Paula Abdul Ruins American Idol by Reading “Pre-Written” Judge Comments

Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 09:33 PM | American Idol 7

Paula Abdul

I totally did not enjoy tonight’s show because Paula Abdul just revealed that this show is rigged. I really don’t mind if this show is rigged, because I’m all about the entertainment, but to have Paula Abdul spill the secret sauce just like that tonight was very disappointing.

Basically, due to time constraints, the judges were going to give their comments for two songs only after the second song. However, after all the first songs were sung, Ryan Seacrest asked the judges what they thought of the songs so far for all the Idols.

Randy rattled off his comments with precision, then come Paula’s turn, reading her notes she made her “comments” about Jason Castro’s first song and then Jason’s second song, and what she thought about both songs. Before she said her stuff about David Cook, Randy corrected her that it was just the first song. Randy, Simon and Ryan then scrambled to save the situation. Paula then tried to cover up herself by saying that the comments she had read (which were NEGATIVE) were supposed to be for David Cook. (!!!)

Come Jason’s second song, Paula Abdul repeated her “fight” comment from her earlier flub. Geez. Paula can’t ad lib if this show depended on it.

I think the mere fact that Paula revealed that they had notes for the second unsung song is enough to cast doubt — so from the dress rehearsals up to the live performances Jason Castro was continually not “fighting”? If Randy did not stop Paula, she would have most likely read all her notes for the contestants and she looked visibly confused at what had happened.

Video clip:

173 Comments for Paula Abdul Ruins American Idol by Reading “Pre-Written” Judge Comments

1

Its a script! EXPOSED!

Manny on April 29, 2008 at 9:37 pm
2

Simon has publicly admitted that he listens to them during the rehearsal round cuz he can’t hear during the performance round.

Don’t you ever wonder why simon says it sounded better when he listened to it later on TV? It’s because he judged the rehearsal.

libertyjosh on April 29, 2008 at 9:37 pm
3

I haven’t seen it yet, but I just want to throw something out there; all the song competitions in the world are being judged that way, as in the judges attending the dress rehearsals and already have notes taken there. The same way they use dress rehearsal clips in recap and in case they can’t show the live performances.

In fact, in the Eurovision Song Contest, which is the longest running TV musical competition (53 years or so) the judges (there are juries in 43 countries) give in their votes after the dress rehearsals, and if the telephone vote fails, the result is determined by the dress rehearsal.

So it’s not unheard of or rigged. Paula just makes it worse because you’re supposed to look at your pre-taken notes and be able to process them alongside what you just saw, and to be able to know that you’re looking at the wrong notes, and be able to say something even if you don’t have your notes. But it’s too much to expect from Paula.

Shimrit_fs on April 29, 2008 at 9:40 pm
4

Tonight ALSO proved that the show is rigged because the judges threw both Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado under the bus!

The judges ripped Jason apart. Then Randy and Paula go on and on about Syesha being a great actress (meaning they don’t want her as the Idol) and then Simon says she is in trouble.

To me this proves, that the judges and producers want the show to end in a David vs. David finale. And that’s what I deem as rigging!

Indomass on April 29, 2008 at 9:41 pm
5

Are we certain that she didn’t take notes from Jason’s video intro and then again during his first performance? That would make sense for her to get them confused as two separate performances if she did…and she’s flaky enough that I could totally see her doing that!

uktwirl on April 29, 2008 at 9:42 pm
6

Rickey said this in his post above “to have Paula Abdul spill the secret sauce just like that tonight was very disappointing.”

I watched the entire show and I swear that I didn’t see Paula’s Coke cup (her secret sauce) get spilled! lol.

She’s a drunken fool.

JoviQueen on April 29, 2008 at 9:44 pm
7

I thought it was peculiar too that during everyone’s performances, Paula was dancing up a storm, and magically during judging had what appeared to be a dozen index cards of notes on the Idols.

jeffreychrist on April 29, 2008 at 9:45 pm
8

The “judging rehearsals” as common practice defies logic. So what is the American public supposed to judge exactly the pre-judged rehearsals where the judges are giving their “recommendations” or the actual live performance?

There’s a script. My guess is Brooke White is leaving for the simple reason that the “obvious” people leaving are Jason and Syesha, so we will all be surprised tomorrow night.

Rickey on April 29, 2008 at 9:45 pm
9

I wonder if TPTB will put Paula‘s moment in their recap tomorrow.

Simon was probably trying to save Syesha, by saying she is in trouble, and i think it’s working.

Yanzi3721 on April 29, 2008 at 9:45 pm
10

Uktwirl, you’re being way too generous. She’s just a tipsy flipsy mess. She’s way beyond addlepated and slipping into some sort of delicious dementia.

Jodi on April 29, 2008 at 9:46 pm
11

OK. Let me try that slowly – dress rehearsal is supposed to be EXACTLY like the real deal, hence why its called dress rehearsal, and also hence why in many big events around the world tickets are sold for audience to attend dress rehearsals.

So there’s no problem whatsoever in making judgments based on this. If someone sounded terrible and his version was horrible during dress rehearsal, it’s not going to improve much in the actual thing. It is actually a lot more fair to the competitors to have them judged not only by the live event itself: the judges would have to come up with something during a 1.30min of singing, when there is noise in the background and that’s the first time they were hearing the performance.

Shimrit_fs on April 29, 2008 at 9:48 pm
12

Well said, Rickey. The genie is out of the bottle. This damages the show’s credibility. It will be very interesting to see whether they just sweep this under the rug tomorrow night or try to come clean about basing comments on rehearsals. I guess this makes Paula’s comment to Brooke last week about her stop/start all the more remarkable, because she actually managed to ad-lib about the live performances. Sheesh. Her contract should be broken, and she should NOT go on for another season.
I feel so bad for Jason. He must’ve been spinning over that.

GirlyGirl45 on April 29, 2008 at 9:48 pm
13

Hi Jodi – I LOVE your description! LOL! Delicious dementia indeed!

jeffreychrist on April 29, 2008 at 9:50 pm
14

I just feel sorry for Paula cause I know (and you know, and you know I know) about dress rehearsals. But normal people will think the show’s scripted BS. Which, yeah, you shouldn’t prewrite your comments based on rehearsal but it’s not as bad as all that.

Tonight was a big fat mess. I knew Neil Diamond would kill this show.

(except for Cookie on All I Really Need Is You. sighhhlove…!)

michelle on April 29, 2008 at 9:50 pm
15

Rickey, it might defy logic, but let’s start with the fact that it is just like that. If it is good for EVERY OTHER IDOL SHOW on the planet, there’s no reason it wouldn’t be good here.

And you know what? the audience and the judges are not in the same role here. The judges are supposed (with emphasis on “supposed”) to give professional critique, and I don’t think it’s possible after just hearing it once in the hall. (Also take into consideration that inside the hall it sounds different than it does on the screen at home – you get a better sound that they do over there. That’s why in many other idol shows the judges sit with earphones).

Shimrit_fs on April 29, 2008 at 9:52 pm
16

Hah, Rickey. You’re right… I see how you say it’s rigged.

Paul on April 29, 2008 at 9:54 pm
17

After this year, I don’t know if I’ll ever watch Idol again. I’m sticking with it this season to put in votes til the end. The judges have been so inconsistent with their comments this season. They say kudos to one contestant for changing up the songs to be more updated. Then they totally disregard the fact that another contestant did the same thing…and they didn’t say anything. I think the producers know who they want to win and that’s the way it will be. I’m disappointed and wondering if voting our fingers off or not really matters! This sure sticks a pin in my balloon…talk about deflating the excitement.

fan4idol on April 29, 2008 at 9:55 pm
18

Sorry, Shimrit, i just don’t buy that argument. Comments should be based on the live performances. So many times last year Chris R got praise when he was clearly flat or otherwise out of tune, and the only explanation was that the judges were judging a swell rehearsal (or the flat-out ‘pimping’ no matter what they heard).

Jeffreychrist, LMAO about the dancing vs. the index cards! somehow I don’t think Paula is capable of multi-tasking, much less forming one (ONE) coherent thought.

GirlyGirl45 on April 29, 2008 at 9:55 pm
19

this is crazy i dont even know whats going on.they sped through the show WAY to quickly…SYESHA WAS GREAT THOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!Im a fanesha.THERE rickey!she has fans:)

rebgirl4 on April 29, 2008 at 9:56 pm
20

At this point in the competition, why even have judges. Here’s the thing, 80 per cent of the votes come from people who know who they’re voting for at 7:59 based on the quality of their previous performances.

