper-chatty host Ryan Seacrest. Making fun of "American Idol" is easy and often enjoyable.

But there's no denying the tremendous success of the show as an entertainment and advertising juggernaut.

A stunning 65 million viewer votes were cast in last spring's finale, won by Fantasia Barrino. The show's anointed stars have been a force in selling records. And redheaded Clay Aiken, a runner-up to Studdard in the second season, looks like a decent bet for career longevity as a popular Mr. Nice Guy crooner.

The quest to find America's next prefabricated singing superstar is again expected to generate a frenzy among the show's target audience of mostly younger, mostly female viewers.

To keep them hooked and the format fresh, "American Idol" has transformed its semifinal round by splitting the genders. The total number of semifinalists has been reduced from 32 to 24, with 12 men competing separately one night and 12 women the next night. That will eventually give "Idol" a final Top 12 of six men and six women competing together in the closing weeks of the season.

"We have a (semifinal) boy competition and a girl competition running in parallel, but the public will choose the best boys and the best girls," says Frot-Coutaz. "We thought it would add quite a bit of spice to have a girl competition or boy competition because boys and girls are actually very different characters. They compete differently, they tackle the scenes differently."

By increasing its upper age limit from 24 to 28 this season, "Idol" also hopes to add some spice to the musical equation.

"I think there is something about being slightly older and having more life experience. You get some amazing stories," says Frot-Coutaz, who spoke with reporters during a recent Fox teleconference.

Last season, there was some controversy generated by jammed phone lines, resulting in unproven accusations of unfair voting. But Fox and the producers are standing firm on fairness.

"The phone system that is in place on 'American Idol' is very democratic and it's incredibly fair and it's under scrutiny every single week, from ourselves, from the network ... from AT&T and, frankly, it is a great system," Frot-Coutaz insists. "There is not much we can do to change it. And there's not much that we need to do to change it."

Regardless of the jammed phone lines bugaboo, "American Idol's" viewer allure has endured, turning the show into the "Survivor" of talent shows.

"It think it's a very pure format," says Frot-Coutaz, explaining the show's lasting appeal. "It's about taking people who live a normal life in some remote part of the country, but have an amazing talent, discovering that talent and making a dream come true. I think there's something very powerful in that.

"The last really important thing is that the power is in the hands of the public. It's the public's choice. It's not about the producers. Ultimately, it's the U.S. public who chooses. And I think that makes it very special."

Now if only they'd let us vote on eliminating Paula Abdul and Ryan Seacrest.

I predict happily jammed "American Idol" phone lines for that vote.

Contact MIKE DUFFY at 313-222-6520 or duffy@freepress.com.``xEEpyEZpVyuApiyCLza``x1106031600``x(default) male order abdul is boy crazy``xIgor``xAbdul: Men rule this season on ''Idol'' -- Even with gender quotas this year, there still aren't enough slots for all the talented guys, the talent judge says by Gary Susman.

This season on American Idol, a format tweak means that men are guaranteed half of the 12 finalist slots. But gifted guy crooners are still likely to get shortchanged this season, according to Paula Abdul. ''For the first time ever, we have too many talented males and not enough slots available to them,'' the Idol judge told the Television Critics Association winter gathering in Los Angeles. Of course, she wouldn't be Paula Abdul if she didn't have something nice to say about everyone. ''This time around, you're going to have a tough time saying goodbye to these kids. They are that good,'' she said. Randy Jackson agreed, calling the current talent pool better than the previous three seasons' put together. ''I think we're finding better and better talent every year,'' he said. Ever the contrarian, Simon Cowell insisted that Season 2 (the Ruben-vs.-Clay showdown of 2003) was the show's best ''because it was unpredictable.''

Cowell may not be the only one who thinks his own show's best days may be behind it. Fox entertainment president Gail Berman said her network wasn't expecting Idol's ratings to be as high as in previous years. ''I think that's only natural for a fourth-year show,'' she told the TV critics' group. Idol's fourth season begins Tuesday night with a two-hour premiere. ``xEEpyEZpkkFcfXCgQOO``x1106031600``x(default) men make impression as 4th edition of ‘Idol’ set to begin ``xIgor``xLast season, it was the battle of the women on “American Idol.”

This time, the men at the auditions have impressed the judges - reportedly even that mean guy, Simon Cowell.

“I’ve got to tell you, even Simon was impressed this time,” judge Paula Abdul said. “Don’t tell him that you heard that. He has his reputation.”

Abdul said she thinks Cowell “has mellowed,” but fellow judge Randy Jackson won’t go that far.

“Maybe he’s changed a bit,” Jackson said.

Abdul, Jackson and Cowell, who once told a singer she sounded like Donald Duck on helium, will be back to judge as the fourth season of “American Idol” begins with a two-hour episode Tuesday at 8 p.m. on Fox. Another episode will follow at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Ryan Seacrest returns as host.

Fans have become addicted enough to watching the great and not-so-great singers to make “American Idol” the only show to beat “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” in the ratings.

Cowell, who is one reason viewers watch, wasn’t available for an interview, but the much more positive Abdul didn’t hesitate to speak for him.

“We’ve all been working out butts off,” she said in a phone interview. “Simon went to England for that show (‘Pop Idol’); he’s tired. But I honestly think he’s very excited.”

In a separate phone interview, Jackson noted the winners have alternated between genders each season: Kelly Clarkson in the first season, Ruben Studdard in the second and, last year, Fantasia Barrino (who just uses her first name these days). A man likely will win this time, Jackson said.

Jackson said the viewers voting at home surprise him and sometimes the voting seems dismal, but ultimately, they pick the right winner each season.

“Fantasia was definitely the right choice,” he said.

The big question is how long “Idol” singers will be around on the charts. Abdul predicted fans will still be buying records by Fantasia, Clarkson and runner-up Clay Aiken 10 years from now.

Last season, Abdul and many viewers had expected the final two singers to be Fantasia and La Toya London, but voters sent London and fellow powerhouse Jennifer Hudson packing several weeks before the finale.

Afterward, some complained they couldn’t get the calls through the phone lines for voting, but Abdul said, “That’s the price you pay for a show with such success.”

Last season, viewers learned that if they don’t vote, even the best singers can leave while lesser vocalists with many fans stick around.

Jackson said the great thing about Aiken was his appeal to a market that the recording industry has neglected: middle-age women.

“I don’t think moms, housewives, ages 35 to 50, are glued to MTV,” Jackson said. “We always thought he was like a junior Barry Manilow.”

Manilow and Elton John helped the singers prepare last season for nights devoted to the singers’ music.

, and other theme nights covered swing music and Broadway tunes.

What about a night of Paula Abdul songs?

She chuckled. “I think it would be distracting to me.”

Take Jon Peter Lewis, for example. His enthusiasm outweighed his vocal talent, but he lasted longer than critics and some viewers expected.

“People liked his personality,” Abdul said. “That other John (Stevens), the redhead - parents and grandparents related to him. He was a nice boy.”``xEEpyEZpZkAuBJRreOf``x1105858800``x(default) "video hits" dvd update``xIgor``xPaula's "Video Hits" DVD has a new release date. It will be released on January 25, 2005.``xEEpVuZZypyduKilqxs``x1105477606``x(default) the new american idol ``xIgor``xThe fourth season of “American Idol” kicks off with a two-day premier on Tuesday, Jan. 18 and Wednesday, Jan. 19 on WJBK, Fox 2.

If you’re expecting things to be the same as previous seasons, then you might get confused because the Fox Broadcasting Network decided to make a few tweaks and changes to the show. I suppose they thought that the wheel is broken and decided to fix it. To start off, the audition round will feature guest judges that include LL Cool J, Gene Simmons, Brandy, Kenny Loggins, and Mark McGrath. Then on Feb. 21, the show will move to three nights a week as more and more contestants are eliminated and the list is narrowed down to the final 12 contestants.

You should also expect fewer specials during this season. Because producers expanded the age range for the contestants, expect the next American Idol to be from age 16 to age 28. Starting on Feb. 8, expect to see four “Going to Hollywood” episodes, instead of the usual two. Judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will select the contestants for the semifinals round from the top 200 hopefuls (which were narrowed down from over 100,000 people who tried out for the fourth season of American Idol, a record number for the show).

Most changes will occur during the semifinal round, where it will be three weeks long instead of five, and as I stated before, will include three rounds per week instead of two. There will also be 24 semifinalists, not 32. The judges will select 12 male and 12 female semifinalists. Then starting on Monday, Feb. 21, four men will compete each Monday and four women will compete each Tuesday. Voting will occur on both days, and viewers will eliminate the bottom two contestants from each group, with results announced on Wednesdays. The final round will include six male and six female finalists. Overall, there will be fewer episodes than previous seasons, as the executives and producers hope that “American Idol” doesn’t get overexposed. I guess the fact that “American Idol” was the top searched item on aol and Yahoo! isn’t a small clue that the show is already overexposed! The actual show isn’t the only aspect of “American Idol” that is getting a bit of a makeover.

American Idol’s official site, www.idolonfox.com, is also getting a makeover. A paragraph on the homepage of the official site asks you to “Keep an eye out for the latest version of idolonfox.com, with an all-new look, new games, more video than ever and brand new features!” As I was walking around, enjoying my day, I noticed a sign that asked, “Will the Next American Idol Be from Michigan?” Disregarding the fact that the producers decided to skip Motown, and Michigan entirely for that matter, someone from our precious state might’ve ventured out into one of the seven cities where auditions where held, so keep a look out for your fellow Michiganders (not Michiganians) on the fourth season of “American Idol.” ``xEEpVFlAlFZQSYPdbwX``x1105389837``x(default) paula is helping tsunami victims ``xIgor``xPaula Abdul is supporting an organization called One World Beat, an organization which unites musicians worldwide to raise money and awareness. Their current campaign is called Beat The Wave. This company is raising money by throwing concerts where the proceeds will be used for the victims of the tsunami. Visit One World Beat website for more information. ``xEEpVEFVulkztwWoWVx``x1105135482``x(default) abdul keeps defying odds``xIgor``xPaula Abdul is taking a couple days of spa time, getting herself physically and mentally prepared for the giant work and promotional push she's about to make with the new season of "American Idol" kicking off Jan. 18 on Fox, her "Video Hits" DVD going into release Jan. 11, and the expansion of her Wal-Mart clothing line.
She's also taped a guesting on ABC's "Less Than Perfect" for airing during February sweeps, playing Eric Roberts' girlfriend, an art dealer. "She wants to show Owen Kronsky's fabulous pictures of deli sandwiches," reports Paula, referring to Andy Dick's character with a laugh. "It's about as ridiculous as it gets."

Paula's character was supposed to be a pretentious snob, but "me and snotty don't go together, no matter how you slice and dice it," acknowledges the multitalent known as "Idol's'" nice judge. "People don't buy me that way. They just don't like it. So I said, 'What if I'm ridiculously over-the-top snotty? Then people will know it's not Paula."

"'American Idol' has so defined me as a human being," she adds. "That's great. That lasts a lifetime, and I'm glad people got to know me that way. What's hard is now, when I want to move into acting, there's another hurdle."

Paula's game for the challenge, however. "It's always been this way, crossing over into different media," she observes. "I remember people saying, 'The Lakers cheerleader? How in the world would she be taken seriously as a choreographer?' And then it was, 'The choreographer is going to make an album? Oh, give me a break!' People always forget the last thing I did."``xEEpVpuylkkbJODEvvU``x1105046822``x(default) new year's resolutions for favorite celebrities``xIgor``xBy Ed Bark
The Dallas Morning News

Time once again for my carefully crafted New Year's resolutions for 2004's TV notables.

Paris Hilton: My "That's hot" tagline is starting to wear thinner than the peek-a-boo outfits I've been showcasing at my fave Hollywood hot spot, Room Temp IQ. It's time for a change. From now on I'm going to keep saying, "I'm an idiot." Perfect.

Donald Trump: Blew a great chance to market official DT-brand, burnt orange wigs for Halloween. I won't miss out this time.

Nicollette Sheridan: Towels with a Peter Max image of me in just a towel will be required beach equipment in 2005.

Matt Lauer: Boy, I just hate those embarrassing "Today" fashion segments that they make me do with that preening numbskull, Cojo. But I will hate them even more in 2005.

Bill O'Reilly: My new "No Spin Zone" answering machine will feature a dozen distinctive messages, including, "Hey, baby, I'm not in right now, but paint me a picture of what you'd look like in a Nicollette Sheridan brand towel unless you'd rather tell me how hot I'd be in a pair of ultra-liberal briefs."

Peter Jennings: Tom Brokaw is gone, Dan Rather is going, and all I've got to do now is cultivate a more down-home, regular guy image to get me some of that Red State audience. So it's bib overalls and a pearl-buttoned Western-cut shirt on "Just call me Pete" Fridays, when I'll anchor part of the newscast from a flatbed truck.

Martha Stewart: Once I'm out of the slammer, I'll be guesting on "Desperate Housewives" opposite that cheap imitation of me, Bree Van De Kamp.

Bernie Mac: Fox has treated my Peabody-winning sitcom like a dog by shifting it all over the place. Now I'm biting back by renaming the show "Bernie Mac Presents William Hung." He'll start off by singing all of The Four Seasons' Top 10 hits. Then the following week it'll be "The Best of Hootie & the Blowfish." They'll be beggin' for mercy.

Jon Stewart: Tom Brokaw, Barbara Walters and Dan Rather will be weekly comedy correspondents on "The Daily Show." Dan can disarm 'em with a weekly dose of Dan-isms ("He felt about as welcome as a hedgehog with cooties") while Tom and Barbara will take turns mangling words with lots of R's.

Paula Abdul: For once I'll get really nasty with an "American Idol" contestant by saying, "Um, that could have been just a little itty bitty bit better, but good job anyway, and please don't take offense because I still think you're a combination of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, only better."

Chris Matthews: Same as last year. But this time I really am going to astonish a guest by saying, "Ya know what, that's a really great point. Please elaborate while I shut up and listen for a full 10 seconds. Make that 8.5 seconds."``xEEpFAkkAZEKCIQisXQ``x1103922971``x(default) abdul positive on the personal ``xIgor``xThe holidays can be trying for those of us who are single, but "you don't have to play into that role," declares Paula Abdul, who isn't half of a couple at the moment, but expects to be with people she loves and to enjoy herself staying busy through the next week.
Paula is going to celebrate Christmas with friends in Rocky Mountain snow country, then head to Hawaii for some rest and relaxation before the big push into the new season of "American Idol" coming up next month.

She admits, "When the weather started getting cold and a little gloomy, I started to feel some of the same old things I used to - like, 'I'm just going to give up on that,'" says Paula, who used to be married to Emilio Estevez, speaking of finding a soul mate. "And then, out of the blue, a couple of blind dates happened, and I thought, 'That wasn't so bad. That was fun!' You can put it out there that you're feeling a little lonely. You don't have to be alone," she says, speaking of reaching out to friends to meet new people.

Obviously, being rich, beautiful, talented, accomplished and famous like Paula helps one's prospects - but it also brings its own complications, and she admits that when it comes to finding men who understand her world, "It's not easy, being a successful woman. When you're working, I don't care what anyone says, it's hard to explain how important your work is. I think the right person for me will be someone who gets it and I don't have to explain." She also says - and it's interesting food for thought - "I think I have just as much say in that as fate does." ``xEEpVpuyEyEeYrHbLOv``x1103785200``x(default) "video hits" dvd details``xIgor``xCast: Paula Abdul

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33

Tracks:

1. "Straight Up"
2. "Forever Your Girl"
3. "Cold Hearted"
4. "Opposites Attract"
5. "Rush Rush"
6. "Promise Of A New Day"``xEEpFZFykyVYvGbtwYk``x1103736265``x(default) paula being sued``xIgor``xJMS Entertainment filed suit against American Idol judge Paula Abdul, 42, for fraud and breach of contract Dec. 14 in NYC, claiming that she reneged on her agreement to star in and produce a DVD entitled Paula Abdul's How to Become a Star. They seek $5 million in damages. Reps for Abdul did not return calls for comment. ``xEEpFVZllpkvEtyFTrX``x1103578802``x(default) abdul spreads good vibes``xIgor``x(CONTACTMUSIC)--Former pop star PAULA ABDUL is confident the next season of AMERICAN IDOL will be an even greater success - because she's had the hit show's set feng shui'd.

The STRAIGHT UP singer, who is a judge on the show alongside SIMON COWELL and RANDY JACKSON, reportedly felt that the vibes on the set weren't quite right, so she called in an expert in the Chinese practice to help position things to create a more positive flow of energy.

An insider says, "Paula is a believer, and even had the furniture in her Hollywood Hills home rearranged by a feng shui expert." ``xEEpFFlFuVuxnLQpyfE``x1103383454``x(default) lindsay lohan speaks``xIgor``xLohan answered the following questions in a recent interview:

QUESTION: WHY DO AN ALBUM?

LOHAN: I've been singing since I was a little kid. I have been taking voice lessons since I was six or seven years old. I used to put on shows for my Barbie dolls singing Madonna or Paula Abdul. But I started acting first, so it made more sense to just go with that, and I was young when I started. ``xEEpFpVkEAuKHNhQzmK``x1103052194``x(default) billboard awards``xIgor``xPaula is scheduled to be a presenter on the Billboard Music Awards tonight.``xEEpkVFAuFpArTcwQHs``x1102539430``x(default) paula on tv``xIgor``xPaula Abdul's E! True Hollywood Story will air again on E! Monday, December 13 at 10 AM Eastern Time. Check your local guide. ``xEEpkVFlVFEiWvRDxSF``x1102538531``x(default) "video hits" dvd cover``xIgor``xVirgin Music website released a cover for upcoming Paula's "Video Hits" DVD.



More details to come...``xEEpkEAFylpkuqusQip``x1102193680``x(default) paula abdul "video hits" dvd``xIgor``xPaula Abdul "Video Hits" DVD will be released on on January 11, 2005.

There is press release information from Virgin Music Canada:

PAULA ABDUL - Video Hits

Format: DVD Video
Genre: Pop
UPC: 724359977195
Released: Jan 11, 2005
Label: Capitol

Stay tuned for more information about this release. ``xEEpkpkkFpFAOzmUimf``x1102022303``x(default) paula's appearance on saturday night live will re-air``xRobin``xPaula's appearance on saturday night live which originally aired in 1998 will re-air on August 17th at 4:00 PM eastern time on E! It will Also re-air on August 18th at 12:00 AM eastern time on E! Check your local listings.``xEpAElupyEVFrobOOOw``x1091840615``x(default) paula's appearance on conan o'brien will re-air``xRobin``xPaula's appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien will reair on August 10th at 12:35 AM eastern time on NBC. Check your local listings.``xEpAElupuZFXrTlXsxn``x1091840473``x(default) paula scheduled to appear on the teen choice awards 2004``xRobin``xPaula is scheduled to appear on the 2004 Teen Choice Awards on August 11th at 8:00 PM eastern time on Fox. Check your local listings.``xEpAElupFAFcMnXZASh``x1091840393``x(default) paula will appear on thats so raven``xRobin``xPaula will be appearing on the disney channel sitcom "That's So Raven" on Friday, July 30th at 7:30 ET on the disney channel. Check your local listings.``xEpApkAppFkYAaWdnrO``x1090290032``x(default) paula will be on mad tv``xRobin``xThe episode of Mad tv starring Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Brian Dunkleman, and Kelly Clarkson will be re-airing on July 10th at 3:00 AM eastern. Check your local listings.``xEplllyFkuVNmDFPgGV``x1088863245``x(default) paula to appear on "on air with ryan seacrest"``xRobin``xPaula will be appearing on "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" on July 6th at 3:00 PM eastern time. Check your local listings.``xEplllyFEkFEkKIoVWN``x1088863123``x(default) american idol judge paula abdul sets hot jewelry trend``xdzemil``xMillions aspiring to chase their dreams - and also snag the hottest jewelry trends - can now be inspired by the encouraging words and trendy style of American Idol's Paula Abdul without facing the curt criticisms of Simon Cowell. SAM'S CLUB announced it has teamed up with Paula Abdul to sell to consumers nationwide her 'Innergy' jewelry line, which Abdul has given as gifts this season to American Idol semi-finalists and winner Fantasia Barrino.

Abdul says she first created the collection to provide a reminder to American Idol contestants that finding and maintaining energy and peace within oneself provides the strongest foundation for success in life.

"I wanted to give these brave kids - and now everybody -something that reminds them that regardless of the harsh criticism they face, they must constantly tap into their own power and talents," Abdul said. "All of us have the ability to follow our hearts and achieve our goals, and I want my jewelry to give people inspirational messages that they can touch, see and feel."

SAM'S CLUB's initial offerings of "Innergy Paula Abdul" will include several diamond charm pendants accompanied by inspirational messages engraved on small tags that reflect the spirit of the collection, such as the pendant given to Idol Fantasia Barrino following her win this season. Abdul presented Barrino with a flawless diamond stone with the word "Flawless" etched into an accompanying tag, along with a gold nugget and diamond charm with the engraving, "No stone unturned to find the diamond in the rough."
``xEplyyukuuZnthjoLDA``x1086642447``x(default) touched by evil to re-air``xRobin``xThe Lifetime Movie Network film "Touched By Evil" will re-air on June 10th at 11:30 PM Et. Check your local listings.``xEplVAVVyZpakkwbFqJ``x1085955670``x(default) Coca-Cola unveils launch plans for C2``xdzemil``xMore than 12 million samples of the soft drink expected to be handed out during the launch.

Coca-Cola C2, with half the carbohydrates, calories and sugar of regular cola, and "all the great taste" of Coca-Cola, today was introduced to the United States at festivities in Los Angeles, featuring appearances by Paula Abdul and Ryan Seacrest. The Coca-Cola Company unveiled marketing plans for the new soft drink, that include the debut of a television commercial during the finals of American Idol on FOX this Tuesday and Wednesday. The ad uses the rock `n` roll classic by The Rolling Stones- "You Can`t Always Get What You Want."

A second ad featuring "I Want to Break Free" by Queen will hit the air in July. Both ads show people enjoying spontaneous, liberating moments in life, representing the freedom to enjoy a cola with fewer carbs and calories without compromising on taste.

Experiential sampling teams will hit the streets this week to offer people their first taste of Coca-Cola C2, with first stops in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Miami. Employees of the Coca-Cola system across the U.S. also will be given a case of Coca-Cola C2 to share with family and friends.

In total, more than 12 million samples of the soft drink are expected to be handed out during the launch. The new brand will begin showing up on store shelves across the U.S. in early June. Coca-Cola C2 was first unveiled to consumers in Japan on May 18, and will be available there on June 7.

An integrated marketing campaign will support the U.S. roll-out, including television, radio, outdoor, cinema and Internet advertising. Advertising will carry the tagline "Half the carbs. Half the cals. All the great taste."

The packaging graphics feature the familiar Coca-Cola trademark in black on a "Coca-Cola red" background, to provide a distinctive visual difference between Coca-Cola C2 and the flagship brand, Coca-Cola classic. Some packages will carry a special silver foil label, to enhance the design and distinction.

Original point-of-sale merchandising featuring additional graphics also has been developed for in-store activation.

Coca-Cola C2 will be available immediately in 20-ounce PET bottles and 12-ounce cans, including special 8 and 18-can multi-packs. Coca-Cola C2 also will be offered at fountain soon after the launch of the bottle/can packaging.

In the past two years, The Coca-Cola Company has introduced four new products in the cola category -- Vanilla Coke (2002), Diet Vanilla Coke (2002), Diet Coke with Lemon (2001), and, most recently, Diet Coke with Lime (2004).

Coca-Cola is the best-known and best-selling soft drink in the world. Diet Coke -- known in some countries as Coca-Cola Light -- is number one in the diet category, and the third best-selling soft drink overall worldwide.

The Coca-Cola Company is the world`s largest beverage company. Along with Coca-Cola, the Company markets four of the world`s top five soft drink brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite, and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light soft drinks, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees and sports drinks. Through the world`s largest distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company`s beverages at a rate exceeding one billion servings each day.``xEplVVVAFuZUXVCBxSG``x1085559347``x(default) paula abdul prepares to sue!``xdzemil``xPaula Abdul better not get a proposal anytime soon because she will have to show her hand to the potential fiance and it's none to pretty right now.
The American Idol judge shared with "Celebrity Justice" that she is ready to sue over a botched manicure. She is prepared to retain a personal injury attorney to sue Chinoiserie, an upscale nail salon in the LA suburb of Studio City, that she blames for the manicure that caused a severe nail infection.

The infection became so serious, she says, she almost lost her thumb. She was able to walk away with her thumb, but doctors were forced to surgically remove her entire thumbnail.

She says she cried out in pain when a manicurist poked her in the thumb. She says when she left the salon she sucked on her thumb and tasted blood. Paula also told "CJ" that the salon called a friend of hers four times that night to see how she was doing.

When the manager of Chinoiserie spoke with CJ, he suggested that Paula's injury did not occur at his salon.

"We called [Paula] initially out of concern," he says, because "we like her, not because we had anything to do with it." He added, "Her claims are inconsistent with the dates and times she was here."

An attorney representing Chinoiserie sent a letter to Paula's lawyer suggesting the 'Idol' judge got the manicure in question elsewhere. Paula will sue for the substantial medical bills, lost profits, and extreme, ongoing pain and suffering she says she endured because of the salon's negligence.
``xEplVVVAkFkAyaNMblP``x1085559232``x(default) abdul looks into launching legal action against salon``xdzemil``x"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul has announced plans to launch legal action against the nail salon that she claims caused her to almost lose her thumb.
The singer was left wearing a sling, which she claims was the result of a manicure gone bad at Studio City, Calif.'s Chinoiserie.

Abdul alleges she was left with an infection so severe that she almost lost her thumb. Doctors at Los Angeles' Cedar's Sinai Hospital reportedly had to surgically remove the entire nail.

She tells American TV show "Celebrity Justice," "I've had manicures forever, and I've never run into any problem like this, so it's kind of frustrating."

Abdul is now set to retain a major personal injury law firm to aid her in her battle against the nail salon. Sources say a lawsuit is likely as early as this week.

But a manager at the salon suggests Abdul's injury didn't happen there, telling the show, "We called her initially out of concern (because) we like her, not because we had anything to do with it. Her claims are inconsistent with the dates and times she was here."

But Abdul says that while doing her nails, the manicurist poked her in the thumb and she screamed. When she left, Abdul says she sucked her thumb and tasted blood. She also says the salon called her friend four times that night to see how she was doing.

The former pop star's representatives say they will be able to prove the timing is consistent
``xEplVVVAEVFQsKcdRdI``x1085559153``x(default) Paula Abdul Miffed Over Manicure``xdzemil``x"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul is reportedly planning to sue the nail salon that botched her manicure recently, reports TV Guide Online.

Abdul tells "Celebrity Justice" the manicure left her with a severe nail infection that became so serious she had to have her thumbnail surgically removed. She says she almost lost her entire thumb.

Abdul says Chinoiserie, an upscale nail salon in the L.A. suburb of Studio City, is responsible for the injury.

She says she cried out in pain when a manicurist poked her thumb, and that when she left the salon she sucked on her thumb and tasted blood.

Abdul also tells "CJ" that the salon called a friend of hers four times that night to ask how she was doing.

While Abdul has been joking about the incident on "Idol" broadcasts, she says she is extremely concerned over the matter and will sue for the medical bills, lost profits and ongoing pain and suffering she says she endured because of the salon's negligence.``xEplVVVApVFAKTVAEdQ``x1085559053``x(default) 2004 Miss Universe``xdzemil``xPaula Abdul and Kwame Jackson, runner-up on The Apprentice, will be among the judges at the 2004 Miss Universe pageant, which airs June 1 on NBC.
``xEplVVVlZVVVfNltZpL``x1085558755``x(default) paula to appear on sabrina the teenage witch``xRobin``xThe episode of Sabrina The Teenage Witch called "Aging Not So Gracefully" had a guest appearance by our very own Paula Abdul. It will be re-airing on

Wed May 19 09:30pm ET on Noggin
Thu May 20 12:30am ET on Noggin``xEpluFplyAZFbIQvvJt``x1084308697``x(default) paula's appearance on cybill to re-air``xRobin``xPaula appeared on an episode of Cybill called "Lowensteins Lament." It will re air on

Sat May 15 11:00am ET on Oxygen
Sun May 16 10:00am ET on Oxygen
``xEpluFplVVkDpIEhBdO``x1084308552``x(default) paula to appear on the ellen degeneres show``xRobin``xPaula will be making an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on May 14th at 4:00 PM ET. It will re-air on the oxygen network on May 21st at 11:00 PM ET``xEpluFpluFpVKnkViMj``x1084308430``x(default) n.c. film, tv facts featured in book``xdzemil``xWILMINGTON, N.C. - A new trivia book about N.C. television and film productions records which Wilmington feature had Paula Abdul as choreographer and which waterfront eatery counted the stars of the show "Dawson's Creek" as regular customers.

The "Film Junkie's Guide to North Carolina" is just out in paperback.

Long chapters cover projects in and around Wilmington, where there's been a film production studio for about 20 years.

There's also many mentions of the Biltmore Estate outside Asheville, which was the shooting site for the feature movies "Hannibal," "Being There," "Patch Adams," "Forrest Gump" and "The Last of the Mohicans."

Compiled by two veterans of Reel Carolina magazine, Connie Nelson and Floyd Harris, the book's scope is statewide.

Television is included, and fans of "Dawson's Creek" and "One Tree Hill" will find directions to major locations.

There also are guides to where actors do - or did - hang out. For example, the "Dawson's Creek" cast often dropped in at The Dockside on Wrightsville Beach, which was a location during the show's first two seasons.

Other sites noted are the Carolina Apartments, which figured in the film "Blue Velvet," and Dee's Drugs in Burgaw, where Ashley Judd picked up prescriptions in "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood."

The wedding scene featuring Mandy Moore and Shane West in the weepy "Walk to Remember" was shot in the chapel at Orton Plantation near Southport.

Nelson, the communications manager for the Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, was inspired to try the book after compiling a list of frequently asked questions and their answers for "Dawson's Creek" fans. She recruited her friend Floyd Harris, a librarian, playwright and sometime movie extra.

The research took them more than three years of nights, weekends and vacations, they said.

By the way, Abdul worked on the Martin Lawrence movie "Black Knight."
``xEplukpylpElqBcqrEc``x1084206801``x(default) paris las vegas hosts ``the tonight show with jay leno'' may 10-14 ``xdzemil``xLAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 10, 2004--Tonight, Paris Las Vegas welcomes the number one late-night talk show as "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" kicks off a five-night engagement with a celestial celebrity line-up that includes Caesars Entertainment headliners Celine Dion and Jerry Seinfeld. This is the first time in seven years "The Tonight Show" is visiting Las Vegas as the hit NBC late-night talk show broadcasts five shows from Le Theatre des Arts at Paris, taped before a live studio audience.


The scheduled guests are:


Monday, May 10 -- "American Idol" judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and
Randy Jackson, comedian Wanda Sykes and singer Usher

Tuesday, May 11 -- Actress Pamela Anderson, magician Lance Burton and
singer Clay Aiken

Wednesday, May 12 -- Comedian Jerry Seinfeld and singer Celine Dion

Thursday, May 13 -- Actor/comedian Billy Crystal, boxer Roy Jones Jr.
and a performance by Cirque du Soleil

Friday, May 14 -- Actor/comedian Dana Carvey and singer Lenny Kravitz



"Paris Las Vegas is honored to host the number one late-night talk show," said Paris President Bobby Yee. "Bringing a production of this caliber to our resort has created a tremendous buzz for us and Las Vegas as a whole, and we look forward to an exciting week with Jay and his guests."

"The Tonight Show" will tape one show each day May 10-14 at 5 p.m. The shows will air that same night in their 11:35 p.m. Eastern/Pacific time slot.

Stand-by vouchers for each program will be available at the Paris Box Office from 9 a.m. -12 p.m. on the morning of the show, on a first come-first served basis. Please note that stand-by vouchers do not guarantee admission to the theatre. The stand-by line for those with vouchers will begin forming at 3:30 p.m. and the vouchers received that morning are only good for that evening's show.

About Paris Las Vegas

The enchanting beauty of Paris graces the entertainment capital of the world. From its dramatic 50-story replica of the Eiffel Tower to carefully crafted authentic reproductions, elegant decor and superb convention facilities to its fine cuisine, European boutiques and world-class entertainment -- Paris Las Vegas celebrates the romance, excitement and savoire-faire of the European City of Light. In the heart of the famous Las Vegas Strip, the passion, excitement and sophistication of Paris Las Vegas transports you to Europe's most romantic city. Paris Las Vegas is a Caesars Entertainment, Inc. property.

