Well, this just in on the Paula Abdul/"American Idol" speak-before-you've-actually-heard-him-sing saga:

According to the New York Times, Paula (pictured in an Associated Press picture) admitted today what some "Idol” viewers have long suspected (and I knew but couldn't say after conversations with judge Simon Cowell and producer Nigel Lythgoe - so there):

"The show’s judges sometimes see portions of the dress rehearsal for the show and use that to help formulate their comments on the evening’s 'live' performance.

"The issue came to light on Wednesday as Abdul ... tried to explain comments
she made during Tuesday evening’s live broadcast, where she offered
a critique of a performance (by Jason Castro) that had not yet taken place."

The show's producers changed the normal competition format, asking the judges to wait to make final comments until after the Final 5 had performed both of their Neil Diamond songs.

What I believe threw Paula is that host Ryan Seacrest did jump in after the contestants had sung one song and asked the judges for an initial mini-critique - a first impression, if you will.

Paula obviously had already seen both of Jason's dress rehearsal performances and was prepared to comment on both. Think what you want, but I know for a fact it's usually just water in those "Coke" glasses. (Simon says.)

Check out my earlier blog.