Others vote (or at least should) vote based on who *they* thought was the best. AI producers need to give the public a little more credit.

johnny_canuck001 on April 29, 2008 at 9:56 pm
21

and yes, Paula ruined the show for me

johnny_canuck001 on April 29, 2008 at 9:57 pm
22

I do believe this may be the moment of Season 7 (You Really Got Me with Sanjaya and Crying Girl Ashley Ferl being the moment of Season 6, or was that Bathwater and the ponyhawk? hmm, tough choice)

GirlyGirl45 on April 29, 2008 at 9:57 pm
23

It doesn’t matter that the judges listen to the dress rehearsals first – most people already knew that, and Simon himself admitted it. What DOES matter is that Jason had to come out for his second performance WHILE knowing exactly what reaction he was going to get, no matter how well he did. Also, the fact that Paula tried to pin the negative comment on Cook instead of simply taking responsibility for her mistake is absolutely unforgivable.

And everything about this show is scripted. Both Cook and Archuleta could come out and do nothing but sing the alphabet backwards, and the judges will still lap it up like the second coming. We get it, producers. You want an all-David finale. But how about giving some of the other contestants a fighting chance, eh?

Also, Randy, what the hell does being ‘in the zone’ mean? Is that your new catchphrase? At least ‘if you can sing, you can sing anything’ made SENSE.

I am so pissed off at this show right now. Seriously, let’s just crown one of the Davids and get this over with. It doesn’t matter if they’re the most!talented!group!of!contestants!ever! if you’re only going to give two of them any sort of chance.

Demisquirrel on April 29, 2008 at 9:58 pm
24

Don’t be mean. Last I checked, Paula was only human, just like the rest of us.

maca on April 29, 2008 at 9:58 pm
25

dialidol had Sayesha listed as getting the most votes at the moment? Does that mean she’s going home tomorrow lol?

johnny_canuck001 on April 29, 2008 at 9:59 pm
26

o-m-g!!! they didnt even let her finish! that was such a mess!!!!

butterqflyfly on April 29, 2008 at 10:01 pm
27

And I think Jason will be saved tonight by Paula’s flub. TPTB wouldn’t want the conspiracy theorists to have a field day with it…

johnny_canuck001 on April 29, 2008 at 10:02 pm
28

GirlyGirl, I’m not saying that I think it’s ideal, but A. I do understand why they do it, and B. I do know they do it.

Which I guess why my reaction is so different. I’ve always known they do it (even on American Idol, watch Kelly Clarkson, the first show she sang two songs, and Simon talks about she’s having more to come, it’s because he had watched the rehearsal).

Either way, I’ve known it for so so long – I’ve been following Eurovision since I was 9 years old, and they were the first incarnation of the idol shows – so it just doesn’t come as a surprise for me whatsoever, and therefore doesn’t ruin the show for me. I’ve watched 7 seasons of American Idol knowing that this is how it’s done. So excuse me if I don’t get why everyone are so angry, it’s really not out of any need to argue or annoy other people. It’s just that I honestly can’t understand why it is such a big deal, because it never occurred to me that it wasn’t common knowledge.

Shimrit_fs on April 29, 2008 at 10:02 pm
29

I think they had Paula write out her comments ahead of time because she rambles on and on and gets lost in her own words. Randy told them straight up that they were tight on time and to rush their comments, and Paula screwed it up anyway.

brucella on April 29, 2008 at 10:02 pm
30

don’t grouse too much. the show wouldn’t be as interesting without paula =)

vonjobi on April 29, 2008 at 10:03 pm
31

Okay, so the show might be rigged, if you want to call it that. I mean by now we know who they want to win, David Cook, and who they want gone Jason this week, Syesha, and then Brooke. How they go about it is clumsy and obvious, but in the long run they are pretty much making the same assumptions as we are.

Paula didn’t give anything away tonight. Is it scripted, yeah, rigged not really, we still have to vote. And guess what, she was right Jason stunk up the place, totally.

abbysee on April 29, 2008 at 10:04 pm
32

Demisquirrel, I agree with you about Paula’s comment about Jason. She should have apologized and said she made a mistake so that Jason would be in a better mindset when he sang the next song. I believe her commenting on the second song before he sang it lowered his confidence.

All in all though, if people want to point the finger at anyone, I would look to the producers for keeping Paula on even though they knew her tendency to suprise people…

maca on April 29, 2008 at 10:05 pm
33

Demisquirrell:

“What DOES matter is that Jason had to come out for his second performance WHILE knowing exactly what reaction he was going to get, no matter how well he did.”

I agree completely. Which is why I said in my first post is that my problem is not that the judges do that, is that is Paula screwed it up. It bothers me that she couldn’t tell that she was reading the wrong notes, because you’re supposed to know that, and it bothers me she couldn’t say anything without looking at the notes, and she bothered me as a judge since season 1 because I think she sucks at it, and I want Simon to get someone of the X-Factor panel instead.

I still have no issues with them having the notes to begin with, though.

Shimrit_fs on April 29, 2008 at 10:06 pm
34

I think you’re right brucella. Paula, I’m sure, is aware of her tendency to not be able to put into words what she wants to say (I’m guilty of it too), so writing comments down on cards probably seemed like a good idea to her)

maca on April 29, 2008 at 10:08 pm
35

The question is who wrote her comments

johnny_canuck001 on April 29, 2008 at 10:08 pm
36

Totally scripted! I guess it could have been from dress rehearsal…but how stupid is Paula Abdul?

-ewgs
http://www.xanga.com/ewgs
idol judging

ewgs on April 29, 2008 at 10:11 pm
37

This was just TOO funny for me. I was watching idol with my parents, but the only thing we could say was “PAULA’S DRUNK AGAIN!” I was telling my parents that they see the dress rehearsals, also. BUT! honestly, that is no excuse for PAULA! And THINK ABOUT IT! Was Archie that good tonight? I mean, really!? To me, he was below average, yet ALL judges are STILL CREAMING over his performances. I’m GLAD to see the DIAL IDOL is OVER his PIMPING!

DJJayito on April 29, 2008 at 10:11 pm
38

Really DJ? Like Paula saying DC was the American Idol? No pimping there right?

johnny_canuck001 on April 29, 2008 at 10:13 pm
39

Some of my favorite Idol moments are Paula’s episodes of “delicious dementia.” I like her, actually. That’s Entertainment!

laureldj on April 29, 2008 at 10:13 pm
40

She was having an Elizabeth Taylor moment, and even having a “Dick Clark” on either side was no help

johnny_canuck001 on April 29, 2008 at 10:14 pm
41

BUT! I wasn’t talking about David Cook’s pimping. I was talking about Archie’s pimping. Archie has NOT impressed me much recently, but he is still headed to the finale. He’s THAT GOOD.

DJJayito on April 29, 2008 at 10:15 pm
42

I just don’t understand what Paula’s DRINKING. She has NOTES, and she’s still that incoherent? God help us if they ever do a show without dress rehearsals. I predict her comments will be something along the lines of “(Wrong contestant’s name), you sang (wrong song) and you proved today that you ARE (wrong contestant #2’s name). Whoo!”

Demisquirrel on April 29, 2008 at 10:15 pm
43

So DJ its ok to pimp DC but not DA? Is that your point?

johnny_canuck001 on April 29, 2008 at 10:16 pm
44

REWATCH TONIGHT’S EPISODE!!!! She called Syeshia BROOKE! TRUST ME! watch again… after the final performance, Paula said, “Brooke, blah blah blah…”

DJJayito on April 29, 2008 at 10:17 pm
45

No. I think you guys are such children! I was just pointing out how at least dial idol isn’t following the judges with regard to Archie. Yet, you CHILDREN who can’t see idol without Archie winning can only take the words from ALL POSTS you want to read and TWIST THEM! Re-read what I said. I never said anything beyond… “at least dial idol isn’t listening to “HIS” pimping anymore.

DJJayito on April 29, 2008 at 10:19 pm
46

no need to get nasty, just trying to understand your comment. Anyway, I agree that David A is talented enough to make the final. Lets leave it there ok?

johnny_canuck001 on April 29, 2008 at 10:20 pm
47

You’re right and I’m sorry. I’m just so used to the fact that people DEFEND him without actually reading someone’s post! I wasn’t defending Cookie versus Archie. I was / am a Carly fan. BUt I always liked Cookie and Archie.

DJJayito on April 29, 2008 at 10:22 pm
48

#11:
“OK. Let me try that slowly – dress rehearsal is supposed to be EXACTLY like the real deal, hence why its called dress rehearsal, and also hence why in many big events around the world tickets are sold for audience to attend dress rehearsals.”