About Caesars Entertainment

Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:CZR) is one of the world's leading gaming companies. With $4.5 billion in annual net revenue, 29 properties on four continents, 29,000 hotel rooms, two million square feet of casino space and 55,000 employees, the Caesars portfolio is among the strongest in the industry. Caesars casino resorts operate under the Bally's, Caesars, Flamingo, Grand Casinos, Hilton and Paris brand names. The company has its corporate headquarters in Las Vegas.``xEplukpyZpEGvdsGvoT``x1084206701``x(default) simon says``xRobin``xSimon Says Next National Inquisition story

30 Apr 2004

(Anorak--A KISS may be just a kiss, in the words of the song, and a smile may be just a smile, but put the two together and the result is dynamite.
"You flirt, you!"
The pictures in this week's Enquirer of TV's Mr Nasty Simon Cowell kissing his fellow American Idol judge Paula Abdul may have been part of a skit.

But put them side by side with another picture of the couple smiling for the cameras, get one of Beverly Hills' leading psychologists...and you've got a full-blown love affair.

"Is it love?" asks the magazine, noting that Cowell has changed his tune after pelting Paula with withering put-downs for the first two series of the hit show.

And on hand to answer that is Dr Lillian Glass, the Enquirer's resident quack, who said Cowell's earlier behaviour was just a way of hiding his true feelings.

"He was like an adolescent young man," she says, "who, when attracted to a young lady, dips her pigtails in an inkwell.

"However, this season he's slowly becoming enamoured with Paula's gentle and kind nature. You can see this when he looks at her and smiles, obviously charmed by her goodness.

"He may be genuinely in love with her."

Indeed. He might also have a tattoo of Randy Jackson on his backside - we just don't know...

``xEplFuEAFyEMpwDkgVl``x1083419361``x(default) keeping the harmony``xIgor``xTo "American Idol" contestants, Michael Orland is equal parts father, shrink, pal and judge. As musical director and pianist on the popular talent show, he's all these things - but millions of viewers across the country know little about him.

While Orland, a songwriter and longtime accompanist, is seen on camera leading the band, the real work takes place during the days leading up to the Tuesday telecast. Working with each performer individually to choose the right song, arrange and rehearse it, Orland is one of the show's primary behind-the-scenes forces.

"It's a lot of work, but I love it," he says. "It's incredible to be part of a phenomenon that keeps getting bigger. And I really get to like these kids a lot."

Now in his third season on the Fox TV show, Orland, who lives in Sherman Oaks, deals with fragile egos, tempered by sometimes outsize hopes and fears, with a welcome sense of humor.

"Michael was probably the person who kept us all from going insane," says hit crooner Clay Aiken, last year's runner-up. "Besides his obvious musical skill, he has a talent for injecting his own brand of humor into any situation and putting you at ease. Sometimes that's his most valuable gift."

Orland, for his part, marvels at the maturity and ambition of the budding talent he works with. "Some of them will be around for a long, long time - you can count on Clay and Ruben (Studdard, last year's "Idol") and more."

Meanwhile, "Idol" marches on, racking up huge ratings as the nation votes for the remaining six contestants. Last week, controversy erupted when fan favorite Jennifer Hudson - one of this season's so-called "three divas" - unexpectedly got the boot after singing Barry Manilow's "Weekend in New England."

Even "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest was crestfallen, chiding the TV audience: "America, don't forget you have to vote for the talent. You have to keep your favorites in the competition."

Later in the week, Orland said hewas devastated by the decision. "It was an absolute mess. I'm a huge fan of hers and felt something so strong with her. It's hard to see what everyone goes through as a group when one of their peers get voted off. I've never received so many phone calls and e-mails from people."

Tonight's hurdle for the remaining half-dozen, who are competing for a record contract, are the songs of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine. For Orland and the performers, the work began late last week.

As the pianist explains the process, contestants (ages 16 to 24) get a CD anthology on Thursday of the work of that week's tribute artist. Over the past weeks the contestant have done songs of Elton John, Burt Bacharach, Neil Sedaka, Diane Warren and Manilow. They then meet with Orland and vocal coach Debra Byrd to find the number that suits them best.

"When that's decided, I arrange it and record the backing tracks with a band," Orland said. "That afternoon, the contestants record practice vocals. Monday, we work some more and Tuesday, they get some run-throughs before the show goes live. There's so much drama and pressure - and the kids are getting a crash course in music history."

Wednesday, the day after the performance, brings the ultimate challenge.

"It's a very emotional day," Orland says of the weekly vote. "It has a different energy than any other day, not only for the contestants, but their friends and family. It's a big mind game, and I try to help them stay really strong. What makes it even worse is those that remain have to get over it immediately and get back to work. This is something people don't go through till they're much older."

Orland, 42, offers an analysis of Aiken and Studdard's abilities in relation to some of this year's crop.

"I'm so in love with these kids," he said. "I'm having a ball with them. They really are a special bunch of kids to get emotionally invested in. Last year, Clay was a natural, just like Ruben and Kimberley (Locke). They have such natural gifts.

"There are those who come to 'Idol' with something - and those that learn it. But those three last year came with so much. It was like having PlayDoh - it was so much fun to mold them."

Paula Abdul, one of the series' judges, believes emotion is one of "Idol's" most crucial ingredients, and Orland knows how to cultivate it.

"This is not an easy show to produce," Abdul said. "Emotions run high ... and Michael really does keep it together. He has to get these kids to a comfortable place when often there's nothing comfortable about the show. And he's got to get them to feel good about their choice of songs and their performance. His job isn't easy, and the kids, hands down, adore him. He's pretty special. I couldn't imagine the show without him."

Prior to "Idol," Orland, a native of Worcester, Mass., played and conducted for numerous singers, including Jennifer Holliday, Sally Kellerman, Chita Rivera, Manilow and Deborah Gibson. He made his Hollywood Bowl debut accompanying the MGM singer-dancer Ann Miller. He got the call to join "Idol" three years ago while playing Leisure World with Kaye Ballard.

Asked why "Idol" is such an enduring success, Orland doesn't hesitate.

"The public has a say in the outcome," he said. "It's like a new sitcom each season with a different cast of characters. There's someone to root for. It's got things people can relate to - the stress, the humiliation. And it's something families can watch together. It's not 'The Sopranos.' "``xEplFpAlZplMlqeasyH``x1083098708``x(default) new paula pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from "Tease" Opening Night, Los Angeles, California USA - 4/22/2004

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>>>Picture 20``xEplkZFlAZyGyGXVbzl``x1082738976``x(default) judges shocked as hudson eliminated from idol ``xIgor``xThe powerful singer was sent packing, as John Stevens and the other five contestants are left to battle it out for the American Idol crown.

A shocked American Idol audience watched as vocal powerhouse Jennifer Hudson was eliminated from the competition on Wednesday’s results show.

The Chicago native, who at one point had the highest number of votes, shared the bottom three with LaToya London and Fantasia Barrino. While London was sent back to safety immediately, Barrino and Hudson were left to sweat it out in the bottom two. According to host Ryan Seacrest, Hudson lost by the smallest margin of votes ever recorded in the show's history.

Much to the surprise of viewers and judges, it was Diana DeGarmo and John Stevens, who were both thought to be on the chopping block this week, who took the top spots along with Jasmine Trias, and the ever-popular George Huff.

“I don’t know how to sum this up,” said a shocked Paula Abdul. Fellow judge Randy Jackson shared her dismay at the talent selected for the bottom three. “ I look at them and I can’t believe it,” he said.

The remaining six contestants will battle it out once again on Tuesday at 8:00p.m. on Fox. ``xEplkyyuAlkkKskUvuv``x1082664982``x(default) paula abdul knows how to play through the pain``xIgor``x(Zap2It)--On Tuesday (April 20) night's "American Idol," Paula Abdul had her arm in a sling. Clearly the normally peppy and positive "Idol" judge wasn't at her best, distributing her positive comments without her typical enthusiasm, but the cause of her anguish was never discussed on the show.

Apparently the "Straight Up" popster had to undergo surgery at Los Angeles' Cedars Sinai Hospital on Monday after a botched manicure left her with an infection. The nail on her right thumb was accidentally punctured and had to be removed entirely.

"I almost lost my thumb," Abdul told "Entertainment Tonight." "I didn't think it would hurt this bad and I didn't realize how many limitations I would have -- I can't button my pants and it'll be hard to turn and bark back at Simon [Cowell]. I guess I'll just talk to Randy [Jackson] all night."

Viewers can tune in tonight to see if Abdul's energy has returned, or if her sling is still in place.``xEplkyVEppuKyBfuNoh``x1082651004``x(default) paula underwent surgery``xIgor``x"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul is nursing a sore paw after having the nail on her right thumb removed because of an infection. Abdul underwent surgery at Cedars Sinai Hospital Monday after a manicure went awry.

"I just got a manicure and they punctured me. I'm in a bit of pain," Abdul told "Entertainment Tonight." "It's throbbing. I had surgery to remove the entire nail - the infection was too close to the bone.

"I almost lost my thumb," she says. "I didn't think it would hurt this bad and I didn't realize how many limitations I would have - I can't button my pants and it'll be hard to turn and bark back at Simon [Cowell]. I guess I'll just talk to Randy [Jackson] all night." ``xEplkVyuVpylYQLtYLa``x1082564506``x(default) the bernie mac show``xIgor``xPaula Abdul and Randy Jackson will review Bernie's confessional on "The Bernie Mac Show." This will give us another chance to see the fabulous Rick Hoffman as Bernie's agent on April 26th at 8:00pm on the FOX Network.``xEplkuAEkpurqdGIeHk``x1082491204``x(default) paula's 'naughty face' speaks to simon``xIgor``x"American Idol" Simon Cowell does not find Madonna or even Beyoncй Knowles the least bit sexy. So who does rattle this Brit's cage? His fellow judge, Paula Abdul. "Normally you can tell what somebody will be like sexually by her facial expressions, you know?" Cowell told Elle magazine. "Paula's actually got a very naughty face. I think she is quite sexy." ``xEplkuApAFurGGwBJZl``x1082490934``x(default) paula abdul gets angry on the phone``xIgor``xPaula Abdul gets angry on the phone while shopping in Beverly Hills, the "American Idol" judge was shouting and swearing without sparing the "F" word. Later on Paula will exit the store Barefoot.

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>>>Picture 12``xEplkulyAAEHeLnbSEM``x1082486991``x(default) no paula on divas show``xIgor``xPaula did not attend VH1 Divas Live 2004 yesterday for unknown reasons.``xEplkFAkAkVLAocYjLP``x1082392925``x(default) vh1 divas live reminder``xIgor``xDon't miss the televised VH1 Divas special tonight starring Patti LaBelle, Cyndi Lauper, Ashanti, Eve, Deborah Harry, Glady Knight, Jessica Simpson, and seventeen year-old newcomer, Joss Stone. When you hear Stone's voice you'll know why she deserves to be in Las Vegas singing with legendary stars like Knight, LaBelle and Blondie's Debbie Harry.

The event will be recorded in front of a live audience of 17,000 at the MGM Grand with millions of VH1 television viewers watching at home.

The show is now an annual effort to raise money for Save The Music Foundation. Save the Music is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music programs in America's public schools. The charity was formed in 1997 and has so far donated more than $25 million worth of musical equipment to more than 1000 public schools in America.

The venue has previously hosted The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Bette Midler, Gloria Estefan, Janet Jackson, Phil Collins, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen.

A spokesman for the MGM Grand said: "These women will be delivering a night of soulful, sexy and unstoppable performances. Continuing in the 'divas' tradition, the show will bring together some of the biggest names in music for an exclusive, high-voltage night of unforgettable performances."

Lauper thinks it's fine that the "Divas" lineup is "not just a Barbie doll thing," because, "I want to inspire some kid looking at a television set. There's a variety of colors, so every kid can see themselves."

A traditional diva, she notes, is an opera singer "so linked to her craft she becomes very temperamental. That could make you more demanding of those around you."

But as the hook for a TV special, "You can sell it and it helps the schools," Lauper says. "I think there is so much that can be learned from music," Lauper says, from history to English to "socialization skills: A band is like a tribe."

Other artists making appearances through the show will include: Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, Gloria Estefan, Tyra Banks, Usher, Daryl Hannah, Carly Simon, Jamie Lynn Discala, Jessica Alba, Marg Helgenberger, Vanessa Williams, Nia Vardalos, Paula Abdul, and from "The Apprentice" Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, Amy Henry and Heidi Bressler.``xEplkFpZVFlkakMBrXi``x1082307538``x(default) he's 16, he's terrible and he's ours``xIgor``x(NEWSDAY)--Democracy isn't always pretty.

Hang on, Sparky. This isn't The Buzz getting all political and stuff. We're talking about "American Idol" wannabe John Stevens.

The 16-year-old redheaded retro wunderkind from upstate really hasn't sung a note on key in weeks. His performances are shaky at best, cringe-inducing at worst. And yet, he rolls along in the competition, even as Randy Jackson tries not to slam his head into the table and Paula Abdul struggles to find nice ways to say, "You stink!"

Stevens' success has fans talking of a new method of voting. He has fans praying for a reality-show twist to shake up the standings. He has spawned theories about how the system is broken.

Yeah, for two seasons, people marveled at how well audiences sifted through the RJs, EJays and AJs to get to the actual "Idol" talents. Sure, there were quibbles - yes, Tamyra had talent; no, Josh Gracin didn't. But, more or less, it all worked out fine.

The thing is: The "Idol" system isn't broken. This is what happens in the music industry. Sometimes the John Stevenses win - as the multiplatinum careers of Britney Spears and Evanescence show. Get used to it. Or work to fix it. Such is democracy. ``xEplkFpZukVhJrMzmMK``x1082307425``x(default) paula to be a guest star on vh1 divas live 2004``xRobin``xPaula will be one of the guest stars appearing on VH1 Divas Live 2004. It premieres on April 18th on Vh1 at 9:00 PM ET. See Rockontv.com for further details and re-run dates.``xEplkpyVyFZLlckRNRB``x1082065637``x(default) miss usa``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from The 53rd Annual MISS USA Competition, Hollywood, CA USA - 4/12/2004

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>>>Picture 8``xEplElZVEAEeVwVjeFk``x1081875191``x(default) 'idol' speculation: finalists' high, low notes may hint at next winner``xRobin``x(Boston Herald)--Despite what The Donald might claim, Fox's “American Idol” is the No. 1 reality show in the country. You're watching. You're voting. And you're making some questionable decisions. (Please explain why it took so long to get rid of teary Camile Velasco.)

America will soon crown the next “American Idol” (tonight at 8 on WFXT, Ch. 25). A look at the elite eight finalists, in no particular order:

John Stevens

Memorable moment: Even though he forgot the words, “King of the Road” fit his Sinatra-like style.

Biggest knock: You know things are bad when even Paula Abdul offers some criticism. After “Crocodile Rock,” she said, “You hit some bad notes.”

What he needs to do to win: Learn how to sing. America has somehow fallen in love with Stevens, who has yet to give an inspired, pitch-perfect performance. But the sympathy vote can take him only so far.

Fantasia Barrino

Memorable moment: Barrino's unique rendition of “Something to Talk About” made her the first person voted into the final 12.

Biggest knock: Simon Cowell said the sparkly evening gown she wore one night made her look as if her mother had dressed her. That prompted the headstrong 19-year-old to say, “Simon, you don't know class!”

What she needs to do to win: Lose the sassy attitude and stop fighting with Cowell. America may love to hate the prickly judge, but they like their contestants to remain respectful.

Diana DeGarmo

Memorable moment: Her cover of Elton John's “I'm Still Standing” let audiences down.

Biggest knock: Cowell referred to DeGarmo, 16, as a product of a pop farm.

What she needs to do to win: Stay healthy. DeGarmo sang last week while battling laryngitis.

La Toya London

Memorable moment: Cowell said her rendition of “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” was typical of any wedding band.

Biggest knock: Hair extensions in Week 3 did not go over well with the judges. “It looks like you have a cat on your head,” Cowell told her.

What she needs to do to win: Warm up that cool personality.

Jasmine Trias

Memorable moment: Trias turned “Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me” into an overwrought power ballad.

Biggest knock: After another one of Abdul's confusing comments, Cowell said, “What she was trying to say is that it wasn't good enough.”

What she needs to do to win: Be consistent. When the 17-year-old is good, she's very good, but when she's bad, she is average.

Jon Peter Lewis

Memorable moment: His “Drift Away” prompted Cowell to say, “You are the dark horse to win this competition.”

Biggest knock: Cowell told the 24-year-old, “You need voice lessons.”

What he needs to do to win: Find the voice to match the personality that has charmed America.

Jennifer Hudson

Memorable moment: She blew away the judges and Elton John with “Circle of Life.”

Biggest knock: After seeing her in a dreadful pink dress, Cowell said, “You're lucky we're not judging you on your outfit.”

What she needs to do to win: Continue to improve. Her wardrobe is better. Her hair is better. And she's singing better every week.

George Huff

Memorable moment: His “Lean on Me” on the wild-card night convinced Cowell to pick the 23-year-old for the final 12.

Biggest knock: None, really. Huff is the only lock to make it to the final four.

What he needs to do to win: Keep it up. He's the only man worthy of the competition, so “American Idol” is his to lose.``xEplElyuVlFgOYGJLzA``x1081864583``x(default) janet jackson on saturday night live``xRobin``x(Chicago Sun Times)-- Aguilera's Kim Cattrall and Timberlake's Ashton Kutcher were, in fact, as good as anything "SNL's" actual cast offered all season, and this, in fact, has been a generally good season by "SNL" standards.

By comparison, Jackson cracked herself up with her impersonation of Paula Abdul as vacuous and relentlessly upbeat but came off as mechanical and stale. It could have been salvaged if it had been paired with Cowell's cameo rather than dropped into a reprise of a Prince-hosted talk show sketch from February, but it wasn't.

So the funniest thing in Jackson's entire show was an Italian vineyard sketch in which the whole point was to see how often a certain phrase could be repeated through a cartoonish accent while trying not to trip over the line and arouse Congress and the FCC.

Their response over Jackson's top has been over the top.

Now we should all be over it.``xEplEZZkpyZEXPnTecM``x1081772067``x(default) "on air with ryan seacrest" interview``xIgor``xClick >>>here to listen online interview from "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" Show, April 9, 2004, with Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.``xEplEyAEEZEOgmfBUOE``x1081691171``x(default) touched by evil to re-air this week``xRobin``xOne of the "made for tv" movies that Paula starred in, in 1996 or 1997 will re-air this week on Lifetime Movie Network. It will re-air on Saturday April 17th at 6:10 PM ET on Lifetime Movie Network. It will also air the morning after on Sunday April 18th at 7:30 AM ET.``xEplEylZFlkUWATHzXe``x1081687382``x(default) good day live``xIgor``xPaula will be filling in as co-host for Good Day Live on Monday, April 12th.``xEplEVuEFpuqFNOdVbS``x1081541304``x(default) paula mention in britney spears article``xIgor``xAn excerpt from a Boston Hearald about Britney's Onyx Hotel Tour:

"This night was above all else a million-dollar dance recital, the entire show being reminiscent of Paula Abdul's "Cold Hearted" video - all squirming bodies and grinding hips. Costume changes and set arrangements were what set the songs apart. Half-naked male dancers dressed as bellhops twirled around luggage racks for the synthesizer dance pop of ``Boys,'' while the bubblegum pop of ``Overprotected'' was given a seedy, much raunchier arrangement, with Britney and Co. providing just a hint of the sexual maelstrom to come."``xEplEVuEEVAczKrZXYl``x1081541159``x(default) did simon flip the bird at paula? ``xIgor``xFrom Is It True? section of the April 12, 2004 issue of In Touch magazine:

Did Simon flip the bird at Paula?

The answer is NO.

"I certainly would never make a gesture like that toward Paula or on national television!" huffs Simon Cowell, who insists he didn't flash his middle finger at fellow judge Paula Abdul when a fight broke out on American Idol last week. He says his actions were misunderstood. "Sometimes I lean on my index finger," he explains. "Sometimes a different finger. Sometimes two at the same time or, God help me, even the whole hand. I never even thought about it until now." ``xEplEuuAZulgEwWftDg``x1081449748``x(default) isle idols get wings trimmed``xRobin``x(STAR BULLETIN)--Plucking pop tunes from the songbook of Elton John, Hawaii's "American Idol" finalists Jasmine Trias and Camile Velasco jostled with seven others for a spot in the TV show's elite eight last night.

A video clip in the opening minutes of the show revealed John met with "American Idol's" star-struck cast, including a tearful Velasco, in the week leading up to last night's competition.

"Elton John really inspired me to go out there Tuesday night and to just sing at my best for him and for everybody else," she said in a pre-recorded interview shown before her performance.

Trias, in her video short, remarked, "I'm just going to go out there, do my thing and make Elton John proud."

Both Hawaii contestants, though, received their share of criticism from the show's three judges.

As the third finalist to take the stage, Trias, in a shimmering top, sung a purposeful rendition of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." It was an ambitious attempt, filled with many high notes.

"I know it's a pretty range-y song, right?" judge Randy Jackson said at the conclusion of her song. "You were a little pitchy and what happens is that sometimes when you go for those high notes, you hit just underneath it. I think it was an OK performance by you, but a little pitchy overall."

Paula Abdul concurred: "You really do well, Jasmine, when you really color it up with your vocals, when you have the vulnerability, softness and then you change the tone. When you're going for power the whole time, you fall a little bit off. I love when you color it up more."

"What she's trying to say is it wasn't good enough," summarized judge Simon Cowell. "It's just average once again. You're not doing enough to win."

In the fifth slot, Camile Velasco, of Haiku, Maui, performed "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," another challenging tune.

"Camile, not your best performance," remarked Jackson. "A little shaky, a little pitchy. These Elton songs can be very tough to sing. It's just very all right to me."

Again, Abdul's comments mirrored Jackson's.

"I don't think it was the right song to pick," she said.

"Camile, somewhere in Las Vegas, a television will be thrown out of a hotel window and that's where Elton John is watching this show," quipped Cowell. "Sorry, that was honestly the end of the road for you, I think."

On Maui, shoppers at Ooka Super Market Ltd. in Wailuku were well aware of the show and most were cheering for the Hawaii girls.

Danae Olaso, a fourth-grader at Lihikai Elementary School, said she watched the program because she liked Jasmine Trias' singing and she wanted to know which winners would advance.

Walter Mulak, 50, a Wailuku resident, said he thinks "American Idol" is a great concept, giving opportunities to people with talent.

"It's a lucky break for anyone who has a voice," he said. "I wish they had it here. I'd go."

One competitor will be eliminated on tonight's show, which airs at 7 p.m. on Fox station KHON.
``xEplEFyZZZAASWSIfnO``x1081367779``x(default) best celebrity facts``xIgor``x(STAR-TELEGRAM)--James Brown's eyebrows are tattoos. John Travolta wears his underwear inside out so the label doesn't scratch his butt. Dr. Ruth is a trained sniper who can assemble a Sten gun while blindfolded. When Paula Abdul was a kid, her baby sitter was Michael Bolton. And Angelina Jolie once studied mortuary science. Ah, the facts you can learn reading People mag's 282-page 30th-anniversary double issue -- amazing facts, important facts, the kind of unforgettable facts that stick to your brain permanently until you forget them five minutes later. It all comes from digging through 30 years of back issues. Best quote: "I've been fortunate -- I haven't had too many auditions," Pamela Anderson said in 2003. "I slept with the right people."``xEplEFVZpAEOVcLFfCZ``x1081357091``x(default) paula on sabrina the teenage witch``xRobin``xPaula will be on Sabrina the Teenage Witch on the episode "Aging not so gracefully." as the guest star on Monday April 12 at 8:30 pm ET on Nickelodeon.``xEplEklkAyARNqzGnYt``x1081282969``x(default) nickelodeon's 17th annual kids' choice awards``xIgor``xAmerican Idol's Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and president, Nickelodeon Networks Herb Scannell attended Nickelodeon's 17th Annual Kids' Choice Awards at Pauley Pavilion on the campus of UCLA, April 3, 2004 in Westwood, California.

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>>>Picture 26``xEplEpZyZlFAvONsGRA``x1081076783``x(default) elton as guest judge``xRobin``x(USA TODAY)--American Idol judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul should be seeing their Idol stage more clearly after accepting offers for free Lasik eye surgery courtesy of Santa Monica eye-surgeon-to-the-stars Kerry Assil. Jackson said that Tuesday's show will be an evening of Elton John songs, with a likely visit from Elton as guest judge``xEplEklupuVbaHFvsse``x1081062000``x(default) 101 most starlicious makeovers ``xIgor``xOn April 12th Paula is going to be on 101 Most Starlicious Makeovers on E! at 10pm. Check local listings.``xEplEpkVklAlGssMEQS``x1081025289``x(default) paula new pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents more new Paula pictures from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - 2 Apr 2004.

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>>>Picture 10``xEplEpkpEkEcGRwaXND``x1081020121``x(default) paula fan central``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents the one and only official Paula Abdul fanlisting - Paula Fan Central. Paula Fan Central - a interactive site dedicated to all biggest Paula's fans around the world. You can add your name, e-mail, or website to our list, join our friends at the forum to discuss Paula, choose your favourite icon for the forum, add buttons to your site! Click >>>here to launch Paula Fan Central.
``xEplpZyEFZAOmdyyilY``x1080761379``x(default) paula new pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - 29 Mar 2004.

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>>>Picture 14``xEplpyyVFpFDHXALkhi``x1080665303``x(default) international vision expo east``xIgor``xPaula Abdul endorsed eyewear at the International Vision Expo East - Jacob Javits Center, New York City - 3/26/2004

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>>>Picture 18 ``xEplEEpAEllnXxDZVIO``x1080370800``x(default) paula on tv``xIgor``xToday: Paula Abdul is on David Letterman while another "AI" vet, Clay Aiken, does Jay Leno. ``xEplpkuFAFZcZIUNWlf``x1080243937``x(default) simon cowell denies obscene sign``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Simon Cowell has denied making an obscene hand gesture during filming of the US show.
Reports suggested he raised his middle finger to fellow judge Paula Abdul during a heated debate.

But he issued a statement saying he simply raised his hand to his face, as he often did, and that the incident had been blown out of proportion.

TV networks have been under increased scrutiny in the wake of Janet Jackson exposing her breast on live TV.

American Idol, based on the hit British show Pop Idol, has become a huge success in the US with its latest series attracting 28.2 million viewers.

Cowell was arguing with Abdul about the performance of one of the contestants on Tuesday's show when he raised his hand to his head and made the alleged gesture.

His publicist Max Clifford said: "He told me, 'I do that kind of thing quite a lot, but there was no gesture'."

Fox, which airs American Idol, declined to comment on the incident. ``xEplpkukAlZoipxkton``x1080242987``x(default) "idol" outlasts "survivor"``xIgor``xLooks like the pen salesman is the real survivor.

In a rare Wednesday night match-up, reputed Bic boy Jon Peter Lewis and his fellow American Idol finalists helped starve out Survivor: All-Stars.

Airing in the 8:30-9:30 p.m. time slot on Fox, the singing competition's results episode, in which Paula Abdul pick Leah LaBelle turned out to be the first Idol toppled, was watched by 22.9 million (second place), Nielsen Media Research said. Tuesday's two-hour Idol was even bigger--first place, 26.7 million.

In the 8-9 p.m. Wednesday hour, CBS' Survivor All-Stars, in which Survivor: Africa champ Ethan Zohn turned chump, averaged 19 million (third place)--off more than 15 percent from its usual performance.

Survivor: All-Stars was forced to fend for itself against Idol because of the men's NCAA basketball tournament, which CBS began airing last Thursday. The reality series will face the same challenge this Wednesday, as well.

At least Survivor hung in against William Hung's crowd better than The Apprentice. Early in its run, NBC tried shifting the Donald Trump ego hour to Wednesdays, opposite Idol, only to reshift it back to Thursdays after one, inglorious outing.

NBC still airs Apprentice repeats on Wednesday, albeit with little success. Last week's ran fourth in its time slot--80th place, 5.6 million viewers.

The week's all-new Apprentice, actually a compilation of Trump's greatest firings, fared much better on Thursday--fourth place, 17.5 million mogul admirers.

Elsewhere in the TV week ended Sunday:


NBC's latest Average Joe incarnation, Average Joe: Adam Returns, gave the nerds a measure of revenge. The reality series, starring inaugural Average Joe castoff Adam Mesh, outdrew January's Average Joe: Hawaii debut, 10.7 million to 9.6 million, running 26th.
A reality show in which nobody dated, nobody sang and nobody subsisted on rice was a surprise hit, with CBS' 60 Minutes rising to the Top 10 (fifth place, 16.2 million) on the strength of a regular ol' talking-head interview with a former Bush Administration official critical of the President's invasion of Iraq.
Fox's corpse-friendly Tru Calling showed signs of life with 5.5 million viewers (81st place), an improvement of more than 1 million on its season-to-date average.
Given the current rate of channel proliferation, by the year 2030 the ratings for CBS' futuristic new lawyer series, Century City (set in the year 2030), may well look fabulous. In the year 2004, they merely look okay--46th place, 8.9 million.
In any decade, CBS' new Wednesday comedy The Stones would sink like a bag-full of 'em--62nd place, 7.1 million.
ABC's Hope & Faith (68th place, 6.9 million) gave the network little hope or faith in its T.G.I.F. lineup, now hosting Steven Weber's latest cursed series, The D.A. (67th place, 6.9 million).
While it was no Survivor, the NCAA men's hoops tourney was a gamer for CBS. Ratings for the first four days and nights of "March Madness" coverage (Thursday-Sunday) were up 53 percent from last year's Iraq War-interrupted rounds.
HBO's latest new drama series, the Western Deadwood, got off to a dry start Sunday night, averaging 5.8 million, a fall off of about 40 percent from its Sopranos lead-in (10.1 million).

Overall, CBS was the most watched network among all viewers (averaging 11 million viewers); Fox was the most watched network among all cool viewers (aged 18-49).

Thanks to Idol, Fox made a run at NBC in total viewers, averaging 10.3 million to the Peacock's 10.6 million. ABC held down fourth in both demos and viewers (8.4 million).

Among the netlets, UPN distanced itself from the WB, 3.4 million to 3.1 million.

Here's a rundown of the 10 most watched shows for the week ended Sunday, according to Nielsen Media Research:

1. American Idol (Tuesday), Fox, 26.7 million
2. American Idol (Wednesday), Fox, 22.9 million
3. Survivor: All-Stars, CBS, 19 million
4. The Apprentice, NBC, 17.5 million
5. 60 Minutes, CBS, 16.2 million
6. Friends, NBC, 15.3 million
7. Will & Grace, NBC, 15 million
8. Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS, 14.95 million
9. Fear Factor, NBC, 14.5 million
10. Cold Case, CBS, 14.4 million ``xEplpkuuEkVWuPffBdK``x1080025200``x(default) paula new pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from Shane's Inspiration's 3rd Annual Gala.

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>>>Picture 16``xEplpkulklVwsuWPGqy``x1079938800``x(default) star sightings: making the scene``xIgor``xStunning in white, Halle Berry joined Michael Chiklis, Laura San Giacomo and Paula Abdul at the star-studded fundraiser, Shane's Inspiration's 3rd Annual Gala, on Sunday night. The charity aims to improve the quality of life for disabled kids.

Berry told us, "I couldn't think of a better way to spend the night." Abdul added, "All kids deserve to play hard and have fun."

Berry said she's about to have fun working on a new TV movie about a southern black woman in the 30's, produced by the one-and-only Queen of Talk, Oprah Winfrey. Filming starts in about two weeks.

"Extra" also found famous fans of our four-legged friends, including Alicia Silverstone, Shannon Elizabeth, Billy Baldwin and wife Chynna Phillips on Saturday night at the 18th Annual Genesis Awards. Silverstone told us, "There’s just so much animal cruelty in the world."

"Everybody Loves Raymond's" Doris Roberts revealed some news about the show's future: "There’s no question we’ll be back. I don’t know for how many though."

We found Bill Maher, J.C. Chasez, and Owen "Hutch" Wilson among the stars over at the Hollywood hot spot, White Lotus, on Friday night for the club’s one-year anniversary party where Chasez said he was taking a much-needed break from promoting his new solo album.

"This is kind of like the first night I’ve had to myself in a month," Chasez said.

Catch Monday’s edition of "Extra" for more star sightings news. ``xEplpkuVylETrzpjwoR``x1079938800``x(default) paula abdul expected to draw young women to event ``xIgor``xLuckily for the organizers of this year's Kronheims Women's Expo, Paula Abdul is just as cool as she was in the early 1990s.

The Grammy- and Emmy-winning singer, dancer, choreographer and "American Idol" judge was a default decision after both Clay Aiken and Ryan Seacrest turned down requests to speak at the event, which will be held Sat urday and Sunday at the Cleveland Convention Center. But Shows and Expos, the event's organizer, is banking on Abdul's ability to draw younger women - with cash to burn.


Last year's event was geared toward an older audience in the hopes that more mature, upscale women would have greater disposable income, said Dean Taylor, president of Shows and Expos. However, many of those who attended had no interest in making impulsive purchases at vendors' booths.

"They came, but they didn't buy," Taylor said. "We found that older women were less likely to be interested in new shades of makeup or keeping up with the fashions. And the representatives from insurance com panies certainly couldn't sell them insurance."

