By Christina Radish
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.
