Vault: Interview - Simon Cowell & Paula Abdul

Summary

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The Bert Show: Vault Interview – Simon Cowell & Paula Abdul

Podcast: The Bert Show (Pionaire Podcasting)
Date: October 30, 2025
Episode Theme:
A lively and candid interview from the earliest days of American Idol, featuring judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. The segment revisits their on-air dynamic, shares behind-the-scenes stories from the first auditions, delves into the art of giving feedback, and includes playful banter that made their relationship iconic TV. The episode captures the raw excitement and doubts surrounding a new, soon-to-be cultural phenomenon.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Dynamic Between Simon and Paula

• The hosts open by acknowledging Paula Abdul as the “conscience” of the judging panel versus Simon Cowell’s notorious honesty.
• Paula Abdul (02:33):
  “That’s the cool part of the show, is that there’s three separate and distinct ways of doing constructive criticism.”
• The show teases at rumored “sexual tension” between the two judges, with Paula joking about tabloid fantasies and Simon’s imagination.
• Paula Abdul (02:53):
  “What I’ve read is Simon thinks that there’s sexual tension between us that really just, just touch me. I don’t know what dream he is having. I seriously don’t know.”

2. The Grueling Audition Process

• Paula reveals the enormity of the audition process:
  • Paula Abdul (03:14):
    “The past month, we’ve been traveling all around the country, I think, believe eight or nine cities and listened to hundreds, if not thousands.”
• Most contestants were “good but not above average.” The spectacle often lay in the shocking auditions.

3. On-Screen vs. Off-Screen Interactions

• The hosts press Paula about whether she ever confronted Simon more bluntly off-camera.
• Paula Abdul (04:00):
  “If his arm has a permanent bruise or if his left or right leg—given on any city, if you’re sitting to the right or left—me, has a permanent dent.”
• Simon and Paula’s playful adversarial dynamic is on full display:
  • Simon Cowell (04:53):
    “This girl is haunting me across America. This is the girl who used to claw outside my bedroom door begging to be let in at night.”
  • Paula Abdul (05:05):
    “Oh, you wish, Simon.”

4. Feedback Philosophy and Candor

• The tension between honesty and kindness is explored:
  • Simon admits he always told Paula not to be “so nice,” while Paula defends her constructive approach.
  • Simon Cowell (05:52):
    “Oh, permanently.” (on thinking Paula was too gentle)
  • Simon Cowell (06:56):
    “Anyone who comes to one of our auditions… If you don’t like criticism, then I would suggest you leave this audition now because we will tell you the truth.”

5. Live “American Idol” Audition with Producer Tammy (07:32–08:32)

• The Bert Show brings in their producer Tammy to sing “Happy Birthday” live for Simon.
  • Simon Cowell (08:24):
    “Good. Well, keep—keep your day job.”
  • Tammy (08:27):
    “I was getting better! I was getting better!”
• The segment is a microcosm of the show’s blend of entertainment, candor, and humor.

6. Rankings and Praise for Atlanta Auditions

• Simon singles out Atlanta as a top audition city:
  • Simon Cowell (08:52):
    “I thought Atlanta was probably second or third.”
  • He notes Atlanta’s contestants had “naturally good voices” and enthusiasm lacking in “a bit flat” LA.
  • Simon Cowell (08:56):
    “…There was a girl who came from Atlanta who I think I described as not having the X factor, but the Z factor. I thought she was sensational.”

7. Wrapping up: Promise of More

• Simon graciously offers to return for more check-ins throughout the season.
  • Simon Cowell (09:36):
    “Whenever you want. I'm going to be there for the three months on and off. So, you know, whenever you want to do something, you know, I'd be delighted to.”
  • He ends with a signature wink:
    “As long as I'm not in hiding.” (09:43)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Paula Abdul (02:33):
  “That's the cool part of the show, is that there's three separate and distinct ways of doing constructive criticism.”
• Simon Cowell (04:53):
  “This girl is haunting me across America. This is the girl who used to claw outside my bedroom door begging to be let in at night.”
• Simon Cowell (08:24):
  “Good. Well, keep—keep your day job.” (to Tammy after her singing audition)
• Simon Cowell (08:56):
  “There was a girl who came from Atlanta who I think I described as not having the X factor, but the Z factor. I thought she was sensational.”
• Simon Cowell (09:36):
  “Whenever you want... I'd be delighted to.”

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:44] Introduction, Paula joins the show
• [02:33] Paula on panel dynamics and constructive criticism
• [03:14] Paula describes the audition tour
• [04:53] Simon joins; chemistry and banter with Paula
• [06:56] Simon on honesty in auditions
• [07:32] Live “American Idol” with producer Tammy
• [08:52] Simon ranks Atlanta audition talent
• [09:36] Simon offers to return and stays witty to the end

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Overall Tone

• The interview is authentic, playful, and filled with good-natured ribbing between Simon and Paula.
• The hosts foster a relaxed atmosphere that encourages candid insights and fun exchanges.
• The episode spotlights why the early American Idol chemistry resonated—each judge’s personality shines in a mix of empathy, toughness, and memorable showbiz moments.