I’ve also had newspaper critics and such come to the dress rehearsals of shows I’m in and write up a review of the show based on the dress rehearsal. And given that dress rehearsals aren’t always perfect…that’s sometimes not a good thing. lol

–

Personally, I just think this shows that Paula needs help more than that the show is rigged.

“They tried to make me go to rehab, but I said no, no, no…”

dreamr on April 29, 2008 at 10:22 pm
49

agreed they are all very good

johnny_canuck001 on April 29, 2008 at 10:23 pm
50

Rickey, I totally agree with you. I’ve always defended Paula, but tonight she just ruined 7 seasons of loyal watching. I felt absolutely devastated for Jason. How was he supposed to sing his second song knowing what Paula was already going to say. This really sucks. I’m very disappointed with the show.

texas4jason on April 29, 2008 at 10:23 pm
51

i dont think they should have pre-written comments for the 2nd song, they had enough time to comment

amiroamor on April 29, 2008 at 10:23 pm
52

No excuse for this – to diss a contestant before they’ve sung is awful. It does let us see the strings attached to all this.

That she tried to cover it up is sad but understandable.

But the REAL cover-up starts now – as the PR peeps are SCRAMBLING to put the best possible spin on this and figure out what words to put in her mouth – and make what she said kosher. Can’t wait to hear what they come up with.

ann11 on April 29, 2008 at 10:24 pm
53

COLD BUSTED!!!!

I heard Paula commenting on Jason’s 2nd song Rickey & thought, wtf? ?? I am merely turned around at my computer & I didn’t HEAR NO 2nd SONG!!!

I think that many of us suspected that the judges were prepared with critique outlines (for times sake) at least, based on the contestants rehearsals to be tweaked perhaps following the actual performance. Am I SHOCKED by tonight’s reveal? No. But… I AM disappointed that Paula couldn’t hold it together while critiquing Jason.
Little wonder that after Jason DID perform his 2nd song, the critiques by all 3 judges meant little to him, it appears. Especially, Paula repeating what she began in the show’s 1st half. And Jason speaking back at the judges, something he rarely does, probably had much to do with what had taken place. He is NOT stupid.

Boy, there is a LOT to be said for LIVE television!! LOL

aprylette on April 29, 2008 at 10:26 pm
54

I would expect Jason speaks back to the judges, especially Paula. He’s been polite and the judge (s) threw BS at him. Go Jason!

SuziWong on April 29, 2008 at 10:31 pm
55

Poor Jason =( Paul blew it and he has to suffer. #23 is right Jason had to come out knowing it was SCRIPTED for the judges to hate him-you could tell that his 2nd performance was off and he had all but given up =( ALL of you should be outraged if Jason goes home tomorrow, it could have been any of the contestants that this happened to and you can bet you AZZ if it had been your Beloved David A. or David C. all Hell would have broken out!!

Sweet Melissa on April 29, 2008 at 10:32 pm
56

I just can’t wait to see what TMZ will have to say… it will actually be delicious I’m thinking lol

johnny_canuck001 on April 29, 2008 at 10:33 pm
57

paula didnt know what to say! simon asked “who was your favorite” about 3x and she was pretending not to hear him! what was that? wasnt she the one who wrote her own notes? doesnt she know who was the best in her opinion?

and then pretending that that was david’s note?
she said that jason’s second song was not good. ok. next thing she is saying that was david´s comment and that she loved what he did, so OBVIOUSLY that was NOT david´s note!
she try to cover up but only made everything worse! jeeee!!!

messy mess!!!!

butterqflyfly on April 29, 2008 at 10:34 pm
58

Paula is st—d! For someone whos that old in the industry, she doesnt even know how to adlib. Obviously when she tried to redeemed herself and referred to David Cook for the “wrong comments” David just smiled! Hahahahaha! Very funny Paula! U ruined the shows reputation for the past seven years!

This give VFTW something to talk about now!

dennies_siongco on April 29, 2008 at 10:34 pm
59

Jason must have felt awful after Paula’s flub. It’s unforgivable. I don’t know. It’s not right to be judged way before performing. What’s the use of performing when you’ve been thrown under the bus already. Poor Jason.

mommyness on April 29, 2008 at 10:34 pm
60

If we all think about… We’ve known the comments are scripted since the week David Archuleta sang SHOP AROUND. I loved that performance, but even David, himself, said, “I didn’t think I did that great.” after hearing all the PRAISE he received.

DJJayito on April 29, 2008 at 10:35 pm
61

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Feel free to add urself, comment on the photos, add and upload ur favorite David Cook photo!

DAVID COOK FOR THE WIN!

dennies_siongco on April 29, 2008 at 10:36 pm
62

Can VFTW switch their choice to Paula lol

johnny_canuck001 on April 29, 2008 at 10:38 pm
63

so rickey acting hysterical over nothing again? lol.

heavyblow on April 29, 2008 at 10:38 pm
64

can’t agree with you there heavyblow… it was a heavyblow to AI

johnny_canuck001 on April 29, 2008 at 10:39 pm
65

This show is starting to remind me of one of those all-star wrestling shows. I think the whole thing is scripted and rigged.

deb-deb on April 29, 2008 at 10:43 pm
66

I think American Idol ruined itself. It’s not Paula’s fault that the show is quickly starting to suck.

maca on April 29, 2008 at 10:44 pm
67

Hi guys. I kinda think even this Paula-Abdul-ruining-the-show thing is planned. Maybe even Brooke starting again, and Carly Smithson eliminated. Why? American Idol is now on its 7th season and even Simon commented that the show is getting very boring. Think about this, without all those happenings, will AI still be much talked about? LOL I doubt so. If AI wanna make headlines, they need to have stupid things happening like those. Maybe they are so desperate that they have to plan all the mistakes. JMO

bxcrrcr on April 29, 2008 at 10:45 pm
68

It’s not Paula’s FAULT, but it’s NOT helping.

DJJayito on April 29, 2008 at 10:45 pm
69

That being said. RANDY’S PIMPING OF JORDIN AND NOT DAVID A isn’t helping either.

DJJayito on April 29, 2008 at 10:46 pm
70

True DJ.

maca on April 29, 2008 at 10:46 pm
71

I hated how rushed the show was. Why in the world didn’t they just have each contestant sing one longer song, show more footage of Neil Diamond’s mentoring each one, and let the judges do their normal thing? I thought it was the worst American Idol EVAH.

deb-deb on April 29, 2008 at 10:46 pm
72

Okay…. Did anyone else besides me notice that after Brooke’s performance on the piano when she was talking to Ryan the piano was, I believe, in the background, and then when they announces David A only two seconds later, he was on the same stage and piano was gone. That doesn’t make any sense to me.

If someone saw something different or can figure this out, Please tell me!

dfosty on April 29, 2008 at 10:47 pm
73

Paula is a complete train wreck. She needs to be taken and put in a rehab facility.

smelly shmelly on April 29, 2008 at 10:48 pm
74

Dfrosty, I wouldn’t doubt that the ’stage hands’ had quickly rolled that piano on out of there to prepare for the next act. It’s done so rapidly, especially for LIVE television when there is no commerical break between acts.

aprylette on April 29, 2008 at 10:52 pm
75

I think that’s why Ryan was literally pulling Brooke to the one side because David was coming on the other side

johnny_canuck001 on April 29, 2008 at 10:53 pm
76

dfosty, I think they took away the piano while the judges were commenting

amiroamor on April 29, 2008 at 10:54 pm
77

The judges didn’t comment at all then. You saw ryan standing next to Brooke with the piano there and literally TWO SECONDS later they showed David. There was no in between time. I don’t catch many things like that, but it just seemed all too quick to me to happen. I wish I had that in between clip or something again

dfosty on April 29, 2008 at 10:56 pm
78

Worst episode in Idol History!!

Sweet Melissa on April 29, 2008 at 10:57 pm
79

dfosty – if that’s true – then that could save Paula’s arse – that is, if parts were taped and she’d already seen both of his performances – though we, as an audience hadn’t? Does that make sense?

if nothing else, it could be the tune the PR peeps tell them to sing…

ann11 on April 29, 2008 at 10:59 pm
80

Okay again, I was totally wrong, the judges did comment then, oooops.Forget I said anything. And no, I am not as dumb as Paula Abdul, but I just had a Paula moment, hahaha!

dfosty on April 29, 2008 at 11:01 pm
81

Melissa, hopefully next week they’ll go back to a little wider (and from this century) kind of theme.