As Shows and Expos takes its second crack at organizing the event, the company has focused more fully on the twentysomething female demographic by publicizing in media with generally younger audiences. The expo's 40 seminars and workshops and more than 220 exhibits still will speak to older, married women, but now they also will include presentations for singles, brides-to-be and young professionals.

A 5K run to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foun dation will take place Saturday and is expected to draw young athletes to the event. Meanwhile, the event's career fair will expand this year to include college recruiters who will allow applicants to interview on-site.

An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 attendees are expected - a significant increase over last year's turnout of about 3,000 people. The difference, Taylor said, is that last year's expo lasted only one day, was less diverse and was without a nationally renowned guest speaker. Also, admission will be free, thanks to sponsor Kronheims Furniture.

Despite the program changes in the name of profit, Taylor said the Women's Expo commits to nothing - not even Abdul - without the approval of the "three wise women," the female contingent on the five-person organizational committee.

And when it comes to luring young adults to the expo, Taylor hopes, three wise women can't be wrong. ``xEplpkuFZZuHIzkbQiW``x1079679600``x(default) hawaii’s idols can breathe easy``xIgor``xLast night, Hawaii breathed a collective sigh of relief. The Aloha State's "American Idol" representatives -- Camile Velasco and Jasmine Trias -- survived the latest cut in the nationally televised singing contest.

Each week, leading up to the show's May 25 finale, the contestant earning the fewest votes from the American viewing public is dropped from the competition. As predicted by judge Simon Cowell during Tuesday evening's broadcast, Leah LaBelle of Seattle, Wash., was ousted following an uneven performance.

For several tense minutes, producers kept Hawaii "AI" fans in suspense by announcing that either Velasco or Jennifer Hudson of Chicago, would join LaBelle and Amy Adams of Bakersfield, Calif., in the bottom three. It was Hudson who received the second least votes.

Accolades were in abundance for Trias, the celebrated Maryknoll songbird, during Tuesday's episode of "American Idol." Her rendition of "Inseparable" again drew praise from all three judges. Even Cowell, the most unforgiving of the evaluators called her act "superb."

"She's very technical, this girl. She's a perfectionist," revealed a contented William Daquioag, Trias' longtime vocal instructor yesterday. "She wants to make everything right, so she works and works and works to get it down to where she wants it to be.

"She started kind of shaky in the beginning, but she pulled it off at the end. I really think she did a good job."

Although the judges may not have been as forthcoming in their praise of Velasco Tuesday evening, their overall tone with the Maui girl was more motivational than dismissive.

Said Randy Jackson of Velasco's version of Dusty Springfield's "Son of A Preacher Man": "I think there's 'wow' in you, but I didn't hear it tonight."

"You're not having enough fun. It's all about having fun now," counseled Paula Abdul. "America already loves you."

Cowell concurred, comparing Velasco with fellow contestant LaToya London. "The difference between you and LaToya is all about self-belief. She has it, you don't," he remarked.

For Velasco's stepfather, James West, the panel's comments were both encouraging and constructive, and last night's results demonstrated that her uniqueness and aptitude are being recognized.

"The producers and judges see Camile's potential and what they're trying to urge her to do is break out and cut loose," noted West, via cell phone from Los Angeles last night. "One of the things that I don't think people are aware of is that (Tuesday) was only the eighth time Camile has ever performed for a live audience and I think she did great."``xEplpkuuFpZBMhBvzvj``x1079593200``x(default) paula new pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from an auction to benefit the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation-USA program at Beverly Hills Ltd Mercedes-Benz on March 16, 2004 in Beverly Hills, California. The Laureus program which was founded by Mercedes-Benz and Cartier, auctioned off for charity, a limited edition Mercedes-Benz SLR sports car for $1.1 million dollars.

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>>>Picture 8``xEplpkuAulkSdeoDXqM``x1079506800``x(default) youth & christian groups``xIgor``xSupported by a network of hundreds of youth groups, Christian organizations, universities, celebrities and musicians, the 2004 One World Beat Global Music Festival (http://www.oneworldbeat.org) kicks off this weekend, March 19-21, with 160 events taking place in more than 40 countries worldwide. One World Beat began in Switzerland as an all-volunteer organization uniting socially-conscious musicians, NGOs, and volunteers, to stage concerts for charities, while providing a platform for musicians to convey a message of hope through their music; Music Making a Difference!

The second annual event will benefit Keep a Child Alive, supported by Alicia Keys, which is a new initiative established to provide life-saving medicine to children living with HIV/AIDS in the developing world who will die without it. http://www.keepachildalive.org.

From the Music Factory Dance & Drama Academy in Spain, to performances by children at the Jeunes Kamenge Youth Centre in Burundi, and the Sacred Heart School in Canada, youth and Christian groups are organizing a variety of concerts and performance-based events as a way to encourage world unity; while helping those in need.

From the HIV Vaccine Trials Unit at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, to the annual American Medical Student Association conference in Kansas City, to the students who are putting theory into practice at Northern Michigan University, many community outreach and in-class study curriculums are being implemented that focus on global communication, world health and development issues.

"We're amazed at the overwhelming response we've received from all sorts of organizations," says Andy Treichler, Director and founder of One World Beat. "Having so many younger people involved this year is one of the most rewarding elements to me with this festival. And in a world with so much uncertainty, there is such a strong need to send out positive messages to children of all ages, in every language and on every continent."

Supported by American Idol's, Paula Abdul, Phil Collins, Bonnie Tyler, Susaye Greene (Supremes), Bill Bourne, Michelle Gayle, Sheena Easton, the Cardigans and Mark King (Level 42), the global festival will feature events in such locations as, Australia, Burundi, the Bahamas, Canada, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Germany, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Tanzania, Uganda, The United Kingdom, and the United States.

For complete event information, please visit the events page at http://www.oneworldbeat.org. For sponsorship information, please contact Andy Treichler at andyt@onewolrdbeat.org. Interested (UK/Asia) media please contact Mark Roach, at MarkRoach@oneworldbeat.org, all others please contact, Crys Spelman (United States), via e-mail at CLSPublicity@aol.com. ``xEplpkuuVllAoEloxyE``x1079506800``x(default) paula talks about whitney``xIgor``xWhitney Houston's publicist released a statement Monday that her client had entered an undisclosed drug rehabilitation center. As Whitney battles her addiction, some Hollywood stars are weighing in on the situation.

Melanie Griffith, who went through rehab to battle her own substance abuse problems, thinks beating an addiction is tough for anyone -- celebrity or not.

"I think it's tough for everybody. It's really tough," Melanie told Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson.

When asked what advice she had for Whitney, Melanie said: "Just do what she's doing. It's great that she's doing that. "

Paula Abdul, a friend and someone who battled her own eating disorder demon, hopes Whitney can rebound from rehab.

"I do know Whitney and Bobby both. I wish them the best," said Paula. "I love her. I love her voice and I just want her to be healthy and happy."

Paula's sentiments were reiterated by tennis great John McEnroe, who has publicly admitted to his past drug use.

"I'm glad that she's decided to do that... She's such an incredible talent that it would be great to see her straighten herself out," McEnroe told Shaun.

Former Hollywood madam, Heidi Fleiss, walked the long road to recovery after she was legally forced to enter rehab for an addiction to crystal meth.

"It's all about you. If you want to stay sober, you're going to stay sober," she said.

"Taking Lives" stars Angelina Jolie and Ethan Hawke talked briefly to Access at the premiere for their new film.

"It's difficult for anybody to go through anything like that," said Jolie of Houston. "I'm sure in some ways she gets a lot of love sent her way and in some ways she gets a lot of scrutiny."

"It's hard for everybody. Life is tough. She'll take care of herself. She's a smart lady," added Hawke.

While Whitney is in rehab and her husband is incarcerated, their 11-year-old daughter Bobbi Christina is staying with Grandma Cissy Houston. Assuming Bobby and Whitney stay together, is there a possibility they could lose custody of their daughter? According to matrimonial lawyer Gary Newman, the chances are slim.

"Often welfare can become involved if someone notifies them. They will do a examination of the home and the various individuals to determine the suitability of the temporary placement," Newman told Access. "It would be a rare occurence where neither Bobby or Whitney would be given the right to raise their child." ``xEplpkuFVFlPxQWAMdT``x1079506800``x(default) no idleness allowed: 'american idol' finals begin ``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES – So far, breathtakingly untalented William Hung is the big hit of this season's "American Idol."

The situation should change Tuesday as the 12 freshly minted finalists take the stage for a two-hour show and the chance to really let TV viewers see what they've got.

It's about time, say some discontented observers and tough-love judge Simon Cowell, who's dripping more acid than usual in the third season of the Fox talent extravaganza.

"You'd probably agree that the heats have been fairly lackluster," Cowell told The Associated Press. Even standout finalist La Toya London, 24, of Hawthorne, Calif., earns his gimlet eye.

"She was good, that was a good performance, but there's another part of me that thinks we thought she was great because everyone else is so terrible," he said.

At KZLA, a Los Angeles-area radio station that has avidly followed each season of "American Idol," attitudes toward the show have soured. Last Wednesday, disc jockey Peter Tilden told listeners he was so appalled by the talent this year that he boycotted the wild card special the night before.

But the TV audience is unfazed. Ratings are up 31 percent in total viewers and 26 percent among the advertiser-favored group of adults 18 to 49, happily reports co-executive producer Ken Warwick.

He and the finalists insist viewers know what's good.

"Honestly, I think the competition this year is more tough because everybody is so (musically) diverse in this top 12," said Jasmine Trias, 17, of Mililani on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

"I think everybody is so, so talented," said exuberant Jennifer Hudson, 22, of Chicago, Ill. "I don't think America's seen our best yet. Look out for group three!"

Hudson, making a Betty Boop fashion statement last week with curls and a pink frock, wowed judge Randy Jackson with her performance of "I Believe in You and Me." She became his wild card pick, one of four who got a second chance to keep competing for a record contract.

Jackson believes that Hudson is right and scowling Cowell dead wrong in assessing the field.

"This is the first bunch that we've had that wasn't boring," Jackson said. "With this bunch there definitely will be sparks and wild, crazy antics going on."

They include several poetically named songbirds (Fantasia, Jasmine, Camile), a contingent of teenagers who still have to get in their daily schooling, and a 25-year old mortgage banker (Matthew Rogers made the contest cut-off age, 24, during auditions.)

In this third go-around, what is Jackson looking for in an idol? Rich-voiced Kelly Clarkson and "velvet teddy bear" Ruben Studdard were the first and second season winners.

"I'm looking for uniqueness. Unique voice, unique sense of style and a unique star kind of ability," Jackson said. "I think that, for me, this is the first group that I've actually seen two people that I think are stars."

For the record, he's not naming names.

So why is Jackson playing Simon Says, matching the bluntness of his fellow judge's reviews? (Paula Abdul, America's sweetheart, is as kind and noncommittal as ever in her assessments.)

Because contestants now have examples to follow, Jackson said.

"They saw the first season; Kelly can blow. The second season, Ruben and Clay (Aiken, the runner-up) can blow. You can watch tapes, go back to your TiVo – you have the blueprints, so HOW could you be so messed up now, dude? C'mon, dawg."

Speaking of blueprints, "Idol" is mostly following its own. After the two-hour show Tuesday (8 p.m. EST), the group of 12 finalists will be pared down in weekly sing-offs.

Guest judges will be on hand, with Elton John, filmmaker Quentin Tarantino and Donna Summer among the prospects. The series culminates with a May 25-26 finale.

While the quest to unearth a musical star is the program's goal, Warwick contends that viewers tune in because "American Idol" offers "three in one" entertainment.

"You've got the comedy of the audition process," the producer said. "You've got this central section where America comes in for the first time and picks who the finalists are going to be, and then you've got all the big show-business razzmatazz of the final 12."

The top comic relief this time around was Hung, an earnest, tone-deaf engineering student who gained instant fame and an unlikely record deal by mangling Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" in the open audition.

As America embraces Hung, Cowell grows uneasy.

"When you celebrate awfulness it puts you in a slightly uncomfortable position," said the British record executive.

"I do think it's fun what's happening with William, but at the same time it slightly gets me nervous that we're going to get people coming on the show next year that want to be bad."

Warwick brushes away such concerns: There's too much at stake, a shortcut to fame and fortune, to undermine the series, he says.

(There's also the bounty that comes to series production company 19 Entertainment, which oversees the recording deal for "American Idol" stars as well as merchandising, touring, sponsorship and movie deals.)

This year's contestants are acutely aware of the top 10 releases from Studdard, Clarkson and Aiken, Warwick said.

"They know the prize and how successful they can be. It's something else to spur them on to be as good as they can be." ``xEplpkuuZZuNyqlszyD``x1079334000``x(default) paula new pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from Fox's celebration of Americn Idols Top 12 finalists at Pearl on March 10, 2004 in West Hollywood, California.

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>>>Picture 9``xEplpkVpyZFBRIWxgPK``x1078988400``x(default) cow about a kiss then?``xIgor``xMR Nasty Simon Cowell has kissed and made up with his American Idol sparring partner,fellow judge Paula Abdul.

But judging by the shock on singer and dancer Paula's face at the embrace, she'd prefer the British music mogul to stick to trading insults rather than kisses.

Cowell pounced on Paula at a Hollywood party to celebrate the show reaching the final 12 contestants.

Third judge Randy Jackson looked on laughing, before sticking his finger in Cowell's ear.

Earlier, Cowell had seemed more like his normal self,pulling one of his trademark eye-rolling grimaces as he arrived at the party.

The talent show team were joined at the party at Pearl restaurant by all 12 finalists.``xEplpkuulFElyVYLSKp``x1078988400``x(default) paula makes cameo in Outkast video ``xIgor``xHave you had enough of OutKast yet? Well, the current frenzy following the duo doesn't look like it will be ending any time soon. In fact, OutKast fever may soon be infecting the film world as the musical partners prepare to film their first movie.

Speakerboxxx, which will star both Big Boi and Andre 3000, will begin filming in May. The HBO movie musical was written by Bryan Barber who will also serve as the film's director. Barber told Rolling Stone.com that the film is a 1930s period piece with a vibe that’s a mix between The Color Purple and Amelie.

But Speakerboxxx won't be the first time Barber and OutKast have worked together. The director is responsible for shooting the videos for "Hey Ya!" and "The Way You Move," and recently finished the soon-to-be-released video for "Roses," which features a cameo from Paula Abdul. All three songs are from the 2003 smash hit album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.

OutKast are now busy working on songs for the upcoming movie's soundtrack (and next album), which will include brand new material as well as outtakes from the pair's successful double album.

In the meantime, Big Boi and Andre 3000 remain a hot topic and the centre of some recent controversy. Just a week ago, the duo won three trophies (Album Of The Year, Best Urban/Alternative Performance for "Hey Ya!" and Best Rap Album) at the 2004 Grammy awards. But it was the performance at the ceremony that has created some negative attention for the pair. OutKast's Native American-themed outfit caused uproar among the native community, prompting the Native American Cultural Center to boycott CBS due to the "racial stereotypes" demonstrated in the show. CBS has issued an apology to native Americans who were offended by the February 8 performance. ``xEplpkuFyVAroYPXhXe``x1077087600``x(default) paula new pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from "The Rewarding Life of Earvin (Magic) Johnson" tribute presented by American Express on February 12, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. The event kicked off the NBA All-Star 2004 Entertainment weekend.

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>>>Picture 14``xEplpkVEFlyjIuDZHOZ``x1076655600``x(default) grammy pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents new Paula pictures from the 46th Annual Grammy Awards hold at the Staples Center on February 8, 2004 in Los Angeles, California.

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>>>Picture 19``xEplpFFpuyFbfPbufzE``x1076223600``x(default) fetish pre grammy gift room pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents more Paula pictures from FETISH Pre Grammy Gift Room, hosted By Eve - 2/6/2004

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>>>Picture 3``xEplEEppZZuWUDbsIDf``x1076050800``x(default) grammy style studio day 2 pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents Paula pictures from Grammy Style Studio Day 2 - 2/3/2004

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>>>Picture 4``xEplEEpkuFlhRpPEDdy``x1075791600``x(default) paula abdul says she knows her own limits``xIgor``xThey did the Nasty video together in 1986, as well as What Have You Done for Me Lately. So Paula Abdul knows Janet Jackson -- she also knows controversy.

But Abdul missed the most revealing moment of Jackson's Super Bowl performance Sunday.

"I went to get something to eat and drink right at that moment. I heard everyone screaming and I went, `What?!' " Abdul said Monday in a brief interview.

Of course, she got a full description from the party crowd she was with and, as she sees it, if it works for Jackson, fine. But it wouldn't work for Abdul.

"I've been real interesting that way," said the American Idol judge. "I've always pushed the limit a little bit, but I've always done it tongue-in-cheek and I've always felt, honestly, that I've done it with integrity.

"I think you've got to stretch your creativity. To me, it's a fine line. I don't know, I guess I would not have done that (reveal a breast as Jackson did, with an assist from Justin Timberlake). But that's the kind of artist I am. I love Janet. So it's personal preference."

She wouldn't speak specifically to the dirty dancing and the breast reveal, saying only this: "Janet's an amazing performer. From what others were saying, it was pretty unanimous: Guys didn't mind it, girls didn't like it."

Abdul laughed at a suggestion that the contestants on American Idol would ever go so far.

"I don't think there would be an accident where someone's clothing fell off," she said. "Then again, they might have an American Idol streaker, so who knows?"

Sunday's football game was interrupted briefly by a man streaking across the field wearing only a jock strap.

While we had her on the phone, we also asked about her disappearance, both here and in Los Angeles, during last summer's Idol auditions. Is it fair to the auditioners that some were judged by three people and others by two?

"I had a 102-degree fever," said Abdul, who came down with the flu while visiting Houston. "I did everything I possibly could to be at the audition but I couldn't and I feel bad. The thing is, I looked at some of the tapes, and I've got to tell you, I agree with Randy (Jackson) and Simon (Cowell). There wasn't much of a debate. The talent that came through was just a little off, shall we say."

Would she have made it on American Idol?

"I think every artist who has made it in this business -- Justin Timberlake, Steve Perry, Lionel Richie -- has come up to me," she said, "and we've all agreed that if reality television and judges like us were the basis of getting into the record business, we wouldn't even try." ``xEplpkuFEkZlgEqthty``x1075791600``x(default) 'idol' again celebrates good, bad singers ``xIgor``xNEW YORK - Simon Cowell couldn't believe his ears.

You'd think he'd be used to it by now. But the acerbic "American Idol" judge was railing again about the tone-deaf auditioners he, along with Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, is forced to endure.

"People turn up who can't sing a note in tune," Cowell huffed on an episode last week, "and yet they believe they are the Second Coming."

The Third Coming is more like it. Each contender on this third edition of Fox's talent tourney comes believing he or she is the next American Idol.

Let others waste their breath campaigning to be the next American President (an unrelated contest that began in earnest with the Iowa caucuses the same day "American Idol" returned). Thousands bucking for pop stardom sing a different tune — though, much too often, it's just another melismatic knockoff of "A Whole New World."

More audition clips from around the country will air on "American Idol" this Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST, leading up to the Going-to-Hollywood eliminations Feb. 3 and 4 which, in turn, will trim the field to 32 performers.

Way down the road: an instant pop star jointly canonized by the three judges and the voting public; a new American Idol joining incumbents Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard, plus his just-as-famous runner-up Clay Aiken; someone unavoidably in your face and ringing in your ear who, today, you have never seen or heard and don't even know exists.

All that is the majesty of "American Idol," whose third-season kickoff drew 29 million viewers — thus far the best start for any 2003-04 series.

No wonder. Unlike nearly anything else on the air, "American Idol" gets to have it both ways. "American Idol" glories in both success and failure, in both the best and the worst available — which means the viewer gets to, also. To paraphrase Mae West, when "American Idol" is good, it's entertaining, but when it's bad, it's better.

Just ask Cowell, who seems to enjoy nothing — and that includes admiring his biceps — more than dashing a bad singer's dreams.

Here's a sample Cowellism, inflicted on Roland Maxharj, a Kosovo-born resident of Hartford, Conn., after he had finished wailing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me":

"Thank God you don't have to sing to get immigration status here."

Or consider Jacqueline Roman of Brooklyn, who, in a masquerade of scat-singing, screeched through "Route 66."

While Abdul and Jackson snickered like schoolchildren, Cowell flashed his wicked, lipless grin. "And THAT," he sneered, "is what YOU think we are looking for?"

"I tried my best," she replied.

Which, in her mind, should have been enough: earnest effort plus blind (or was it deaf?) faith. Shouldn't that qualify her for the next round?

And what about Andrew Chester of Hudson, Fla.? Stumbling through "Sweet Home, Alabama," he couldn't even remember the lyrics.

"You have wasted my time," Cowell informed him. "You have wasted your own time. You have wasted everybody's time."

Outside the audition room, Chester was heartbroken.

"This is everybody's dream — `American Idol' — to sing in front of America," he told the camera as he choked up. "I'm a good person, I know I'm talented. They just don't see it."

Every good soul deserves a place in TV heaven, so why not Andrew Chester, who pledged, "Definitely be back next year."

Among this season's 80,000 entrants, a precious few already have displayed real ability. John Stevens IV of East Amherst, N.Y., crooned a plush "Just the Way You Look Tonight." Lauren Enswiler of Moss Point, Miss., sizzled with "Summertime."

But for the most part, they have been about as appealing as Howard Dean 's battle cry.

Meanwhile, prospects are dim that a truly fresh, surprising performer will rise to the top, especially if past "American Idol" winners are any sign. (Though brand-new to show biz, Clay Aiken already seems primed to take up permanent residence in Branson, Mo., performing nightly at the Clay Aiken Theater.)

The ideal of "American Idol" reminds me of something an art teacher used to tell her students to keep us honest: "You don't know what you like; you like what you know."

I'm also reminded of a phrase used to describe the style of Celine Dion: "not to defy expectations, but exceed them."

On "American Idol," where the customer is always right and singers scramble to fill the bill, the music you hear is the music you expect. The main surprises: When a performance of that music defies your expectations with addled, inspired awfulness.

Bravo! ``xEpZVupAAyFyvSJKQym``x1075409963``x(default) rock & republic takes fashion, music on tour``xIgor``xNEW YORK (Billboard) - After 18 months in business, Los Angeles-based clothing company Rock & Republic is ready to break ranks with traditional fashion and launch its own tour.

Sheryl Crow, Cameron Diaz, Jewel, Liz Phair, Sarah Jessica Parker and Hilary Duff are among the entertainers in the music and film worlds who have embraced the brand's sexy, progressive, rock'n'roll-inspired denim designs.

While not official endorsers, such celebrities champion Rock & Republic out of sheer fondness for the brand, Rock & Republic chief designer/CEO Michael Ball says.

Ball says the company posted gross sales of $6 million for 2003 and made money during its first 18 months in business. The clothes, he adds, are sold in more than 500 stores worldwide, including Bergdorf Goodman and Atrium in New York, Fred Segal and H. Lorenzo in Los Angeles, Holt Renfrew in Toronto, Harrods in London and Freeze in Tokyo.

Rock & Republic is hoping to hike its hip quotient even higher once its tour, called Rock Fashion, commences next month during New York Fashion Week.

Although no acts have yet been confirmed for the tour, each stop will include a fashion show and performances by rock bands and DJs, Ball says. "In this way, we are pushing the envelope of what constitutes a fashion show," he adds.

After the initial tour, Rock Fashion will take in London Fashion Week (also in February), the 29th Toronto International Film Festival (in September) and other events.

The estimated cost is $600,000, and the tour is not expected to make money. The events will be invitation-only.

"These events provide amazing opportunities for press coverage. Previously, we teamed up with Coors Light and Cadillac for our Spring 2004 show," Ball says. "People like Trudie Styler and Paula Abdul make Rock & Republic tickets some of the most coveted during fashion week. And, of course, we are looking for sponsorship partners for the Rock Fashion Tour.

"For me, this is all very instinctual," explains Ball, who sees a direct correlation between music and fashion. "In both industries, you have people who push the edge, who have new things to say and who have the freedom to do what they want.

"Tight, baggy, sleeved, narrow; rock, rap, hip-hop, pop," he continues. "The same thread is running through worlds. There really is no deviation."

Duff couldn't agree more. "I absolutely love the fit of their clothes," she says. "The jeans are cutting-edge, low-rise and tight -- just how I like them."

But Ball, who sees the company name as a combination of music and freedom, acknowledges that he was skeptical when Duff's team first approached Rock & Republic for an informal alliance. "I associated her with 'Lizzie McGuire,' and I wasn't convinced that that was our audience."

"But then I heard her album," Ball adds, referring to "Metamorphosis," Duff's Buena Vista/Hollywood album, which topped the Billboard 200 for a week last September.

From that point, Ball was a changed man. "She can rock. She is precisely the kind of presence that expresses what we do," he says. "She has an edge; she is not 'Lizzie McGuire."'

While Duff is receiving free goods -- she wears them during live performances and special events -- Rock & Republic is receiving valuable exposure.

"Every bit of support is great," Ball notes. "At the end of the day, we're just trying to push the envelope -- and not sell out. Just like the artists we work with and the tour we are about to begin." ``xEpZuAuFAZZWCVrZHxh``x1074943977``x(default) sales soft, but gains continue ``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES (Billboard) - In a truly odd sales week, it's hard to say which news is more shocking: That not even a single album sells 100,000, or that in a week when the top 10 rings 10.2% less than the one from the comparative 2003 stanza, album volume still manages to be ahead of that from the same week of last year.

Talk about momentum. Even in a week when the top of the Billboard 200 looks puny, the music business ends up in the win column, the fourth week in a row that album sales beat those from the same stanza of the previous year.

Taking advantage of the soft top 10 is OutKast, which bounces back to No. 1 for a sixth chart-leading week despite a 4% decline (3-1, 97,500 copies).

How long has it been since a No. 1 sold less than 100,000? Well, to set the stage: Nancy Kerrigan was skating against arch rival Tonya Harding at the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway; Los Angeles was digging out from the Northridge earthquake; Derek Jeter had not yet played his first game for the Yankees; and Mariah Carey was still married to then-Sony Music chairman Tommy Mottola. For the week of March, 12, 1994, Carey's "Music Box" notched its eighth and final week at No. 1 with a sum shy of 92,000 copies.

Since 1992, there has been only one other week when a No. 1 fell shy of 100,000: In 1993, the soundtrack to Whitney Houston's "The Bodyguard" logged its 20th and final week at No. 1, with just 91,000 sold. In June 1991 -- during the second, third and fourth weeks that the Billboard 200 used Nielsen SoundScan data and the tracking service was still ramping up its store sample -- the No. 1 title sold less than 90,000 (one week by R.E.M.'s "Out of Time" and two by Paula Abdul's "Spellbound").

To borrow a pet phrase from ESPN Radio's Tony Kornheiser, "That's it. That's the list," meaning OutKast's "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" finds itself in very rare company.

WEIRD MATH

With the top of the Billboard 200 looking so anemic, one might speculate that catalog titles were the factor that led to this unusual same-week victory. That would be wrong, which leads us to two more statistical aberrations.

Although total sales of the Billboard 200's top 50 titles are down 7.2% from those for the week of Feb. 1, 2003, the volume rung by overall current albums this time is 5.9% ahead of what current albums sold a year ago.

Conversely, while each of the 50 titles on this week's Top Pop Catalog list sells more than the same-ranked album did during the comparative 2003 week, overall catalog sales are up by only 1.6%. ``xEpZuAukykyHmCILzrT``x1074942626``x(default) 'american idol' has best debut of season ``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES - Fox's "American Idol" hit impressively high ratings notes in its third season premiere.

The talent show drew 29 million viewers Monday, the best start for any series in the 2003-04 season, according to preliminary Nielsen Media Research figures released Tuesday by Fox.

Fox also enjoyed a solid debut for "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance," a reality series that debuted after "American Idol." The new series was watched by 19.6 million viewers.

Final figures for both series, which helped Fox win the night among total viewers as well as advertiser-coveted younger ones, will be available Wednesday.

"American Idol," which has produced three instant music stars in Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, was expected to provide a boost for the struggling network.

Gail Berman, Fox's entertainment president, recently called the show Fox's "engine" and said it's as important to the network as "Friends" is to NBC or "Survivor" is to CBS.

Last May's finale, in which Studdard narrowly beat out Aiken in nationwide voting, drew more than 38 million viewers.

This year, an estimated 80,000 aspiring stars applied to be on the show. Contestants are again being judged by Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, with Ryan Seacrest back as host.

"My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance" features a woman out to convince her family she's serious about a questionable mate to win a prize. She's unaware that her "fiance" is, in fact, an actor making the task as difficult as possible. ``xEpZulpkEAlQlzETmZg``x1074802198``x(default) david letterman show arriving pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents exclusive new pictures of how Paula arrived at David Letterman Show - New York City 1/20/2004

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>>>Picture 13``xEpZuZpApykkdTbDPQx``x1074709062``x(default) more paula appearances``xIgor``xPaula Abdul will be Live this Thursday January 22nd on Living It Up with Ali & Jack. Paula will be on the show from 10:00am - 11:00am with an arrival time at 8:30am. Living It Up with Ali & Jack is located at 524 West 57th Street Between 10th & 11th Ave. For free tickets call 866-454-8687.``xEpZuykEplZfYyfeFgZ``x1074621087``x(default) paula on tv``xIgor``xPaula is going to be on "The View" Friday, January 23 and David Letterman on Tuesday, January 20. Tune in and set those VCR's!``xEpZuVFlkpFGSerAqVz``x1074538203``x(default) 'idol' guys ghastly``xIgor``xBy Gary Levin, USA TODAY

Short takes from the TV Critics press tour in Los Angeles:

Girls are better than boys. At least that's the feeling from this year's crop of 80,000 would-be American Idols, who begin vying for the title tonight on Fox (8 ET/PT). Judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul said female auditioners were much better overall this year, but Cowell noted "the horrible statistic" that "a million people could apply for this show and you're still only going to find two good people."

The rise of last season's runner-up, Clay Aiken, has "changed this competition forever," Cowell says, by proving that personality counts at least as much as talent.

The fun, of course, is in the hunt. The audition segments have been stretched to five hours - three this week (tonight, Tuesday and Wednesday) and two more next week. "I wouldn't watch the show unless there were loads of bad people, because that's what I like watching," Cowell says.``xEpZuyFEuApwIzWbORL``x1074495600``x(default) fox's 'american idol' returns monday ``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES - In two years, Fox's "American Idol" has minted three new music stars in Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken.

Now the televised talent hunt is trying for more.

"American Idol" returns for its third season Monday — and not a moment too soon for the struggling Fox network. More than 38 million people watched Studdard beat Aiken in last May's finale, a bigger audience than the Academy Awards.

"It's as important to our network as `Survivor' is to CBS," said Gail Berman, Fox's entertainment president. "It's as important to our network as `Friends' is to NBC. We need an engine."

Fox isn't messing with the elements that made the show a success. Ryan Seacrest is back as host. Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and the caustic Simon Cowell return as the judges. An estimated 80,000 wanna-be stars applied to test their talents.

That's a lot of excruciating music to sit through.

"There's only two people every year, or in some cases only one person, who makes a difference, and that's the terrible thing about the show," Cowell said. "Of course, every one of the 80,000 think they're fantastic."

Word to the wise: If you want to impress the judges, leave the Mariah Carey -like vocal histrionics at home.

Abdul said it's like "a breath of fresh air" when a singer simply sticks to the melody.

"It's about the sound of the voice," Jackson said. "The kids just don't know that. They're more impressed and trying to impress people with the vocal gymnastics."

"A Whole New World" from the Disney movie "Aladdin" wins the judges' cringe award for the most-butchered song in auditions.

Talent shows on TV have become commonplace in the wake of "American Idol." CBS has revived "Star Search," for instance, and NBC's "Today" show launched its own search for a star. None have approached the ratings impact of "Idol."

"While others may try to copy us, they will never have the caliber of talent on or off the stage that `American Idol' has," Berman said.

In this season's "American Idol" tryouts, the judges said girls held an advantage over guys. The show's producers say they're tinkering with the series to make its middle period better. Fans love the train-wreck auditions and the excitement of the finals, but interest lags in the stretch when 32 contestants are whittled down to 12.

They also hope to make better use of guest stars, many of whom don't find it as easy as Cowell to crush singers' dreams and are boring as a result.

"The good thing about `American Idol' — watching it and being involved in it — is that it has a sense of humor," Cowell said. "One of the things that's missing in the music industry at the moment is that people are taking themselves so seriously, it's not fun anymore."

The judges believe Aiken changed the competition forever because of the way he played to the audience's emotions.

Beneath his innocent looks was a fierce competitor, evident perhaps in how Aiken has overshadowed Studdard since the show ended.

"He played to win, but you didn't think that," Jackson said.

Even the ultra-confident Cowell thinks the show is better because it's the public, and not the judges, who make the final choice of American idol.

