They may have sparred onstage, but these two now-former Idol judges really are BFFs — and Paula’s send-off brought tears to Simon’s eyes!
When Paula Abdul finished her video send-off to pal Simon Cowell with the words, “To sir, with love,” she absolutely meant it. The emotion was so high it brought a tear to Simon’s eye — and to mine.
“My darling Simon,” the 47-year-old dancer/singer/choreographer said after taking the American Idol stage during the May 26 finale, adding, “I’ve worked with a lot of people over the years. Hot cheerleaders, big movie stars, world famous records artists…even a cartoon cat! But if I’m being truly honest, none of them hold a candle to you, my friend.”
AW! Even when Paula, who’s new gig is to host CBS’ dance show Got To Dance!, made jokes at Simon’s expense (she made jokes about the size of the 50-year-old Brit’s boobs TWICE), he seemed to LOVE it, winking at her repeatedly and giggling like a schoolboy.
When Simon, who is leaving the hit Fox show for his new reality program, X-Factor, took the stage to give his farewell speech, he wrapped Paula tightly in his arms and dropped a kiss on her head — and wouldn’t let her go despite the presence of epic Idols like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood mere feet away.
Yes, I knew these two were friends — but honestly, in Hollywood you never know what’s BS or what’s genuine, what publicists are forcing their famous clients to say in order to maintain their public persona as opposed to what they really feel.
I’m glad Paula and Simon clearly love each other so much. After Idol, they’ll still have their friendship. As Paula summed up best, “No, American Idol isn’t going to be the same without you, but as only I can tell you, it will go on. It will.”
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gbtw
Posted at 5:20 PM on May 27, 2010
i enjoyed the whole finale. i knew lee would win even though crystal outperformed him, but even knowing it was gonna happen, it was still a twinge disappointing on that level. but she’ll have a career regardless, so it didn’t bother me too much. and, i like lee, fine. i’m happy for him. he just can’t compare with crystal on an artist level… at least not yet. but, in any case, yes, i was touched by paula and simon’s friendship, and her words- even though i was afraid for her during her entire onstage speech! i was expecting a snooze fest like much of the season, but, i was surprised by how much i enjoyed seeing the old performers, idol’s and the classics- and REALLY enjoyed janet’s performance.