Shimrit_fs on April 29, 2008 at 11:04 pm
82

dfosty, some stages have trap doors on stage that they can open and take something down and instantaneously substitute another piece of floor the same size. The piano would be bolted down so it wouldn’t shift around.

deb-deb on April 29, 2008 at 11:05 pm
83

April 29, 2008

Dear American Idol Executive Producers, Producers, Hosts & Advertisers –

Paula’s premature comments about Jason Castro’s 2nd performance and her then attempt to pass them off as David Cook’s feedback were shameless. And then immediately after the comments, Castro is expected to come out and perform the 2nd song? Don’t even try to tell me this was not rigged? And do not try to tell me that Paula was judging from dress rehearsal notes.

Read the press and non American Idol blogs on this evening’s show. There are many questions about your intent. If, after this gaffe, Jason Castro goes home April 30, American Idol will have a very black eye indeed. I don’t think you could have done a better job of proving the show is rigged if you had tried.

Sincerely,

Oneriver

Oneriver on April 29, 2008 at 11:05 pm
84

The judges have never looked like they were writing anything down when the actual performance is on (Paula’s dancing half the time) so I think all of their comments are written during dress rehearsal regardless. That was still a dumb slip-up on Paula’s behalf though. Ouch.

shilvhwaiixp on April 29, 2008 at 11:06 pm
85

#78 I agree with you…

kyo2590 on April 29, 2008 at 11:07 pm
86

Not hard to roll off a piano once the brakes ate released. One nimble stage hand to flip the brake and two push. With the spotlight on Ryan and Brooke, it makes it hard for the camera to pick up much outside of the lighting.

I think Ryan screwed up big-time. He said no comments until the second song.

chessguy99 on April 29, 2008 at 11:09 pm
87

It has never been a secret that the judges attend the dress rehearsal (you know the one that they pre-tape and feature with the edited clips at the end of the show?).

And, yes, it’s no secret that they formulate their thoughts and opinions during the rehearsal. Sometimes they modify their comments after seeing the live performance, but most of the times they just have the same thoughts. Simon has said publicly that he has already formed opinions during the run-throughs. That’s why he can talk during the live performances. Ellen had already grilled him on this.

They have made several comments in the past and said that so and so did much better during the dress rehearsals.

It was clear that they all supposed to have written notes tonight because of the quick judging after round 1. Only Paula was so ditzy to read her comments for the second performance that she saw during rehearsal. She probably thought that they had already done with the show.

It was awkward, yes. Embarrassing, sure. But it’s no proof of anything rigged. LOL.

heavyblow on April 29, 2008 at 11:11 pm
88

Right. It’s not evidence that the show is rigged. It’s evidence that Paula is incompetent to do simple things. (She didn’t know that he hadn’t sung his second song? What? She blacked out?)

Suzanne on April 29, 2008 at 11:23 pm
89

there goes another year-worth material for Kathy Griffin lol, no seriously, it proved that her theory was right, as the clock’s ticking towards nine, the “medicine” starts showing up even more too hahahaaha, nice paula, nice.

baymon on April 29, 2008 at 11:27 pm
90

This show was a travesty. Aside from the fact that it completed the cycle of 3 consecutive weeks of complete lameness, Paula let slip what everybody always suspected, which is that the judges (at least Randy and Paula) play favorites. For all we care, they are doing Sudoku puzzles and surfing Facebook while the contestants were singing. Then afterward, they’ll give gratuitous comments about pitch, register, and vulnerability.

For what it’s worth, I thought Jason showed a lot of poise and maturity tonight. He was a complete gentleman, and unlike diva-Syesha, he didn’t press the judges for any further feedback (not that it would have been in any way constructive– they seriously have made up their minds that he can’t do anything good).

Circumstances aside, I thought the second song was fantastic. From the first line, I thought his performance was sexy, focused, and heartfelt.

Randy has made it really clear that he doesn’t like the guy. That’s because he’s still stuck in 1982 when Whitney and Mariah were hot. I got a news flash– divas aren’t sexy any more. The Generation Y-ers want One Republic, John Mayer, and for some inexplicable reason, the guy from Coldplay. Radiohead is making a comeback too, although many will attest that they never left.

Jason Castro is going to be hugely successful, and I bet he’ll sell to a wider fanbase than some of the other 4 “better” contestants.

Go Coffeehouse Idol! Jason FTMFThird Place (although I would feel immense satisfaction if he was the dark horse spoiler for the Duel of the Davids).

DJ Ryce on April 29, 2008 at 11:27 pm
91

The judging was totally unfair tonight……they are setting Jason up. He is a great NATURAL talent. No one let alone a 20 year old should have to listen to someone berate his performance BEFORE he performs it….this is supposed to be about unknown, unsigned talent and Jason is a jewel. No he isn’t as polished as the rest….but why do you suppose that is…..he is not trained, but he is worth the chance. Jason will get all of my votes

hamiltmj on April 29, 2008 at 11:31 pm
92

On one hand watching Paula be an idiot has it’s charm, but this incident really seems pathetic. She is such a mess – I think she needs to be a guest star on Intervention instead of a judge on AI.

Tonight leaves me with a lousy feeling about the show – yeah, I know it is not news the show is “slanted”, but this incident has left me less enthused.

BB2 on April 29, 2008 at 11:33 pm
93

I figured it out last week when Carly brought out that t-shirt that said Simon Loves Me-this week. The T-shirt had to be printed in advance!!!!!! How did she know that Simon would love her?????

FormerIdolFan on April 29, 2008 at 11:37 pm
94

Aww Come on we all know the show is scripted and rigged, how else can David Archuleta’s Shop Around be excellent or Jordin Spark’s Somewhere be the best vocal in Idol ever, but it still is very entertaining. I actually liked how they tried to cover it and miserably failed!

The dress rehearsal comment actually has a point and Paula might have been confused with her notes… And you simply can not ad lib something like that (Alright what would you guys say if you were her? Anything after that would have been ridiculous… bottom line, I knew the show was rigged and scripted but I still love it every season

Paula You Can See The Future, You go girl! LOL!

merlyhaggard on April 29, 2008 at 11:39 pm
95

DJJayito @ 44, YES, I caught Paula’s runner-up flub of referring to Syesha as Brooke. Oh dear.

DJRyce, right ON about where music is going and “Go Coffeehouse Idol! Jason FTMFThird Place (although I would feel immense satisfaction if he was the dark horse spoiler for the Duel of the Davids).”

Since the show is a travesty and IS RIGGED, they’d better rig it so Jason stays another week to make up for Paula’s gross error. I really don’t mind if they sit in rehearsals and give a full listen and take notes, but I expect them to come to the show with an open (and FOCUSED) mind and judge what they see in live performance (and NOT talk through it—so, so rude to the contestants).

GirlyGirl45 on April 29, 2008 at 11:40 pm
96

Rickey, Do you think Nigel Lythgoe writes ALL the comments the judges are supposed to make for his shows??? Paula’s blunder calls into question the results of his other “reality” show So You Think You Can Dance. How else to explain that Sabra Johnson was selected as America’s Favorite Dancer last year.

Jonathan67 on April 29, 2008 at 11:41 pm
97

I really feel that Paula is SMARTER than we give her credit for. I really think tonight’s episode was a clear-cut example of Paula “trying” to bring light to “the producers having a clear cut ‘we’re chiming in our ears for a while’”. I love Jordin. Felt she should’ve won, but that was IGNORING Randy’s “you’re only 17!” comment every week. This season it’s been Archie and to some extent Cookie, but at least Cookie has had moments of TRUE originiality and startdom. I think Paula might have been bringing light to the absense of Carly. I’m probably way off base, but her calling Syesha – Brooke – at the end… I think was her saying… “it doesn’t matter who you are if you aren’t a DAVID.”

DJJayito on April 29, 2008 at 11:46 pm
98

and to comment on the show being “rigged”… I bet it’s in reaction to the FLOP that was TAYLOR HICKS! That nearly KILLED the show. you had 6 or 7 FANTASTIC TALENTS in season 5, yet, who won… “the awkward Taylor Hicks.” who likely just wanted to get his crew some exposure.

DJJayito on April 29, 2008 at 11:48 pm
99

Obviously Paula is still on the show because in some weird way most of America seem to get their jollies out of her rediculous ramblings. I at times find it funny but what happened tonight caused me to shake my head in disbelief.

Despite her messed up review, Jason did have an off night and it is past his time to go. Why he is still there and Carly and Michael Johns are gone is beyond me. And Brooke’s “I forgot my words” and crying spells is getting a little old as well.

There, that’s my rant for the night…lol….anywho, David Cook should win this thing but keep an eye on Syesha…she could surprise us all!

David Cook the Next American Idol….Woo Hoo

bamafan0121 on April 29, 2008 at 11:56 pm
100

I’m with you, smelly shmelly.

They ought to make her got to rehab
I say GO GO GO!

