Simon Cowell downplays Abdul rift on 'Idol'

By April MacIntyre Dec 18, 2008, 5:07 GMT

Not big happy family... Paula Abdul, Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson - 18th Annual Kids\' Choice Awards - Press Room - UCLA Pauley Pavilion - Westwood, CA, USA © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

Simon Cowell says the suicide of Paula Abdul’s superfan, former contestant Paula Goodspeed, is “absolutely the worst thing …Here’s a girl who’s obviously had some horrible, horrible issues in her life and the fact that it ended it in the way it did, it is a complete and utter tragedy…It’s terrible.”

“Extra” asked about rumors Abdul may do "Dancing with the Stars" and Cowell says, “People should be allowed to do what they want…We’d just suggest they play some older music, so she’s more comfortable and I think she’d be great. “

Cowell also responds to Abdul’s recent accusations that he talks in her ear to distract her during Idol.  “Yeah, I do a little bit…I get bored so I whisper things and make things up during the auditions and the live shows…But she chooses to say it…I’m not responsible for everything she says.”

A monitoring device was recently found on Cowell’s car and he said “we found out that it was a photographer…He has to face the consequences of this because he broke the law…I don’t have an issue with the media, with photographers. Everyone has a job to do…But when they go to those lengths…That’s crossing the line.”

Simon dismissed criticism of Britney Spears for lip-syncing during her performances, saying, “I don’t have a problem with that….Why should they have to do it live the whole time? I think you’ve got to put on a show…If you want to sing live, sing live. Who cares. It’s a show. It’s entertainment.”

“Extra’s” interview with Simon Cowell airs tonight.