"There's never a shortage of talent," Abdul said. "You find some of the best talent in the most remote parts of the country and, you know, there's always someone who drives to make it. And we'd love to see that happen." ``xEpZuyFEkVlxqamglIY``x1074409200``x(default) paula new pictures``xIgor``xPaula-Online.com presents exclusive new Paula pictures from Fox Broadcasting Company Winter Press Tour - 1/16/2004

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>>>Picture 7``xEpZuFuZuyVdQVtUxJZ``x1074347465``x(default) "paula abdul: the complete history" and "driven"``xIgor``xWith the American Idol premiere looming, VH1 is rolling out the Paula... They have an hourlong special titled "Paula Abdul: The Complete History" airing soon and an entire "Driven" dedicated to Paula.

Monday Jan. 19 11/10c PM VH1

Driven Presents: Paula Abdul chronicles this multi-talented star’s rise to fame from her early years to pop superstardom and beyond. The one-hour portrait reveals a woman with an indomitable spirit, a woman who persevered seemingly insurmountable odds to overcome her physical limitations as a dancer, her struggle with bulimia, failed marriages, and the stereotypes that abound within the entertainment industry to become one of the most beloved entertainers of our time.

Paula Abdul’s career continues to transcend all boundaries from her current role as a judge on the television phenomenon American Idol to her days as a head cheerleader for the Los Angeles Laker Girls. As recording artist, she has sold over 25 million albums worldwide and racked up numerous awards. Her innovative videos sparked an MTV revolution, opening the door for today’s generation of singer/performers such as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

Paula Abdul: The Complete History Mon 1/19 11:00 AM 58 VH1
Paula Abdul: The Complete History Mon 1/19 10:00 PM 58 VH1
Paula Abdul: The Complete History Tue 1/20 12:00 AM 58 VH1
Paula Abdul: The Complete History Tue 1/20 7:00 PM 58 VH1
Paula Abdul: The Complete History Wed 1/21 12:00 PM 58 VH1
Paula Abdul: The Complete History Thu 1/22 4:00 PM 58 VH1
Paula Abdul: The Complete History Fri 1/23 6:00 PM 58 VH1 ``xEpZuEAukZlJBXfsBnu``x1074194278``x(default) cowell gets a soaking``xIgor``xSimon Cowell has been drenched with water by a disgruntled contestant on American Idol.

The soaking happened in the new series of the show - and Cowell had not even uttered a word.

The unnamed contestant had just finished belting out a tune when Cowell, apparently lost for words, stood up and put his head in his hands, reports the London Evening Standard.

The contestant walked towards the desk, where Cowell was sitting with fellow judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, and appeared to be reaching to shake his hand.

But Cowell realised he was trying to grab a cup of water and desperately tried to grab it back.

After grappling for a few seconds, the young man pulled the cup away and threw the water all over him.

The scene will be shown in the third series of American Idol which begins next week.

Cowell, 43, has become the main attraction on American Idol and recently signed a multi-million deal for another three years of the show.

Ten MPs recently signed a Commons motion branding him 'irresponsible' for judging some contestants on weight and looks as well as their singing.``xEpZuEAuZZFXcZIQqVV``x1074063600``x(default) chris rocks!: edgy comic shows no sign of mellowing ``xIgor``xChris Rock is so boyish and charming, and so smart and aware, that he can say anything — no matter how outrageous — and not offend. He's got a winsome smile that makes even his most barbed comments — about "crackers" and crackheads, for example — seem not just harmless but almost compassionate.

But, as he pointed out Friday night, in the first of three "Black Ambition Tour" sold-out shows at the Paramount (the other two were on Saturday), he's 38 now, married and the father of a young daughter. Much of his 90-minute routine had to do with those changes in his life, but he also got in some political zingers and pointed observations about pop culture.

"I love Seattle," he said at the start, after a welcoming standing ovation. "Lotta cool dead people here — Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Lee."

Recurring themes included the observation that clear heels, the favored footwear of strippers, is a sure sign of sluttiness, and that black people are mesmerized by tire rims — especially the spinning kind. His only ongoing physical bit had him rolling his eyes and head as if he were watching spinning rims, and it got big laughs every time.

In his first appearance here in five years, he was right on top of current issues.

"The '80s are back," he said. "Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Saddam Hussein — even Paula Abdul!" He added Sir Mix-a-Lot to the list, with withering jokes about the Seattle rapper's silly sex songs.

Politics and President Bush were regular targets.

On "lies" about weapons of mass destruction: "They can't even find a whiffle bat!"

On presidential news conferences: "Gay marriage is the only thing Bush will answer a question about. 'Not on my watch!' "

On the new governor of California: "Arnold Schwarzenegger can't even play a smart guy in a movie!"

Rock's bit on Michael Jackson got not only laughs but gasps. He said M.J.'s latest sex scandal has made black people ditch him. "We love Michael Jackson so much, we let the first kid slide. This new kid — that's like finding another dead white chick at O.J.'s house."

He pointed out the difference between being rich and being wealthy, saying a few "brown people" may be rich but only white people are wealthy:

"Shaq is rich. The guy who signs his check is wealthy."

"Oprah is rich. If Bill Gates' wealth dropped to her level, he'd jump off a building and slit his throat on the way down."

Mario Joyner opened with a short set of generic comedy about sex, cellphones, prostate exams and an offensive bit about the necessity of "whuppin' children."

Patrick MacDonald: 206-464-2312, pmacdonald@seattletimes.com ``xEpZuEAuZpkXrNgdaMr``x1073977200``x(default) the hardest working guy on the air``xIgor``xBY HOWARD COHEN
hcohen@herald.com

Time to welcome a new king. Ryan Seacrest, the new King of Media. Fellow radio jock Howard Stern gave himself that high-falutin' title, but he has nothing on this guy.

This afternoon, the 29-year-old Seacrest debuts his live daily infotainment series on UPN, On-Air With Ryan Seacrest. Sunday, he replaced radio legend Casey Kasem as host of the radio countdown institution, American Top 40. And on Jan. 19 he starts his third season as the host of American Idol, the show that made him a household name and gave Simon Cowell an on-air sparring partner besides perky Paula Abdul.

One gig Seacrest has ''put on pause'' for the time being: his DJ job on a Los Angeles radio station. Even he can't do everything.

''It's a good time now,'' Seacrest says, mastering the understatement. ''I have to prove I can do it. I've always been motivated, I've always had this internal drive,'' he says from New York where he's doing publicity. ``The most difficult thing was the How to Do It. If we knew the answer to that we'd all be superstars in the entertainment business.''

A solid work ethic helps.

``Every thing that I did [like] driving a radio station van at 16 was a stepping stone to get closer to what I wanted.''

BEING CASEY KASEM

Replacing AT40's Kasem, who, after 34 years, will go on to host an adult contemporary version of the countdown show, is a particular thrill for the Atlanta-born Seacrest.

``In the '80s I would pretend to be him. On cassette tapes I did a countdown a la Casey.''

But the On-Air TV show is probably Seacrest's biggest gamble. He's not only the star. As executive producer it's his job to make sure things run properly. The airwaves are also filled with talk shows and the ground is littered with the castoffs, so Seacrest has tailored his show to be a little different.

On-Air will combine entertainment news, interviews with pop stars such as Enrique Iglesias and probably an Idol or two, plus performances and interactive fan participation. Think MTV's TRL meets Entertainment Tonight.

''The beauty of our format allows us to be flexible,'' Seacrest says.

THE LONGEST DAY

The host's day will start at 7 a.m. to handle preproduction on the TV show. Rehearsal is at 10 a.m. Hair and makeup around noon. (And you know with Seacrest, the proud pinup boy for metrosexuals everywhere, this is the most important part of the day. However, he won't be bleaching his hair blond anymore, all that dying was reportedly causing it to fall off in chunks).

The show will then tape live from a Times Square-like studio at the Hollywood & Highland complex, facing the famous Hollywood hilltop sign.

''There will be mistakes as in all live shows,'' Seacrest says. ``I think it's important we don't cover that up and it's OK for the audience to see that. After doing American Idol and being a radio guy, you learn to go with the flow.''

After taping, Seacrest prepares for the next day's program unless it's Monday and he has to dash down the block to film American Idol.

Seacrest's behind-the-scenes tip regarding season three of Idol? Check out the female contingency this go-round he says. After watching some 70,000 contestants vie for a spot on the show the women proved quite good -- unless they freeze up on camera, he warns. You never know. ``There are some [contestants] like Clay [Aiken] we didn't think would be the shining star actually rising to the occasion and performing in front of people.''

To top it off, he tapes the syndicated AT40 tapes on Fridays.

''This is a business that consumes you [but] it's such a dream job,'' Seacrest says. ``It's not about the hours, it's about getting things done. It is an incredible lifestyle and job to have, that's why I'm trying to parlay it into so many things in pop culture.''``xEpZuEAuVlliMriJxtP``x1073890800``x(default) paula & ruben reunited``xIgor``x(ETONLINE)--From the "Today Show" to the "Tonight Show" and a cruise down "Sesame Street" in between, "American Idol" winner RUBEN STUDDARD has been keeping one hectic schedule since his Soulful album hit stores last week. But the "Velvet Teddy Bear" was gracious enough to take time out to chat with his "Idol" judge PAULA ABDUL.

Watch tonight's ET as Ms. Abdul is the only one invited to the set of Ruben's new video!

"Working is good and I'm just enjoying it and having a good time," he says. "I've been trying to do this my whole life so I don't have any complaints."

Paula visited the smooth crooner during the making of his video for the single "Sorry 2004." The track introduces the world to Ruben's bad boy side as he sings about strip clubs and Jacuzzis!

But don't let this top performer fool you. He says he's been nice all year and knows exactly what he wants for the holidays. "What I'd love to have is more time with my family for Christmas."

And come February 8th -- the Grammys that is -- Ruben will prove to the world how much of a family man he is when he brings his mother as his date for the big night. Ruben was nominated for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his hit song "Superstar" and says he honestly wasn't expecting a nod.

"I didn't know I was eligible for a Grammy nomination," he says. "It's cool, especially because of the company in the same category." Said company includes R. KELLY, LUTHER VANDROSS, TYRESE and BRIAN McKNIGHT.

While recording Soulful, Ruben was also touring, which he says required some time management skills, but the effort was well worth it.

"The whole recording process was just wonderful ... I had to juggle my schedule to get in the studio, but when I got there everything was fun and we just laid a good album."

For more on Paula and Ruben on the set of his rockin' video, check out tonight's ET!``xEpZEylEVukOeyFJoSe``x1071681542``x(default) new album update``xIgor``xUS Weekly Magazine:

"Paula Abdul, Master of Dance by RIAA and Billboard. A comeback full of new definitions and new found successes. A comeback from a musical and dancing Queen who was never really gone. In her song, with her moves, and her voice, Paula will capture us and enrapture us once again...taking the music and dance world by storm once again...encasing us hypnotically in spellbinding videos...once again."

'Welcome back, Paula Abdul, you've been awaited...long overdue...and now, it's your time... again!'

LesTer.
VirgoMusic Enterprises

Miami artist Singer-Dancer-Writer..... coming soon !!!``xEpZEVAyukywpPVLYWu``x1071596426``x(default) new album on the way``xIgor``xAlthough the next season of American Idol doesn't kick off on FOX until late January, Paula Abdul reports that she, Simon and Randy have already narrowed the field down to 36 finalists. "This season, I think, is going to be favored toward the females," says Abdul. "We have some gorgeous girls with some amazing voices, and some great looking boys too. ...Two of the 36 finalists are teenage brothers from New York who'll be competing against each other. ... I think it's three girls and one guy who are just brilliant. Voices like you've never heard." For her part, Abdul is recording her first studio album in years, as well as developing a reality TV series about a dance-cheerleading squad, titled Skirts. ``xEpZpuppZFVOTdwDwCZ``x1070400735``x(default) simon on paula``xIgor``xFrom Simon Cowell's Billboard interview:

Paula Abdul is one of the people you criticize the
most in the book. You go into details about your
disputes with her and how you think she gives the
"American Idol" contestants unrealistic flattery. How
are you and Paula getting along now?

Paula is a lovely woman, but she and I will probably
never agree on what's the best way to judge these
contestants. It's harder for her to be a judge because
she's an entertainer who identifies with the
contestants and she gets more emotionally involved
with the contestants than I do.

Do you think that Paula Abdul and someone like Angie
Martinez find it harder to judge the contestants
because these contestants could also be their fans and
potential buyers of their next records? [Martinez is a
hip-hop artist/radio DJ who was an "American Idol"
judge during the second season but she quit after less
than a week on the job. Her participation on the show
never made it on the air.]

Yes. I think you're absolutely correct.``xEpZpkplkEyWuQiwAQf``x1070002800``x(default) pop idol's mr nasty means well ``xIgor``xNEW YORK (Billboard) - Simon Cowell wants to set the record straight.

The famously blunt judge of "Pop Idol" and the U.S.'s "American Idol" says his caustic remarks are meant to help, not hurt, the aspiring pop stars who appear on the show.

Cowell does not hold back on his opinions of the music business and "American Idol" in his brutally honest book "I Don't Mean to Be Rude, But ... ," which Broadway Books will issue December 2 in America.

"I wrote the book the way I would want to read it," Cowell tells Billboard. "What I do on the show is an extension of what I've learned. And I've learned more from people in the business giving me a reality check than fake praise. So I have no qualms about doing the same in my job and when I judge the contestants."

There are three main elements to the book: Cowell's autobiography, which details his family background and career path; backstage gossip about "American Idol"; and advice to wanna-be pop stars on how to make it in the music business.

The behind-the-scenes part of the book includes Cowell's frank observations of his "American Idol" colleagues and the "American Idol" finalists from the show's first two seasons.

The finalists who receive his highest praise include Tamyra Gray, Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard. The "American Idol" people not spared from Cowell's insults include judge Paula Abdul, host Ryan Seacrest and former co-host Brian Dunkleman.

Cowell, who is a senior A&R executive at BMG Music in Britain, tells Billboard that he has signed a contract to be an "American Idol" judge for the next three years.

The outspoken judge says of the third season of "American Idol," which premieres January 20, 2004, on Fox-TV: "The audition sequences are the funniest so far. It's getting harder to find real talent until the top 10 or top 12."

Next up for Cowell is "Dreams", a TV drama series he is developing with Fox through his Simcow production company. He hopes the show will be on the air by next year, and he describes it as having elements similar to "Fame" and "American Idol".

Cowell notes that much of his career's success is testimony to TV's power in selling music. "The 'Idol' shows prove how much radio and the public can be out of synch. Contrary to what many radio programmers think, the public still wants old-fashioned pop music." ``xEpZpkplplyPVqWgyXh``x1069570800``x(default) reality hits reloaded``xIgor``xBy Josh Grossberg

It's going to be a busy winter on the reality front.

At the same time CBS announced a post-Super Bowl slot for the much-anticipated all-star edition of its ratings juggernaut Survivor, Fox trumpeted the launch date for the next installment of its blockbuster American Idol.

The Eye network will unveil Survivor: All-Stars, its long-rumored tournament of champions competition rounding up 18 of the best known hardbodies from the first seven Survivors, after Super Bowl XXXVIII on February 1.

CBS and show mastermind Mark Burnett are remaining tightlipped for now on who's expected to outwit, outlast and outplay.

But count on such usual suspects like original Survivor Richard "the Snake" Hatch, Survivor: The Australian Outback (news - Y! TV) winner Tina Wesson, Survivor: Africa's curly-topped soccer stud Ethan Zorn and Survivor: Amazon's swimsuit model Jenna Morasca to be in the running for the title of "Ultimate Sole Survivor" and another $1 million jackpot.

And for those veterans voted out early, there's a nice consolation prize to be had: Burnett has upped the total prize pool so that the first person to get the boot gets $25,000, 10 times the amount normally awarded to the first outcast.

The last time Survivor followed the big game was in 2001, when CBS premiered Australian Outback after Super Bowl XXXV. That edition, according to Nielsen Media Research, was eyeballed by a whopping 43.6 million viewers. Meanwhile, Survivor: Pearl Islands is the second-most-watched show on television this season, averaging 20.4 million viewers a week.

No word where Survivor: All Stars is currently filming. CBS is keeping that a secret too. Since there are two more players than a typical Survivor, the network is expected to broadcast 14 episodes instead of the usual 13.

As for rival American Idol, Fox has slated the third go-round of its popular amateur talent contest to debut with a two-hour special on January 20 followed by a one-hour episode on January 21.

Original judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell will be on hand again as Idol takes over its usual two night-a-week time slot--8 p.m. on Tuesdays and 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Fox has also slated American Idol: Christmas Songs, a one-hour holiday special featuring past champs Kelly Clarkson (news) and Ruben Studdard, along with also-rans like Clay Aiken and Tamyra Gray, for November 25.

Meanwhile, according to the New York Daily News, NBC is preparing to dish out another helping of its reality hit, The Restaurant. Shooting on the second season of the series, also produced by Burnett, is now underway at Rocco's, the New York eatery opened last summer by chef Rocco DiSpirito.

No air date has been set for the new episodes, but the new season reportedly will update viewers on the agony and the ecstasy of running a TV restaurant six months later.

The Peacock had originally considered opening up a new bistro with another chef and a new batch of staffers, but Rocco's flavorful story--from his meatball-making mama to the menu missteps, cold food, slow service, injured employees and kitchen fires--whet the appetite of so many viewers that the network opted to bring him back.

Per the Daily News, NBC is looking for Big Apple diners planning a special occasion-- such as a marriage proposal, a wedding party or even a breakup--to make a reservation and be a part of the series. So much for keeping it real. ``xEpZpkpZAFlWdJodHAi``x1069225200``x(default) american music awards``xIgor``xPaula presented at the 31st annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles, November 16, 2003. You can see 46 exclusive pictures of Paula with her boyfriend Colton Melby, with Lionel Richie and Clay Aiken at Paula-Online.com only! Enjoy.

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>>>Picture 46``xEpyAEpkVkVTFnUQaBj``x1069102525``x(default) new american idol video game``xIgor``xAmerican Idol Judge Simon Cowell Gets His Just Rewards; Codemasters' TV Commercial for New American Idol Video Game Starring Cowell Debuts This Week

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 17, 2003--What happens when the world's most notorious talent critic, Simon Cowell, gets the tables turned on him? Fans will be able to witness the unlikely scenario in Codemasters' new television commercial for their just launched American Idol video game, based on the hit series co-produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19TV. The spot, in support of the company's game for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Game Boy(R) Advance and PC, will begin airing this week. The commercial will run on FOX, ABC, MTV, Nickelodeon, The WB and other major broadcast outlets throughout the holiday season.
Created by New York-based RDA International, the commercial opens with a close-up of the infamous Simon Cowell spouting off a procession of "judgments" including...."you are the worst singer in the world" and "absolutely pathetic" ...something fans of the "American Idol" television series have grown to either love or loathe over the past two seasons. But wait, who is on the receiving end of the harsh criticism? Stay tuned; the ending is sure to raise a few eyebrows.

"Our TV commercial with Simon is the lynchpin of our multimillion dollar media campaign," says Steven Lux, Senior Vice President of U.S. Marketing for Codemasters. "We're especially excited to air this spot on the upcoming 'An American Idol Christmas' TV special."

The official American Idol video game, featuring Simon, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, lets players virtually compete in the famous competition without leaving their couch. With a track list of 40 top hits to choose from, players can compete as an aspiring "American Idol" from the auditions all the way to the finals! The game is dance mat compatible and also includes a special karaoke mode.

For a behind the scenes look of the "Making Of" the TV spot visit the game's official website at http://www.codemasters.com/americanidol.

About Codemasters

Codemasters is a global interactive entertainment company with offices in New York City, England, France, Spain, Holland and Germany. Founded in the UK in 1986, Codemasters publishes award-winning software for the PC, next generation video game consoles and online gaming. Codemasters develops original titles such as Operation Flashpoint (PC Game-of-the-year) and Pro Race Driver, as well as games based on top licensed properties including American Idol, MTV Music Generator and IndyCar Series. Based on the television phenomenon, the American Idol game will feature celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, and will be available this fall for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Game Boy(R) Advance and PC. Additional information about Codemasters and its products can be found at www.codemasters.com.

About FremantleMedia

FremantleMedia, formerly known as Pearson Television, is one of the largest international producers of entertainment programs in the world, producing more than 260 programs in over 40 territories a year. The company's international distribution division distributes over 19,000 hours of programs to 150 countries worldwide. FremantleMedia is the content business production arm of the RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company, with interests in 23 television channels and 22 radio stations in nine European countries. RTL Group is part of Bertelsmann AG, an integrated media and entertainment company that commands leading positions in the world's major media markets.

American Idol(TM)19 TV Ltd and FremantleMedia Operations BV. Based on the TV program 'American Idol - the Search for a Superstar' produced by FremantleMedia North America Inc. Licensed by FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide. www.fremantlemedia.com.``xEpyAEpElVFnRcJfZaq``x1069101853``x(default) loose bobbleheads take scaled-down trivia bowl``xIgor``xBy Elizabeth Mattern Clark, Camera Staff Writer
November 17, 2003

It was a buzzer-stopper: Gidget's boyfriend's name, the boy she'd go on to marry.

Faces planted into hands.

Eyes rolled up, then squeezed shut.

Contestants on both panels dug deep into those parts of their brains that somehow have trapped useless 1960s TV trivia.

"The answer is 'Moondoggie,'" the moderator said after a few seconds of quiet, and the sighs and groans ensued.

Then there were the blank stares as the moderator asked the eight men to complete these Paula Abdul lyrics:

"Do you really want to love me forever — oh, oh oh — or am I caught in a hit-and-run?"


They were tough ones, though no tougher than many questions the final contestants answered correctly in the University of Colorado's Trivia Bowl. Topics ranged from what tennis star is dating which movie actress to obscure hall-of-fame history to what fictional detective goes with which novel.

In the end Sunday, the Loose Bobbleheads defeated the all-student team — The Duffmen — in the final round, getting their group name etched onto a Trivia Bowl trophy.

"The questions seemed unbelievably tough this year," said Bill Schantz, 34, a Parker resident who works for a software company and was on the winning team in this year's two-day, scaled-down contest.

The most difficult?

"Comic books, indie film winners, British TV and recent literature," Schantz said. "We're going to start learning."

His Loose Bobbleheads teammates were Robert Lew, a 30-year-old CU history major who lives in Westminster, Paul Hammond, 41, of Arvada and Luis Corchado, 40, of Denver.

The Duffmen — Gary Stebbins, Nicholas Wood, David Rubenstein, Jon Wentzel and alternate Miranda Lavranas — won the bowl's all-student category.

The CU Trivia Bowl debuted in 1968 and was hugely popular in its earlier days, then was canceled in 1993 because of a lack of interest. It returned for a year in 2001, during the height in popularity of modern quiz shows such as "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"

The bowl was revived, shortened and reorganized this year. The weekend contest was part of a national TRASH — Testing Recall About Strange Happenings — Bowl event being held at several campuses. TRASH officials wrote the questions, and the regional winners will go on to the national TRASH finals in April in Charleston, S.C.

About 20 spectators attended Sunday's finals at the Coors Events Center.

But the emphasis was less on making the event entertaining for an audience than it was to train and test some serious trivia lovers, said organizer Paul Bailey. He said the questions were overall more difficult than about 90 percent of those in past Trivia Bowls and that in its heyday, the bowl's questions were easier — allowing the crowd to get more interested and involved.

The $25 and $50 team entry fees will go toward buying low-income families proper car seats for their children, he said.

"Attendance was not our main objective," Bailey said, adding that even so, next time the finals might be better scheduled on a day the Broncos aren't playing. ``xEpyAEpEZpZJvrcvzgM``x1069101707``x(default) in touch's top 50 stars of the year``xIgor``x(1) Beyonce Knowles - 2003 Belongs to Her
(2) Colin Farrell - Sexiest Dad of the Year
(3) Jessica Simpson & Nick Lachey - America's Most Famous Newlyweds
(4) Johnny Depp - The Leading Man
(5) Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck - The will-they-or-won't-they Couple of the Year
(6) Nicole Kidman - A-List at Last
(7) Angelina Jolie - At Her Brightest
(8) Ashton Kutcher - Boy-toy Businessman
(9) Cameron Diaz - Super-Rich Celeb
(10) Matt LeBlanc - Happiest Groom
(11) Ellen DeGeneres - Top Talk Star
(12) Demi Moore - Makeover of the Year
(13) Uma Thurman - Comeback Queen
(14) Sean "P. Diddy" Combs - Rap Mogul
(15) Justin Timberlake - Solo Superstar
(16) Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken - True American Idols
(17) Halle Berry - Stronger than Ever
(18) Trista Rehn & Ryan Sutter - The Million-Dollar Lovers
(19) Salma Hayek - The Dream-Come-True Year
(20) Debra Messing - Emmy Star
(21) Catherine Zeta-Jones - Show Stopper
(22) Britney Spears - Party Princess
(23) The Sex and the City Girls - Going Out on Top
(24) Jennifer Aniston - Taking on the World
(25) Drew Barrymore - Angel of the Year
(26) Katie Couric - Sexier than Ever
(27) Erin Brodie - Luckiest Gambler
(28) Kelly Ripa - Took Over as TV Queen
(29) Bob Guiney - Hottest Ladies' Man
(30) Pamela Anderson - Brave Heart
(31) Adrien Brody - Kissing King
(32) Gwen Stefani - Busiest Rocker
(33) Andrew Firestone & Jen Schefft - The Lovebirds
(34) Paula Abdul - True Romance
(35) Charlie Sheen - Comeback Champ
(36) The Dixie Chicks - The Rebels
(37) Sharon Osbourne - Wonder Woman
(38) Jack Black - True Rock Star
(39) Mandy Moore - All Grown Up
(40) Keira Knightley - Best New Star
(41) Arnold Schwarzenegger - The Victor
(42) Queer Eye for the Straight Guy - Overnight Sensations
(43) Sofia Coppola - Finally Found Fame
(44) Brooke Shields - Her Greatest Gift
(45) Queen Latifah - Screen Siren
(46) Rachael Ray - Hot Cook
(47) Doug Wilson - Design's Darling
(48) Sharon Stone - Survivor
(49) Julianne Moore - She Said "I Do"
(50) Russell Crowe - Settling Down at Last``xEpylAFkZlphjZGzdOB``x1068932780``x(default) judges' salaries``xIgor``xPR guru Max Clifford, who looks after Simon Cowell, has revealed to Radio 1 just how much the high-trousered one is getting paid for the American 'Pop Idol' series.

In an interview for tonight's Lamacq Live documentary 'Popbitching' (about celebrity and how stars work with PR people to boost their profiles), Max Clifford has told us that he has just negotiated a whopping fee for Simon for the next three American 'Pop Idol' series.

It far outweighs what the other judges are getting:

"Two and a half years ago Simon Cowell was totally unknown. Now (he's) number one in America. We have just negotiated and signed a new series of 'American Idol', and he's got three of them to do now. Randy Jackson gets £250,000 a series, Paula Abdul gets £250,000 a series, Simon Cowell gets £15 million a series."``xEpyluAVAkEpCCvnojT``x1068495921``x(default) paula at 'dr. seuss' the cat in the cat' premier``xIgor``xActress and singer Paula Abdul posed as she arrived for the premiere of the new family comedy film 'Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat' in Los Angeles November 8, 2003. Mike Myers stars as the cat in the film along with co-stars Kelly Preston , Dakota Fanning and Spencer Breslin . The film opens November 21 in the United States.

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>>>Picture 2``xEpyluAVkFlllOiwzwX``x1068495238``x(default) the latest from l.a. fashion week``xIgor``x(Fashion Wire Daily)--LA Punk is alive, well and thriving in Los Angeles. Better start growing (or cutting) those spring 2004 punkster bangs now.

Daniella Clarke's Frankie B show Wednesday afternoon felt like a peek inside the ultimate L.A. hipster chick's closet; a non-stop punky parade of must-buy/must-wear hip, casually sexy sportswear separates. Practically everything was colorful, edgy and infinitely wearable, from shirred tops, baby doll halters, tube tops and flared long sleeve Ts, denim shirt-jackets, cropped cord jackets with piping, topping cargo and carpenter miniskirts, trademark super-low jeans and cords.

Not a single dress was in sight, and every model had long straight hair with in-your-eyes fringed bangs. Even Frankie B's boys looked cool in lightweight caftan shirts, surfer Ts and button leg pants. Actress/boutique owner Lisa Rinna and singer Anastasia were making major shopping lists on their run of show sheets. Bet they were marking down the new Frankie B shirred leg flares in denim and jersey.

The most star-studded Standard show was Jenni Kayne's Wednesday night homage to those decadent self-destructive dames Sharon Tate, Nico and Patti Smith. All three fashion icons would love her B&W slashed satin strapless frocks, ripped-to-ribbons fitted skirts, studded blazers, grommeted coats and '60s shifts, Gaultier-esque conical bras jutting off dresses and tops, cropped gray sweatpants and black lace camisole combos.

Kayne was formerly Jennifer Nicholson's assistant and head buyer for Pearl, Nicholson's trendy Santa Monica boutique. Her own designer duds currently sell at Barneys in New York, Louis Boston, and Maxfield and Fred Segal in Los Angeles.

Front row squatters: Jack Osbourne (his frizzy 'fro is getting bigger every day), actor Henry Thomas, Aaron Paul, Billy Morrison, Melissa Rivers, Christian Slater, Tara Lipinski, Donovan Leitch and his pregnant gorgeous supermodel wife, Kristy Hume (they took turns licking the same lollipop during the show). Michelle Rodriguez was cutting up backstage wearing a white shirt that read F___ FASHION WEEK on the back.

Nicole Miller launched her new Miller Girl line late Wednesday night; yet another punky Spring/Summer parade of camouflage and cargo separates (cropped pants, jackets, crochet halters, ruched blouses and tight Ts) and some great print string bikinis and a fabulously easy-to-wear warm weather uniform; black or white frilly feminine cotton sundresses, some worn with brown lace leggings, all with unlaced heavy black boots.

Nom's show at the Standard kicked off the day for her pregnant fans Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Charlie Sheen's wife Denise Richards, who both cooed over Jennifer Noonan's spring/summer 2004 collection of soft pastel dresses and belly baring separates worn by some really expectant models. We sure hope there was a baby doc waiting backstage.

Nom is short for Naissance on Melrose, Noonan's boutique frequented by the expectant Hollywood crowd including Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Hudson, Faith Hill, Anne Heche, Reese Witherspoon and Jada Pinkett Smith.

Lots of fashionistas have been trying to split their days/nights between downtown and the Smashbox Studios Fashion Week in Culver City. According to reports from Smashbox, shuttle buses are taking folks back and forth from the venues, and some editors took advantage of the free rides to check out Wednesday's headliners including Lure, Maggie Barry, H. Starlet and Susana Mercedes, where Paula Abdul wore Patricia Field's signature T to the House of Field show. Abdul, Mimi Rogers and Bobby Trendy were also front and center at the punked-out Rock and Republic show, checking out the slashed, ripped and printed Ts and sexy high-cut bodysuits worn under mini-skirts and jeans. ``xEpyZyAukFENDwLweUi``x1067694231``x(default) 2003 smashbox fashion week``xIgor``xPaula at 2003 Smashbox Fashion Week Los Angeles - 10/29/2003:






``xEpyZVuyyZkFcxdzoPi``x1067546672``x(default) more 'scary movie 3' premiere pictures``xIgor``x
``xEpyZEpEEuAIvJIStVF``x1067101149``x(default) 'scary movie 3' premiere``xIgor``xPaula was at the 'Scary Movie 3' Premiere - 10/20/2003. Click >>>here to see the picture.``xEpyZpkEVAkzQrCqeZt``x1067021592``x(default) 'get up and dance' on dvd``xIgor``xAccording to Amazon, Paula's first dance workout video "Get Up & Dance" is going to be released on DVD with all new features and extras. Look for Paula's "Get Up & Dance" DVD in stores December 16, 2003!``xEpyyluEVZVeLjMGmJF``x1066841575``x(default) vh1 big in 2003``xIgor``xSHANIA TWAIN, PARIS HILTON and PAULA ABDUL are among the stars scheduled be on-hand for "VH1 Big in 2003." Honoring the year's cringe-worthy moments, stars will present awards in categories such as "The Big Wow Moment of '03," "The Big One-Liner," and "The Big Mistake of '03." KID ROCK and MATCHBOX 20 are scheduled to perform. The show airs Nov. 30 on VH1.
``xEpyyulZyyEPGulGfXg``x1066487661``x(default) bad boy's Spero was there from start of hip-hop``xIgor``xBy Thor Valdmanis, USA TODAY

In the main conference room of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment, seven young, aspiring rappers just learned they were getting a Bad Boy music publishing deal.

A mock wrestling match ensues, as band members, stars of MTV's Making the Band 2, vie for the biggest slice of the metaphorical pay pie.

"I wrote the best song," cries a lanky 19-year-old New Orleans native named Choppa as he pins his buddy Ness against a wall. "Let's have some money for the chart boy."

Whether Choppa and his chart boys ever mint the money is an open question in a famously volatile industry dominated by one-hit wonders and short-lived trends. Much will depend on one of hip-hop's most unlikely leading ladies: a 45-year-old Long Island mum who happily describes herself as "the main white girl" in the Puffy entertainment empire.