Yikes! When judging a singing competition becomes “too hard”, it’s time to make some changes in your life.

lex on April 30, 2008 at 12:00 am
101

The judges admitted on Larry King that they watch dress rehearsals. Having said that it wouldn’t surprise me if Paula’s comments are scripted because she’s too high to come up with anything on the spur of the moment.

This is a reality TV show. I don’t care if it’s rigged or not.

Natalia on April 30, 2008 at 12:00 am
102

I don’t even wanna go there, Jonathan67! Sabra over Danny – NO WAY! But yeah, it happened. Very clever of Nigel to slant opinion & viewer votes by labeling the exquisite Danny as “arrogant”. Hunh? Guess they really wanted a female winner last season, so… Come to think of it, that term ‘arrogant’ was being tossed at David Cook early in the season. So unfair.

Speaking of subliminal messages, Simon’s final statements regarding Syesha’s closing performance was so contrived prompting her to respond, “but why?” A reasonable response by her as I believe the Paula/Jason damage control process had begun with Simon’s comment, “Syesha, I think you’re in trouble this week”. I can imagine her thinking, ‘no kidding… tell me about it!’

aprylette on April 30, 2008 at 12:03 am
103

Like I said… My initial response was “paula is responding to the dress rehersals….” however… even if that is the case, that shows that they already have something to say before the contestants even perform,

DJJayito on April 30, 2008 at 12:07 am
104

quite an embarassing boo-boo!!

zed on April 30, 2008 at 12:07 am
105

and – yes – you are right… they called “David Cook” – WORTHY. and Danny “arrogant” which to me was the farthest thing from fact.

DJJayito on April 30, 2008 at 12:08 am
106

So, did Paula’s drunken critique of non-existent songs make it to the Central or Western time zones?

To be honest, the judges often seem to be commenting on performances other than the ones I see, so tonight came as no surprise, save the fact Paula refused any help sent her way, instead fighting it out in the quicksand. While Ryan should know better than to toss a curve to her, one can’t help but blame Paula for failing to realize reality happens on a time line different from the one in her mind.

richie on April 30, 2008 at 12:08 am
107

For whoever said that Neil Diamond killed this night is wrong. I think there are contestants that not good enough to sing every and anything.
He is one of the most brilliant artist of HIS time. He wrote and sang more songs than most artist. You just have to apreciate or like his kind of music. I can’t say I do, but I will not say he ruined the night. The judges ruined the night by exposing that they already have their minds made up in advanced and possibly are told what to say. Hopefully not. I love American Idol and I love seeing new talent. I hate to see this all happen…

candle602 on April 30, 2008 at 12:09 am
108

Poor Paula, she looked so embarrassed. It was difficult to pay attention after her flub, for me anyway. Ryan should remember to stick to the pre-planned organization of the show, so as not to confuse anyone.

I really do wonder how they’ll address this issue, if at all. I agree with all the posts that are giving Jason props for keeping his head up and performing, and for not saying something to Paula when she began to her critique.

Always exciting times with American Idol!

anubha on April 30, 2008 at 12:10 am
109

LOL… Ryan was looking left and right as PAULA was talking about Jason’s mysterious second performance. Ryan is VERY SMART in terms of “ratings” – he knew it was interesting.

DJJayito on April 30, 2008 at 12:13 am
110

It’s just funny that the Jason fans are using Paula’s slip up as their legit excuse that TPTB are throwing Jason under the bus.

People, he was BAD tonight, and he deserves to go. He still probably won’t though.

tennister on April 30, 2008 at 12:13 am
111

Richie- I asked the same question- about the West Coast feed – figuring Ai would try to do damage control by editing. I heard from a West Coaster they left it in- I suppose they know it will be on every reel tomorrow…too late in other words

BB2 on April 30, 2008 at 12:16 am
112

This will be my last season to watch AI. What Paula did tonight was extremely insensitive. This show is rigged. I felt terrible for Jason Castro. He is a nice young man that doesn’t deserve this kind of treatment. My family really likes him and if he leaves tomorrow it will be a total injustice. I hope the media gets a hold of this and exposes the AI producers and judges for what they are – unprofessional, heartless people. I know they think that we, the audience, are idiots. Trust me, Paula just ruined their reputation.

texasidol24 on April 30, 2008 at 12:16 am
113

I still laugh that with the select few….. no one is bringing up how Paula accidentally called Syesha Brooke – which to me was an indication that producers have pretty much said… “girls?… it doesn’t matter at this point.”

DJJayito on April 30, 2008 at 12:18 am
114

Yeh, Jason was bad, and Paula was stupid. However, I still love Paula. She messed up big time. But the show must go on. Obviously, she was going by the dress rehersals.
LOL yes Ryan was looking all around. Kind of like someone please help me here!!!!

candle602 on April 30, 2008 at 12:20 am
115

This was perhaps the single most entertaining moment in Idol history…any season.

baka77 on April 30, 2008 at 12:23 am
116

I’m on the west coast. They left it in.

Natalia on April 30, 2008 at 12:25 am
117

Media is going to have a field day with this, let me tell you…

frogcooke on April 30, 2008 at 12:43 am
118

heavyblow – something must be wrong with me tonight because I find myself agreeing with you almost one hundred percent. Yikes!

candle602 on April 30, 2008 at 12:45 am
119

Candle602, I, too, love AI with all of the inherent flaws because this show provides a vehicle for undiscovered, semi-discovered & lately, re-discovered singing talent! LOL

There are artist’s who obtained their show business beginnings via AI, who are still in the business, & are proof that this contest (flawed, yes) should continue for years. Perhaps it could be tweaked in the near future, kinda refreshed (a new judge or 2) or something to revitalize it.

AI hasn’t had a GUEST judge preside for the season in years. I think the time couldn’t be better starting in season 8!:)

aprylette on April 30, 2008 at 12:45 am
120

People have said that Clay Aiken was never as good in rehearsals as he was live. Real performers feed off the excitement of the crowd. The judges need to base their opinions on the real performances. I bet they do discuss what they are going to say. Wierd night.

It’s too much manipulation. With everyone, about everyone. The votes are all messed up. It appears people are listening to the judges more this year, and they aren’t even judging the same thing we’re hearing. And they are trying too hard to force the outcome of the show. For all the talk that they aren’t worried about falling ratings, they sure look desperate. There’s more talk about the fall of Idol than the idols themselves.

meg on April 30, 2008 at 12:45 am
121

Well I noticed something… If you zoom way in when Paula is rustling her papers… you can actually see that her notes are in Nigel’s handwriting. I’m not sure what this means though.

Rickey… maybe you can get a still of that

johnny_canuck001 on April 30, 2008 at 12:50 am
122

it was a jaw-dropping moment when paula dropped the ball. and yes, i caught the “brooke” moment too, DJ. i don’t think it compensates for jason’s not-so-hot showing tonight, but man was it lame lameness.

amber on April 30, 2008 at 12:51 am
123

Thank you Natalia! I was wondering if they would just cut it out and make Jason’s lack of enthusiasm look like is own problem rather than a matter of hearing Paula’s criticism prior to singing.

richie on April 30, 2008 at 1:08 am
124

Idol (like most “reality” shows) always comes across as too scripted, but it’s still awfully entertaining! Who knows if the contestants actually pick their own songs to showcase their talent, or if their fates are all just mapped out from the first round of auditions. I wonder if our votes even influence who gets kicked off, or if each victim is predetermined by the producers!

The best part about live shows is the risk of a major flub but I don’t think anyone, including pill-popping Paula, deliberately botched this episode for ratings… The media and the blogs will milk it for all it’s worth, and AI will get more attention as a result of it, but it was just a thoughtless evening of amnesia for Ms. Abdul.

I don’t have much sympathy for her since she’s overpaid and underqualified to be a judge. Plus she only has to hold it together through a few short hours and a handful of staged comments each week… In addition to insulting JC before he had a chance to disappoint her with his 2nd performance, pinning her negative slip-up on Cookie while praising him, and then calling sultry Syesha “Brooke” (and giving her Brooke’s comment?) without even realizing it, P-Dummy was completely out of THE ZONE all night and in a haze of Coca Cola brand confusion. It was a Wizard of Oz behind-the-curtain moment to remember… Tragic, but you gotta love it!

iheartrickeydotorg on April 30, 2008 at 1:13 am
125

I was so mad either Idol is rigged and Paula may or not have seen Jason’s rehearsal and accidently read off her cruel comments about how bad Jason was in his second performance, even though he never sang his second song yet.

Maybe Paula was supposed to say that stuff just to make Jason feel so bad that it would almost assure him to be so nervous and sad that he would then really give a bad performance. I guess Idol thought they could get rid of Jason by making us the people at home think how bad it was going to be before we even saw the 2nd performance or heard the song. But that only made a lot of people vote even more for Jason so their plan didn’t work.

