“Starts with S, ends with imon”: Paula Abdul jokes Simon Cowell left "permanent damage" on her brain

Even years after American Idol’s early seasons, Paula Abdul hasn’t lost her sense of humor — especially when it comes to her time perched between fellow powerhouses Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson on the panel.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, the pop icon shared a lighthearted take on being the only woman on the OG lineup of judges, as well as a playful jab at her former co-judge Cowell.

“Being the only woman on the panel, I had to overcome the guy on the left of me.”

She added:

“Starts with a 'S' and ends with 'imon,' and the left side of my brain is permanently damaged with a British accent.”

Of course, not all memories were tough. She added that she found some balance on the other side of the panel.

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

Abdul was part of the original trio of judges when American Idol launched in 2002, a season that introduced the world to Kelly Clarkson and kick-started a new era in reality singing competitions.

The Rush, Rush songstress stayed with the show through 2009, offering encouragement, warmth, and the occasional disagreement with her co-judges.

However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. In her past tell-all with Entertainment Weekly, Abdul admitted that her first day almost became her last.

“I felt terrible for those kids. I would try to maintain composure in the midst of absurdity and they were completely delusional, like brilliantly delusional.”

She went on to say that it was a thrilling experience, nonetheless.

“But there was never a shortage of really incredible voices and raw talent. We were always able to find it, and that’s what was so exciting.”

Now, American Idol has entered its 23rd season with a fresh roster of judges: Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood.

For the Jesus, Take the Wheel singer, Paula Abdul had nothing but kind words for her comeback to the show, both as a mentor and a symbol of its lasting legacy.

“Carrie has an unbelievable advantage, having come from her humble beginning of being on the show.”

Abdul continued to praise the Season 4 champion.

“She was such a magnificent artist, as a contestant, and she's gone on to have the most stellar career. She comes back, and she's giving back as well. She's doing a great job.”

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Paula Abdul settles s**ual assault lawsuit against producer Nigel Lythgoe

Paula Abdul has reached a settlement in her lawsuit against former American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe, whom she accused of s**ually assaulting her in the early 2000s.

The notice of settlement was filed on December 12, 2024, in the Los Angeles Superior Court.

“I am grateful that this chapter has successfully come to a close and is now something I can now put behind me.”

She continued:

“This has been a long and hard-fought personal battle. I hope my experience can serve to inspire other women, facing similar struggles, to overcome their own challenges with dignity and respect, so that they too can turn the page and begin a new chapter of their lives.”

READ ALSO: ⁠Paula Abdul’s lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe explored as the filmmaker submits alleged text messages and private emails to deny assault claims

Details of the agreement remain private, and Paula Abdul’s attorney declined to make a comment. Filed in 2023, the singer’s complaint claimed Lythgoe assaulted her during the early American Idol days and again when they collaborated on So You Think You Can Dance.

Paula Abdul revealed that she opted to stay silent out of fear of losing her job.

Lythgoe denied the allegations but stepped down from So You Think You Can Dance in January 2024.