Paula Abdul Jokes About How Her Time With Simon Cowell Left Her ‘Permanently Damaged’

Before viral auditions and golden tickets became part of pop culture, three judges sat at a table and changed music talent history. Among them was Paula Abdul, who was the only woman trying to stay true to herself while seated between two big personalities, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.

From 2002 to 2009, fans adored Abdul for her role on American Idol, but behind the cheers and cameras, she was quietly learning how to stand firm in a loud room, and she’s finally opening up about what that took.

Paula Abdul revealed she had to ‘overcome’ Simon Cowell

At 62, Abdul still jokes about how much American Idol changed her, especially working beside Simon Cowell. Speaking at a recent Dance and Dialogue event, she said, “I had to overcome the guy on the left of me. Starts with an ‘S’ and ends with ‘imon.’” She added that the left side of my brain is permanently damaged with a British accent,” poking fun at their many on-air clashes.

Even though their banter was playful, Abdul admitted it wasn’t always easy. As the only female judge, she often had to balance giving honest feedback and being heard among stronger voices. Still, she credits fellow judge Randy Jackson, who sat on her right, for helping her through it.

Paula Abdul believes Carrie Underwood has an unbelievable advantage

Now, Carrie Underwood is in a similar situation to the one she was in. Despite the recent criticism from fans, Abdul had nothing but praise for Carrie Underwood. Now a superstar, Underwood was once a quiet contestant from Oklahoma. “She has an unbelievable advantage,” Abdul said, “because she knows the journey.”

Simon Cowell once predicted that Underwood would become the most successful Idol winner of all time, and he was right. Today, she’s sold millions of records and returned to the show that launched her career. According to Abdul, Carrie isn’t just doing great as a judge, she’s giving back with heart, just like she sang with it years ago.