This was just awful for Jason He must have felt very bad and how could he give a very good performance when he knew how Paula thought about him. Also how come Randy and Simon let Paula rant and rave until she was finished putting Jason down.

This was not fair at all and Jason better not be booted off the show tomorrow.

Donna on April 30, 2008 at 1:30 am
126

Paula Abdul really screwed it up! lol BIG TIME!

shadow25 on April 30, 2008 at 1:37 am
127

I know Jason said something like he was so nervous he had a lump in his throat, and Paula said something like oh you don’t have a sweet in your throat like last week. This was said after everyone was done with both of their songs and Paula then was giving her comments (for the second time.) My 13 year old daughter thought Paula said you don’t have a cyst in your throat like last week. I have to play the video that back because I couldn’t hear it good or make out what Paula was saying to Jason about his throat. Maybe it was something to do with him being sick last week. But of course Jason was even extra nervous because of Paula.

Donna on April 30, 2008 at 1:42 am
128

OK enough of this Paula is only human crap, Paula needs some serious REHAB ASAP!

This is supposed to be a family friendly show, if she can’t say no to drugs/booze , then what kind of role model is she? How do parents explain her irrational behavior to their children?

She is becoming just too painful to watch, I can’t take much more of her sloppy antics and slurred speech!

REHAB REHAB REHAB……..

Shelly on April 30, 2008 at 1:45 am
129

Wow – conspiracy abounds!!

I might, therefore, be the only person on the site tonight who got what Paula’s screw up was all about… Our ditzy Ms Abdul thought that Jason actually sung two songs in his one performance.

I ALSO thought that Jason was doing 2 songs AT FIRST – like a collage or something. It was a bit weird. He started in a very “low” tone and then stepped it up the chorus. Yeh – the song IS written that way – but when Neil Diamond sings it the transition between the two arrangements is smooth enough to sound good. Jason didn’t transition at all. It really did sound like he took 2 songs and combined them.

…then again – I sort of figured out by the end of the performance that it was 1 song, correctly arranged and badly delivered. Paula took a little longer (and I’m actually the blonde one!).

A rigged American Idol says the viewers? Guess anything is possible – but that just doesn’t explain stuff like Taylor Hicks….

jtowngal on April 30, 2008 at 2:02 am
130

It doesn’t matter who your personal fav is, the fact that the producers give the judges prewritten citiques of the contestant’s songs to read is a deal breaker. I’m surprised Paula didn’t turn around and ask Nigel Lithgoe what he meant her to say cuz she couldn’t read his handwriting! Can you imigine how Castro felt sitting there getting ready to sing his seocnd song knowing it had already been thoroughly panned??? OMG! I think he deserves a Brooke White (ya know, a do over). And I think we all need to start a huge “write in” to Fox complaining about the “rigging of AI. Isn’t there some law about this? I mean come on FCC – get in there and start CSI-ing. I’m not exactly surprised but at the very least FOX needs to be a bit more subtle when “fixing” a show that’s supposed to be decided by home viewers.

jcast on April 30, 2008 at 2:24 am
131

In case you guys needed even MORE proof about how Paula Abdul FAILS:
http://www.theinsideronline.com/news/2008/04/17780/index.html

“Paula explains that she was trying organize her notes, saying, “I was trying to give my critique for Jason Castro, and scribbled Jason’s name, and that was DAVID [COOK]’s! … We all just screwed up everything.”

Yes, Paula. We all believe that your notes for David Cook said, “Not charismatic enough, not trying hard enough to get into the final four, FANTASTIC!” The fact that you repeated the EXACT same critique almost word for word AFTER Jason actually gave his second performance totally doesn’t mean anything. Or did you mix up Castro’s and Cook’s notes again? Was it really Castro who you thought could be the next American Idol?

Seriously, my respect for her just plummeted by about a thousand points. She made a mistake, yeah, but to cover it up this badly? Gross.

Demisquirrel on April 30, 2008 at 2:28 am
132

From ET

Paula After ‘Idol’: The Star Talks About Her Misunderstanding!

Just in: PAULA ABDUL talks exclusively to ET about her misunderstanding on Tuesday night’s “American Idol” performance show!

Discussing the small slip of the tongue she experienced while assessing finalist JASON CASTRO’s first performance, Paula explains: “It got very confusing … the producers come up to us in the dark and said, ‘We are not going to have you guys judge after each performer, we are going to have all the performers go once, then twice and at the end critique them.’”

Surprised by the last minute switch in judging procedures, Paula recounts, “I am feverishly trying to write notes for every performance.”

And when host RYAN SEACREST asked the judges to quickly sum up the performances, Paula explains that she was trying organize her notes, saying, “I was trying to give my critique for Jason Castro, and scribbled Jason’s name, and that was DAVID [COOK]’s! … We all just screwed up everything.” She adds with a laugh: “This is live television. This is fun!”

Vclip:
http://www.etonline.com/news/2008/04/61122/index.html

astrid on April 30, 2008 at 2:44 am
133

see Rickey? didnt we say the other week that although they cannot fake results, they can very much SWAY voting by deciding how the judges comment…. for example:

1. Simon saying Syesha is in trouble actually might help her get through to next week

2. Paula saying Jason isnt fighting will also help him through, maybe…

3. And, not so much controversy this week over Brooke would probably spell a boot for her.

INDOMASS, i agree with your sentiments about the rigging. And they have made it pretty obvious they want a David vs David finale, even during the results show last week when they got called to safety first.
And Rickey, you are right. The judges should form comments until the actual performance. Or at least, FINALIZE their comments after the performance even if they have opinions during rehearsal…
But damn, Paula is so out of it. She should get sacked for this…

ninna on April 30, 2008 at 2:49 am
134

(to ninna #133) Firing Paula won’t help poor Jason Castro much. I heard him say he got choked up and who can blame him after hearing his song condemned before he even sang a single note! What a mess. Totally casts doubts on the show’s credibility. I hear from Pond Culture that the UK Idol show (also run by Nigel Lithgoe) was rife with faked votes and complete disregard for the voters choices – caused a huge stir there. So I guess it’s not surprising. An unethical person is an unethical person no matter whether he’s in London or Hollywood. So, anyone irate enuf can write to the FCC and FOX to complain. I am.

jcast on April 30, 2008 at 3:05 am
135

When we went to the AI dress rehearsals previously, the judges were NOT in attendance. They had stand-ins for them, which they said was their regular procedure. Unless things have changed, either the judges’ comments aren’t written themselves, or they are basing them on something other than the dress rehearsal.

azac460 on April 30, 2008 at 3:16 am
136

when does paula ever do anything right or say anything thats not crazy? im trying to figure out how shes even on the show still but i guess ppl will tune in to see what she says each week. i woudln’t be surprised that this show is rigged.

abercrombieco2 on April 30, 2008 at 4:27 am
137

You all know that the judges probably hear their rehearsals, rights? It’s not so outlandish that they take notes during those performances, maybe using some of those comments on their final live performances. I think we should give Paula a little break here. She is human, you know. This is what happens when the tv program is rushed and then Ryan decides to change it up and have the judges go ahead and comment after the first round instead of the final round like he stated at the beginning of the show. I still don’t think the show is rigged. I think that everyone needs to take a chill pill. Show producers need to promise themselves they will do a better job of planning out the timing of the show so that the judges are not put in another predicament where they have to adlib, or are tempted to speak from their handwritten notes. Give Paula a little break here, folks, for Squirrelly!

Squirrelly on April 30, 2008 at 7:49 am
138

Squirrelly – I have to defend Paula a bit also, because Ryan said at the beginning of the show the judges would not do ANY judging until after the contestants sang their second song. Then he brings them on the stage, surprises the judges and ask them after their first song what they thought. I thought right away, it was weird he did that because its not the way he said they would do it. Now mind you most people would realize they didn’t hear two songs from each contestant, but Paula indeed made a mistake, and obviously was going off her notes from the dress performances. I still like Paula and AI.
She has done some goofy things every year and we all get over it…

candle602 on April 30, 2008 at 8:37 am
139

Isn’t it a bit presumptive to assume that *IF* the judges had notes from dress rehearsals they would read them “as is” even if the actual live performance was much better or much worse than what their notes indicate?

