‘AGT’ Paula Abdul Reveals ‘Brain Damage’ After Working With Simon Cowell
Paula Abdul is known for her music career, but many know her best for working alongside Simon Cowell as a judge on American Idol. However, Abdul recently shared some words concerning her time with the America’s Got Talent judge. During the conversation, Abdul also had something to say about one of the show’s new judges.
Paula Abdul Was One Of American Idol‘s First Judges
Abdul started her career as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers. She soon became known as a choreographer and a singer.
Abdul was also one of the original judges on American Idol, alongside Simon Cowell, who served as a judge on the British Pop Idol, and Randy Jackson. She would leave the show in 2009.
For his part, Cowell left his judging role on American Idol in 2010. In 2016, he would later take on hosting duties for America’s Got Talent.
Abdul recently spoke with Fox News Digital about her time as one of the series’ first judges. She mused, “Being the only woman on the panel, I had to overcome the guy on the left of me.”
“Starts with a ‘S’ and ends with ‘imon,’ and the left side of my brain is permanently damaged with a British accent. But no big deal because at least I had Randy to the right of me.”
Abdul spoke with the publication on April 30. At the time, she was attending the Dance and Dialogue “Celebrate LA!” event.
Since Abdul’s time on the show, fans have seen a variety of stars fill in the judging seats on American Idol. She also had a few words for the most recent addition to the judging panel, former Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood.
Abdul Previously Touched On Nearly Quitting The Show During The Early Days
Abdul shared, “Carrie has an unbelievable advantage, having come from her humble beginning of being on the show. She was such a magnificent artist, as a contestant, and she’s gone on to have the most stellar career. She comes back, and she’s giving back as well. She’s doing a great job.”
As the publication noted, Cowell himself also had positive feedback for Underwood during her time on the show. After performing “Alone,” he shared, “Carrie, you’re not just the girl to beat. You’re the person to beat. I will make a prediction. Not only will you win this show, you will sell more records than any other previous Idol winner.”
While previously speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Abdul also admitted that she the show wasn’t easy for her at the start, noting she nearly “quit eight times.” As she shared, “I felt terrible for those kids. I would try to maintain composure in the midst of absurdity and they were completely delusional, like brilliantly delusional.”
“But there was never a shortage of really incredible voices and raw talent. We were always able to find it, and that’s what was so exciting.”
However, the former judge also revealed what she loved most about the show. She shared, “What I loved about it was that it brought families together. It didn’t matter what your socioeconomic background was. It brought the community together, even in the workplace. And the talent, when the talent came in and let us know we were watching something truly unique and special.”
“To this day, we’re one of the only shows that has been able to successfully launch multiplatinum careers and to have contestants go on to win awards, from Grammys to AMAs to BAFTAS to Oscars, you name it.”
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