Francesca Spero, a senior vice president at Bad Boy Entertainment, presides over a stable of Bad Boy music producers, known internally as "the Hitmen," and manages the 800-plus song catalog.

But her latest milestone is also her most public achievement. Spero put together the P. Diddy-produced soundtrack to the movie Bad Boys II, which cost more than $1 million to make.

On sale since mid-July, the album, which features artists such as Mary J. Blige and Nelly as well as P. Diddy himself, dominated the Billboard charts this summer, selling 800,000 copies.

"Fran really held the project together," says Kathy Nelson, president of film music for Vivendi's Universal Pictures, which made the Bad Boys sequel.

"I was in awe of her ability to keep all the balls in the air, keep track of Puffy and keep it all together."

But what is a middle-aged white woman from the suburbs doing making hip-hop history? Is the rap revolution, which so incensed conservative politicians and middle-class parents, over?

"Fran's not so unusual. Hip-hop is very inclusive" says Ron Gilyard, executive vice president for urban music at Interscope Records, who once worked with Spero at Bad Boy.

"OK, maybe the fact she's a mother makes it a little rare."

The hip-hop growth story is one of the few bright spots for a $40-billion-a-year music industry that continues to struggle with some of the toughest business conditions in memory. Sales are down. Piracy is up.

Yet, rap continues to grab market share, displacing country music last year as the nation's favorite sound after rock.

But can it keep its edge, particularly at a time when advertisers and manufacturers are increasingly co-opting the sounds and symbols of the once-forbidden art form?

And what about Spero, who is not well-known outside Bad Boy circles?

"I don't know anything about" Spero, says Kim Osorio, editor of The Source, a hip-hop magazine. "But Puff has a proven track record."

Another day at the office

Walking into her small, dark office on the 16th floor of a nondescript building near Times Square that doubles as Bad Boy headquarters, Spero smiles and says: "Hi, I'm your victim for the day."

The walls with big but mostly empty 30-day planning charts are pounding. Boom. Boom. Thud. Boom. Boom. Thud. Two or three stereos are competing for supremacy down the hall.

Adding to the chorus, Spero's phone rings, almost non-stop. Spero, who punctuates a lot of sentences by popping pills (B complex, calcium, garlic, vitamin C), picks up the phone: "Hey baby, it's Francesca. Whaddaya need?"

Most days, it is Puffy on the line. But the pair haven't spoken in more than a week. At the time, Puffy is on his annual Mediterranean cruise, downing bottles of Cristal with his posse off the Spanish party port city of Ibiza.

"I try to leave him alone when he's away," Spero says.

In walks Spero's assistant Tasha Cox, a Howard University senior and Bad Boy intern. (Puffy, once an intern at Uptown Records while attending Howard, is a big supporter of interns. It keeps Bad Boy's infamous spending down.)

Cox tells Spero that someone needs to talk to her urgently. Out Spero goes. Minutes later, she is back, sitting at her desk, checking e-mail while trying to explain how she got to where she is.

"I feel a part of hip-hop. I was there from the beginning," she says, recalling rap's early days in the 1980s when she worked at New York's WBLS-FM and was mentored by broadcaster Hal Jackson, who encouraged her to promote concerts and events at the Apollo Theatre and the Palladium. She became friends with rappers and music executives such as Run-DMC, Hakim, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane and Russell Simmons.

"To outsiders, America looking in, hip-hop is a movement, it is a culture," Spero says. "To me, like, you know, this is just my crew, these are just the people in business that I came up with, that I grew up with."

Starting from Queens

Spero grew up in Jamaica, Queens. Her father was a postman. Her mother stayed home, bringing up Spero and her brother, Jerry.

As a teenager, she quickly developed a craving for rhythm and blues, hiding under her bed covers at night with a small transistor radio tuned to WWRL-AM with the Delfonics, the Chi-Lites, Blue Magic and Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes playing their hits.

In 1981, she graduated from the City University of New York's York College with a bachelor's degree in English literature and journalism and soon went to work at WWRL-AM.

After seven years in radio, she handled the management company at Cold Chillin' Records and later landed as partner with Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen, managing stars such as Ice Cube, Paula Abdul and Prince Paul. She ended up at Bad Boy with a reputation in industry circles as one of the main movers behind hip-hop.

"Fran is one of the few people in this industry who shines in both the executive suite and in the backroom with artists," says Charles Stettler, president of Tin Pan Apple, one of the oldest hip-hop management companies. "She's quite a dynamo."

But Spero says she has slowed down since the birth of her son Giancarlo five years ago. In June 2000, Spero also was married for the first time, to Peter, a mechanic for a bus company in Queens who has two daughters.

"I used to be on the 24-hour shift, but I've definitely slowed down," Spero says. "Puffy still has to be at every party. He's throwing the parties, he's at the parties, like these guys live for the nightlife."

Defender of the tunes

Spero is an unabashed defender of rap. She dismisses charges that some hip-hop, particularly so-called gangsta rap, promotes misogyny and violence, saying the media often take lyrics out of context.

"That is not the kind of rap music we are making," Spero says.

"Certainly, kids come in here with demos all the time, and they are talking about bitches and hos and guns, and I'm not going to pass that kind of demo on. I've seen Puffy tell group after group after group, 'You know, why you guys talking about the hood? When's the last time any one of you has carried a gun?' "

Puffy, 33, is no stranger to the subject. Less than four years ago, he got caught in a shooting incident at a Manhattan nightclub while escorting then-flame Jennifer Lopez. He was later acquitted on charges related to the incident, although rising rap protégé Jamaal "Shyne" Barrow is serving a 10-year sentence for first-degree assault and reckless endangerment.

The negative publicity does not appear to have hurt business, however. Puffy sits atop an entertainment group that includes Bad Boy Records, a fast-growing Sean John fashion label, Blue Flame Marketing and Advertising and a nascent Justin's Restaurants chain. All the companies are either 100% or majority owned by Puffy. Specific ownership structures are secret.

The group says it pulls in around $300 million in revenue a year, although the record division, which accounts for about a third of total sales, has had a tough time in recent years with rising costs and few hits.

After severing a 10-year distribution deal with BMG's Arista Records last summer, Puffy shopped the label around last year but found no one interested in the $100 million price tag.

Gaining speed

The recent success of the Bad Boys II soundtrack and new distribution deal with Universal Records appear to have given Bad Boy Records new momentum.

"We think we can continue to be a profitable label in a shrinking market by continuing to put out best-selling albums and reducing our cost base aggressively," says Bad Boy Entertainment CFO Derek Ferguson.

Which brings us back to Choppa and his chart boys and girls. The seven-member group, which includes two young women, is still struggling with a name despite plans to put out a Bad Boy album later this year.

"They're hilarious," Spero says, after a 30-minute meeting with them to explain how a music publishing contract works. "I'm not sure how much they took in. But they certainly were totally concerned about how to split up the pop royalties."

Spero admits teamwork will be the biggest hurdle. But in Spero, Choppa and his gang might have their best chance.

"Fran's tough, but she's kind," says Stettler of Tin Pan Apple. "She's an extremely patient person, which is important because a lot of these kids come from difficult backgrounds. She not only teaches them how to make money, but how to keep it, which makes her unique."``xEpyyEVAEllNYOnjVSp``x1066159188``x(default) randy jackson pens 'how to' book``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Randy Jackson apparently has the answer to that age-old question, who let the dawgs out? Jackson has written a book titled, What's Up Dawg?: How To Become A Recording Star that will be published by Hyperion in January--just as the next season of the hit Fox-TV series gets underway.

The book, by the Grammy Award-winning producer and performer, will include tips for making it fibig in the record industry, as well as insider advice on how to become a recording star. Jackson said of the book in a statement, "Yo Dawg, if you read one book about the long, hard, journey to success in the music industry, this is the one to read. I'm going to keep it real about what it takes to make it in one of the toughest industries in the world."

Jackson has toured and performed with artists such as Journey, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Madonna, *NSYNC, and Elton John, among others.

During the course of his career, Jackson has worked on more than 1,000 gold and multi-platinum albums.

His contributions have helped sell over 200 million albums worldwide.

In related news, on November 25 at 8 p.m., Fox-TV will air the one-hour holiday special American Idol: Christmas Songs. American Idol winners Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard, and runner-ups Justin Guarini and Clay Aiken will perform during the special, which will also feature other past contestants. Judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Jackson, and host Ryan Seacrest are not expected to appear on the special.

The special will help promote the new compilation, American Idol: The Great Holiday Classics, which is released Tuesday (October 14). In addition, Aiken's debut solo set, Measure Of A Man also hits stores Tuesday. ``xEpyyEVApyVFqFogRLG``x1066159065``x(default) "american idol" puts stamp on xmas``xIgor``xBy Lia Haberman

American Idol is dreaming of a white-hot Christmas.

Fox has scheduled a one-hour holiday special of the amateur talent show during November sweeps to drum up ratings and leave Idol's imprint all over the festive season.

American Idol: Christmas Songs will air November 25, the sweep's next-to-last night and close to a month after the release of The Great Holiday Classics CD, which includes Ruben Studdard and Tamyra Gray's duet of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," Clay Aiken's rendition of "The First Noel" and Justin Guarini singing "I'll Be Home for Christmas."

As for the TV special, it will feature past Idol champs Kelly Clarkson and Studdard, along with runners-up Guarini and Aiken and other favorite contestants performing classic holiday tunes.

The pressure (and maybe the performances?) will be off this particular evening as judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul have no plans to appear. Ditto host Ryan Seacrest.

Industry watchers assume Fox is trying to recapture the ratings glory of last May when Studdard and Aiken's highly anticipated faceoff helped the network finish first among 18 to 49 year olds in sweeps.

However, the Idol singers will meet with some tough musical competition that evening as veteran performers Shania Twain and Justin Timberlake perform on NBC.

Also going head to head this holiday season are Simon and Randy. The Idol judges both plan to release how-to-make-it-in-the-biz books within a month of each other.

While Simon's boffo book deal with Random House has already been widely reported, Randy's tome has just been announced by Hyperion.

The veteran record producer's literary effort, What's Up Dawg? How to Become a Recording Star, is scheduled to hit stores in January 2004. Simon's book, I Don't Mean to Be Rude, But..., drops a month earlier, on December 2.

Randy's book includes tips for making it big in the recording biz plus gives an insider's perspective on how to become a recording star "drawing on his decades of experience in the music industry."

Ditto for Simon, though stamped with his own "wicked and witty" brand of humor.

As such, Randy's thrown down the literary gauntlet in a statement released Monday. "Yo, Dawg, if you read one book about the long, hard journey to success in the music industry, this is the one to read. I'm going to keep it real about what it takes to make it in one of the toughest industries in the world."

No word on which way Paula plans to vote in this showdown. ``xEpyyEVlllFDrNWpuXr``x1066028400``x(default) fox hopes idol: christmas' sings in sweep``xIgor``xBy Scott Collins

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Fox will not let the November sweep pass without another encore from the "American Idol" gang.

The network has scheduled the one-hour holiday special "American Idol: Christmas Songs" at 8 p.m. on Nov. 25, the next-to-last night of the sweep. The special is tied to the CD "American Idol -- The Great Holiday Classics," due in stores tomorrow.

Airing two days before Thanksgiving, the TV special will feature past "Idol" winners Kelly Clarkson (news) and Ruben Studdard, along with runners-up Justin Guarini and Clay Aiken and other former contestants, singing carols and other holiday favorites. However, none of the show's popular judges -- Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson -- is expected to appear, nor is host Ryan Seacrest.

The show gives Fox another chance to recapture some of the ratings glory of "Idol," whose face-off between Studdard and Aiken capped the network's No. 1 finish in the 18-49 demographic for the May sweep.

But the "Idol" crew will face stiff musical competition that night, with NBC expected to pre-empt its regular programming for specials starring Shania Twain and Justin Timberlake.``xEpyyEVlZVZjqyMuTqe``x1066028400``x(default) broadway-bound 'charity'``xIgor``xBy Robert Simonson Playbill On-Line

Sweet Charity's twisting road to Broadway has taken another turn. The Broadway-bound revival may re-recruit Walter Bobbie as director.

We're in talks for Walter's return to the show," said a representative for the director. "Let's say we're starting where we left off."

Bobbie was initially named as the Fran and Barry Weissler and Clear Channel production's helmsman, but left the project in early 2003. At the time, the reason given for Bobbie's exit was that the director and the Weisslers could not concur on the makeup of the show's creative team. The parting was described as amicable. Bobbie was eventually replace by English director Timothy Sheader, who helmed a June-July workshop of the musical.

A spokesman for the show could not confirm Bobbie's involvement.

Bobbie's reentry would be the most recent change in a show that has had a history of personnel shifts. Television actress Jenna Elfman (news) was first selected to play the title role of a good-hearted dance hall hostess. She dropped out in September 2002. Supplanting her was Marisa Tomei (news), who stayed with the venture even after the switch in director. Halfway through last summer's workshop, however, Tomei's place was taken by Nine Tony-winner Jane Krakowski (news). Also featured in the workshop were Denis O'Hare as Oscar and Mark Dendy as choreographer.

At this point, it is not certain which actress would star in the musical, though Tomei may be back in the picture. If Bobbie returns, the creative team would likely change.

Walter Bobbie directed the hit Broadway revival of Chicago for the Weisslers.

The show was originally aiming for a spring 2003 Broadway bow, following out-of-town tryouts. That was later changed to a fall 2003 arrival, and still later, January 2004.

The show is a quirky, romantic, urban musical comedy about a dance hall hostess with a heart of gold. It includes such songs like "If My Friends Could See Me Now," "Where Am I Going?" and "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This."

The Neil Simon-Cy Coleman-Dorothy Fields show from 1966 was a triumph for creator-director-choreographer Bob Fosse and actress Gwen Verdon. A film starred Shirley MacLaine as the innocent Charity, who lives hopefully ever after that she'll find a mate. A 1986 Broadway revival (overseen by Fosse, who died shortly after) starred Debbie Allen. There was talk in recent seasons that Paula Abdul was attached to a tour of the show (it never materialized). ``xEpyyEVlykyMEuPedmc``x1065596400``x(default) hawaii lures viewers to spend 'idol' time here``xIgor``xby Nina Wu

While the final cut of "American Idol" hopefuls sing their hearts out at the Sheraton Waikiki's Hanohano Room this weekend to win a spot on the TV talent show, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau is expecting a big boost both in tourist numbers and revenues.

Honolulu bumped Miami off the list of audition cities for the Fox TV talent series due in part to HVCB's efforts to court the show's producers.

"We thought an Emmy-nominated TV show could add excitement and energy to Hawaii's image, especially Waikiki," said David McNeil, partner at McNeil Wilson, the HVCB's public relations firm. "Waikiki is a glamorous place and it needs to have some excitement and buzz about it."

It's a chance to showcase Hawaii on prime-time TV before an audience of millions when the segment airs in January. What better way to promote Honolulu as a destination than to show "American Idol" judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson seated before a backdrop of Diamond Head and a deep, blue ocean in the middle of winter? Or the Waikiki beach boys teaching "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest how to surf?

Businesses help direct the spotlight

Hawaii has been a celebrity destination since the days of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, said HVCB interim Director Les Enderton. About a dozen movie and television productions chose Hawaii as a setting in the year 2002, including "ER" and "My Wife and Kids." "American Idol" adds to the legacy.

"This will bring in revenues and a high level of exposure," Enderton said.

HVCB began wooing "American Idol" producers in April. The show's supervising producer David Goffin said Hawaii became more alluring when Sheraton Waikiki offered 40 free rooms for the Los Angeles-based crew, along with complimentary round-trip tickets to and from Los Angeles courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines. Goffin said the crew was not originally considering Hawaii because of the distance and higher prices.

"They made it easy for us to find the venues and sponsorships," said Goffin. "It's definitely ideal. Polynesian culture has a history of music in its traditions."

In exchange, Hawaii sponsors will get free airtime on the 30-minute show. Both the Sheraton and Hawaiian Airlines will be featured prominently on the show.

McNeil said HVCB's budget does not allow it to buy TV commercials on network TV. Going on "American Idol" was an opportunity to showcase Hawaii on prime-time TV without buying airtime or paying a production fee. The marketing efforts amounted to a little less than $30,000. He estimated the cost of a 30-second commercial would have been about $600,000.

American Idol" averaged over 21 million viewers per episode in its second season, and drew 38 million viewers to its final show in May. Besides the title, the winner gets a recording contract.

A marketer's dream

The auditions this week became a prime opportunity for businesses to market to the younger demographic. A bevy of corporate sponsors, including AT&T Wireless, Subway and local radio stations I-94 FM and 104.3 XME were on hand at Aloha Stadium earlier this week, offering prizes and games for the hundreds of aspiring stars waiting for their first-round audition. AT&T Wireless handed out free plastic fans emblazoned with their logo -- which many contestants used in the sweltering heat.

Hawaii is the last stop for the show's contestant search, following Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Atlanta and San Francisco. McNeil said he expected contestants (ages 18 to 24) to flock to the auditions from near and far. And flock they did.

At least half of the 2,000 contestants camping out beneath umbrellas outside the stadium earlier this week had flown to Hawaii from the mainland.

Generating travel

Chelsey Merrill of Kansas decided to audition at the last minute. She and her sister will spend a week at the Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki and make a vacation out of the audition trip. Others flew in from as far away as New Jersey, Tennessee and Indiana.

At least one hotel, Park Shore Waikiki, jumped on the bandwagon by advertising a special "Hawaii Idol" package for kamaaina guests during the taping of the film. Marketing and Sales Manager Aki Almario said the promotion was designed to target Hawaii contestants from the neighbor islands.

Many Hawaii residents, such as Kaipo Henriques, were auditioning for the first time. Henriques, a retail sales clerk at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Kona, took time off to come to the audition.

His instincts told him not to go for a Hawaiian song.

"I don't think it's what they're looking for," he said. "I think they're looking for Stevie Wonder kind of songs and other tunes from their time."

Besides all the hubbub "American Idol" is creating this week, McNeil said its airing in January should lure more visitors to the islands. ``xEpyVuykApySoBALrhY``x1065462906``x(default) survival's the real game now ``xIgor``xBy Wayne Harada

"American Idol" judge Simon Cowell, known for his brutal comments, was practically mellow yesterday at the Sheraton Waikiki's Hano-hano Room, where he and celebrity judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson heard from about 65 contestants who had survived an Aloha Stadium cattle call for the hit TV show.

/>>>Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest try their hand at a shaka greeting during an "American Idol" news conference at the Sheraton Waikiki. (Picture)/

Still, Simon found something to complain about.

"It irritates me, looking out there; I'm stuck in here," said Cowell, glancing out the window at the surf below, looking casual in a black T-shirt and jeans. "I want to go out there. But this is a quick turn-around trip. I'm flying back to L.A. (tonight) and then to London, where I'm doing an English show."

Even Abdul found some room for sarcasm. The good news, she said, is that "no one has come in with an 'ukulele and no one's doing 'Tiny Bubbles'. "

Jackson was his usual, non-committal self. "So far, so good. Hawai'i people have done their thing," the recording industry Svengali said, looking rather staid in a striped white shirt worn over black trousers.

Footage for the show was taped at various Hawai'i locations, including the Hanohano Room.

Abdul, in a red halter top and wrap-around skirt, with faux flower in her hair, said judging was stricter this time around as the TV show preps for its third season. "We've all come a long way since (first "Idol" winner) Kelly Clarkson," she said.

Honolulu is the last stop for "American Idol" tryouts, which wind up today, and that brought hundreds of auditioners from out of state to the competition. About 25 of those Mainland auditioners got as far as the Hanohano Room, along with 40 or so Hawai'i competitors. "You ask where you from and they say, 'Alaska,' " Cowell said.

An estimated 2,000 wannabe idols lined up in the stadium parking lot Monday for a shot at the show. On Tuesday, producers winnowed down the field. There was another round of cuts Wednesday and Thursday.

On Thursday, one dejected candidate sobbed as friends hugged her after she was eliminated. "They told me I'm not unique," she said.

Yesterday, the judges came on board, to make the last call here in Hawai'i.

For these contestants, it's do-or-die time.

"I'm happy I made it this far," said Sonny Kapu, 21-year-old son of entertainer-deejay Sam Kapu Jr. "Genes alone won't carry me. ... I'd be happier if I made it to the top 32, like (last year's Hawai'i finalist) Jordan Segundo."

As they waited their turn to face the judges, Kapu's fellow contestants held on to their hopes.

"I think the wait's pretty calming," said Iowa college student Jon-Peter Lewis, 23, a native of Bakersfield, Calif., who decided to try his luck here instead of in San Francisco, the closest previous audition site.

"I'm staying with an aunt and uncle at Sunset Beach, and I went to bed at 9 p.m. last night to get up at 4:45 a.m. to get here," Lewis said. "But I've met a lot of friends, just standing in line."

Cowell said his gut feeling is that this will be a girls' year. "There are more girls than guys, and the girls are better than the guys," he said. "The first year, it was definitely girls (Clarkson won); the last one, boys (Ruben Studdard edged out Clay Aiken). The next season will be girls."

Paula Abdul singled out one girl in particular —Êthough names won't be named until closer to the January launch of the third season. The 16-year-old, from Hawai'i, sang Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" (a perennial favorite — and a risky choice).

"She was amazing," said Abdul.

And here's something outright nice from Cowell: "I think we have found one of the best (voices) in the entire competition here," he said.

Cowell said he pegs the popularity of "American Idol" on the drama of the contest.

"It's not about us," he said. "It's the talent, or the lack thereof. ... Since it's reality TV, no one knows what will happen. But trust me, I won't disappoint."

Cowell turns 44 Tuesday, and producers put on a party for him yesterday. Out of the media's view, Afatia Thompson, Nicole Thompson, Kuhio Yim and Shylynn Hall from Tihati Productions gave Cowell a lei greeting and sang "Happy Birthday," along with an Island-style rendering of "I Love You."``xEpyVFZZZyywElbrNcD``x1065377766``x(default) judges in hawaii``xIgor``xThe judges of "American Idol"
hope to return in 2004 after
successful auditions


By Mary Vorsino

The celebrity judges of "American Idol," even the notoriously picky Simon Cowell, were pleased with the talent they found in Hawaii and said they'd try to return next year.

But producers said they were too busy on the final day of filming yesterday to think about whether the show will be back.

The judges took a break from filming auditions for the popular television talent show for a press conference yesterday on behalf of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Wearing a lei and aloha attire, judge Paula Abdul said that she saw some "truly amazing" talent from some Hawaii residents. One Hawaii 16-year-old gave all the judges goosebumps when she sang Whitney Houston's difficult ballad "I Will Always Love You" right on mark, she said.

"I'm pleasantly surprised. You know, there was some talent here," said judge Randy Jackson.

Even judge Simon Cowell, known on the show for his cynicism and nasty comments, thought the Hawaii tour yielded more than a vacation for the show's cast and crew.

"Come back?" he asked. "Why not?"

/>>>"American Idol" emcee Ryan Seacrest, left, and judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell met with the media yesterday. (Picture)/

The HVCB paid $30,000 to bring "American Idol" to Hawaii. Hawaiian Airlines and Sheraton Hotels also kicked in airline tickets and hotel rooms.

The investment, they said, was well worth it.

"It's priceless," said Les Enderton, Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau interim president. "You really can't buy" this kind of an advertisement.

The show's producers said they plan to devote at least a 30-minute segment to Idol's island auditions. Show host Ryan Seacrest filmed a series of segments Friday that will air in 30-second clips within the Fox show and feature some of his Hawaiian adventures, including learning to surf off Waikiki.

A 30-second paid advertisement during the show costs an estimated $500,000, said David McNeil of McNeil Wilson Communications, HVCB's public relations firm.

McNeil said it would be great if the show comes back, but the HVCB and the producers haven't begun discussions about the show's return.

David Gossin, supervising producer of "Idol," said yesterday's auditions were filmed with Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach in the background.

"That alone is like a postcard seen by 25 million households during the dead of winter," he said. "I can't think of a better time to advertise Hawaii."

The show, with a broad demographic that attracts whole families, begins airing in January, Gossin said.

/>>>"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul got a peck on the head yesterday from fellow judge Simon Cowell. Media descended upon the judges during a brief press conference. (Picture)/

On top of the TV time, the show also attracted dollars from the more than 800 mainlanders who came to the islands for the auditions. They represent about 40 percent of all the contestants who auditioned in Hawaii, McNeil said.

Some 2,000 people auditioned during an open casting call at Aloha Stadium Tuesday. About 60 were chosen to come back and perform before the judges and cameras at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.

Gossin said that if a Hawaii resident is chosen to be in the show's top 12, producers will return to the islands to do a biography on that person.

Outside in the waiting room, contestants could only hope they would make it that far as they waited their turn yesterday to belt out tunes to Abdul, Jackson and Cowell.

Kailua resident Crystal Akana, who auditioned for the show in Los Angeles last year and made it to the second round, was next in line after the judges' break yesterday.

"It's been crazy," she said. "I'm trying to stay relaxed."

Twenty-five members of Akana's family waited with her on the 30th floor of the Sheraton.

Rosalinda Flores of San Francisco was there, too. She said she's met people from around the United States during the auditions and, if nothing else, has made some good friends.

"It's really scary," she said of the process. "And a lot of fun." ``xEpyVFZylAyUPrOAlgY``x1065376896``x(default) entertainment tonight``xIgor``xTomorrow, he could be elected governor of California - but tonight, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER invites you onboard his campaign bus for an up-close report you can't see anywhere else! ET's cameras capture the last-minute drama and excitement as "The Terminator" seeks to unseat GRAY DAVIS. After that: we're off to Hawaii with ET's special correspondent, PAULA ABDUL, who reveals what she, SIMON, RANDY and "American Idol" are doing in Waikiki. Turn on your VCR's on Monday, October 6th.``xEpyVkluEyFhhYBFTNF``x1065284163``x(default) paula and colton snuggling at the bar``xIgor``xSaturday night at trendy Japanese restaurant Sapporo in Scottsdale, former Laker girl and pop singer Paula Abdul and Smith & Wesson President Colton Melby snuggling at the bar.

Maybe they were reminiscing about the Emmy Awards, which they attended together just days earlier in Los Angeles. Abdul's up-do for that prompted People to ask if she had Breakfast at Tiffany's, a reference to Audrey Hepburn's famous movie role.

Abdul, today best known as an American Idol judge, played it more casual in Scottsdale, tucking her ponytailed long black hair under a black beret.

No limos, here, either. The two arrived in Smith & Wesson's giant black Cadillac Escalade truck, emblazoned with the Scottsdale-based gunmaker's logo. ``xEpyluAullErgqmOapx``x1065250800``x(default) paula interviewed john ritter``xIgor``xPAULA ABDUL: Why do you think America's fallen in love with "8 Simple Rules"?

JOHN RITTER: I am not sure about the Dakotas, and in West Virginia the votes are still out -- but we have Hawaii. No. (laughs) I hope people like the show. Every so often people need a laugh. What is amazing to me is several people have come up to me and said, "This is not that funny because I have teenage daughters. I am glad it is happening to you, too."

PAULA: You have already survived the dating scene with three of your own kids, how was that?

JOHN: That was okay. My eldest boy has a girlfriend he met in college. They are still together. I am not saying she is going to be my daughter-in-law, but she is Scottish -- and my middle daughter is in Scotland studying right now. So Scotland is a lot in our life right now.

PAULA: Like Paul Hennessey, did you ever have a phase when you felt as if you lost touch with your teenagers?

JOHN: My very first experience as a father was the anesthesiologist who came in at the last minute when NANCY was giving birth to JASON. We tried doing natural childbirth, but there was a problem at the end. So, the anesthesiologist came running in wearing orange glasses, jewelry, a big suede jacket and he had a comb-over. He looked like a William Morris agent.

It seemed wrong for the delivery room. At the end he said, "You got a boy. Congratulations. Love him while you can because when they get to be teenagers, they are punks. Don't give them any surfing or rock 'n' roll."

Here it is my first moment as a father, and this guy is yelling at me!

PAULA: You have the Midas touch. Everything you touch seems to turn to gold.

JOHN: That is so sweet of you. We have a happy set. Katey Sagal and I have known each other for a long time. On the show, we have three kids. Sometimes you get a kid that is really great, and sometimes the kid who plays his brother is like, "Do we have to sit through this?" Then the kids are bitching because there is a sale at Fred Segal. But these kids are great and they're wonderful actors. Who knows what they'll be like in season three?

PAULA: Are you prepared for a long run?

JOHN: I am. I would like to do the season and then have three months to go off to my alligator farm in Florida. (laughs) No, I don't have an alligator farm.


John Ritter died last month. He was a great actor, it's awful that he is no longer with us anymore.

[Thanx to Alina for this interview]``xEpyVEEllVEBUaJasZD``x1065118851``x(default) star-bulletin report``xIgor``xCalls to 'The Sweetheart' flirt with disaster

By Tim Ryan -- Star-Bulletin

Why does Paula Abdul hate me? I loved her as a L.A. Laker cheerleader. I think she is the sweetest judge on "American Idol" -- even to those with no talent. I even felt badly when I saw her arguing publicly with her second husband -- they're divorced now -- during their honeymoon at the Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island.

Abdul is dubbed "The Sweetheart" on "American Idol," the runaway hit Fox TV show that has filled glossy magazines with endless "idol" tales, including Paula's, whose career has had more resurrections than the Star-Bulletin.

So it would seem that "The Sweetheart" would be happy to talk about her long, storied, stalled, then born-again career, especially because "American Idol" begins its first round of Hawaii judging tomorrow at Aloha Stadium.
"The Sweetheart" is very busy. So busy that she missed four -- nearly five -- telephone interview appointments initiated by "American Idol" execs and "The Sweetheart's" patient assistant, Ashley.

One missed call was because a meeting went on longer than expected; the second was because the assistant forgot that "The Sweetheart" had to fly to San Francisco for "Idol" tryouts. (Couldn't she have called from the first-class lounge before taking the 45-minute flight from L.A.?) The third miss was the morning after the Emmy Awards, which "The Sweetheart" attended with the two other "Idol" judges -- Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell." Perhaps "The Sweetheart" was too fatigued from cruising post-show parties, or disappointed that the show lost.

The fourth miss was a doozy. "The Sweetheart's" assistant asked if 7 a.m. Hawaii time would be too early. Desperate to chat for my designated "8 to 10 minutes," I was at my desk at 6:30 a.m. reviewing my notes about "The Sweetheart's" career. I was ready and alert.

I don't have to tell you what happened. "The Sweetheart" didn't call at 7 a.m. or 7:30 or any time with a 7 in it.

"The Dummy" -- that would be me -- sat there, I'm embarrassed to say, until 8:30 a.m. hoping that "The Sweetheart" hadn't dumped me again. It brought back awful memories of high school.

My wife and daughter advised me to forget about the interview and chanted the mantra, "Dump 'The Sweetheart.'"

But I was hooked on getting through.

Then came Thursday and a ray of hope.

"Paula is on her way to a meeting and she will call you in 15 minutes on her mobile," Ashley said.

I believed. The phone rang 30 minutes later but that's OK, I was so ready.

"Aloha, Ms. Abdul," I said.

"Uh, this is Tom Moffatt," Uncle Tom said, laughing. "Still haven't reached 'The Sweetheart'?"

I said something nasty, then my call waiting beeped. It was Ashley.

"Paula is driving through a canyon and her cell phone isn't working. As soon as she's out of the canyon she'll call, like in 10 minutes or maybe 25."

"Can we talk, Ash?" I say. "Paula dislikes me, doesn't she? Why do people call her 'The Sweetheart' if she doesn't call when she says she will call?"

"Paula doesn't hate anybody; she's a people person."

An hour later goes by -- well, two.

It's sick, I admit, but I call Ashley back in my pursuit of "The Sweetheart."

"Why is Paula doing this to me, Ashley?"

"She still hasn't called you? Well, she just pulled into her garage. She'll call you on a land line, like in 30 seconds."

My daughter walks into my office, looks at me, shakes her head in disgust and leaves.

"Poor Dad," she says.

Then it rings. I can hardly bring myself to lift the receiver. My hand is shaking, but I muster the courage and say "Tim Ryan, Star-Bulletin."

"Hi Tim, this is Paula Abdul," says a voice obviously suffering from laryngitis. "Please don't be mad at me, Tim. I've been a little sick. I apologize, OK?"

"OK."

Ambition helps Abdul endure the tough times

Paula Abdul is the 5-foot-2 firecracker who exploded on the charts in 1989 all sassy, sexy, and in perpetual motion, singing, dancing and choreographing. Over the next few years Abdul earned two multi-platinum albums, six No. 1 singles, a Grammy and two Emmys.

She was by all accounts a superstar.

Now Abdul is the only female among the three "American Idol" judges. She sees her role partly as a buffer to the war of words between Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, and as the voice of compassion to contestants.

"I think, being a woman, that it's natural for me to be more nurturing, patient and understanding," she says. "I don't take it personally when someone isn't most talented and makes some basic mistake auditioning.

