Tue Aug 20, 2002, 8:57 AM ET

 

Paula Abdul's biggest hit may have been "Straight Up," but she's not so straight up when it comes to criticism on American Idol: The Search For A Superstar. Abdul is one of the three judges on the summer hit who gives her opinion on a contestant's performance. Abdul is never too critical, rather she focuses on the positive aspects of one's act.

 

Abdul's fellow judge Simon Cowell, however, is known for his acerbic comments and the two oftentimes exchange barbs as a result of their clashing opinions. Though things get heated on camera, Abdul says that she and American Idol judge Randy Jackson don't take Cowell too seriously because he's stating only one viewpoint.

 

She explains, "When people say, 'Well at least he's telling the truth,' both Randy and I say, 'The truth according to whom?' According to Simon. It's Simon's truth. Yeah, there are times where he just calls a spade a spade and the performance is bad, but I truly believe there are, you know, different colors of rejection and it doesn't have to be where you absolutely crush the spirit of these kids."

 

There are four finalists left on American Idol. They will sing to avoid elimination Tuesday (August 20) at 9 p.m. ET on Fox

 

-- Sofia Fernandez, Los Angeles