If you ever wondered how OG “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul felt about working with Simon Cowell, here’s your answer.
Abdul got real during an episode of “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” when the two Idol alums got to discuss the show. “The Jennifer Hudson Show” just posted the throwback clip from 2023 on its YouTube Channel.
And Paula told it ‘Straight Up’ about Simon, after season three contestant Jennifer said, “Back then Simon wasn’t too nice.”
“Welcome to my world for a decade,” replied Paula. “I’d have spikes on my heels so I can kick him underneath the table.”
Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell were on the original panel of judges along with Randy Jackson when “American Idol” debuted in 2002.
Paula stayed in her judge’s seat for eight seasons, leaving the show in 2009.
Simon hung around for another year, leaving Idol in 2010.
Paula Abdul Reveals Why Simon Cowell Has Changed
In the interview, Jennifer Hudson said 65-year-old Cowell is “so mellow” now.
And Paula was quick to hypothesize why he’s changed. “Well, he’s a daddy,” Paula told Jennifer. “Is that what changed him?” Jennifer asked. “I think so,” Paula replied.
“Cause it felt so different when he came here,” Jennifer revealed. “I said ‘this ain’t the same Simon, what’s happening here?’ You feel the same way?”
“Yeah, he’s different,” replied Paula. “Not THAT different though!… He’s snarky as always. And he still makes jokes every time I see him,” telling the audience he always calls her like she would call her dogs.
Paula Abdul & Jennifer Hudson Talk About Jennifer’s Idol Elimination
Paula Abdul and Jennifer Hudson also spent some time talking about Jennifer’s shocking elimination from season three of “American Idol” in 2004.
“I remember interviewing you afterwards. I was on ‘Entertainment Tonight,’ and I said to you, I know, ‘I have the feeling that some amazing things are going to happen to you.’ Remember I said to you, ‘Sometimes people that need to win, win, and the people that don’t need to win end up winning big time,’ and you did.”
On the 20th anniversary of her Idol elimination, Jennifer Hudson posted a video of that fateful moment on Instagram, writing, “On this day in 2004, I was eliminated from American Idol! But God turned it around for my good! From Idol to EGOT baby !!! 20 years later, and now back on TV with my own show.
Never give up on your dreams, yal! If I can do it, so can u! If it’s not worth working hard for, it’s not worth it at all ! Remember nobody knows your potential the way you do. Just keep the faith, keep believing, and keep going!!!”
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Paula Abdul Reveals Truth About Working With Simon Cowell