"I do think Simon sometimes is over the top with his remarks and I have told him that."

Abdul said she knew she had attained fame when she, along with the other judges, started being parodied on the late-night comedy and talk shows.

"We've become cartoon characters of ourselves," she said. "There's nothing funnier."

But there was nothing funny when the princess of pop needed some compassion of her own after seemingly disappearing overnight from public life seven years ago.

"I had three discs that were completely ruptured and worn out," Abdul says. "It was causing a paralysis. I was losing all of the ability to even feel down my right side. Then it started radiating through my lower back and through my right hip into my legs."

But Abdul never stopped performing, suffering through 30 shows on tour with a torn knee. Finally, a plane crash in 1992 put her in constant pain.

"It's something that is so aggressive that it takes your breath away and makes your teeth start chattering because it's so uncomfortable," she said. "They gave me pills that would put a 300-pound man out. And there were no answers. Sometimes medicine doesn't work."

She had 10 spinal surgeries, three metal plates put in her neck, and lost an inch in height.

"But I'm back and working with dancers and a new album. No one ever expected anything ever out of me. Paula Abdul just was a girl who always believed in herself against all odds, when no one else believed in me. I've always had to prove myself."

"I think, being a woman, that it's natural for me to be more nurturing, patient and understanding," says Paula Abdul.

Abdul knows a little something about what it takes to become an "idol." Her ambition put her in overdrive beginning in high school, where she was head cheerleader, class president, orchestra flutist, and -- lest you think she was an airhead -- a member of the science team.

Her American idol was singer/dancer Gene Kelly, but at 5-foot-2, she was always the short one, rejected at auditions. "I'd go home and I'd cry. And I'd say, 'One day people are going to notice my talent.' "

The rejections didn't stop her and in 1980 she became one of the L.A. Lakers cheerleaders.

"I was the short girl who didn't -- who wasn't defined by the 't' and the 'a' and the blonde hair and the legs up to here," she says. "I was the least likely candidate."

By age 19, she became the squad's head choreographer. Her Laker girl moves impressed the Jackson family and by 1986 she was side by side with Janet Jackson, creating the pop star's signature dance move, the snake. She choreographed music videos, the "Tracy Ullman Show," and movies like "Coming to America."

A record deal followed, and in 1989 "Straight Up" shot up to the top of the music charts.

Her career "was on a bullet train," she said. "But me, I was running to catch up, all the time. And it's scary."

Suddenly Abdul couldn't catch up, and by the mid '90s the train started veering off track. Her third album sold just a fraction of what her previous ones had. She went through two divorces.

Today, Abdul is keeping a more even pace and says, "I love my job as judge.

"I count my blessings when I sit down in that seat and I wait for the contestants to get out there," she says. "I can't wait to let them see my excitement. You only dream of roles like this. I'm living my role in life."

What about her advice to aspiring singers?

"Realize the capacity of talent and what you have and set a time limit," she says. "If you don't reach your goal then you might be missing out on being a great doctor, lawyer, chief, whatever. If you have what it takes, keep going.

"I've never climbed the conventional ladder to success of success or fame. I've always gone through the side routes, around, where you don't least expect it. I think that's what it takes. You can't just rely on one outlet, you just gotta go for it and keep going."

Abdul gives "American Idol" finalists medallions she designs, offering the kind of encouragement that she says she never had. One medallion reads, "When you wish upon a star ... you might just become one."

It's "The Sweetheart's" happy ending. ``xEpyuAupkVZSTpTWTcW``x1064940257``x(default) good day live``xIgor``xPaula was on Good Day Live show today. She was talking about her relationship with Colton Melby, her and Simon Cowel's "Love Hate" relationship, the legs of a goddess, the Emmy's, and the new season of American Idol. She did not mention her plans about new album. ``xEpyulVAVlpPhrfRzsD``x1064859580``x(default) woman with the best legs in america``xIgor``xThe Gillette Company today announced the winner of the Passion Pink Venus "Legs of a Goddess" contest, ending a nationwide search to find the woman with the best legs in America. The search, which included competitions in 10 cities across the United States and online entries, was kicked-off by Paula Abdul in June 2003 to celebrate the new Passion Pink Venus razor for women.

Twenty-six year old Mara Degenhardt, a Miami Beach native, was one of almost one thousand women nationwide to "strike a pose" for the contest judges. Judges - including wellness guru and celebrity fitness trainer David Kirsch and local modeling representatives - looked for legs that were shapely, toned and that had a good overall appearance.

"The contest was a fun way to show women that they don't need to be supermodels to have great legs," said Nancy Teumer, Business Director for female shaving, The Gillette Company. "With regular exercise, proper diet and the right tools - including our new Passion Pink Venus razor - any woman can feel like a goddess."

When notified of her selection, Ms.Degenhardt said, "How am I supposed to study for an accounting test when I've just won the Passion Venus 'Legs of a Goddess' contest?" Nicknamed "Legs" by her family and friends, Ms. Degenhardt is a Florida International University graduate student by day and a bartender by night. In addition to winning the coveted title, Mara will ride away in a vintage, pink Cadillac convertible and have the chance to appear in a Venus commercial.

Gillette for Women Passion Venus is available to consumers in North America, Europe and select international markets in food, drug, convenience and mass merchandise stores. The shaving system, which includes the refillable razor, one additional cartridge and a storage compact, retails for approximately $7.99 to $8.99 [U.S.]. A package of four refill cartridges retails for approximately $7.99 to $8.99 [U.S.].

Headquartered in Boston, Mass., The Gillette Company is the world leader in male grooming, a category that includes blades, razors and shaving preparations. Gillette also holds the number one position worldwide in selected female grooming products, such as wet shaving products and hair epilation devices. In addition, the Company is the world leader in alkaline batteries, toothbrushes and oral care appliances.``xEpyulVAkVZclAwAUoS``x1064859257``x(default) music, movies & books join online lineup ``xIgor``xYou can now get more free entertainment news and special features on our Web site at www.romenews-tribune.com.

You'll find “Music, Movies & Books” listed along the menu on the left side of our home page.

Click it and then click which area you want to go to first: My Music, My Movies or My Books.

For example, go to “My Movies” and you'll find several ways to personalize your online movie experience.

You can create your own movie diary; track your favorite stars and directors; create your own movie reports; view trailers from the top 10 movies now out; and much more.

You can do the same with our new “My Music” listing. From Paula Abdul to the late Barry White, you can create your own online music diary.

You'll also find the latest news from the music world, sound bites from the top five albums and singles, tips on how to customize your own music links and more.

Many of the same features are available in our new “My Books” report as well. You can track the latest in print (and e-books) including top sellers and other popular features.

Also, you'll find E-Games, our new online games feature. Just go to the menu and click Entertainment. Then click E-Games. You'll find new games daily to enjoy.

Let us know what you think of these new features by e-mailing Features Editor Rebecca Grilliot at rgrilliot@rn-t.com.``xEpyulVApFyzgIBfYzh``x1064859036``x(default) cvs beauty magazine scans``xIgor``xHere you can see scans from CVS Beauty magazine with Paula's pictures and article.

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>>>Picture 5``xEpyuZZllkuhKcZKBTe``x1064778824``x(default) 10 most outrageous kisses``xIgor``xCheck out this week's In Touch. It has a list of the 10 Most Outrageous Celebrity Kisses, and Simon and Paula came in at #6. The article describes how much they feud, and how their fighting is even worse off camera, therefore, it is ironic that they shared such a passionate kiss. Simon is quoted as saying that waking up next to Randy was "like waking up next to Shamu the whale." There are also three photos from The Kiss scene.

[Thanx StrawberryIdol]``xEpyuyFEkVFimhWHkdL``x1064631253``x(default) boutique``xIgor``xPaula at grand opening of the Donald J Pliner boutique in Beverly Hills benefiting The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation - 9/25/2003.

``xEpyuypEVlkeTiJTkSd``x1064601582``x(default) here come the judges``xIgor``x>>>Here you can see a picture of American Idol judges at Emmy's from the new issue of US Weekly Magazine dated October 6, 2003.
``xEpyuVpAkVFVjXrAKeH``x1064509253``x(default) more paula emmy pictures``xIgor``x>>>Picture 1
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>>>Picture 5``xEpyuuklpulHSdYWTPW``x1064428048``x(default) paula on amazing race``xIgor``xPaula's clip was at the ET afterparty and she said "American Idol was a pop culture phenomenon and that she liked Amazing Race and was race they won." She was very gracious.``xEpyuFuFkuEcmMHitCC``x1064343241``x(default) thousands go to pac bell park to take swing at 'american idol'``xIgor``xBy Susan Young, STAFF WRITER

They belted out tunes while standing in line, critiquing each other, supporting each other, yet quick to shove each other out of the way when a reporter or someone with a camera came to talk about trying out for a spot on "American Idol."

At 5:30 a.m. Monday, about 400 people were waiting near the Lefty O'Doul bridge at Pacific Bell Park for their shot at stardom. By 8 a.m., the line wrapped around the ball park to the Java House, an estimated 3,000 hopefuls plus their friends and family members.

This was the first time auditions for the hit reality talent show have been held in the Bay Area, and contestants came from as far away as Washington state.

Local musician Bud E. Luv was walking his corgi along the Bay front, amazed at how many people showed up to get their chance at a music contract.

"I've been listening to these people singing, and I don't think they have much of a chance," Luv said. "This is just crazy. But I guess it's worth it to the ones who make it."

Today, about 300 will go on to the second stage of auditioning in front of "American Idol" producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick. Those two will pick who gets to audition in front of "American Idol" judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.

One hundred to 130 local finalists will go to the next phase of auditions, which will be filmed in Los Angeles. The contestants will compete against hundreds of singers from New York, Atlanta, Houston and Honolulu. The final cut of the show airs in January.

The atmosphere was enhanced by "American Idol" cameras swooping down on booms.

Caprisha McCatheran, 22, of Richmond, screamed until she almost had no voice, dipping into her honey supply to ease the strain.

"I've been singing since I was little and people called me to tell me about this," McCatheran said. "I'm going to sing, show a little leg and hope I get picked."

Some people waiting to get into the park spent their time reading the rules, which said contestants must be 16 to 24 years old on Aug. 3, 2003 and that anyone with visible tattoos would be kicked out. That sent at least one young woman with ankle ink scurrying to the parking lot to get "concealer, socks, pants, whatever ..." from her car.

All the contestants had queued up Sunday to pick up a wristband and tickets into Pac Bell Park.

"I got here aboutone this morning, and I didn't know that they were going to kick us out of line," said Yvette Fragoza, 20, of Oakland, who nonetheless held a spot near the front of the line Monday morning. "Then they told us that it didn't matter where we were in line. We audition according to the section and row on our tickets."

You can reach Susan Young at syoung@angnewspapers.com .


Perky Charlotte Epperson, 18, of Redwood City, said she sang at the Cow Palace for the Grand National and at the San Mateo County Fair, but this was her first shot at the national spotlight.

"I sing country and I've been told I have an original voice," Epperson said. "I'm hoping to bring country music to 'American Idol.' "

The hopefuls were allowed into the park about 10 a.m., with the rounds of auditions before producers going quickly. Reporters weren't allowed inside the park during the auditions but were able to get a clear view from the public Portwalk outside the park on the right field side.

Singers lined up at eight stations, four deep and three wide and sang a capella for producers sitting at tables under blue canopy tents. Some belted out the songs so loudly people walking past on the sidewalk could hear. Others barely whispered their songs.

Those chosen for today's final auditions were directed to one exit, and those excused went out on the opposite side.

Those who weren't picked showed a wide range of emotions. Some cried. Some said they were just happy to get the experience. And some said it looked like the producers were obviously choosing type over talent.

"We got a tough judge," said McCatheran, who won't be going on to the next phase. "There was one person in our group who was wonderful and we were sure she was going, but she didn't get in either. I don't know what they are looking for."

Union City singer Jumoke Hill, 19, was obviously on the judges' menu. Hill, who looks a lot like "American Idol 2" winner Ruben Studdard, said he stumbled over the words to his song, "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay."

"I forgot the words, but I guess it sounded right to them," the laconic Hill said. "So, I guess I'm going on."``xEpyuFFVEkuQcBZFZDf``x1064335124``x(default) emmy's``xIgor``xPaula Abdul , a judge on the reality show, 'American Idol,' arrived at the 55th annual Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday, Sept. 21, 2003, in Los Angeles. Abdul was a presenter at the awards show.

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>>>Picture 4``xEpyukVuElZnfHezaFX``x1064254187``x(default) cvs beauty magazine``xIgor``xPaula is on the >>>cover of CVS Beauty magazine.

The article is 3 pages long and it just sums up Paula Abdul's career and her part as a judge on American Idol. There are 4 pictures, including the cover, all are from American Idol. There is one of her in the pink stripped shirt, the one of her in the yellow shirt, and the promo photo with Simon and Randy (Simons in the middle on a chair with Randy and Paula on either side).

[Thanx Nicole]``xEpyukVFAuZwACdZfCw``x1064253947``x(default) download her true hollywood story``xIgor``xIf you did not have a chance to see Paula's "E! True Hollywod Story" then you can do it here at paula-online.com only.


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``xEpyupZyFAZUrAmqzTt``x1064076397``x(default) face the music ``xIgor``x(MEDIAGUARDIAN)--The US record industry has begun its first round of anti-piracy lawsuits in a bid to save its fortunes. David Teather reports from New York on one of the first people to be sued for downloading songs - a 12-year-old Madonna fan

The American music industry last week turned its collective gaze on to a 12-year-old schoolgirl from Manhattan.

But it wasn't Brianna LaHara's precocious musical talents the record executives were interested in. She's not the next Britney. It was her newfound fame as one of the first targets in a crackdown on internet piracy. The bespectacled honours student, guilty of downloading songs by Madonna and Paula Abdul, looked an unlikely villain.

"I got really scared. My stomach is all turning," she plaintively told the New York Post. "Out of all people, why did they pick me?"

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has turned to desperate tactics for desperate times. The suit was among a first wave of 261 filed against ordinary people for allegedly making copyrighted material available for copying online.

The industry organisation has offered an amnesty to anyone who comes forward and signs an affidavit swearing never to download copyrighted music again, in an attempt to soften the bludgeoning effects of the legal action. It has, however, promised that thousands more lawsuits will be filed.

In the past few years, the US recording industry has suffered an eye-popping collapse in sales. While revenues have held up in Britain, they have dropped precipitously in America where internet piracy is rampant. Some estimates suggest that 60 million Americans have downloaded songs illegally.

Music sales in the US have fallen by 30% in the past three years as file-sharing services such as Kazaa have flourished. In 2000, the ten top-selling albums in the US sold a combined 60m copies. In 2001 that dropped to 40m and last year was 34m. By May of this year, Kazaa had become the world's most in-demand software, with 230m downloads. It has been adding new users at a rate of 13 million a month.

"Nobody likes playing the heavy and having to resort to litigation," said Cary Sherman, the president of the RIAA. "But when your product is stolen, there comes a time when you have to take appropriate action."

There have been other signs in recent weeks of how fearful the music business has become. The North American division of Universal Music, the firm behind Eminem and Shania Twain, announced plans to slash the price of compact discs by up to almost one third in an attempt to jump-start sales. At the same time Universal said it intends to substantially increase its advertising.

Universal CDs will now retail in the US for as little as $12.98 (Ł8.20), underlining how relatively expensive they continue to be in Britain.

The other four majors have not yet followed Universal's example. But Universal is by far the biggest music group in the US with 29% of the market and rivals will be under pressure to do the same. "We are in the middle of a terrible situation where our music is being stolen," said the Universal chief, Doug Morris. "We need to invigorate the market."

The music firms have begun licensing their material to the likes of Apple Computer and Microsoft, which have launched competing services allowing consumers to download songs onto a portable device for as little as 99 cents.

It is in this area that perhaps there is the most optimism. Apple's iTunes has been an unqualified success. Since its launch in the US in the spring, 10m songs have been downloaded. Microsoft, though, stole a march on the company when it launched its pay-as-you-go service in Europe two weeks ago, allowing users to legally download any of 200,000 songs from 8,500 artists.

Sony said earlier this month that it was developing a similar offering that would launch early next year.

The music industry catastrophically failed to deal with the arrival of the internet - viewing it as a threat instead of recognising it as an opportunity to build a potentially exciting new distribution method. For an industry that markets much of its product to young people, it became woefully out of touch with its audience. It could, however, have reached a turning point.

The day after the uproar over the RIAA suing Brianna LaHara, the case was settled when her mother agreed to pay $2,000. Under federal law, the RIAA could have extracted up to $150,000 a song. In a flash, the schoolgirl turned into a penitent example, used to strike fear into other internet surfers.

She was quoted in the accompanying press release apologising for what she had done and admitting that it was wrong. "I love music and don't want to hurt the artists I love," she said.

What initially appeared to be a public relations disaster turned into a chillingly effective tactic. Newspapers, by identifying and humanising the individuals, are playing into the music industry's hands. The media turned swiftly from outrage to practical guides for avoiding being sued: New Parent-to-Child Chat: Do you Download Music?, read a front page headline in the New York Times.``xEpyFyuFAlABwZVjNum``x1063643989``x(default) his $3 million salary could spell the end``xIgor``x(INTOUCH)--Throughout the second season of American Idol, Simon Cowell continued to announce that he was tired of the series, and that he would rather go back to the UK and work with his recording acts. The ploy worked. By holdong off on singing on the tird season, Cowell was able to wring a multimillion-dollar payday out of the final straw that tears apart America's favorite trio of judges.

Cowell was the last judges to commit to the tird season of Idol which means the other two judges, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, signed for considerably less money than he did-for the same amount of work. Cowell is now earning a reported $150,000 per week for Idol 3. In addition to this, Fox is going to work with him to develope new TV programs. After his misstep with Cupid on CBS, the putspoken Brit is hungry for a hit.

Viewers this year noticed that Cowell's relationship with the otehr two judges(Abdul and Jackson) had become chilly at times. Now that all of America has learned he is earning substantially more than his colleagues, will Jackson and Abdul be able to hide their feelings, or will the ill will Cowell's negotiations have generated cause uncontrollable bitterness? Stay tuned.``xEpyFyuFyyVAUqQEnnY``x1063643665``x(default) how this laker girl became an idol worshipper``xIgor``x(EONLINE)--Ever wonder why Paula Abdul has such a positive attitude on American Idol? Maybe it's because she lived her own version of the show's success.

To earn extra money for college, Abdul tried out for the Laker Girls--and got the job. Soon, big-time Hollywood musicians and moviemakers were seeking out her talents as a choreographer. Pop stardom followed.

But as Paula Abdul: The E! True Hollywood Story, premiering Sept. 14 at 9 p.m., reveals, the demands of fame and her battle with bulimia have all played a part in shaping the person she is today.

See how Abdul's love of dance was present even at an early age. And find out what strange set of circumstances led to her getting to meet one of her childhood dance heroes.

Witness also her two brief, tumultuous marriages and how she worked behind the scenes in Hollywood to choreograph the dance and action scenes in some top films.

Ultimately, her story is that of a dancer from Los Angeles who started small, made it big and then faded for a while, only to come roaring back in weekly fights with her best buddy Simon Cowell.

Premieres: Sept. 14, 9 p.m.
Encores: Sept. 14, 11 p.m.; Sept. 17, 8 p.m.``xEpyFuFyAklizfReMZH``x1063436928``x(default) file-swapping lawsuits: are you next?``xIgor``x(CNET)--The Recording Industry Association of America sued 261 alleged file swappers Monday, launching a legal campaign against ordinary Internet users that could ultimately result in thousands of additional lawsuits.
But are you at risk?

If you or a family member have used Kazaa or any other file-swapping application recently and have left your computer open to the Net, the answer is possibly--although the odds of being singled out among an estimated 60 million people using peer-to-peer software remain small. If you've kept thousands of songs in the file you're sharing with other file swappers, then the odds are a little better, though still slim.

Here's a quick look at how the RIAA has done its investigations and what kind of information it has used to find people and file Monday's lawsuits.

Step one: Finding file-traders isn't hard. Anybody who opens a shared folder on Kazaa, Morpheus or any other file-swapping network is susceptible to potentially prying eyes.

In the most recent wave of investigations, the RIAA has used automated tools that look for a relatively short list of files. When it finds a person sharing one or more of those files, it downloads all or many of them for verification purposes. A complete list of these target files is not available, but a sampling of files cited in the early lawsuits includes the following artists and songs:

• Bobby McFerrin, "Don't Worry, Be Happy"
• Thompson Twins, "Hold Me Now"
• Eagles, "Hotel California"
• George Michael, "Kissing A Fool"
• Paula Abdul, "Knocked Out"
• Green Day, "Minority"
• UB40, "Red Red Wine"
• Ludacris "Area Codes"
• Marvin Gaye, "Sexual Healing"
• Avril Lavigne, "Complicated"


This is far from a complete list, but if you've downloaded and shared any of those songs recently, you may be at greater risk of finding your way onto the RIAA's list.

Step two: The RIAA uses features within Kazaa, Grokster and some other software programs to list all the files available within a person's shared folder and takes screenshots of that information. As filed in court, that provides a record of what in some cases has been thousands of songs shared at once.

Step three: The RIAA's software records the Internet address associated with a computer that is sharing one of the copyrighted songs the organization is investigating. Some file-swapping programs try to hide this by using mechanisms such as proxy servers, but most downloads still expose this information.

Step four: According to information filed as part of a related lawsuit, the RIAA also has the ability to do a more sophisticated analysis of the files that have been downloaded. The group checks the artist's name, title, and any "metadata" information attached to the files, looking for information that may indicate what piece of software has been used to create the file or any other. Some files swapped widely on the Net include messages from the original person who created the MP3 file, such as "Created by Grip" or "Finally the Real Full CD delivered fresh for everyone on Grokster and Kazaa to Enjoy!"

The RIAA has also analyzed in detail some files' contents. The trade group has databases of digital fingerprints, or "hashes," that identify songs that were swapped online in Napster's heyday. Investigators check these fingerprints against those found in a new suspected file swapper's folder, looking for matches. A match means the file has almost certainly been downloaded from the Net, likely from a stream of copies dating back to the original Napster file.

Step five: The RIAA files a subpoena request with a federal court. The subpoena allows the group to go to an Internet service provider and request the name and address of the subscriber who's associated with the Net address that was used to swap files. A few Internet service providers (ISPs) have fought back against these requests, but most have been forced to comply with the RIAA's request.

Many ISPs notify their subscribers when a subpoena comes in that targets their information. The Electronic Frontier Foundation has set up a database that allows people to see whether their online screen name has been the target of one of these subpoenas.

The RIAA said it has filed more than 1,500 of these subpoenas to date.

Step six: Once the identity of the ISP subscriber has been exposed, the RIAA puts together all the information gleaned through the earlier technical investigation and files a lawsuit. In earlier cases, it has accepted settlement agreements that range between $12,000 and $17,000. In this case, it has accepted some settlement agreements for as little as $3,000. ``xEpyFEkAyFkYvQQYaaB``x1063129632``x(default) emmy magazine interview``xIgor``xPaula is in this monthe's issue of Emmy magazine. Here you can read Paula's interview from Emmy magazine:

Q: You’re the "nice" judge on American Idol, often suggesting how lessons might help contestants, while your fellow judge Simon Cowell insists that’s a waste of time. Does being so positive detract from your credibility?

A: Simon and I may both be helping increase the determination in contestants. He triggers in them, "I’ll show you!" and by suggesting lessons, I’m telling them a way to learn what they’ll need in order to show him. With regard to the "nice" thing, even though the sexes have come a long way, being edgy still plays better on a guy, who can come off as witty, than on a girl, who will come off as cold or bitchy. A lot of people confuse kind with nice. They’re very different.

Q: What’s the difference?

A: A person who is nice is seen as sweet. And if you’re over sixteen, it is not meant as a compliment – [you’re] viewed as lightweight and fluffy. On the other hand, a person who is kind is in a position to hurt less-powerful people but chooses not to. Look at Oprah. She could beat up on people and get away with it, and given the abuse she had to suffer in her childhood, she might even have a reason to hurt others. But she chooses not to and even went one step further several years ago by standing up to network pressure to take the low road.

I am far from being perceived as powerful as Oprah by the entertainment industry, but I am viewed as powerful to viewers of AI and to these talented kids who come to our show with a wing and a prayer and a dream. I have the power to hurt them and stomp on their dreams, but I choose not to.

Q: You’re the only judge on AI who’s had to face similar panels as a performer. Does that affect your performance as a judge?

A: I think that plays a big part. I know how vulnerable a dream can be and how encouragement can be career-sustaining at those times when you doubt yourself. I also know how demoralizing it can be to have people not stop at mere criticism, but to descend into mean-spirited ridicule. I have elected to err on the side of kindness. If I have to choose between being seen as a Pollyanna or a bitch, I’ll go with the p-word over the b-word anytime.

Q: Is your kindness also a way to balance Simon’s less-than-gracious remarks? And, speaking of Simon, what’s with you two? Do you like or dislike each other?

A: I’m sure my positivity is in part a way of countering Simon’s negativity. Some observers have characterized Simon as the abusive dad, me as the nurturing mom and Randy [Jackson] as the supportive brother. Simon and I do have a thing for each other, but it’s not what everyone thinks. We needle, we tease, we flirt and play with the sexual tension in the air.

At one time, Simon and I did rub each other the wrong way, but a lot has changed. What used to get to me was not how negative his comments were – it was that he seemed to take delight in hurting people who were in no position to fight back. Having been in some of those kinds of relationships, it hit a nerve with me. I felt angry toward him and frustrated with myself for not being able to be more protective of the kids. Over time, I have come to understand it differently.

Q: You mean, Simon wasn’t being mean?

A: I have realized that Simon is harmless. He knows how to push people’s buttons and it works for him and for the show. He doesn’t physically hurt people, so if you adopt the old sticks-and-stones philosophy in dealing with him, you’re pretty safe. I think he’s sometimes like an adolescent who finds it funny when people embarrass or humiliate themselves.

[But] I think something else has happened with Simon. He is very smart and talented, but I believe that perhaps he didn’t know at the start of the show how well he would go over in America – none of us imagined what the show would turn into. As the show has grown in popularity, and along with it, Simon, he understands his role better and has less need to go over the top with his comments. And now that I think about it, there is something I have to be thankful to Simon for.

Q: And what’s that?

A: Like many adolescents who tease others, Simon baits everyone a lot. And something I have always needed to get better at is to not take the bait and to develop a thicker skin. Every day Simon gives me plenty of chances to practice, but I still take the bait more often than I wish.

Q: What is your take on the huge popularity of AI?

A: Watching young adults transform themselves from wannabes into gonnabes is truly inspiring and uplifting. There are far too few shows that offer something that so many people are so hungry for.``xEpykAuEVEVuJFmXrlx``x1062941515``x(default) judges in week's magazines``xIgor``xThe Big Three entertainment magazines, In Touch, Us, and People, all have articles on the American Idol judges:

In Touch: Has a feature about greed being the possible downfall of three network TV shows, including AI. The article mentions Simon's big upcoming payday and whether or not Paula and Randy are resentful. It also mentions that Simon wants 20,000,000 to host a late night talk show. The cover masthead has pictures from all three shows, including one of Simon and Paula on AI2 finale night, and the article has a larger version of the same photo with Randy.

Us: A piece about Simon's cattiness concerning Randy's surgery and weight loss. It says that the comments may be all in fun, since Simon, Randy, Ryan, and Terri were all spotted hanging together at a club in NYC. Great picture of Simon and Randy.

People: Short blurb about songs that are banned from AI (Inside Edition mentioned the other night that "Fallin'" by Alicia Keys was banned by the judges), with one of Simon's famous "thumbs down" photos. Many songs are taboo due to the expense and difficulty of obtaining copyrights to songs by certain artists. As for "Fallin,'" Simon just says "We're sick of hearing it." There is a partial list of the banned songs, including "At Last" by Etta James (Sad, because Julia DeMato's rendition on the CD is so breathtaking.), "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston, and "Get the Party Started" by Pink, as well as any song by Bruce Springsteen, Carly Simon, James Taylor, and Mariah Carey.

[thanx StrawberryIdol]``xEpykZlFZylmlXxLQza``x1062783768``x(default) judges nyc press conference``xIgor``xHere you can see screencaptures of American Idol Judges NYC Press Conference (8/29) from Extra.







``xEpykVFElluSUDRDkzZ``x1062531884``x(default) e! true hollywood story``xIgor``xSunday, Septmeber 14th Paula Abdul is on E! True Hollywood Story at 9 pm ET. Check your local listing.``xEpykuFZkVkMyIvveEO``x1062437252``x(default) mtv video music awards``xIgor``xLOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Although it was the 20th MTV Video Music Awards, there was scant reference to the milestone in the mostly glitzy, slightly raunchy and always in-your-face presentation.

It was, in most respects, a well-planned, well-executed event that, in the case of this particular show, is a double-edged sword.

On the plus side, the live telecast from New York's Radio City Music Hall must have pleased core viewers, both consumers and downloaders. Performances were energetic, smartly choreographed and framed with striking sets and lights. On the other hand, there were few, if any, of those memorable MTV moments of which clip reels are assembled. There was no Michael Jackson accepting a non-existent Entertainer of the Century award (though Jack Black offered up a spoof by trying to lay claim to Genius of the Universe) and no Britney Spears doing an onstage striptease (though Beyonce and others wore garb that expanded the definition of cleavage).

Chris Rock , handling host duties for the third time, made a strong case for future invitations. More than ever before, his sly wit kept the show moving forward, and his celebrity barbs were sharp without a trace of mean-spiritedness. The lone exception was this gag on one of the "American Idol" judges: "Paula Abdul judging singers is like Christopher Reeve judging a dance contest. It ain't right." No, that one ain't.

Overall, presenters selected for the evening, including tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams and even the Fab Five of Bravo's "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," reflected the MTV sensibility. That was an improvement over the past, when too many presenters were chosen for their cross-promotional potential for sister network CBS.

The thing that needs fixing now is the belief that small bits of comic banter must be written for the presenters. More often than not, it comes across as forced and awkward. Whether it's Jimmy Fallon threatening the "Queer Eye" guys with a black eye or LeBron James painfully flirting with Ashanti, these bits almost never do more than elicit quizzical looks.

Award categories of the VMAs make it possible for a range of stars to claim Moon Man awards. It's also possible, as happened Thursday night, for one artist to wear a path in the carpet to the stage as Justin Timberlake did between his three victories and his introduction of a performance by Coldplay. "This is a travesty," he said after getting the last award, and, well, it was hard to argue with such candor.

Also a travesty is the Viewers Choice category, an award bestowed at the end of the broadcast on the artist who has the most fans willing to shell out 99 cents for a phone call on their behalf. To encourage calls, MTV included bumpers showing a phone bank staffed by puppets, one of which displayed its used bedpan just before a second one demonstrated projectile vomiting. There's got to be a better use for that airtime.

Graphic and design elements have always been a strong point in MTV productions, and once again, they did not disappoint. The VMAs might themselves merit award for graphic designs as well as for the edited clips of the nominees. ``xEpykkFlkFElQpEqloI``x1062238231``x(default) paula on the ama awards show ``xIgor``xSaturday Sep. 13
4/3c PM

The American Music Awards consistently provides broadcast broadcast television viewers with the best musical performances and many other memorable moments with the best known artists and celebrities.

VH1 will re-live the excitement of these moments, and tell the “uncensored” story behind the show’s 20-plus year history. Appearance highlights include Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Prince and *NSYNC with interviews fro Dick Clark, Paula Abdul, Vanilla Ice, MC Hammer, Snoop Dogg, Coolio and more.``xEpykkFZlZypZtzqNXF``x1062237876``x(default) today show appearance ``xIgor``xPaula is going to be on the Today Show Weekend edition on NBC at 7 AM on Saturday.
``xEpykpEpFVlYSBHhZoi``x1062010358``x(default) she's an american idol``xIgor``x(STARMAGAZINE)--After enjoying dinner at Porta Via in Beverly Hills, American Idol host Paula Abdul saw a homeless man outside and did an about-face. She went back inside and told the manager: "I want to buy this man some dinner." He refused her money and insisted: "We'll take care of it." Then he arranged for the man to have a three-course meal. ``xEpyEAkyuZVmPlZfDBz``x1061926475``x(default) clay beats ruben to the punch``xIgor``x(EONLINE)--Possibly the oddest combo since American Idol producers tapped motley crew Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson to judge their little song-and-dance show.

And even as Studdard took the Idol title promoters have continued to push the friendly rivalry between the scrawny crooner from North Carolina and Birmingham, Alabama's very own Velvet Teddy Bear.

The competition continues as release dates for Aiken and Studdard's debut albums were announced Thursday--with Clay emerging as the front-runner, but Ruben packing the most firepower.

Aiken's as-of-yet untitled album will hit stores October 14, while Studdard's album will be released a month later.

Featuring collaborations with R. Kelly, Missy Elliott and Fat Joe, Ruben's freshman effort, Soulful, will arrive on November 11 on J Records. Aiken is being released on RCA Records. Both labels are part of music giant BMG and both albums will be masterminded by music-biz icon Clive Davis.

