American Idol

"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."

The reality show wannabe was also a contestant on the first season of "I Love New York" back in 2007 -- but Darnell, who got the nickname "Ace," didn't make it past the first show.

Last night on "Idol," Simon also kicked his ass back into the world of obscurity. There's nothing like being shut down by TWO crazy bitches.

The contest went down last May during an event for Street Warriorz -- legal street racing -- at the Tulsa Raceway Park.

We're not sure if Darrell won -- but everybody watching sure did.

Before Joanna Pacitti got the gold ticket on Wednesday night's episode, she struck gold with her song "Out from Under," which was featured on the "Bratz" soundtrack in 2007 ... before it was covered on Britney's new album, Circus.

Before he made it to Hollywood in last night's episode, country kid Brent Keith Smith promoted a CMT album with a tour of local Walmarts.

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.

Raquel Houghton, a 28-year-old "waitress/bartender," dated Cook for roughly three years, until the relationship suddenly ended in 2007 -- which happens to be right after "Employee of the Month" came out.

The official cause of death of Paula Abdul's stalker is a drug overdose.

L.A.'s Assistant Chief of Coroner says Paula Goodspeed -- who was found dead in her car outside of Paula's home back in November -- committed suicide by ingesting prescription drugs.

The specific drugs Goodspeed used has not been released.