[kevkrom]

"Idol" ping...

Even if this were true, what's the problem? Contestants are free to solicit advice from anyone. And the judges, once you get to the finals, don't control the results, the audience does. The judges' comments can affect voting, but 1) if Paula has a favorite, she's going to plug him regardless of any outside coaching, and 2) nobody listens to Paula anyway.

[mgc1122]

if Paula has a favorite, she's going to plug him regardless of any outside coaching

Apparently, Paula was getting the plugging on this one ... ;)

[retrokitten]

2) nobody listens to Paula anyway.

And just think...Anna Nichole Smith could step in and no one would even notice a difference except for the hair color.

[ArmyBratproud]

I was just thinking the same thing.

THEY GET ADVICE FROM THE JUDGES RIGHT AFTER THEY SING...ON THE AIR.

So it would be odd that her contacting anybody with advice would be wrong.

Then there is a the issue of what the tape actually says.

Seems like abc is hurting for news.