Originally, producers had hoped to pit the duo against each other in a record-store rematch, but that idea was recently nixed, which prompted sources to speculate that the label could be worried about the albums potentially siphoning sales from each other and damaging the A.I. franchise.

Banish those conspiracy theories. Ruben says it's simply a matter of Clay finishing his album first.

"He got his album done fairly quickly; with me, I had my own press junket, so studio time was very limited," Studdard told the Associated Press.

"It just don't make no sense for Clay to have his album chillin' when he could just do his thing," he said.

Studdard, who's on the American Idol national tour with Aiken and the rest of the second season's contestants, has found it tricky to juggle his schedule with that of his producers but isn't worried about the delay.

"I just want to be able to do the best possibly project I possibly can. I don't want to just come out with an American Idol souvenir album, you know what I'm saying?"

Aiken's more than made up for his second-place finish since the show's finale in May. He scored a Rolling Stone cover before Studdard and his first single, "This is the Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water," outsold Studdard's "Flying Without Wings/Superstar" 393,000 copies to 286,000 copies in their first week on sale and went on to have a 10-week run on top of Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart (its reign was ended this week by Hilary Duff (news)'s "So Yesterday"), while Studdard's lurked below. Both singles were released June 10.

Aiken's also been invited to perform his signature song at the Miss America (news - web sites) Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September 20.

But Ruben maintains that things are fine between him and his little buddy.

"When you think about it, both of us have sold upward of 900,000 singles. Should I be upset that I sold 951,000 singles, and he sold 961,000 singles?" Studdard said. "I can't be anything but happy with that." ``xEpyEVlyFkVvWkhRhOf``x1061586325``x(default) gma appearance``xIgor``xPaula will be on Good Morning America, August 26th.

[Thanx Jackie]
``xEpyEuAVAykkpEkhaQc``x1061495962``x(default) redbook scans``xIgor``xHere you can see scans from Redbook magazine with Paula's new pictures and article.

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[Thanx Richard]``xEpyEuAuEuEuhHdKsDK``x1061494141``x(default) abdul spots scottsdale``xIgor``xCould Paula Abdul become a Scottsdale resident? She's certainly enjoying the area's great food, views and hot spots. The petite pop star and her Scottsdale boyfriend, Colton Melby, recently had a romantic dinner at Alchemy at Copperwynd Resort in Fountain Hills. They asked for a table with a view and chatted with Executive Chef Paul O'Connor.

Paula was so impressed with the menu, she requested a split order so she could taste two entrees. She tried both the Chicken Nicoise Provencal and Angus Filet Mignon. For dessert they both ordered the Trio CrŐme Brulee, vanilla ice cream and sorbet.

The couple has also been at Devil's Martini twice. One night, they were at the downtown Scottsdale nightclub with a party of 12, and Paula hit the dance floor. "We have a full line of security guards, but when people approached her she was nice and signed autographs," manager Peter Lambert said.

Delania Geddes, who owns the hot spot with husband, Richard, said Paula enjoyed the music - a mix of retro '90s, current dance and some disco. "It's the best of the best of the '70s, '80s and '90s," she said. "The music is vital. A nightclub could have the perfect curtains, the perfect dance floor, sofas, etc., but if you don't have the right vibe, you won't get the people on the dance floor."

Geddes was also pleased her clientele respected Paula. "They didn't horde around her," she said.``xEpyEuAkAAZnYBDtUmv``x1061492997``x(default) paula on redbook``xIgor``xPaula's featured in the September issue of Redbook Magazine. The magazine contains Paula's 5 page article with pictures. Don't forget to buy your Redbook copy!

``xEpyEupEkEuRmLkpiFw``x1061401214``x(default) 'idol' hopefuls line up for round 3``xIgor``x(ETONLINE)--"American Idol" hopefuls are flocking to Atlanta, GA, by the thousands to turn their dreams into reality. Even though tryouts started today, by Monday the queue already snaked around the Georgia Dome as the wannabes lined up in the heat and the humidity outside Gate D, where they will enter for their shot at fame and fortune.

And who can blame them? Former Miss Atlanta TAMYRA GRAY launched her showbiz career by finishing fourth in the first round of competition, landing a role on the FOX series "Boston Public."

Atlanta is just one of five cities where the hottest and hippest talent show is holding auditions to find its next KELLY CLARKSON or RUBEN STUDDARD! On tonight's ET get the scoop on the Atlanta tryouts! Then stay tuned for later reports from New York on Aug. 25 and Honolulu on Aug. 30. The "Idol" tryouts have already wrapped in Los Angeles and Houston.

As you'll recall, ET reported from Houston, TX, where contenders stood in line for two days outside of Minute Maid Park to guarantee a chance to strut their stuff for the show's preliminary judges. The 16-to-24-year-old superstars-in-waiting needed to get through this tryout in order to move on and eventually meet PAULA ABDUL, RANDY JACKSON and most of all, Mr. Nasty SIMON COWELL!

Meanwhile, Ruben, CLAY AIKEN and the rest of last season's gang are boot-scootin' across the country on the "American Idols Live!" concert tour. This month, they will be hitting Oklahoma City, Salt Lake City, Seattle and Sacramento, just to name a few of their stops.

Join Simon, Paula, Randy and RYAN SEACREST in January 2004 when "American Idol" returns to the airwaves for its third season.``xEpyEFAApFEdbSwvgyI``x1061399031``x(default) producer aims for election reality show ``xIgor``xNEW YORK - For filmmaker R.J. Cutler, 2003 so far has been a busy, if up-and-down, year.

"Freshman Diaries," a follow-up to his much acclaimed documentary series "American High," tracks a group of new arrivals at the University of Texas in Austin. Taped during the 2002-03 class year, it will air as a 10-week Showtime series premiering Aug. 31 at 11 p.m.

Cutler also produced a different kind of reality television, ABC's "The Real Roseanne Show," a behind-the-scenes look at Roseanne Barr as she developed a lifestyle-cooking series set to premiere next month on cable's ABC Family. But this show, "Domestic Goddess," which Cutler also would have produced, was shelved on Monday because of a hysterectomy Barr was due to undergo this week.

This led ABC to cancel "The Real Roseanne," which, drawing a minuscule audience in its Wednesday time slot, premiered Aug. 6 to pave the way for "Domestic Goddess."

But Cutler is looking ahead to yet another project.

In fact, he's campaigning for 2004 and an innovative series that might breathe new life into next year's presidential race by ushering in 18 new contenders.

In that race, "American Candidate" may prove to be a nonstarter. But three months after FX network bailed out of the project, citing cost concerns, Cutler remains hopeful that another network will elect to give it a shot.

"I'm very confident we're going to have an announcement to make very soon," he said last week while offering no other details.

"Americans yearn for real leadership, and they're looking everywhere for it," he went on, outlining the platform for his series. "There's a desperate hunger for fresh ideas and real leaders, and people are so eager to invest their hope and future in the right one.

"We want to engage a lot of people who are ready to enter the 2004 election cycle feeling disengaged and disenfranchised."

As the man who made "The War Room," a documentary about Bill Clinton (news - web sites)'s 1992 presidential campaign, Cutler has logged miles in the fast lane of the campaign trail.

"I'm a fan of the drama of politics," says Cutler, an Emmy- and Peabody-winning filmmaker who lives for "a good story, well told."

Many good stories would surely emerge from "American Candidate," Cutler told himself a year ago when he hatched the idea: a real, unscripted parallel campaign to the usual one.

Designed to identify a viewer-endorsed potential president, "American Candidate" would invite qualified citizens to apply for the chance to mount their own campaigns, with guaranteed coverage by a weekly prime-time series.

Early on, a panel Cutler specifies as "blue ribbon" (which presumably rules out Lorenzo Lamas or Paula Abdul) would choose 18 finalists. Then, during the series' run, the viewing audience would narrow these contenders to two opponents. Next summer, a "people's convention" would select one of them as the American candidate — who then, if he or she chose, could accept the nomination and continue campaigning to Election Day.

A traditionalist might blast this idea as little more than a TV-managed stunt. It might also trigger unsavory associations with the circuslike recall election in California.

But Cutler argues that, on the contrary, "American Candidate" would add a measure of substance to the race by supplementing it with valuable new contenders.

"The 18 people on our show won't be mainstream Republicans, as Republican thinking is currently defined, or mainstream Democrats, as Democratic thinking is currently defined," explains Cutler. "They will represent alternative points of views. New ideas. Fresh ideas. We want to find new voices for leadership in America — in an entertaining, compelling, dramatic way."

And it's worth remembering that, even without winning in November 2004, the chosen "American Candidate" could wield significant influence — in the major parties' platforms, even in the administration that occupies the White House. If voters like what they hear from this candidate, the mainstream candidates will surely hear it too.

"This isn't `Fear Factor'; this is a serious endeavor," Cutler sums up. "I don't begrudge any of those shows their success, but this show is about something different: to celebrate the democratic process and engage more people in it."

Will it happen for Campaign '04? Will a TV network throw its support behind "American Candidate"? ``xEpyEFAlylZFgbXCCFu``x1061398687``x(default) paula on tv``xIgor``xClick >>>here to see new Paula's TV appearances.``xEpyEpEykyFgGWlBXHP``x1061016263``x(default) shopping in beverly hills``xIgor``xHere you can see pictures of Paula after some shopping in Beverly Hills several days ago.






[Thanx Sylwia]``xEpyEpEFAZlULkkjoPY``x1061013978``x(default) paula abdul meltdown``xIgor``x(WOMEN.COM)--AMERICAN IDOL resurrected Paula Abdul's career, but the talent judge is so terrified of losing it all again, it's pushed her to the brink of an emotional breakdown, sources close to the diva tell Star.

"I think she's a mess," says an Abdul insider. "She seems to have these wild mood swings where she goes from being elated to totally bummed out in minutes."

After her pop career fizzled in the 1990s, the singer spent years on the Hollywood B list. But while she's hot, pals say it's as if she's haunted by fears of being a has-been again.

"She's trying to do everything - from American Idol, to co-hosting segments on Entertainment Tonight, to launching a jewelry line - to make the most of her moment in the sun," another source reveals.

Abdul, 41, recently hooked up with the hotshot president of Smith & Wesson gun manufacturers, Colton Melby, 44. But it's only added to the pressure, says a source.

"With two divorces in her past," says the source, "Paula's starting to worry that she'll never be a mom."

The stress has turned her into a temper-tantrum-throwing "basket case," sources say, and it feels like she's alienating more friends, co-workers and associates every day.

"Paula is a nightmare to work for," says a source who knows her from the set of American Idol. "She throws temper tantrums that would rival a 2-year-old's.

"Her refrigerator is always empty. She never eats, and then she gets crabby. And then, out of nowhere, she'll burst into tears."

Jewelry designer Udi Behr, who created all the pieces for sale on Abdul's website, is severing ties with the singer because of her bizarre behavior. Udi and Abdul were partners in the line, named Innergy, which he designed and she presented to American Idol contestants as inspirational gifts.

"It got to the point where it was impossible to deal with her," Udi tells Star in an exclusive interview. "I got all these frantic phone calls regarding tiny changes she wanted in the line. When she heard the word 'no,' she had a crying tantrum.

"I've designed jewelry for many stars and I've never dealt with this kind of behavior."

Some friends say they think Abdul's emotional distress is worsened by chronic pain from a back injury she suffered during her cheerleading days with the L.A. Lakers.

The singer told Dateline that the pain was "so aggressive it takes your breath away," but 10 surgeries have eased the agony.

"Paula has what most of us would consider to be a very easy job - just sitting in a chair next to Simon and Randy, telling kids they sound great and look beautiful," says a friend.

"But she's so afraid of losing her cushy position that she worries herself into fits. I think she takes on too many jobs, becomes too demanding and then the pain starts and she falls apart." ``xEpypVEEpluFilhYhHW``x1060511084``x(default) camping out for 'american idol' audition ``xIgor``x(U-WIRE) TUCSON, Ariz. -- I never ever thought that I, of all people, would find myself camped out in the line for "American Idol" auditions with 10,000 stardom hopefuls. But thanks to my overly optimistic friend Mackenzie, I somehow ended up spending two nights on the blacktop outside of Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, Calif. I didn't get much sleep.
Not that the constant attempts at diva-dom by those people practicing for their auditions had anything to do with it. Little did they know that Simon, Paula and Randy would not be around to astound with their amazing diva talents.

They would be auditioning for the show's producers, who are way harsher and hastier than Simon Cowell could ever be.

The organizers opened up Rose Bowl stadium to campers on Friday at noon, (auditions began Sunday at 8 a.m.). And the divas began to arrive.

They waited for two days and two nights for their 20 seconds in front of a judge (if they were even given that much time) only to be dismissed as quickly as Bea Arthur at a Playboy shoot.

Isn't there a better way?

Well, yes.

They could have handed out numbers to people in order of arrival and called people back to audition at a specified time. They could have had more auditions, in smaller cities (auditions are held only in L.A., New York, Houston, Atlanta, and Honolulu). There are plenty of solutions for a thinker.

But pragmatism is at the bottom of the list for "American Idol" producers. It is all about show. Making the evening news three nights in a row on all of the West Coast's biggest networks. Getting 13-year-old girls and grouchy old men alike worked up enough to schedule an hour of "American Idol" time every week.

So after two days, two nights, and a terribly long morning outside Rose Bowl stadium we were ushered into the stadium by folks in "American Idol" T-shirts and stylish sunglasses, so that Mackenzie could have her big 20-second chance. I was there for moral support.

Mackenzie and I had primo seats for Ryan Seacrest's introduction (look for us tonight on "America Juniors," she is the cute tiny blonde one on his right). We smiled and cheered for the cameras take after take. And finally, once my face had a second-degree sunburn, the auditions began.

The hopefuls sang three at a time for one of 12 producers located at various tents situated on the Rose Bowl field. If they were passed the first audition they were given a sticker and sent to the right. If they failed, their wristbands were cut and they were sent to the left.

It was quick and impersonal, that is unless the Idol hopeful was so bad that the producers thought it would entertain the American public to hear Simon tell them how bad they were. In the latter situation the hopeful would be pushed through three or four rounds of auditions before they would be cut down to size.

In Mackenzie's case, the producer dismissed her, albeit accidentally, before he even heard her sing (he forgot that he had not listened to her before the other two women in her group).

In essence, her voice was not what mattered. It was a look that they were going for, and Mackenzie, even though she is cute as a button, did not have that look.

I don't know why I felt so upset about the whole fiasco; I shouldn't be surprised that Fox television network is all about show. I guess that after two nights in my sleeping bag I had just gotten my hopes up too high. ``xEpypuFkZuVBprHfbnb``x1060432745``x(default) paula won``xIgor``xPaula won Choice Reality Babe award at 2003 Teen Choice Awards. Congratulations Paula! ``xEpyEupEuFZQkAuhJrV``x1060239600``x(default) 2003 teen choice awards``xIgor``xClick >>>here to see Paula Abdul poses as she arrives at the 2003 Teen Choice Awards in Los Angeles August 2, 2003. The show honors teenager's favorite film and television stars and will be telecast on the Fox television network August 6. ``xEpypukklEkGdhkbhPc``x1059807600``x(default) simon cowell to give a sneak peek of 'american idol' auditions``xIgor``xSimon Cowell will give the first look at tapes from the Los Angeles auditions for the next season of American Idol to viewers of American Juniors. The cranky American Idol judge will make a guest appearance on the Tuesday (August 5) episode of American Juniors where he will reveal several of "the good, the bad, and the outright awful" American Idol auditions, according to Fox.

The 42-year-old handsome host may be the biggest star to crop up from Fox's big summer hit. While Cowell often berates a contestant to the joy of many viewers, fellow judge Paula Abdul seems almost intent on praising every contestant. The other arbiter, record producer Randy Jackson falls somewhere between the two.

American Juniors is hosted by Ryan Seacrest and it airs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox. ``xEpypukFuFpQTzEerUv``x1059721200``x(default) 'american idol' will do shows in hawaii ``xIgor``xHONOLULU - "American Idol" is coming to Hawaii this fall, the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau said.

"We felt that having Hawaii involved in a prime-time network television show as exciting as this would help focus national attention on the islands, especially Waikiki," Les Enderton, interim president of the visitors bureau, said Wednesday.

The show will be filmed between Sept. 28 and Oct. 5. Plans call for two days of auditions at Aloha Stadium, with finals to be held at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel before judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul (news) and Randy Jackson.

Auditions will be held during August in Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta and New York City, and the third edition of the Fox series will debut in January 2004, according to the "American Idol" Web site. ``xEpypukFFFVXPBYolit``x1059721200``x(default) hawaii to host 'american idol' auditions ``xIgor``xNEW YORK - Will trade winds and palm trees convince judges Simon, Paula and Randy that a singer from Hawaii could be an "American Idol?"

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau said, for the first time, "American Idol" will hold auditions in Hawaii. They'll be outside at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu.

Filming will take place from Sept. 28 through Oct. 5. Those audition scenes are expected to air on "American Idol 3" in late January or early February.

An estimated 33.7 million people in May watched Ruben Studdard beat Clay Aiken to win Fox's singing competition. That was a bigger audience than the 33.1 million people who watched the Academy Awards (news - web sites) in March — traditionally the most-watched entertainment event of the year, according to Nielsen Media Research. During the last half hour of the two-hour special, when the winner was finally announced, viewership climbed to just under 40 million people.

Besides the show's soulful pop songs and fashionable makeovers, viewers savored the criticism that whittled the field down to the winner. Prickly judge Simon Cowell, with his merciless put-downs, is perhaps the biggest star to emerge from "American Idol," attracting love-to-hate-him feelings from fans. Paula Abdul (news) and Randy Jackson are the show's other judges.

"American Idol" was nominated for an Emmy in the newly created category for reality-competition programs. ``xEpypukFEVuHVkeJFCZ``x1059634800``x(default) guarini respects advice of cowell, abdul ``xIgor``xBEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Justin Guarini acknowledges the "American Idol" judges — Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell — in the liner notes of his self-titled CD.

"I thanked (Simon) for his honesty and I promised not to tell anyone he's actually a nice guy," the singer told AP Radio. "He and I have a great relationship — we like to joke around and poke fun at each other."

Guarini adds that Jackson was helpful in offering tips on life behind the scenes issues. As for Abdul, Guarini says she's become a great friend.

"She's been so wonderful and so kind — full of great advice and support during the show. It was really nice after the show (that) we could actually call each other on the phone and talk."

Rumors swirled about their relationship being more than platonic, but Guarini says he doesn't have time for a girlfriend right now.

"I'm (married) to this album, and I don't think it would be fair for me to date anyone," he said. "I'm a hopeless romantic, and I love being with my girlfriends. I don't have time for one at the moment, but I look forward to finding one and settling down with the right girl."

For him, such a girl has to be down-to-earth. "So many people focus on image nowadays, and being in an image-driven business really makes me (appreciate) a wicked sense of humor."

Guarini's debut album is in stores now. He's scheduled to be a presenter at the Teen Choice Awards on Aug. 6. ``xEpypuEkEykxqazrGpJ``x1059462000``x(default) an idol summer``xIgor``xEliora Katz has taken center stage. The petite brunet is tossing her hair, clutching the mike, and looking at her audience straight on. She's singing a big, sad song that opens with a world-weary warning: "Promises are not your thing / so stop lying / I'm sick and tired of your silly games / so walk out the door."

Eliora is 9 years old. But she is not alone in dreaming of fame. Enrollment has jumped this summer at DayJams rock-and-roll day camps, where 1,400 students in 10 cities around the country are trading "Kumbaya" for amplified acoustic guitars, drums, keyboards, and voices. Why the increased interest? Steve Wnuk, executive director of the camps, gives partial credit to the "American Idol effect": Kids who have been glued to the hit TV show have decided to test their own talents. "It's the beginning of my career," says budding guitarist Nate Simon, 10, who attended a recent weeklong session in Rockville, Md.

The $475-a-week program aims to give kids ages 9 to 15 a rookie-to-rocker experience. Twice-daily music lessons are taught on proper equipment by real musicians, some with notable--if sometimes dated--resumes. (DayJams's Los Angeles staff includes a percussionist now touring with Air Supply and a keyboard player who has worked not only with Tony Orlando but with the Osmonds, too.) There are other rock music camps (including an annual all-girls camp in Portland, Ore.), but DayJams has by far the biggest national presence.

Dazzled by Idol-ized Kelly and Justin, Clay and Ruben, more of this year's campers are signing up to sing, though most kids (some 70 percent are boys) come to play instruments. Divided into bands of eight, the campers--some experienced, some beginners--have four days to write lyrics, create a melody, and polish their performance. On Day 5, wearing band T-shirts of their own design, they stage a minipalooza: Newly minted bands, with names like Stick People on Steroids and Spork, appear live before an audience made up of the people who love them best. And when they go back to school in the fall, campers can answer the How I Spent My Summer Vacation query by pulling out their band's CD.

I write the songs. Of course, all this playing is work. Songwriting is "pretty hard," says James-William Lubkin, 13. "You'll start with a basic chord. Then you think you have it, but you can't figure out how to fit lyrics to it. So you start over again." Ultimately, he and the rest of his band, Chaos Complex, penned a keeper, minimally titled "When." "It's about how one person's fear affects everyone else," explains a cheerful Danny Saperstein, 13.

The camps are no place for the headache prone. Making music is an all-day, every-day endeavor. In the school where the camp is held, the drums are so loud and plentiful that it is hard to hear Tanya Wasyluk, a 10-year-old with red streaks in her brown hair and braces on her teeth, sing, "To rock out loud / to scream out loud / to go wild and crazy / jump into the crowd." (The upbeat lyrics are not to be taken literally, teacher Steve Helfand cautions, nixing the notion of crowd surfing over parents and grandparents.)

For many campers, the week fuels ambition. Others realize that they may not want to invest the time it takes to become an MTV staple. "You have to do keys and stuff," says Chuck Mahon, 10, who plays the electric guitar for his band, Leprechaun Mob. "I'm not really into that. I just like practicing."

Practicing, it turned out, paid off. The big Friday show included dozens of Jagger-esque jumps, power guitar riffs, and ear-splitting drum solos. It was hard to tell if there were any stars in the making, but there were plenty of kids convinced they may have what it takes. And others who decided to keep their options open. "I like fashion design, but if I never made it in that world, I'd probably take up singing," says Tanya. Not that she's given up Idol worship. She considers the judges: sugary Paula Abdul, easygoing Randy Jackson, and hypercritical Simon Cowell. She shrugs, "If Simon ever changed jobs, I'd probably go on."``xEpypukFVuFOAHFHUFh``x1058684400``x(default) paula on usa weekend``xIgor``xThe best thing a parent can do is to be the person their child can depend on to protect them.Across America, talented kids get put to the test every day. Our family columnist asks a panel of experts how to tell if your child -- and you -- have what it takes.

By Dennie Hughes

Does your child have dreams of being the next American-Juniors-Idol-Star-Search-Most-Talented-Kid-Born-to-Diva superstar?

If so, he or she is in good company. With the explosion in the popularity of televised talent shows, teen celebrities and the unprecedented media swirl surrounding it all, today's parents are raising the first generation of "Idol" dreamers -- untold numbers of kids growing up with Hollywood stars in their eyes.

Take Maggie Peterson, 13. She is one of about 150 girls who showed up recently on a sunny Saturday morning in Orlando to audition for a new musical, "A Little Princess". Broadway, Maggie gushes, smiling through her braces, is her "ultimate dream." To attain it, she takes voice, dance and piano lessons back home in Fort Lauderdale. But, her father, Douglas, explains: "We don't have to push her. She's pretty desperate to be here herself."

Parents and kids know the stakes are bigger than ever. Making it doesn't just mean fame. It can mean overnight stardom along with a fortune in cash and contracts. Even "losers" can win. "American Idol"'s Justin Guarini got a movie, Tamyra Gray landed a part on TV's "Boston Public", and Clay Aiken's new CD single is outselling "AI2" winner Ruben Studdard's.

The problem, of course, is that for every overnight sensation, thousands of devastated young hopefuls return home with nothing more than a hug from Mom and Dad, and a heavy dose of heartache.

So, what's a responsible, loving parent to do? Help a child go for it -- or help him get over it?

I asked a group of proven experts on children and show business for their take. The answer, it turns out, is "It depends."

In addition to being a talented choreographer, hit maker and "American Idol" judge, Paula Abdul spent years running workshops, clinics and scholarship competitions for aspiring dancers. She says a child who is relentless about wanting to sing or act absolutely should have a chance to explore that dream -- even if you, as a parent, think it's a pipe dream.

"Encourage them to join the school chorus or offer up lessons so they can see if it's something they really want to dedicate themselves to," Abdul says. But, she adds, also "prepare them for the realities of competition and failure. Make them aware it takes a lot of hard work and practice to be the best. Even then, they may never make it big." Most important, be sure the child knows he can quit whenever it stops being fun. "A child should want to be the best because he loves what he's doing, not because he's afraid Mom will kill him if he comes in second," Abdul says.

Crossing the line between healthy support and pushing their own ambitions is a huge problem for many parents. The reason, says Linda Dunlap, who heads the psychology department at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., is that most parents to a huge extent base their own success in life on their children. "When someone in your mommies group brags about her child landing a commercial or winning a beauty contest, it's natural to want to prove your child is just as talented or beautiful," Dunlap says. "Competition between parents can turn the most rational soccer mom into a stage mom from hell."

Dunlap suggests parents have a system of checks and balances: Only one parent should be involved in helping the child break into and navigate the business. That way, the other parent can be a sounding board for the child and help keep the family on track.

Another parenting pitfall? Making unreasonable sacrifices to keep the child's dream alive. When you start putting your family in massive debt, or making the rest of the family feel like an afterthought in the pursuit of stardom, your child will feel trapped. According to David Flohr, a Falls Church, Va., clinical psychologist who specializes in parent-child relationships, the pressure on a child to please Mom and Dad because she feels she owes them is a thousand times worse than the pressure of competition.

"Parents need to provide the structure that the child is asking for -- helping him practice, helping him do better," he says. "But they shouldn't feel they have to sell their souls to make the career happen."

Mathew Knowles, manager of the hit group Destiny's Child and father to stars Beyoncé and Solange, learned about sacrifice the hard way. A top sales rep in the medical industry for 20 years, he quit his high-paying job to manage Destiny's Child when Beyoncé was 15 (Solange, who is a solo artist, was 10). While the gamble paid off big time, he nearly lost his marriage as he put the entire family financial burden on his wife, Tina, who ran a Houston beauty salon.

A self-made expert on the business of raising a superstar, Knowles travels the country speaking about the hard lessons he's learned. He believes parents should become experts in their child's career, starting with learning the business. "Despite the fact that I had so many years of sales and marketing experience, I went to Houston Community College and took every music-management course and seminar available," he says. "If you are going to put precious people in your care, you'd better know what you're doing."

Then there's the financial hit. Knowles estimates it takes $15,000 to $50,000 in out-of-pocket expenses for essentials such as professional photos, demos, media kits, mikes and sound systems.

And, of course, it takes a lot of time. In Knowles' case, it soon became "a 24/7 thing."

Knowles also advocates tough love, when needed. "You absolutely must establish from Day One with your child that you will always be honest, even if it means telling her something she won't want to hear," he says. His criticism, along with suggestions on how to improve next time, are a part of this "job" to which he's deeply committed. Admits Knowles: "I have a tough time turning off 'manager' and turning on 'dad'; it's a good thing Tina is in charge of taking care of the family support system." He says he can't imagine how a single parent would be able to do what he does.

The founder of WrightStuff Management in Orlando, Donna Wright -- who was instrumental in launching the careers of the Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync and Pink -- sees it differently. "The best thing a parent can do is to be the person their child can depend on to protect them, and let the professionals do the business part," she says. "Young kids who understand they are their parents' source of income keep their feelings bottled up and often find other, not-so-healthy outlets for their frustrations."

Wright has walked away from talented acts simply because of over-pushy parents who designate themselves as their child's agent or manager.

Clearly, any parent who understands the perils of kiddie showbiz has to wonder: How do I know if my child's talent is worth all this drama?

Basically, you don't. Instead, allow your child to pursue the dream. If he or she doesn't have what it takes, "let the child have a few failures in auditions or performances, be there to catch them, and gently validate their fears of not being good enough only when they bring it up," Flohr says. An example of comforting words: "Well, maybe you weren't as good as these other kids, but that doesn't mean you can't still work on music and find something else you love to make a living, until you get a break."

Peter Jensen, director of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts' Saturday program for children in New York City (alumni include Oscar winner Adrien Brody and The Princess Diaries' Anne Hathaway), agrees that parents should avoid trying to evaluate their children's abilities. Instead, they should enroll their kids in a good program that allows them to explore their talents. Jensen also encourages ambitious kids to (of all things) read. "A huge indication about a child's ability is how he uses his imagination," he says. "I find that kids who are read to a lot, and are encouraged to read, have the most connection to that part of themselves."

Whether a child continues on the show business quest or ends up with a new passionate answer to the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" the most important message parents can impart to their child is "Anything's possible." Kids who know their parents are supportive no matter what usually have the confidence to let go of dreams that don't work and move forward, without feeling like failures. And for those kids who are tomorrow's Beyoncés and Justins, good luck to you -- and your parents

Talking talent with Paula

Paula Abdul, 41, speaks from experience -- on both sides of the spotlight. A Grammy-winning singer who has sold 30 million records, a judge on Fox's "American Idol" and a choreographer, Abdul also spent four years as artistic director for Company Dance, a national youth dance organization, teaching classes, running scholarship competitions and developing dance workshops for aspiring young performers.

This summer, Abdul and her fellow judges, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, take a break from "American Idol" while the competition heats up on its spinoff show, "American Juniors". (This week, a third young hopeful gets picked to make it into the final group of five winning kids.)

Q: If you had children, would you allow them to go into show business?
I've actually done battle thinking about whether I'd want my kids in this business. It wouldn't be my first wish, for only one reason: I know firsthand that it's such a cutthroat, fickle business.

Q: How old were you when you first had that feeling that you wanted to go into show business?

I've wanted to dance and perform for as long as I can remember. I loved it so much and worked so hard, I was actually in adult classes by the time I was 8 years old!

Q: Was your mother supportive?
Well, not exactly. My mom was pretty dead set against my getting into the business, because she was surrounded by it. She was director Billy Wilder's personal assistant and witnessed firsthand the heartbreak so many young performers dealt with. She indulged me in my wanting dance lessons, but the whole time she was stressing education and college.

Q: If you had children who really wanted to perform, at what age would you consider letting them audition?
I would certainly discourage them from actually auditioning and competing until about age 11.

I think it's dangerous for kids at age 3 or 4 to put themselves out there like that. However, if at that age they are driving me up the wall -- the way I did to my mom! -- saying, "I have to do this," I would definitely provide the training and tools to help them find their voice or their rhythm.

Q: Should parents ever discourage a child from showbiz dreams?
Not unless that child takes rejection very personally, or they've been told by several professionals in the business that their child just doesn't seem to have what it takes to be a success. Even then, they should be careful about totally discouraging them, because there just may be a place for their particular brand of talent. Think about voices like Bob Dylan's or Macy Gray's -- not exactly what a parent or a professional would call beautiful voices, but they found their niche.

Q: Which young star are you most impressed with as far as talent, success and attitude go?
The first one that comes to mind for me is Justin Timberlake. He's a monumental success, yet he's still close to his family and maintains successful relationships with friends he grew up with back home. This is a kid who obviously had talent, and a hunger to succeed, and a family that found a way to help him get there but keep him grounded in reality. ``xEpypukkVluOgasKNRt``x1058598000``x(default) simon scores boffo book deal``xIgor``xForget Ruben and Kelly, the real American Idol winner is Simon Cowell.

First came the Vanilla Coke ads, then the stint producing CBS' new reality dating game Cupid, then the boffo new three-year AI contract (at a whopping $150,000 per episode) and development deal with Fox that includes his own production company, simcow ltd. And now this: Cowell will reportedly pocket a cool $2 million to hold forth in a new book.

Cowell, who inked the book deal with Random House last week, will write his tome I Don't Mean to Be Rude, But..., with an assist from his older brother, Tony Cowell, a British journalist.

Random House's Broadway Books imprint has the book slated for a December 2 release.

Idol fans will have to shell out $21.95 to read Simon's dish on the show's behind-the-scenes action. They'll also be regaled with tales of his two-decade career as a British music exec and manager and his advice on how to become a player in the biz.

"His book will be wicked and witty, but it will also be very helpful to those millions of American Idol viewers who hope to be stars and want to know how to accomplish their dreams," William Thomas (news), editor-in-chief of Doubleday Broadway, says in a statement.

Simon's literary agent, Luke Janklow, tells Reuters that the Cowell brothers are currently cranking out pages "at quite a healthy pace."

Considering his busy slate, Simon, 43, will need to maintain that pace if he's to deliver the book on time. Aside from his Cupid duties, Cowell will be back harassing American Idol contestants at the beginning of next month. Fox just announced the latest round of Idol auditions will kick off August 5 in Los Angeles, followed by tryouts in Houston (August 13), Atlanta (August 20) and New York (August 25). The third installment hits airwaves in January.

