Abdul's Folly Raises Questions of Show's Authenticity
Ryan Seacrest assured viewers that judge Paula Abdul is not leaving the show.
May 1, 2008 — -- Some "American Idol" fans and critics are crying foul after judge Paula Abdul said on Ryan Seacrest's radio show Wednesday that she saw contestant Jason Castro sing during a dress rehearsal and that's part of the reason she got confused when she critiqued him.
Abdul's admission, which some argued supports the idea that the show is scripted and that the judges peek at performances before their live debuts, came in response to her Tuesday night blunder in which she evaluated a song Castro hadn't even sung.
Almost immediately speculation began about Abdul's future on the popular show, which has seen its ratings wane this season. Some openly wondered whether dipping ratings combined with her antics could make her an "Idol" casualty.
But host Seacrest put any doubt about Abdul's future with the show to rest during Wednesday night's show.
"Just for the record the rumors are not true. She's part of our family and we love her," he said to a cheering crowd.
One of the show's executive producers told The New York Times that the judges are never given scripted comments and that the show's credibility has not been compromised. She added that the judges' opinions do not determine viewers' votes.
On Tuesday's show, a clearly disorganized Abdul fumbled through her handwritten notes when it was time to judge contestants using a new format that required the judges to give their feedback only after all the singers had performed.
She offered opinion on a second song, though Castro had sung only one. The mistake prompted Seacrest to look off stage for guidance and judge Randy Jackson to intervene.
"I am trying to give my critiques for Jason Castro and I scribbled Jason's name and that was David. And we all just screwed up everything," Abdul said in an interview with "Entertainment Tonight."
"She certainly brings a wacky, sweet energy to the show," said Entertainment Weekly online writer Michael Slezak.
"I think if she can't handle the rigors," he added, "the show may be better served by looking for someone who can."
Abdul's folly was the latest in a string of bizarre incidents since she's been on the show.
