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If you looked American idol at any point during the first seven years of its run, you’ll likely remember the absolutely chaotic energy between Judges Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. Both have long since left the match series behind, but on Monday, Abdul conjured up some of that old, weird magic while filling in for the current one. American idol Judge Luke Bryan, who is quarantined after a positive test for COVID-19. When host Ryan Seacrest reunited Abdul virtually with the show’s third original jury, Randy Jackson, via an iPad, Abdul gushed, “I’m so excited to see Randy!” Excited Jackson, “Miss Paula Abdul, it feels like it used to, right?” Abdul replied, “Yes, it is! We just miss the STD. “
In response to Ryan Seacrest’s shocked look and an audible “Ooooo!” in the studio, Abdul clarified, “Super, talented, debonair.” In case you still didn’t pick up what Paula was putting down, fellow judge Katy Perry helpfully shouted off the camera, “Simon!” A little off-mic, Abdul can be heard against Perry and the show’s third current jury, Lionel Richie, “I can’t believe I said that.” Boy, it’s like we’re back in the thick of it again.