So far, the network has announced only Cowell as a returning AI judge, although it is expected that Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will also come back to offer their thumbs-up/thumbs-down on the latest batch of wannabes with Ryan Seacrest once again handling hosting chores. ``xEpypukFyFucWwfqQCw``x1058338800``x(default) show me the cash``xIgor``xHere's further proof that it does in fact pay to be brutally honest: Simon Cowell — who had previously insisted his days as American Idol's evil judge were over — has inked a lucrative new pact with Fox that includes three more annual Idol contests. In addition, the deal — reportedly worth north of $10 million — gives the biting Brit a hefty pay raise and his very own production company at Fox. And to avoid ruffling feathers, rumor has it the network will grant Paula Abdul's demand for free two-hour parking with validation.
``xEpypukuAuliPyfCmdL``x1057647600``x(default) 'idol' auditions kick off with california dreaming``xIgor``xDavion Farris and Natashia Carter became friends during three days spent outside the Rose Bowl, waiting for the chance to be the next American Idol.

After Sunday's audition, the two share another bond: Both made the first cut to qualify for the third season of the Fox hit.

They were among the more than 2,600 hopefuls who came to audition. Some began arriving July 27, including at least one from as far as Mississippi. On Sunday, festive singers, many running on an hour or two of hard-asphalt sleep, shrugged off sleeping bags as the sun rose.

As the occasional singer warmed up her voice in a crowd that snaked across the lot, others stood amid coolers, folding chairs and three days' worth of empty water bottles and Wheat Thins boxes.

Just 10 weeks after Ruben Studdard was crowned as the second Idol, host Ryan Seacrest kicked off the opening audition at 8 a.m., lifting yellow caution tape to let first-in-line Valentin Zamaripa, 19, of Merced, Calif., fellow singers and at least as many friends and family members into the stadium. Idol returns in January.

Turnout was lower than some had expected, possibly because the date and location were announced little more than a week ago. The showing was larger than at last season's first tryout in the October cold in Detroit.

Other auditions will be held in Houston (Aug. 13), Atlanta (Aug. 20), New York (Aug. 25) and Honolulu (early fall). As few as one of every 10 will make it past the first audition, co-executive producer Nigel Lythgoe said.

Hopefuls had little time to show their stuff as they performed in groups of three under blue canopies on the field.

"It was like, 'You made it. You made it. I'm sorry, we're not going to accept you,' said Farris, 18, of Inglewood, Calif., who sang For All We Know.

Farris, Carter (who sang Nobody's Supposed to Be Here) and the others chosen will sing again this week as Idol executives narrow the field before Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul (news) and Randy Jackson begin judging in October.

Cowell will assess videotapes of Sunday's tryouts on American Juniors Tuesday (Fox, 8 p.m. ET/PT).

As Farris hugged Carter, 22, and her mother, Barbara, those who didn't make the cut filed by. Trinity Martinez, 19, of Albuquerque said his third Idol tryout was the least satisfying: " I didn't even get the chance to warm up."

The audition results left singers with hopes lifted or dashed. Maren Brown, 16, of Lynden, Wash., experienced both. She didn't make the cut, but a talent agent approached her as she left the Rose Bowl.

The audition "didn't work out, but maybe something else will," she said.``xEpypukFkVVZpugpllP``x1057302000``x(default) abercrombie & fitch``xIgor``x“Two steps forward, two steps back” does more than simply describe Paula Abdul’s relationship with MC Skat Cat—it describes her own career wanderings as well. She started out as a Laker girl and moved on to do choreography for everyone from Janet Jackson to INXS. Next she embarked on a hugely successful singing career of her own, securing her place in the pop pantheon. She then left the performance spotlight to help out new talent, which she is doing now as (by far the nicest) judge on Fox’s smash hit American Idol. Scott Woodward discerns the fiction from the natural fact.

Everyone knows you started out as a Laker Girl. I thought being a Laker Girl would be great, because my dad would get free tickets for the games, and I could use it as my outlet for dance. I never in a million years thought that the Lakers would be the door that opened up to an amazing career. My first job as a Laker girl was choreographing a dance for the Jackson brothers, who were season-ticket holders. It was the Motown anniversary, Michael did his amazing moonwalk for the first time, and it marked the birth of Michael Jackson, solo artist. Then I did the tour with the whole family.

And that’s where you met Janet Jackson—what was the first video you were in with her? I was in Janet’s first video off of her Control album, “What Have You Done for Me Lately.” I sat at the booth in the fountain shots, and I also danced in it. I was choreographing the videos, and then she asked me to be in them. For me, it was enough pressure being a choreographer. Working with Janet really led to the amazing transformation of my entire career as a choreographer. The record company talked to me and said I needed to work with her, get her in shape and develop a style for her. All the hard work paid off in spades for her and in spades for me as a choreographer. After that I went on to choreograph every touring act from George Michael to Duran Duran to Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, INXS... There are so many I forget. And then I went on to do feature films.

You’ve had quite a relationship with MTV over the years—in fact, you were one of the headlining acts of the first Club MTV Tour. Back then, could you tell that Milli Vanilli was lip-syncing? Yup. It was the most horrific situation. We were all hanging out and just playing pool and listening to the music. All of a sudden we heard the tape stopping... what the heck just happened? We all found out at that very moment. It was one of the saddest and most surreal moments, because how that evening played out was the wildest thing. But from that moment, everyone was onto Milli Vanilli.

ou’ve been behind the scenes for a while, and now with American Idol you’re out in the public eye in a huge way again. How did that come about? I got involved based on a song I wrote called “Spinning Around,” which Kylie Minogue sang. I gave permission for mechanicals and royalty rights, ’cause kids were coming to do the song for U.K.’s Pop Idol (the basis for American Idol). I was already being groomed for U.S. American Idol, and they said, “Look, when we get down to the ten, why don’t you come out and help create styles for them onstage.” I said absolutely. And when they called three months later, it was massive—the queen was clearing her calendar to vote. They said more people voted for Pop Idol than they did for prime minister, which is very interesting.

Did you ever think it would become such an incredible phenomenon in the U.S.? You know what, I did! I said that in front of all the executives at Fox. I knew it was going to be huge, because I’ve run camps and competitions and scholarship programs for cheerleaders and dancers for 20 years. I know that for every kid that competes, families forgo going out to dinner and buying clothing. They save money to make sure that their kid can compete. And for every one kid that competes, there’s between seven to 15 family members and friends that spend the money to pay for admission. Talent shows have been around forever, and I just knew that the twist to this was the Simon factor. But the ratings spiked and it was proven that the ratings kept getting higher and higher. When it got down to the final five, Americans really cared how these kids were gonna do. It was very heartfelt.

Is Simon’s brutal honesty inappropriate at times? I think he is very important to the show. I think the uncanny chemistry between all three of us has worked in such a magical way. At the end of the day, I’ll always say it ain’t about us, it’s about the kids and their talent and their ability to keep shining.

Are you surprised at the level of stardom that is bestowed on the kids... even the ones who are voted off? I’m not surprised at all, based on the numbers that watch the show, and in the sense that America has got their favorites and they’re tuning in. In our generation, I don’t ever recall a time where there’s been appointment television where an entire family is watching... all demographics. Everyone tunes into Friends—that’s been a cultural thing, we’ve lived with those characters. This is a different kind of thing. It’s a pop culture phenomenon that I’ve never experienced. My own dad, I can’t call him after the show’s over ’cause he says, “I’m voting, I’ll talk to you later!” and he’ll hang up. It’s that big.

After being judged all your life by critics and people, is it strange to now be in the judging role? They bank on it being strange for me. I think that that is the perspective I’m bringing that is different from Randy and Simon, and still continues to be. I am a true artist that has had to rise above adversity, not pay attention to looking for outside validation and always strive to do the best that I can do. And that is why those kids connect with me, because Randy and Simon will never know what it’s like to be at your most vulnerable, to have guts, and to strive to be the best. Simon Cowell doesn’t play an instrument. He doesn’t sing. He’s never been in a group of any sort. He’s an executive. Randy Jackson at least has been an accomplished musician, but I’ve been a solo artist where I am responsible for myself. I’ve won countless awards. I’ve won Emmys for my choreography and won nine MTV Awards and five American Music Awards and tons of stuff. I don’t even remember experiences I’ve had sometimes, which is what I really try to hammer into these contestants. Life goes by so quickly, and while you’re doing your career, you must stop and reflect on all that you have accomplished—document it, get pictures and keep a journal. Please do that, because it goes by quickly!``xEpypukEZVyRkojuGek``x1057215600``x(default) the rise of the tote-bag dog``xIgor``xWhat's tiny, sweet and fits in your purse? No, not TicTacs. We're talking teensy terriers, wee wieners, pocket-size pups.

Small dogs -- or toy breeds, as the American Kennel Club calls them -- are making big paw prints in the pet world. Thanks to celebrities who tote them around like fashion accessories, toys are one of today's hot new playthings.

Bruiser, the pint-size Chihuahua, will return to take a stand in the nation's capitol when Reese Witherspoon's ``Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde'' opens July 2. Look for plenty of designer outfits for the fashionable four-legged friend.

Bruiser is only one of several small dogs making the gossip pages of late. Anna Nicole Smith's ``reality'' show on E! Entertainment channel features the randy high jinks of Sugar Pie, a flatulent, Prozac-popping poodle. MTV's hit ``The Osbournes'' could be renamed ``Animal House'' for all the dogs in the Osbourne family (including Maggie, a Japanese Chin; Lulu, a Chihuahua; and Minnie and Pipi, both Pomeranians). ``American Idol'' judge Paula Abdul travels everywhere with Thumbelina, her longhaired Chihuahua. Natalie Portman has been known to take her poodle-schnauzer mix, Noodles, to the fashion shows of designer pal Zac Posen. And Drew Barrymore brought her dog Vivian along for her photo shoot for the May issue of Harper's Bazaar.

``Yes, it seems like smaller dogs are becoming more popular,'' said Daisy Okas, spokeswoman for the American Kennel Club. ``It could be influenced by the trends on TV or the movies, as we saw with the pug in `Men in Black.' But it also happens with bigger dogs: `101 Dalmatians' sparked an interest in Dalmatians.''

According to AKC registration statistics, however, the small dog is making gains. The Yorkshire terrier, Chihuahua and Shih Tzu are numbers six, nine and 10 on the Top 10 most popular dogs, according to 2002 AKC registrations. In the 1990 registration, none of the toy breeds was in the Top 10.

So what's this celebrity fixation with pup-sized pooches as accessories?

``For celebrities, and this is my personal opinion, smaller dogs are easier to travel with,'' Okas said. ``Celebrities are jetting all around. If they want the dog and the companionship that dog offers, then they really need a small dog.''

Okas said there's nothing wrong with plopping these hairy handfuls in well-ventilated designer carry-alls. In fact, the dogs prefer to be near their masters. ``Toy breeds are characterized as and bred to be companion animals,'' she said.

So what if you want to be like Witherspoon's character in ``Legally Blonde'' and lug around your own tiny toy? Okas has a few words of advice from the AKC: ``You need to do your research. Find out their characteristics and find a reputable breeder,'' she said. ``Don't just get a dog because you saw it on TV and it looks cute."``xEpypukFlFpcuSQaXJl``x1056092400``x(default) happy birthday paula``xIgor``xPaula turns 41 today. Happy Birthday Paula!``xEpypukuyuVgRaVAWrI``x1056006000``x(default) fab at forty``xIgor``xWhat do TOM CRUISE, DEMI MOORE and BRAD PITT have in common? They're all fabulous 40-year-olds -- or turning it this year! Tonight on ET, we cover the list of stars who are embracing their new decade with class and style -- and making 40 look like "the new 30"!

"I feel younger now than I did 10 years ago," says PAULA ABDUL, who turns 41 later this month. "I always said if I ever became famous I would lie about my age. Pretty much every woman does. But I never could."

Paula's not the only one who's not shy about entering her fourth decade. The old saying goes: "Life begins at 40." If that's true, an awful lot of your favorite stars are getting ready to start over -- or already have! Believe it or not, ageless beauties ELLE McPHERSON, VANESSA WILLIAMS and JODIE FOSTER have already entered their fourth decade, as have former "pretty boys" Tom Cruise, and JOHNNY DEPP. And Demi Moore is celebrating her age quite publicly these days with a reported romance with 25-year-old ASHTON KUTCHER! Grrrowwrr!

'As Good As It Gets' co-stars HELEN HUNT and GREG KINNEAR celebrate the milestone two days apart this month, and the big day falls in July for "Sopranos" star EDIE FALCO and everbody's best "friend" LISA KUDROW. WHITNEY HOUSTON marks the special day in August, as does JOHN STAMOS, and TATUM O'NEAL turns 40 in November.

But if any of them fear 40, they should heed Paula's sage advice: "As a kid, I remember 40 being the number that was old. For me, it's a number. I totally embrace it."``xEpypukVplEIAlAedMH``x1055228400``x(default) bait and switch``xIgor``xMove over Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul's got a new guy to give the cold shoulder to: American Idol host Ryan Seacrest! Fox has tapped Seacrest to host Idol's upcoming kiddie spinoff American Juniors, TV Guide Online has learned. The problem? Abdul was reportedly in advanced talks to host the show, which debuts June 3 at 8 pm/ET. ``xEpypukVEVZThdzvbbZ``x1054537200``x(default) 'american juniors': it's a pint-sized, cruelty-free 'idol'``xIgor``xNo, Ruben and Clay haven't shrunk. But a new crop of pint-sized crooners begins competing tonight on Fox's American Idol summer spinoff, American Juniors. And the latest talent competition may test viewers' loyalty to a booming TV genre fueled by Idol's runaway success.

Host Ryan Seacrest — and those toll-free voting lines — are still there. But Juniors departs from Idol's model in key respects:

• There's no single winner; instead, the contest will culminate with the formation of a five-member band (considered more marketable as recording artists), which will perform in a two-hour finale scheduled for Aug. 12.

• Accentuating the positive, a contestant won't be voted out each week; instead, the kid with the most votes (based on taped performances) will be voted in to the newly formed band.

• And don't look for Simon Cowell or a similarly caustic judge making barbed comments. (Cowell himself calls the concept of a junior Idol "revolting.")

"American Idol, especially at the beginning, has a whole cruelty aspect to it with Simon, which you won't see here," says executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. "We don't want to make the kids cry. This will be more commenting than critiquing."

The danger is that all this niceness will be off-putting to viewers who don't want to see a bunch of Paula Abdul clones. (Fox has yet to sign its three-judge panel, which won't surface until June 17, but Idol guest judge Gladys Knight, who famously pronounced Ruben a "velvet teddy bear," is in talks to be one of them.)

Instead, as relentless promos have teased, Fox's typical cruelty angle centers on micromanager stage moms. "(Parents are) an interesting part of it," says Frot-Coutaz. "It brings a different kind of emotion."

Tonight and next Tuesday (8 p.m. ET/PT), producers rapidly cull the 2,000 hopefuls who auditioned in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Chattanooga, Tenn., down to 65 who make the trip to Los Angeles. Contestants are sorted into two groups by age: Half are 6 to 9, the rest 10 to 13. (Idol wannabes must be 16 to 24.)

By the third episode, a group of 20 begins competing for 10 finalist spots. Viewers will then vote to add one singer to the band in each of five weeks, with the winner revealed on a Wednesday results show starting June 18.

Creator Simon Fuller hasn't done a kids' Idol in the U.K., where the show originated, but producers say they're optimistic that Juniors will succeed, citing decent ratings for NBC's America's Most Talented Kid and CBS' Star Search, which featured some child contestants.

Nickelodeon also plans a search for "the funniest kid in America" in an on-air contest starting June 30.

Although Fox has no expectation the series will come close to Idol fever, "We think a lot of people are going to have withdrawal symptoms" without Ruben and Clay to root for, says Frot-Coutaz.

Idol won't return until January, but if successful, Juniors will be back for another eight-week run this fall. ``xEpypukFAlETyLeATsk``x1054537200``x(default) paula abdul’s new beau``xIgor``xPaula Abdul has been dating Colton Melby, part owner of gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson, for two months.

The question floating around town is: did she meet him through a high priced dating service? The word on the street is that Abdul met Melby through Kelleher & Associates, a dating service that charges "high-end" clients up to $10,000. When asked if she had met Melby through a dating service, Abdul replied, "Oh yes, I’m so pathetic, I had to hire a dating service." She also said, "If I spent that kind of money, that date better be a damn good one."

Abdul and Melby have both denied that the story is true and claims they met through mutual friends. Melby, 44, has been a frequent guest at Abdul’s home and even visited the American Idol set prompting host Ryan Seacrest to tease Abdul on air about her being "smitten." It was reported that Melby brought Abdul home to meet his family. The weekend visit in Seattle seemed to go well and his family gave Abdul a thumbs-up. A source close to the couple says, "They’re really opposites in a lot of ways. She’s a talented artist, and he’s this rugged adventurer. But they are both very successful, close in age, with no kids, and I think it helps that he isn’t in show business."

Melby has been divorced once. Abdul has made it down the aisle twice. She was married to actor Emilio Estevez from 1992 – 1994 and investment banker Brad Beckerman from 1996-1999. Neither one has been lucky in love; maybe the third time is the charm for Abdul. It has only been two months, but who knows where it may lead. Dating service or not, maybe she has found her very own American Idol.``xEpyEVlylAypYdzsGee``x1054191600``x(default) who'll judge son of 'idols'? ``xIgor``xThe young contestants - ranging in age from 6 to 13 - are lined up.
Network promos have been running for days.

But, with less than a week to go before the start of Fox's summer series "American Juniors" Tuesday at 8 p.m., producers still haven't found their Simon Cowell.

While the creators of the talent show for the pint-size set - it's a spinoff of the mega-hit "American Idol" - said they aren't seeking judges as nasty as Cowell, they're still in the hunt for a panel of experts.

Could Lionel Richie do the job? Or how about Gladys Knight?

Both have been mentioned as potential judges and they've each done time as guest panelists on "American Idol."

Paula Abdul, a veteran of the adult version, also has been suggested.

But as of yesterday, no one had gotten the nod - at least officially.

"At this point, we have nothing confirmed in terms of a host or judges," a Fox spokeswoman said.

Considering the attention the "American Idol" judges have generated in the past - Cowell, dubbed "Mr. Nasty," has become a household name and commercial star - it's surprising that at this late date the "American Juniors" panel has not been set.

But supervising producer David Goffin says this show will focus less on the judges.

Instead, he's banking on the contestants themselves, as well as the oversize egos of some of the undersize performers' parents to lure viewers to "American Juniors."

Parents of the finalists will appear on the telecast - and Fox has been promoting the show using clips of angry adults.

"We're not out to squash kids' dreams and desires on this show or have a Simon Cowell telling kids they're pathetic," said Goffin, also a producer of "American Idol."

"While there's a nastiness about Simon that people love to watch, I think we can make up for that with the inspirational nature of our show and its dream element.

"By and large, the parents will fill in the competitive dialogue on the show," Goffin said. "The judges will act more like coaches."

As with "American Idol," "American Juniors" viewers will call in to select their favorite competitors, who'll form a five-member singing troupe, win a recording contract and go on tour.

The series is scheduled expected to air through mid-August.``xEpypukVkAVuDSyBcSN``x1054191600``x(default) studdard stands alone as the 'idol'``xIgor``xBig man Ruben Studdard of Birmingham, Ala., was crowned the new American Idol last night, proving size doesn't matter.

"I feel great, man," a stunned Studdard, 24, said immediately after the announcement of the audience's close phone vote on the live Fox network show.

The American Idol sing-off pitted Studdard's smooth and silky rhythm-and-blues style against Clay Aiken's gut-busting Broadway sound.

Last night's almost-interminable two-hour finale stretched the suspense until the last 10 minutes of the show, filling the time with production numbers featuring '60s and '70s tunes sung by previously eliminated contestants, solos by the two finalists, and plenty of padding.

Not to mention an avalanche of ads. No fewer than 45 punctuated the broadcast.

When the new idol was finally announced before thousands of cheering fans during the telecast, the two final contestants embraced.

"I couldn't have had a better experience," Aiken said.

Fox had said it expected more than 30 million viewers to watch the verdict in this second edition of Idol.

This season, the contest began with more than 70,000 people at auditions in six cities - often with hilarious and disastrous results.

As the field narrowed, the three judges played their expected roles, with Paula Abdul showing empathy, Randy Jackson calling everyone "dawg" in a fatherly way, and Simon Cowell dumping cold water on thousands of pipe dreams.

The Idol formula has attracted about 20 million viewers to each episode, allowing Fox to charge advertisers $950,000 for a 30-second ad in the finale.

This season, the finalists could really sing, making the competition about aptitude rather than appearance.

The reed-thin Aiken, a 24-year-old teacher's aide from North Carolina, and Studdard, who is unemployed, set themselves apart early not only with their voices, but also their sizes.

Aiken's look was more Urkel than idol, but his bold voice could not be denied. Nonetheless, he made the list of finalists only via a wild-card appointment.

Along the way, Aiken got contact lenses and adopted a spiky Matrix haircut. Studdard shed his signature size-XXXL jerseys and slipped into clothes for a soul man with downtown style.

Fox said that 24 million viewers called in to cast their final votes last night. The winner was determined by a needle-eye 1,335-vote margin.

Cowell, a coproducer of the show, had already said he would sign both Studdard and Aiken to record contracts.

Last year, Kelly Clarkson won the title plus a recording contract. Her Thankful, which debuted at No. 1 last month, is No. 7 on the Billboard albums chart.

Runner-up Justin Guarini from Bucks County, Pa., also got a recording contract, and a costarring role with Clarkson in the movie From Justin to Kelly, set to open June 13.

Studdard and Aiken will join with eight other finalists in the "American Idols Live!" tour, crossing the United States this summer.``xEpypukuEFAOVMZPHom``x1053586800``x(default) ruben is america's idol``xIgor``xSoul singer Ruben Studdard has triumphed in the second series of talent show American Idol after 24 million viewers voted in the final.
Studdard - dubbed the Velvet Teddy Bear - beat fellow finalist Clay Aiken in a tense live showdown.

After the result, he said: "I am just elated. I have dreamed of being in this place my whole life. There's nothing better than living out your dream."

Studdard, 25, is already a household name and a lucrative record contract now has his name on it.

With a gospel and R&B style, he chose to sing Imagine by John Lennon, Westlife's Flying Without Wings and Burt Bacharach's A House is Not a Home on the show.

Aiken - described by the BBC's Peter Bowes as "a geeky crooner with a big, rich voice" - sang The Beatles' Here, There, and Everywhere, Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water and an original song titled This is the Night.

The 24-year-old from Raleigh, North Carolina, said: "I couldn't have had a better experience."

Organisers said some 250 million votes were received over the past four months, more than double those phoned in last year.

The popular talent show has received between 18 and 20 million telephone votes in recent weeks.

Studdard won over the fans, including judge Paula Abdul, with his rich voice and dimples.

Kelly Clarkson, who won the first series last year, enjoyed immediate success with her first single, A Moment Like This.

Despite complaints from the US music industry that the show was boring, American Idol 2 won a huge following among the public.

The show, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, attracted more than 26 million viewers for the Fox network, making it one of the most popular programmes in the network's history.

'Talent over image'

One of its biggest draws was the acid-tongued British judge Simon Cowell - well known for his uncompromising views on the original UK show, Pop Idol.

At the end of the competition he said: "It was image over talent - talent won."

Fellow judge Randy Jackson predicted both men would go "straight to the top".

"They are both very talented. There is nothing in their way," he said.

The series was on air throughout the war with Iraq and led to the release of a charity single, God Bless the USA.

Guest celebrity judges including Robin Gibb, Neil Sedaka and Smokey Robinson joined the regular panel of Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. ``xEpypukukEEQhtmGIiY``x1053586800``x(default) paula in 'in touch' magazine``xIgor``xPaula is in the 5/26/03 issue of 'In Touch' magazine. ``xEpypuFkkFljUlUKTvi``x1053154800``x(default) kimberley eliminated from 'idol'``xIgor``xIn an exceptionally tight race, KIMBERLEY LOCKE pulled the short straw on Wednesday's "American Idol" and was eliminated from the competition. That leaves just RUBEN STUDDARD and CLAY AIKEN to duke it out for the coveted title of "American Idol."

In the special one-hour episode, former "Idols" TAMYRA GRAY and JUSTIN GUARINI dropped by for a visit, singing "Over the Rainbow" and "Unchained Melody," respectively. Don't miss tonight's ET for the inside scoop! PAULA ABDUL was in the middle of all the "Idol" action and will report about all the happenings you didn't see!

Tuesday night, each finalist sang one song they picked, one song the judges picked, and one song selected at random on "American Idol." Kimberley got things going with "Band of Gold," while the Velvet Teddy Bear channeled STEVIE WONDER's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." Clay struggled through the lyrics of the whispery ballad "Vincent" but came back later with a snappy rendition of "Mack the Knife."

Last week, the Marine Corps.' finest, JOSH GRACIN, was dismissed just after the final four "Idol" hopefuls pulled out their best BEE GEES renditions as ROBIN GIBB joined Paula, SIMON COWELL and RANDY JACKSON at the judges' table.``xEpypukVFypiwRXZBld``x1052982000``x(default) simon likes ruben and clay, but not guest judges ``xIgor``xBy Gary Levin, USA TODAY
American Idol's acerbic Simon Cowell doesn't like having interlopers at the judges' table. Nothing personal, but Cowell says the guest judges, new to the show this year, don't belong on the Fox hit talent competition, which airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Some, such as songwriters Neil Sedaka and Diane Warren, have provided a theme for the night's competition. (Next week, Robin Gibb represents the Bee Gees.)

"I personally find it a bit insulting having celebrity judges on the show," Cowell says as Idol heads for the homestretch, culminating with the May 20 finale. "To me, it's our role and nobody else's to judge these kids, because we've chosen them from the beginning." (Related item: Goodbye, Trenyce; full Idol coverage)

Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe blames Cowell's ego: "The only time he's happy to be next to anyone is when he's leaning against a mirror."

But what about the other judges? Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul mostly seem to fawn over Idol's finalists, leaving Cowell to shoulder the audience's boos at any whiff of negativity, which he finds absurd and amusing.

"You could not unblock the nasty thoughts in her head and get them out," says Cowell of Abdul. Abdul would never tell Trenyce — as Cowell did Tuesday — that she looked like a drag queen.

"If you had three people on the panel who were like me, it would be awful; it would just be gratuitous, who could come up with the best insult. Part of its appeal is that we are so different."

That's also his view of the finalists, and Cowell is confident viewers will settle on the pair who have been leaders from the start.

"As long as we've got two good ones, I don't really care. Whoever comes in third, fourth or fifth isn't really a major issue to me as long as the two I like make the finals. And I think the best two are Ruben (Studdard) and Clay (Aiken)," the oversized teddy bear and the gawky Carolina crooner.

"The best thing that's come out of this competition by far is the fact that the two front-runners are so non-typical music business, and that in a way is a good thing. It's responding to what the public is saying, that we want something different."

The risk is a repeat of last summer's Tamyra Gray travesty, in which the singer (now a guest on Fox's Boston Public) was eliminated early, some say prematurely.

"You don't want a situation you had last year, where the best or second-best singer gets kicked out before she has a chance to make the finals," Cowell says.

"The audience short-changed themselves a little bit and missed the chance to see a great final. It was a bit like a heavyweight taking on a lightweight, and that's a problem. That's not being disrespectful to Justin (Guarini, runner-up to Kelly Clarkson); he'll be the first to admit Tamyra was a better singer."``xEpypukuuEFXffkkWpN``x1051686000``x(default) straight up scoop``xIgor``xAmerican Idol judge Paula Abdul is setting out to prove she's more than just the biggest softie in the free world. TV Guide Online has learned that the singer-dancer-pushover is developing two reality programs of her own — a variety-game show hybrid for the WB and an Idol-esque cheerleading competition for MTV. Oh, we can see the Stuff cover already.
``xEpypukVAFpiSTjYUMX``x1049184000``x(default) paula abdul parties straight up``xIgor``xThirteen years ago this week, Paula Abdul was filling the gap between being a Laker Girl and being an "American Idol" judge by selling millions of copies of her debut album, Forever Your Girl. MTV News crashed a Los Angeles party where she was celebrating her success with several of her new Hollywood pals.

"Well, I've seen her on MTV and stuff," observed actress Molly Ringwald, "and she seems like a really great dancer. I mean a really great, great dancer."

" 'Straight Up' is my favorite," gushed Eddie Murphy, "and I like the album a lot. Paula's a real sweet girl."

"She sings it for me live, so I don't need the record," bragged Abdul's then-boyfriend, John Stamos.

Eventually, MC Skat Kat's rooftop dance partner was roped into giving a speech. "Everyone at Virgin Records, I thank you from the bottom of my heart because you believed in me when no one had to," Abdul said, "and you really took a risk with me. ... You've helped me live out my dream."

So after selling 6 million records and scoring four #1 hits, what does Paula Abdul do next? Nope, not Disneyland. "As soon as I get finished with my next album, I'm gonna be doing a big [U.S.] and world tour, so I'll be going everywhere," she said.

While Abdul was marveling at her runaway success, karaoke kings Milli Vanilli (shh ... it was still a secret in 1990) were marveling that critics had the nerve to trash their debut LP, Girl You Know It's True. The curious Euro-pop duo — German-born Rob Pilatus and his largely silent partner, Fab Morvan — had sold 10 million albums, which has to prove something, they said.

In a Time magazine interview (in which we assume they did their own talking), Pilatus boasted: "Musically we are more talented than any Bob Dylan. Musically we are more talented than Paul McCartney. Mick Jagger, his lines are not clear. He don't know how he should produce a sound. ... I'm the new modern rock and roll. I'm the new Elvis."

Seriously, the guy actually said that. See for yourself how the Rob and Fab musical revolution turned out next time VH1 has a "Behind the Music" marathon.

One artist who does have staying power, that butt-baring "Mask" mommy Cher, was shooting a video for the title track of 1989's Heart of Stone 13 years ago this week. In the clip, directed by Marty Callner, the singer is surrounded by images of the people and events, both personal and historic, that have formed the backdrop of her life.

"I said, 'Marty, I have this idea,' and he said, 'Well, I have an idea too. ... You tell me your idea first.' So I said, 'I feel like I wanna do this ... ' When I finished telling him, he said, 'All right, we're not gonna do my idea. My idea's nothing like that. I wanted to put you in a boxing ring and do some weird stuff.' "

As the video attests, Cher has seen a lot in her life.

"One time Bette Midler and I were ... doing a special with Elton John and Flip Wilson, and Bette was at my house and Mick and Bianca came over," the diva dished. "We're all sitting around, and Bianca was acting very strange and she turned the light off, and we're all sitting around having a party. And so Mick said, 'You're really rude. Turn the lights back on. This is really stupid. ... You know, sweetheart, you and Bette would really get along because she hates men too.' Bianca looked at him and said, 'No, darling. No, I just hate you.' And she got up and left. I went, 'Well, this is really interesting. They're a fun couple. We should have them over more often.' "``xEpypukVlFysNczGbXR``x1049184000``x(default) virgin pops out hits compilation ``xIgor``xVirgin Records is set to unveil a new compilation series aimed at teens and tweens, "Got Hits!" The first release in the series, which is in the same vein as the hugely successful "NOW That's What I Call Music!" franchise but features recent and past hits, is due April 8.

The 20-track "Got Hits! Perfect Pop Album," will feature Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out of My Head," Aaliyah's "Try Again," Dirty Vegas' "Days Go By," Coldplay's "Yellow," and tracks by Justin Timberlake, the Calling, Moby, A.B. Quintanilla Presents Kumbia Kings, O-Town, Atomic Kitten, and Mario, among others.

The disc closes with two bonus hits from the 1980s: Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" and Minogue's "The Loco-Motion," the hit cover of Little Eva's '60s classic that jump-started Minogue's career.

Here is the track list for "Got Hits! Perfect Pop Album":

"Can't Get You Out of My Head," Kylie Minogue
"Like I Love You (Basement Jaxx Vocal Mix)," Justin Timberlake
"Try Again," Aaliyah
"Heaven," DJ Sammy & Yanou
"Wherever You Will Go," the Calling
"Yellow," Coldplay
"Days Go By," Dirty Vegas
"We Are All Made of Stars," Moby
"Tide Is High (Get the Feeling)," Atomic Kitten
"All Rise," Blue
"Don't Wanna Try (featuring Frankie J)," A.B. Quintanilla Presents Kumbia Kings
"All I Can Do," Jump 5
"Don't Mess With the Radio," Nivea
"Just a Friend 2002," Mario
"All or Nothing," O-Town
"BareNaked," Jennifer Love Hewitt
"Help Me," Nick Carter
"Something," Lasgo
"Straight Up," Paula Abdul
"The Loco-Motion," Kylie Minogue ``xEpypukulppgYIVcAHC``x1049184000``x(default)