AMERICAN Idol guest judge Paula Abdul left fans SHOCKED as she called her nemesis, Simon Cowell, “the STD” on live TV tonight.
More than 11 years after the dancer first left the show she helped make a global hit, Paula, 58, returned to the singing competition with her famous unfiltered lines.
The dancer and singer joined Lionel Richie and Katy Perry as she filled in for Luke Bryan – who is currently battling Covid.
On Monday’s episode that showcased results from tonight’s Top 12, host Ryan Seacrest, 46, walked over to the panel with a special surprise.
As he held up an iPad, former judge Randy Jackson, 64, was seen on a video call and reunited with his former co-workers.
The Straight Up songstress immediately gave a virtual hug to her longtime friend.
“It’s so good to see you! We’re all back, now we just need the STD,” Paula said to Randy and Ryan – referring to their old co-star, Simon.
Earlier in the episode, the outspoken TV figure also called her on-screen rival a “grandfather.”
Fans were stunned by the unexpected comment with some even questioning if it will get her in hot water with the British judge.
“If I had to guess, Paula Abdul was not supposed to make an STD joke like she just did. Welcome back, Paula,” one person quipped.
Another said: “PAULA ABDUL JUST CALLED SIMON COWELL “THE STD” ON AMERICAN IDOL HELP ???”
“LMAOOOO PAULA ABDUL CALLING SIMON COWELL AN STD ON LIVE TV LOVE THIS,” a third exclaimed.
A fourth tweeted: “PAULA ABDUL JUST CALLED SIMON COWELL AN STD ON AMERICAN IDOL. I AM SCREAMING OMG.”
The beloved pop star had a career resurgence in 2002 when she joined the show as a judge in season one alongside Simon and Randy.
Paula ended up leaving after season nine, with Simon following suit the next year to pursue other reality shows including America’s Got Talent.
Randy continued to be a judge on American Idol until Season 12.
American Idol, which has been hosted by Ryan Seacrest every season, was cancelled on Fox in 2016.
The show returned on ABC in 2018 – with Ryan still as host and new judges – and is currently airing its 19th season.
Earlier today, Luke, 44, revealed that he tested positive for Covid-19 in both Twitter and Instagram posts on Monday, writing: “I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @AmericanIdol show.
“I tested positive for COVID but I’m doing well and look forward to being back at it soon.”
Following news of Luke’s positive diagnosis, Paula also confirmed on Twitter that she will be filling in.
“We’ll miss you tonight @LukeBryan! Thank you for trusting me with your judge’s seat,” she wrote alongside two photos that show her getting glam.
Tonight’s live episode is also one of the first to feature a live audience since the pandemic shut downs.