I’m also not buying the whole “Jason was devastated by Paula judging a song he hadn’t sung yet and that was why he didn’t deliver” excuse. It was obvious during the intro video that he was accutely uncomfortable with the music and just wasn’t feeling it/connecting with it (just like the Michelle song from Beatles week), and that was evident during both of the live performance songs. A lot of musicians would have responded to her premature critique with an “I’ll show her” mentality and fought to deliver a great peformance. I just don’t see much of a competitive streak with Jason (even though I like him and find his music pleasantly different) and get the feeling that he’s just along for the ride.

uktwirl on April 30, 2008 at 9:14 am
140

For me, the worst part of it is that she’s still maintaining that she was reading her comments for Cook when it’s so blatantly a lie. As is shown in the ET video clip referenced in earlier posts. (#132) I guess she thinks we’re dumber than she is.

Spriggzoid on April 30, 2008 at 9:46 am
141

azac, very interesting that the judges used stand-ins at your rehearsal. Wonder how often that happens. So no wonder poor Paula can’t even keep people’s names straight, if she’s being handed notes and THEN has to match up names to faces AND do so on the fly. It’s all just a bit too much for poor poor Paula. Grrrrr. New formatting idea: equip the judges’ seats with ejection buttons. When America gets fed-up with their comments, they call in a special judge ejection-seat number and BOING out they go

UK, yes just a bit presumptive. Re not buying that Jason was devastated by the comments and therefore didn’t deliver. Well, we’ll never KNOW, will we, how Jason would have performed on his own because he didn’t have that opportunity. Paula’s premature negativity completely confounds his second performance. To conclude that he’s just along for the ride is taking the judges’ comments hook, line, and sinker and even stereotyping on the basis of his dreads.

GirlyGirl45 on April 30, 2008 at 9:53 am
142

David Cook will win hands down. Everything he touches turns to gold. David Cook’s first song was cut so short, I would really like to hear the full song. His second song had me drooling. I want him bad! Squirrelly loves David Cook!

David A. did okay, and Syesha was good. The judges need to be more fair with Jason, he’s doing a good job adding his soulfulness to the songs, and his style is not as grandiose as the others. Brooke should have gone home last week.

Paula needs to get a little break here. News: Paula IS human. And everyone felt how the AI show was rushed last night. After Ryan announced at the beginning of the show how the judges were not going to provide their opinions until after the 2nd performances, then Ryan changed it up on them and told them to quickly give their comments…it’s no wonder that Paula got a little confused here. She probably thought she’d better get her comments in real quick. I’m sure that she heard the rehearsals, and jotted down some notes. At least Paula knows music, and knows that David Cook is going to win AI. At least Paula recognized how unprofessional Brooke was in stopping during her performance last week. Paula is not a rocket scientist, she is an artist. Give her some props for recognizing Brooke for what she really is…

(I think that Jason deserves a little more consideration, though. He’s definitely better than Brooke. I hope Jason makes it another week).

Squirrelly on April 30, 2008 at 10:10 am
143

Just re-watched the video, OMG LOL how awkward for everyone! BUT, did anyone else see Brooke freaking out with her little “frowny mouth”? LMAO She looked like a fish trying to get air! And Simon when he realized what Paula was doing looking to Randy like Holy Sh*t! then trying to stop shut her up? LOL Priceless AI moment. I’m still mad that it happened to Jason but I can also find the humor in it!

Sweet Melissa on April 30, 2008 at 10:16 am
144

Sometime ago, I saw an in-depth interview with Simon. He sits in his trailer during rehearsals and has the option of watching the kids perform on a monitor in his trailer. I imagine this is available to all 3 judges and could explain Paula’s impression of Jason’s second unheard-by-us song.

I heard Jason say he was choking before his second song started and that he threw up a little bit in his mouth. I feel so bad for him, but it appears this seriously riled up those “bus people” on the big ole boards. Jason will be safe and may have otherwise been going home this evening had it not been for Paula.

lever2000 on April 30, 2008 at 10:17 am
145

jtowngal (#129)–we have to remember that Jason was given a very short period of time to sing a song that was meant to take 3-4 times longer. Maybe that’s why his transition wasn’t as smooth. However, we need to make sure that we are stumping on creativity even if it is not as flamboyant as the other idols. Jason does have some unique qualities. On the other hand, why is Brooke still here? Syesha continues to improve or at least not lose ground. I have to think that Simon and Randy think Brooke is pretty so she deserves to f&#k up twice and stop in the middle of her songs. I think she should have been disqualified for it the first time, and the second time only Paula stood up to say what was on the majority of listeners minds when Brooke completed her awful song. You never stop in the middle of a song, Brooke. Please go home, Brooke.

Squirrelly on April 30, 2008 at 10:20 am
146

Right now, I like Paula better than Simon. I think she is more credible, because I think Simon is thinking with another part of his anatomy (not his head).

Squirrelly on April 30, 2008 at 10:21 am
147

Squirrelly, I don’t think Brooke is Simons type at all and if what you are saying it to be believed, there were many others that were more beautiful than Brooke who would have lasted longer. You are making yourself look like a nasty disgrunteled fan with no credibility by saying such things……….

Sweet Melissa on April 30, 2008 at 10:25 am
148

Oh for gods sake Sweet Melissa you are the one sounding like a disgruntled fan.
Squirrelly – be careful don’t you know you’re not allowed to say too loundly you’re a DC fan and also apparently not allowed to stick up for Paula. I know I got my A## kicked last night by those nice David A. fans because I was just a way over zealous David Cook fan in their eyes. LOL

candle602 on April 30, 2008 at 11:28 am
149

I have no problem with Paula, she’s high on painkillers half the time, so I don’t blame her for being frazzled.

I will, however, come to Jason’s defense.

Re: tennister

“People, he was BAD tonight, and he deserves to go”

Respectfully, I disagree. Jason was on point for the level of performance he normally brings. He picked the songs that match his subdued style. I don’t want to see Jason Castro singing Broadway like a diva. I don’t want to see him rock out to AC/DC. I don’t want to see him run around the stage with lots of smoke and epilepsy-inducing laser effects. I like him just the way he is, sitting on a stool behind a mic, on a dimly lit stage.

The judges, Randy in particular, seem to think “American Idol” is about finding the best singer in America. Simon is more interested in finding the next American music star, which is why I’m disappointed that he can’t see Jason’s potential. The two do not necessarily go hand-in-hand. Talent is more than belting big notes and fancy runs, because Eminem does neither. Marketability is obviously more than technical singing ability because Britney and JT are still selling albums.

Jason is what this show should be all about — an undiscovered star with a lot of natural talent. What he lacks in experience and polish, he makes up with immense potential. With a little bit of coaching, he can be huge. And that’s what I thought this show was all about.

But based on the judges, I bet Randy would blast Bob Dylan for having a weak voice and Johnny Cash would get flack for not being versatile enough.

Replace Randy Jackson with Timbaland and switch Paula Abdul for someone like Mariah. She’s got the sweet personality, but she impressed me as a guest judge because her comments were very insightful. I think Shakira might also be a good judge. But AI really needs to revamp the judging so they’re actually giving advice about music NOW, as opposed to when jelly shoes and Jncos were still cool.

DJ Ryce on April 30, 2008 at 11:52 am
150

candle602, Excuse me??? Who said anything about DC or DA??? You are wacked! I happen to be a Jason Castro fan thank you very much. I stand by statement but will add that you sound as bad as Squirrlley now. Geezzz

Sweet Melissa on April 30, 2008 at 11:53 am
151

I’m not ashamed to be a DC fan. Heck, he’s the only one who is not forgetting his words or messing up his performances. I’m not afraid to express my adoration for David Cook, he’s worthy! I’m also not afraid to say that I think David A. is good or Syesha has improved or Jason does have some elements of soul in his music (that I can appreciate). Brooke isn’t worth mentioning because she is talentless and unprofessional, and it hurts to listen or watch her perform (those faces omg!!).

David Cook’s creativity and flowing talent cannot be competed with and it’s just too bad for the other idol competitors that they didn’t compete on a different idol year. They don’t have a chance against David Cook. David A. would have won any other year of idol, except against Kelly.

Squirrelly on April 30, 2008 at 11:56 am
152

Does anyone really honestly believe that someone could actually write the ridiculousness that comes out of Paula’s mouth on a weekly basis. No one in their right minds would put that stuff down on paper.
I really hope that if the show is scripted that they would give her better lines than what spews out of her mouth week to week.

Jason Castro is a decent singer, but could he be more boring and predictable. Would love to see him come out and actually sing something and blow everyone away.

Lizzy689 on April 30, 2008 at 12:02 pm
153

Sweet Melissa isn’t so sweet, is she? Didn’t Randy play backup for Bob Dylan? Anyway, I stand by all my statements. Paula is not a bad judge, she got confused because she was rushed and asked for her opinion of all of the contestants at the last minute, and while on air. This could make anyone nervous and a little confused. The show was not planned out properly. Paula is the only judge who saw through Brooke’s unprofessional performance last week. I really felt for her last night. This is what happens when you rush people. Paula’s not on anything, but I bet she had a drink after the show (I know I would have).

