Describing him as "one of the greatest of all time," and "a family member," host Ryan Seacrest welcomed original American Idol judge Randy Jackson to the show via video chat on Monday, as fellow originator Paula Abdul sat in the studio performing substitute-judge duties.
The only person missing from the first live episode of the season, although we wouldn't say Paula was honestly missing anyone, was their old pal and former Idol judge Simon Cowell.
Listen to your favorite music now on Audacy
After Jackson quipped that their reunion of sorts felt "like old times," Abdul shot back her reply. "Yes, it does, we're just missing the STD," she said to a visibly astounded Seacrest. The silence from the audience was deafening, as well. Paula then coyly joked that she meant "STD" stood for "super, talented, debonair." After some awkward tension Jackson brought it back like a true professional, congratulating Paula as well as this season's judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie for "doing an amazing job."
Finally, after blowing a kiss to Jackson and telling him she loves him, Paula turned her attention to Katy and said, "I can't believe I said that."
Related
Abdul was on the show to fill in for judge Luke Bryan who is currently sitting out after recently testing positive for COVID-19.
In a statement released on his social media pages Monday, Bryan shared, "I'm sad to say I won't be a part of tonight's first live @AmericanIdol show. I tested positive for COVID but I'm doing well and look forward to being back at it soon." Bryan's 16-track deluxe edition of Born Here Live Here Die Here is out now.
WATCH MORE: What to watch this week: ‘The Circle,’ ‘Dad, Stop Embarrassing Me’
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram