Paula Abdul and Simon CowellSimon Cowell admits that he whispers in Paula Abdul's ear right before the live cameras start rolling on American Idol , but he says he doesn't do it with malicious intent. Paula recently told Barbara Walters in a radio interview that Cowell purposely whispers in her ear right before airtime to make her look flakey on the show. TV Guide reports that Paula didn't mean to come off so harsh in her indictment of him.  "I've done it from Day 1. That's part of the relationship I've had with Paula [and] I've looked upon it in a kind of a fun way," Cowell says. "It's never done with any maliciousness. She's never really had an issue with me about it. If I thought I've gone too far I've apologized. And if she said to me, 'I don't want you to do it again,' I wouldn't do it," he told TV Guide .

Paula Abdul

TV Guide reports that American Idol producer Ken Warwick has no plans to replace AI judge Paula Abdul despite her recent claims that the show endangered her life by allowing her alleged stalker audition in January of 2006. Paula Goodspeed committed suicide in front of Paula's home in November of this year. "There's never been any discussion that we would want to get rid of Paula — even if there were people in production that didn't like her. [Her job is] not in any jeopardy. America loves Paula. She's an integral part of this program, and as far as I'm concerned, I hope she's there 'til the day it comes off the air," Warwick said.

Paula AbdulThe LA Times reports that Paula Abdul revealed to Barbara Walters on an sateliite radio interview that she had asked American Idol producers to not allow a woman who had reportedly been stalking her for "17 years" to audition for the show. Paula Goodspeed committed suicide in front of Paula's home in November. "She had been writing disturbing letters for 17 years, almost 18 years," Abdul  told Walters. "We had restraining orders at times." Abdul says that "I said, 'This girl is a stalker of mine. Please do not let her in.' Everyone knew. I was shaking."

Feeling pretty underwhelmed by the long-predicted David v. David finale showdown? Well that's not allowed around these parts, Mister! And to make sure there's no more 'tude, American Idol is gonna PROVE to you just how intense and exciting this final two is. By comparing it to: a boxing match!!!1

Yeah. It didn't work last night either.

My husband was working late with our laptop last night so my notes aren't quite as thorough as usual. Regardless, here are the final three performances of your top two Idols.

How to fill one hour of what should be completely suspense-free television (read: Syesha's inevitable departure, god willing)? Let's find out, shall we?

First, we'll have the top three sing a soulless "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now."

Next, a Ford commercial! Set to "Heaven" by Los Lonely boys with a Cribs-inspired storyline. Check out David Cook's imaginary fleet of sweet Fords!

Ryan finally puts my finger on why I hate Syesha. He introduces high school student David, bartender other David, and...actress Syesha. Sigh. Is there any way she's making the top two? We shall see!

Each Idol is singing three songs -- one picked by the judges, one by themselves, and one from the producers.

JUDGES' CHOICES

David Archuleta: "And So It Goes" by Billy Joel, picked by Paula. He hears the news from the mayor of Murray, Utah, who has an amazing moustache and american flag shirt. I doubt David knew this song, but it's a pretty good call. He sings the opening a capella, and displays a great amount of restraint and skill -- it's just pretty. Then the strings come in and test his pitch...spot on! Nice bit of emotion at the end, a very strong performance.