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Transcript

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[Podcast Host]

Listen, it's the Vert show. This goes back to the very first day that American Idol aired. The day after the show, we scored a big time coup. We had Simon and Paula Abdul on the air at the same time. Hey Paula Abdul. Hey, how are you this morning?

[Paula Abdul]

I'm doing great.

[Simon Cowell]

How are you?

[Podcast Host]

Oh, you're a little tired, aren't you?

[Paula Abdul]

Oh, just a little.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, you are. Are you out in la?

[Paula Abdul]

Yes, I am.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. I think. I think you've got a hit here.

[Paula Abdul]

Yeah. Yeah. Good, bad and ugly. We do.

[Podcast Host]

That's what we're calling our show today.

[Co-host/Interviewer]

Also Actually, and I have to say, all morning we've been talking about how you pretty much were the. The conscience on that judging panel because, you know, you here tried to let the people down easily, you know. Yeah, you didn't sing too well, but, you know, get some lessons, you know, try harder. And the other guys are like, you suck.

[Simon Cowell]

Right.

[Hers Weight Loss Advertiser]

You're.

[Co-host/Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Paula Abdul]

Well, I just think that that's the cool part of the show, is that there's three separate and distinct ways of doing constructive criticism.

[Co-host/Interviewer]

Now, Paula, do you. In real true life, do you have any dislike for Simon? You can be honest with us. It's just, you know, it's just the.

[Podcast Host]

Four of us, you know, he would tell us if he disliked you.

[Paula Abdul]

Oh, I think no. What I've read is Simon thinks that there's sexual tension between us that really just touch me.

[Co-host/Interviewer]

Of course he does.

[Paula Abdul]

I don't know what dream he is having. I seriously don't know.

[Podcast Host]

So how many of these did you have to sit through? Every single audition?

[Paula Abdul]

Pretty much. So we went. The past month, we've been traveling all around the country, I think believe eight or nine cities and listen to hundreds, if not thousands.

[Podcast Host]

Would you say the majority were bad or the majority were good?

[Paula Abdul]

I would say there was a good percentage that was just bad. There was. There was a larger percentage that was good but not above average.

[Podcast Host]

And you're really looking for a superstar here. Even some of the train wrecks were great to watch. I'd say. The line to me, though, was the crying when Simon was so mean, he made women cry and some guys cry too. Was there anything going on between you and Simon that we didn't see on camera? Like, were you chewing him out a little bit more aggressively?

[Paula Abdul]

I like him if his arm has a permanent bruise or if his left or right leg given on any city, if you're sitting to the right or left, me has a permanent dent.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, yeah.

[Paula Abdul]

I mean, it's, you know, I can appreciate his candor and being brutally honest, but it's, you know, it's brutally honest. According to Simon. Just because Simon is brutally honest, it's his truth. You know, there were plenty of times that both myself and Randy Jackson would completely disagree, but, you know, it's just, it's the way he feels, not necessarily the way we are. And if you can see there's so much going on and to fit it into an hour or so, it's difficult.

[Podcast Host]

Well, this is kind of cool for us because Simon is here now also. Paula. Hey, Simon.

[Simon Cowell]

Hi, Bert.

[Workday Go Announcer]

Hey.

[Podcast Host]

We've got. We've got Paula. Yeah, that's Ms. Abdul right there.

[Simon Cowell]

This girl is haunting me across America. This is the girl who used to claw outside my bedroom door begging to be let in at night.

[Paula Abdul]

Oh, my God.

[Simon Cowell]

Admit it, Abdul.

[Paula Abdul]

Oh, you wish, Simon.

[Simon Cowell]

Yeah, you admit it, darling. You're gonna have to give way eventually.

[Paula Abdul]

Oh, you're back in America. Please.

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

No, I'm not.

[Simon Cowell]

I'm in London.

[Hers Weight Loss Advertiser]

You are?

[Simon Cowell]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Is that enough mileage between the two of you?

[Simon Cowell]

We haven't even started yet. But I've got stories about this girl.

[Paula Abdul]

Really? I can't wait to hear them.

[Podcast Host]

Hey, Simon, Paula was telling us that she put a couple of really deep marks in both of your arms.

[Simon Cowell]

Do you know, I swear to you, Bert, I came out of this show black and blue. This girl has very, very sharp elbows.

[Podcast Host]

Was there ever a time there? And Paula, we know you gotta take off in a second. Simon, was there ever a time there where you just really felt like going, paula, you know, you just can't be that nice to these people.

[Simon Cowell]

Oh, permanently.

[Paula Abdul]

You always said that to me.

[Simon Cowell]

Permanently. I used to shake her at the end of the day and just say, look, speak her mind. But you know, she is a nice person.

[Paula Abdul]

Oh, yes. But you know, you tried attacking me, saying that I was patronizing, and I think you really got a big elbow in there.

