Country star Rich infuriated by Abdul's "Idol" antics (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Country artist andupcoming "Nashville Star" judge John Rich laid into "AmericanIdol" judge Paula Abdul for her lack of attentiveness during arecent episode.

"'American Idol' infuriates me as an artist," Rich, of themultiplatinum country duo Big & Rich, said at an NBC pressevent in Pasadena, California. "They're being fake about it.When you can't make a cognizant comment about someone'sperformance and you're commenting on something that happenedthe day before, why don't you just walk up onstage and slapthem right across the face while you're at it? As an artist, Iwould just flip them the bird and walk off the stage. ... Shewasn't even paying attention to what was going on."

The gaffe by Abdul, who critiqued a contestant'sperformance that she saw only in rehearsal and which did notair, has been the biggest "Idol" controversy this season. Butthe incident seemingly has had little impact on the show'sratings -- which have been down 10 percent overall this season,though recent episodes have hit five-year lows.

"The reason their ratings are going into the toilet rightnow is because the American public cannot stand when it comesto reality," Rich said. "You can tell when somebody's commentwas scripted. You can tell when they told an artist, 'Wearthis, and sing that, and do that.' That's not the way it'sgoing to work on this show," he said of "Nashville Star."

Rich was on a panel promoting the NBC show during thenetwork's summer programming event for the press. He is a judgeand mentor on the upcoming sixth season of the show, which hasmoved from USA Network to NBC this year.

"We have to respect the fans' ears and eyes and give themsomething that's for real," he added. "Don't try to con them.And I think that's why 'American Idol,' in my opinion, is justdive-bombing. I can't stand watching it. I wouldn't want to beon that show now if you gave me a $100 bill."

In response to Rich's comments, Fox released a statement:"John Rich's ungentlemanly and opportunistic comments areparticularly disturbing considering the fact he attended ataping of 'American Idol' last April, told producers, judgesand performers he enjoyed himself and also did an interviewwith a crew from 'American Idol Extra' where he was extremelycomplimentary toward the show."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter