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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 30 > Entry
Paula Abdul (sort of) explains kooky actions to Q100
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
During a call to Q100 Wednesday morning, “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul attempted to explain her loopy behavior on the hit Fox Television show’s live broadcast Tuesday night. LISTEN TO EXCERPT.
Whether she succeeded or not depended on how much listeners could comprehend.
During “A.I.’s” broadcast Tuesday night, (SEE VIDEO) Abdul attempted to critique contestant Jason Castro on his two performances from the Neil Diamond songbook. The problem?
At the time of Abdul’s comments mid-way through the show, the dreadlocked singer had one performed song, “Forever in Blue Jeans.”
During the show Abdul also confused contestants Brooke White and Syesha Mercado.
On Q100 Wednesday, Abdul blamed the screw up on “A.I.” producers, explaining that the judges were not alerted to the change in format until the show was live.
Abdul also disputed claims from conspiracy-minded Internet bloggers that the judges were handed pre-scripted comments in advance.
Q100’s Bert Weiss also asked Abdul point-blank if her confused state on-air Tuesday was possibly the result of medication taken for an old neck injury.
Responded Abdul: “I do have pain in my neck. But I don’t take drugs that make me act differently on show days.”
Abdul said her neck injury was the result of a plane crash 12 years ago.
“I have never been drunk in my life,” she continued. “Or done recreational drugs. I don’t condone it.”
Abdul said that while the show was in commercial breaks Tuesday night, judge Simon Cowell argued with producers about the last-minute format change. She also indicated that Cowell and judge Randy Jackson had words with producers after the show concluded.
During the often rambling live radio interview, Abdul didn’t address exactly how the chaotic scene backstage resulted in her thinking that Castro had performed twice.
But she did explain to listeners that “American Idol” has a full dress rehearsal with the contestants and an audience prior to the live national telecast.
Summed up Abdul: “It was embarrassing and kooky.”
After she hung up, Q100 went into a commercial break. Then she unexpectedly rang the radio station back.
When she was put back live on the air, Abdul realized she had phoned the same radio station twice, apologized and said: “I’m getting my notes all mixed up.”
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK on Rodney Ho’s ‘A.I.’ blog
JUDGE: STEVE AND VIKKI ADS CAN STAY
On Tuesday, Fulton County Superior Court judge Alfred Dempsey ruled that those B98.5 FM TV spots featuring the station’s upcoming morning team of Steve McCoy and Vikki Locke can remain on the air and that they did not violate the terms of the pair’s noncompete clause at Star 94, their former employer. Lincoln Financial, Star 94’s parent company, was seeking a temporary restraining order on the ads. Star 94 general manager Mark Kanov told Buzz on Wednesday that he has no plans to pursue the lawsuit any further. “We are disappointed that the judge ruled on a technicality, a loophole, and not the intent of the agreement with Steve and Vikki,” Kanov said. “Steve and Vikki did not honor what they previously agreed to.”
Cox Radio attorney Jim Demetry, who represented Locke and McCoy at Tuesday’s hearing, was satisfied with the ruling.
“Steve and Vikki were pleased but not surprised by the judge’s decision,” Demetry told Buzz. “They look forward to returning to the airwaves on WSB-FM and reconnecting with their listeners.”
McCoy and Locke will debut on B98.5 FM on July 1.
B98.5 FM is a part of Cox Enterprises, which also owns The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
A ‘SEMI’ WINNING STREAK
What you’ll see tonight at the Uptown Comedy Club may look like a stand-up routine, but in a lot of ways it could be considered comedian-actor Jay Phillips’ victory lap. The Los Angeles-based talent has seen the first three major movies he’s appeared in — “Semi-Pro,” “Prom Night” and “Baby Mama” — all debut in the No. 1 spot in the box office.
“This has been a real good run,” Phillips told Buzz before his multi-night stand at Uptown, ending Sunday. “But that little bit of movie money — that’s gone. I’ve still got a mortgage to pay. And I got caught up in that mortgage craziness, too. It went up. So you know, see the show, have some laughs, help a brother out.”
Though Phillips was joking a bit, clearly his fortunes are bright. The comedian who provided the “urban voice” on a Baltimore radio station after Atlanta’s Frank Ski left now has a pilot for a sketch comedy show (“Man Stroke Woman”), another pilot for a proposed spoof on BET, for BET (“Da Network”) and an appearance on Martin Lawrence’s upcoming show on Starz (“1st Amendment Stand Up”) all in the can. Plus, he’s developing another show for Comedy Central, called “Mind of the Quiet Dude.” Explained Phillips: “I mean, obviously I’m fortunate with what’s been happening with the movies. But I can’t act like I’ve made it, yet.”
Singer Judy Collins is 69. Bassist Johnny Colt (Black Crowes) is 42. Country singer Tim McGraw is 41. Bassist D’Arcy Wretzky (Smashing Pumpkins) is 40.
TRANSITIONS
Emeril’s Atlanta has been packed with diners this week who wanted one last taste of Emeril’s Essence before the Buckhead eatery closed for good after dinner service Wednesday. We’re told that the restaurant’s dry goods will be donated to Atlanta’s Project Open Hand. Also, chef de cuisine Michael Blydenstein and general manager Averriel Thomas are hoping to stay in town, pending new gigs. All traces of Emeril’s Atlanta, meanwhile, have been removed from the New Orleans-based company’s Web site.
Contributing: Sonia Murray, Rodney Ho and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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