Squirrelly on April 30, 2008 at 12:04 pm
154

On Ryan Seacrest live just now, Paula just said that she never heard or saw Jason’s 1st performance she only caught the tail end of September Morn on her tv in her trailer and scribbled notes from that snipit. She said Simon also did not even realize Jason had sung as the judges were talking and freaking out about the change of plans. So tell me HOW any of them can give their TRUE opinion of how Jason did if they didn’t even see or hear it??? Paula just blew bigger than her 1st time. The whole episode should be done over if none of the judges heard Jason at all IMO

Sweet Melissa on April 30, 2008 at 12:09 pm
155

“Paula just said that she never heard or saw Jason’s 1st performance she only caught the tail end of September Morn on her tv in her trailer and scribbled notes from that snipit. ” This is from rehearsal-sorry

Sweet Melissa on April 30, 2008 at 12:10 pm
156

From #152 “Sweet Melissa isn’t so sweet, is she?”

Maybe not always but Squirrelly is definitely “Squirrelly” =)

Sweet Melissa on April 30, 2008 at 12:18 pm
157

Oh man, someone is definately wacked on here and it ain’t me.
Some of you fans like “Not so Sweet Melissa” are way way overly sensitive.
Why can’t people discuss things without getting nasty?
I out of here for now.

candle602 on April 30, 2008 at 12:41 pm
158

DJ Ryce #149 – I wholeheartedly agree with everything in your post.

jennings on April 30, 2008 at 12:51 pm
159

candle602, LOL you should take your own advice. You jumped my sh*t and I wasn’t even talking to you. I wasn’t even mean to Squirrelly, just stating the obvious that Simon’s hormones have nothing to do with what sways his opinions on each contestant. I may have jumped the gun on Squirrelly if she is a teen because I guess teens can be forgiven for making such an immature comment.

Sweet Melissa on April 30, 2008 at 1:06 pm
160

As much as I would love the see the Idol ship go down in flames, I have to disagree with you. I think Paula was just being Paula (aka a moron). Although I do think that the judges overall keep in line with the producer’s interests. I don’t think it’s to the point of giving them notes what to say. Still, they better address the subject tonight, or risk losing millions more fans and precious ratings who now think Idol is rigged.

rayato on April 30, 2008 at 1:10 pm
161

I think people need to stand up and defend Paula here. I understand she got confused, but I think the show was rushed and plans were changed and on air Paula was asked to rush her opinions. Paula’s opinions are usually well thought out and sometimes more credible than Randy’s and Simon’s.

Sweet Melissa, I’m 51 and proud of it. I’m not immature, and I recognize greatness. David Cook is great. I can kid around sometimes, but I truly would marry David Cook if he asked. I wouldn’t mind being married to a sexy genius who has a hot future ahead of him.

Still don’t agree with you, Mel! Simon is a man, and men do think with that, uh, organ. How come all of a sudden he says it is a “brave” thing to do stop in the middle of a performance? Since when????? And Randy, too? Et tu Brutis? David Cook is still the best.

Squirrelly on April 30, 2008 at 1:27 pm
162

I just watched Paula’s explanation of the confusion of her comments last night. I love the way she acts like Simon didn’t know what was going on. It looked like you were the only one who was confused Paula. She actually said “we all just screwed up everything”…no, Paula, just you. Randy and Simon seemed to be able to handle the change in the judging format. What a ding bat!

alango on April 30, 2008 at 1:28 pm
163

rayato, Ryan tried to address it this morning but in my opinion Paula made it worse. Listen all the way thru to what Paula says about Simon, this statement is what I think makes it worse.

http://ryan.kiisfm.com/cc-common/mainheadlines2.html?feed=152739&article=3622100

Sweet Melissa on April 30, 2008 at 1:34 pm
164

Squirrelly, I won’t argue with you on David C. I too hope he takes the whole thing, he is truely talented. Jason is my “sentimental” favorite, he won’t win and I never had any illusions that he would. I only think he should be shown some justice here. Imagine Paula had made this “goof” and it affected David C.? Be honest and say that you would not be feeling so “kindly” toward Paula right now. She made a mistake but she made that mistake in front of millions of “crazy” fans and now she and Idol need to be honest and cut the bullsh*t explanations and be straight with the public. That’s all I want. If she never heard Jason sing FIBJ then she CAN’T critique it period and neither can Simon. That is all I am saying.

Sweet Melissa on April 30, 2008 at 1:41 pm
165

The thing is, it’s America’s votes (not Paula’s confused opinion from last night) that will count in who gets the boot tonight. Why should there be a recount? I don’t agree with that. The judges are always expressing their opinions about who will win, and prior idol contestants have not always been IMO treated fairly. Look how they treated Hernandez when he left…sort of disrespectful, I thought. Jason did rather well keeping his head up and singing his heart out after Paula screwed up. Jason knows that Paula likes DC better. That shouldn’t be enough to have to recount America’s votes. In the end, it’s America’s votes that will count. If they discount last night’s voting, that will deter others from voting next time. I think we should leave things as they are. Everyone knows Paula is out there a little bit, she did get a little confused, but let it go. America knows who they like and who they want to vote for. Paula’s confusion won’t have any effect on the outcome, IMO.

Squirrelly on April 30, 2008 at 1:54 pm
166

(#164)–7th line, first word, should be unfairly (not fairly). Sorry for the typo.

Squirrelly on April 30, 2008 at 1:55 pm
167

Scratch #165, I read it again and it was correct the first time (#164). All this tension…Squirrelly is getting squirrelly with the typing.

Squirrelly on April 30, 2008 at 1:58 pm
168

I don’t think the AI contest is rigged in any way. I think that the judges do listen to some of the rehearsals, and they jot down notes that they consider for their final tv live comments. I think that Jason did just fine (for Jason) after Paula’s comments, and this may have given him some sympathy votes, right? And it doesn’t matter whether or not Paula was confused, it’s our votes that count anyways. I do hope that Jason sticks around just so no one can bring up this week’s elimination and say that David Cook didn’t deserve to win because of the confusion. I like Jason, but I never thought he was one of the top contenders in this contest.

Squirrelly on April 30, 2008 at 2:02 pm
169

Though I don’t agree that Judge’s comments of live performances should be based on rehearsals, I fail to see how what Paula did proves anything about rigging. The fact of riggin is possible, but what has just been stated as proof of rigging by Rickey is not in any evidence of the allegation.

oakjazz on April 30, 2008 at 2:02 pm
170

Principle Squirrelly, Principle! I didn’t say have a “recount”, I think they should all sing over. No one can tell me that not only Jason but all of those kids weren’t rattled after that major goof. There is one video that shows Brooke making her “frowny mouth” over and over (nervous gesture of course) I loved Jason’s FIBJ but I do think what happened messed with his head and affected his performance on SM- what little passion he has was missing and I chalk that up to his realization that Paula and MAYBE the other 2 judges had already made up their minds on what they thought of SM. It is a real travisty if all this time the judges could really care less about the “actual” performance and have prejudged the contestants before they have even sung. And I don’t buy the theory that they judge based on rehearsal and the rehearsal is a precurser for the live performance. I have been around big productions enough to know that rehearsal can stink sometimes and the actual show can bring tears to your eyes it was so good. Judge on the performance in front of you not what you “think” they will do with the song! If that is how it has always been done than I was taken for a ride.

Sweet Melissa on April 30, 2008 at 2:04 pm
171

I have a request for the fellow DC fans on here: let’s not bash other contestants on this thread! There is no need to do it here, since we have our own DC thread in which to we can voice our opinions without raising the ire of others. Reading through some of these comments bashing Brooke, Jason, etc. sounds exactly like some of the comments made by the nastiest of DA fans. Do you want us to be perceived like that? I don’t, so let’s just keep our negative opinions about other contestants on our own thread, okay?

uktwirl on April 30, 2008 at 2:17 pm
172

re: Sweet Melissa

OMG, we have the same tastes! I’m rooting for DCFTMFW just because he is the most deserving and talented, but Jason is my “sentimental” favorite.

I think David Cook is miles ahead of everyone else, and if we lived in a fair country, he would be declared the winner hands-down. But I can’t shake the soft spot in my heart that has been reserved for Jason Castro.

Cookstros Unite! Jason FTMFThird Place!!!

DJ Ryce on April 30, 2008 at 4:34 pm
173

DJ Ryce: “Cookstros Unite! Jason FTMFThird Place!!!” LMAO I Love it!!

Sweet Melissa on April 30, 2008 at 4:42 pm