Paula Abdul's days as the judge of popular reality show
American Idol might be numbered if deceased rocker Kurt Cobain's widow Courtney Love is to be believed. According to the 42-year-old Hole singer, the show's executive producer Nigel Lythgoe approached her to be a judge on
American Idol. “He called. He was wondering if I was interested. I thought it was kind of weird but brilliant,” Love said to
Us Weekly.
Though Love did not say she was approached to be a replacement for Abdul, the magazine quoted a source as confirming that Lynthgoe was irked with the latter for giving promotional interviews for the show's sixth season under the influence of alcohol. Forty-four-year-old Abdul has denied the allegations and asserted that technical problems were to blame for her seemingly inebriated state during the interviews. The singer-dancer was seen rocking in her chair, closing her eyes and slurring while speaking.
This isn't the first time Abdul has been plagued with rumors of alcohol and drug addiction. Earlier in 2004 too, she exhibited strange behavior in some
American Idol episodes, sparking off similar rumors. At the time, the
Head Over Heels singer revealed that she was being treated for reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a nerve condition that causes muscle spasms, immense pain and stiffness and restricts body movements.
The choice of Love to replace Abdul for her drunkenness, however, seems strange, given that Love has been voted the most controversial woman in rock history by a leading music magazine. Her drug addiction and penchant for violent outbursts, flashing in public and creating scenes have made her constant media fodder.
Meanwhile, Lythgoe has remained mum on Love's claims. It is also not clear if the controversial singer has been offered a one-time appearance or a permanent place in
American Idol's judges' panel.
