Abdul and Cowell's 'Idol' storm

Music

16:30 27 January 2005

Simon Cowell had a furious bust-up with fellow judge Paula Abdul on the latest episode of 'American Idol' - forcing her to storm out of an audition.

The music mogul repeatedly clashed with Abdul after he left a host of pop hopefuls devastated with a series of cruel jibes about their performances.

Eventually the 80s pop star branded Simon - who has been dubbed Mr Nasty because of his vicious put-downs - a "jerk" before storming off the set, in New Orleans.

After Abdul walked off, the music guru was left red-faced as he sat next to Kiss rocker Gene Simmons - who is also a judge on the panel.

Only last week, Simon was branded an "a**" by Abdul after he reduced a host of contestants to tears on the show.

The record producer was also punched by his fellow judge on the first episode of the hit TV talent show after he left one religious contestant - who told Simon she had been "singled out by God" to win the competition - devastated by telling her: "Trust me. God did not want you to win this contest."

(c) BANG Media International