[Simon Cowell]

No, I got a fist at that one, actually, Paula, that was actually a smack in the mouth.

[Co-host/Interviewer]

Simon and Paula, you guys know that Fox has a show called Celebrity Celebrity boxing and I'm just throwing it out there. I know Fox people are probably listening. Write it down, think about it, mull it over. Send me a royalty check.

[Simon Cowell]

Yes, I'll do it. Because I'd rather take on Paula than Randy Jackson.

[Podcast Host]

Hey, Paula, we're gonna let you go, but Simon, don't take off anywhere, okay?

[Simon Cowell]

Paula missing you already.

[Paula Abdul]

Oh, I miss you so much, Simon.

[Simon Cowell]

Bye, darling.

[Podcast Host]

Now, is it really as tough? Because, I mean, the people in this room have never gone on one of these big time auditions. But is it really as tough as you make it appear to be? I mean, are people as brutally honest as you are in an ordinary audition?

[Simon Cowell]

Certainly all the auditions I've ever attended. Because anyone who comes to one of our auditions, as we did with American Idol, we do talk to them as a group beforehand to say we are looking for something better than normal. If you don't like criticism, then I would suggest you leave this audition now because we will tell you the truth.

[Podcast Host]

You know, now it's one thing to watch Television and to watch Simon do his thing. But it's something entirely different if it's somebody you know. Right?

[Simon Cowell]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

And we have one of our producers on the show. Tammy here is an aspiring actress, and she's a singer as well.

[Simon Cowell]

Oh, dear.

[Co-host/Interviewer]

And I. Tammy, it's your moment.

[Podcast Host]

Do you think we could kind of do a live American Idol thing here.

[Simon Cowell]

With Tammy on it?

[Podcast Host]

Tammy. Simon. Simon, Tammy.

[Simon Cowell]

Hi, Tammy. How are you?

[Paula Abdul]

I'm great.

[Simon Cowell]

Are you confident?

[Paula Abdul]

Oh, yeah.

[Simon Cowell]

Are you any good?

[Paula Abdul]

Oh, the best.

[Simon Cowell]

Okay, we'll see.

[Paula Abdul]

All right, here I go.

[Simon Cowell]

What are you gonna sing?

[Paula Abdul]

I'm gonna sing you a little something called Happy Birthday.

[Simon Cowell]

Perfect. Perfect.

[Paula Abdul]

Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday, dear Simon.

[Co-host/Interviewer]

You can cut him off early on this show.

[Simon Cowell]

You've got a job on the station as what?

[Paula Abdul]

I'm the. I'm the voice of the station.

[Simon Cowell]

Good. Well, keep. Keep your day job.

[Paula Abdul]

I was getting better. I was getting better.

[Simon Cowell]

No, you're getting better.

[Paula Abdul]

I was just warming up because it's. It's cold here in the studio.

[Simon Cowell]

It's pain cold.

[Podcast Host]

I got one more question for you, then I'll let you go. In the overall, like, ranking of cities that you had the auditions in, where did Atlanta fall, as far as the talent comes to the other cities? Like, there was Dallas, there was Chicago, there was Seattle, Miami, New York, Louisiana.

[Simon Cowell]

I thought Atlanta was probably second or third.

[Workday Go Announcer]

Wow.

[Simon Cowell]

Yeah. And I'll tell you why, because they just had naturally good voices. There was a girl who came from Atlanta who I think I described as not having the X factor, but the Z factor. I thought she was sensational.

[Podcast Host]

I think that was Tamira, probably.

[Simon Cowell]

Yeah, it's really, really good. And what was also good about Atlanta was, is that there was a lot of enthusiasm from the people compared to, say, la, you know, which was a bit flat.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, and they're so arrogant out there, too.

[Simon Cowell]

Well, I think they're too used to going to auditions and Atlanta. They were genuinely excited, and I think that was good for us.

[Co-host/Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Well, Simon, it's been great talking to you.

[Simon Cowell]

Likewise.

[Podcast Host]

Congratulations on what I really think is going to be a big hit, man.

[Simon Cowell]

Well, thank you very much.

[Co-host/Interviewer]

And can we talk to you a bunch of times throughout the year?

[Simon Cowell]

Whenever you want. I'm going to be there for the three months on and off. So, you know, whenever you want to do something, you know, I'd be delighted to.

[Co-host/Interviewer]

Excellent.

[Simon Cowell]

As long as I'm not in hiding.

[Co-host/Interviewer]

We'll let you know next time Paul is on with us.

[Simon Cowell]

Okay, cool.

[Podcast Host]

You take Care, son.

[Simon Cowell]

Good to talk to you all.

[Podcast Host]

Bye now.

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[T-Mobile Advertiser]

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[Co-host/Interviewer]

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[Co-host/Interviewer]

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[Paula Abdul]

Nice.

[Co-host/Interviewer]

Jeffrey, you heard them.

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[Co-host/Interviewer]

Dude, my work here is done.

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