American Idol Judges Update

'American Idol' judges apologize for taking Louisville singer's 'Be Careful' farewell as a threat

It seems the judges on "American Idol" should have heeded the advice of one Kentucky contestant who told them to "Be careful," as he exited his failed audition.

"Be careful" with their interpretations, that is.

Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell flared up against Louisville contestant Matt Mudd when he told them to "Take care and be careful," as he exited a failed audition. The judges bristled immediately and took the comment as a threat. Abdul told Mudd "You don't say that to people, 'Be careful.' That's just not a normal thing to say."

But it turns out the phrase is completely the norm in the Louisville area and is used regularly in casual conversation to say farewell.

The producers of "American Idol" offered a mea culpa Thursday, posting a statement on the show's Web site to apologize for the way the audition was characterized on television.

"Our visits to audition cities are relatively brief and sometimes regional greetings and salutations are lost in translation," the statement said. "We now know better and look forward to visiting Louisville again someday," they said.

Fans commenting on the "Idol" site weren't quite buying it and came out with loud support for Mudd. "That was blown way out of proportion and totally 'done for TV'. Thanks for apologizing, but it should have never been there in the first place!," said one forum user.

Others called for more drastic measures than the statement. "I insist that American Idol give a public apology on the air to all of the viewers and especially Mark Mudd," wrote another.

I'm sorry, American Idol. TWIT does not accept your apology.