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"Idol" Judges Lack Southern Hospitality

Posted Jan 22nd 2009 9:30AM by TMZ Staff

The judges on "American Idol" need to learn a little sumthin' about their southern slang -- before they crush another innocent gent.


A contestant on last night's episode was given a quick "no" from all four judges and on his way out told them, "Take care and be careful ... in whatever you do."

All the judges took the remark as a threat -- but in actuality, odd as it may be, "be careful" is a common parting expression in some areas of the south.

After Paula's ordeal with a stalker, it's easy to see how the judges might be a little overly defensive.

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Tags: American Idol, AmericanIdol, judges, Kentucky contestant, KentuckyContestant, threat, threaten

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16. We just moved to a southern state last year. A lot of the locals will say "You be careful" instead of "Goodbye" or "see you later" It is just a form of concern but also a way of saying farewell. I didn't see the IDOL audition (funny, I've lost interest in the thing) but I expect there was a huge misunderstanding and overreaction to a well-meaning vernacular expression.

I just hope their collective tighty whities are no longer in a big bunch...

Posted at 10:34AM on Jan 22nd 2009 by Cathazat

17. I am a southern country girl and i use this term on a daily basis. They were way out of line with this one. I actually felt bad for that guy....he looked shocked that they were concerned about something.

Posted at 10:37AM on Jan 22nd 2009 by Katie

18. Seriously? I live in the midwest and we say "be careful" all the time. It is a nice thing to say to someone you care about-they overreacted big time- I am so disappointed in this show this year-major let down, and what's with all the crap trying to make it a show that little kids can't watch-with all of the cussing bleeped out and bikini girl and paula and kara acting like they are kissing? Pretty bad when my 5 year old says, "mom, where are all of her clothes?" come on-sell outs!!

Posted at 10:45AM on Jan 22nd 2009 by seriously?

19. I'm feeling really stupid. I'm from Oklahoma and I didn't know it's a "southern thing." We always say it and I've never thought anything of it. Poor guy!!

Posted at 10:56AM on Jan 22nd 2009 by Terri

20. show some class judges-- apologize

Posted at 10:39AM on Jan 22nd 2009 by larry

21. Yep, here in Texas, we say "take care" all the time. It replaces "bye" more times than I can count. If we want to threaten someone, we say "I'm going to kick your a@@!!". Big difference.

Posted at 10:41AM on Jan 22nd 2009 by Dyna™

22. I was thinking the same thing!! I tell everyone I know to becareful. It comes out just as naturally as saying 'Goodbye'. I felt so bad for him!

Posted at 10:40AM on Jan 22nd 2009 by Brianna

23. So if one said "God Bless" does that mean its a threat to convert you to Christianity?? WTF, they need a lesson in manners.

Posted at 10:46AM on Jan 22nd 2009 by Losers

24. Be careful Paula

Posted at 10:47AM on Jan 22nd 2009 by hater+lover=me

25. I am from Ky, and that is definately a phrase that we use up there. I was shocked at how this poor guy was treated. My jaw was on the floor! I understand that Paula was stalked but this guy was being sincere and was treated like a suspect or something. She needs to quit being in the public eye if she is so scared! I have been stalked as well but that doesn't make me question every single thing that is said to me by the people I meet. I don't know if I'll continue to watch AI after last night. That was just plain wrong!

Posted at 10:49AM on Jan 22nd 2009 by Kygirl79

26. LOL~ yeah "BE CAREFUL PAULA" ROTFLMAO

Posted at 10:51AM on Jan 22nd 2009 by seriously?

27. I'm not from the south and I say "be careful" all the time, to everyone. I can't believe none of them got what he meant. Seriously!

Posted at 10:55AM on Jan 22nd 2009 by OhioGirl

28. My husband I both said at the same time, " He didn't threaten them." It is a common and very respectable thing to say in the South. Usually said to family members. I say it all of the time, and nobody has ever taken it as a threat. This just shows the bigotry, prejudice and 'judging a book by its cover" that runs rampant on this show. I am not watching it anymore, last night was it.

Posted at 10:54AM on Jan 22nd 2009 by stacy

29. I am from the south. (South Carolina) I worked with a guy that looked like this guy and acted the same way. Trust me he meant what he said in a bad way. The look he gave them is the same look that the guy I know has when he is mad. Sure they poke fun of people that come on the show and harsh, but if the people are dumb enough to go in front of them knowing they are like that and can't sing or dress funny.... They have it coming to them.

But this guy is a psycho. I guarantee it. The guy I know would get upset at the slightest thing and say things like that and look at you the same way. Pure evil.

Posted at 10:56AM on Jan 22nd 2009 by WOW

30. I think they really need to get over themself. I dont think they are that important for someone to really wanan threaten them Yea Paula may of had a stalker and all but that lady think that girl was stalking her for 18 years and the girl was only 26 years old so when she was 8 years old she was stalking Paula. YEA right! I felt really bad for the guy they laughed in his face and he was trying to be nice like any southren gent and they made him look like he was crazy and wanted to kill them or something! YOUR ONLY ON AMERICAN IDOL GET OVER IT! YOU ARE NOT AN A LIST STARS! more like hasbeen on the B list

Posted at 3:55PM on Jan 23rd 2009 by Brandy

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