Paula Abdul Looks Back On Having To “Overcome” Simon Cowell On ‘American Idol’: “My Brain Is Permanently Damaged”

It looks like Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell‘s playful rivalry is still going strong, even 16 years after leaving American Idol.

Abdul reflected on her time as a judge on the ABC series with Cowell and Randy Jackson from 2002 to 2009. She humorously mentioned the challenges of being the only woman on the panel and having to contend with Simon Cowell’s assertive presence on her left side, which she jokingly claimed left the left side of her brain permanently affected by his British accent.

She added, “But no big deal because at least I had Randy to the right of me.”

Throughout the show, Abdul and Cowell frequently clashed due to their contrasting judging approaches. When Abdul departed, Ellen DeGeneres took over her role as a judge for Season 9.

Abdul has always been candid about the struggles of collaborating with Cowell on the series. During a reunion with American Idol star Jennifer Hudson on Hudson’s FOX talk show, Abdul expressed her efforts to balance out Cowell’s characteristic demeanor on the program.

“I have to say you were always extra-supportive on the show,” Hudson recalled during her appearance in 2023. “She used to get us gifts and stuff, y’all, which was very encouraging. You were the softness of it all that kept us — at least I would like to think — grounded.”

randy jackson paula abdul simon cowell american idol
Photo: Ray Mickshaw/WireImage

Abdul responded, “Someone had to be. It wasn’t gonna be the guy to the left of me.”

Hudson then admitted that Cowell “wasn’t too nice” when she was on the show, prompting Abdul to add, “Welcome to my world for a decade.”

She later admitted that Cowell is still “not that different” from how he was on the show.

“He’s snarky as always,” she said. “And he still makes jokes every time I see him. He goes, ‘Come here, Paula. Come here.’ Like how I would say to my chihuahua.”

At least they can laugh about it now!

(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&appId=823934954307605&version=v2.8”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));

You May Also Like
Florida charter boat captain sentenced to prison, $51,000 fine for shooting and poisoning dolphins

Florida Charter Boat Captain Receives Prison Sentence and Fine for Shooting and Poisoning Dolphins

PANAMA CITY, Florida — A Florida charter boat captain is headed to…
Homeowners get surprise visitor when black bear crashes through ceiling onto stove

Homeowners surprised by unexpected visit from black bear crashing through ceiling onto stove

A black bear was discovered inside a Kentucky house, mirroring a scene…
Evil: This Is How Staffers Planned to Run the Country If an Incoherent Biden Had Been Reelected

Planning for the Future: Insights into Staffers’ Strategy in the Event of a Reelected Biden

America dodged a bullet when Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign in…
US renews travel advisory to popular destination amid 'terrorism fears': 'Exercise increased caution'

New US Travel Advisory Warns of Potential Terrorism Threats: Be Cautious

As summer is getting closer and many Americans are getting ready to…
Stock market today: World shares are mixed and US futures jump ahead of Wall St reopening from holiday

Today’s stock market update: Global stocks show mixed performance as US futures surge before Wall Street reopens after the holiday.

European shares advanced Tuesday after a mixed and quiet session in Asia…
Kamala Harris reemerges in Australia with disturbing, nonsensical monologue

Kamala Harris makes a puzzling and concerning appearance in Australia

Kamala Harris left an audience baffled as she laughed and talked about Playboy…
China chemical plant explosion leaves at least 5 dead

“Tragic Explosion at China Chemical Plant Claims 5 Lives”

At least five are dead and six are missing Tuesday following a…
Here's how you can get the MomTok Waves inspired by 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives'

How to Achieve the MomTok Waves Look from ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’

NEW YORK — In celebration of season two of “The Secret Lives…
The gay rumours and whispers of compromising pictures plaguing Macron's marriage: After the slap, truth about relationship with his MUCH older wife Brigitte revealed

Macron’s marriage under speculation due to rumors and compromising photos: Following the incident, the reality about his relationship with his significantly older wife Brigitte comes to light.

Just a couple of days ago, she was known as Emmanuel Macron’s…
New Yorkers pay tribute to troops who made the ultimate sacrifice with Memorial Day festivities

Honoring the Brave: Memorial Day Celebrations in New York City

New Yorkers honor soldiers who gave their lives with Memorial Day celebrations…
American Music Awards 2025 branded 'worst show ever' after A-list stars abandon ceremony, desperate J.Lo kisses dancers and Kehlani launches political rant

American Music Awards 2025 labeled the ‘most disappointing event’ as top celebrities skip the show, Jennifer Lopez kisses dancers in a bid to save the ceremony, and Kehlani delivers a passionate political speech

The 2025 American Music Awards have faced criticism, being described as a…
Viral video shows San Bernardino police officer body-slam 17-year-old girl during arrest in Southern California

Police Officer in San Bernardino Seen Body-Slamming 17-Year-Old Girl in Viral Video from Southern California Arrest

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — A video that went viral captures a Southern…