Posted Jan 29th 2009 2:40PM by TMZ Staff
"American Idol" now has its tail between its legs after Simon and Paula confused a Kentucky contestant's kind, Southern goodbye for a "threat" on their lives.
This statement was just posted on the "A.I." website:
"We apologize to any viewers who were offended by the misinterpretation of the contestant's comment to "be careful" upon completion of his audition in Louisville, KY.
Our visits to audition cities are relatively brief and sometimes regional greetings and salutations are lost in translation. We had not heard that phrase from any other contestants during the day, so it took everyone by surprise.
We now know better and look forward to visiting Louisville again someday."
Filed under: TV, American Idol
Tags: american idol, AmericanIdol, apologizes, apology, Kentucky contestant, KentuckyContestant, Southern Hospitality, SouthernHospitality, threat
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.
Filed under: TV, American Idol
Tags: American Idol, AmericanIdol, judges, Kentucky contestant, KentuckyContestant, threat, threaten
