From the Associated Press:
LOS ANGELES (AP) – “American Idol” is apologizing for misinterpreting a contestant in Louisville, Ky., who told the judges “be careful.”
Mark Mudd had failed his audition, and on his way out told the judges, “Take care and be careful.”
Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell took that as a threat. Abdul scolded Mudd, telling him, “You don’t say that to people, ‘be careful.’ That’s just not a normal thing to say.”
“Be careful” is a regional expression. The show’s producers say they had not heard that from any other contestants, so it took everyone by surprise.
A statement from “Idol” producers says, “We now know better and look forward to visiting Louisville again someday.”
I’m not from the South, and have never used that expression, but I didn’t find Mark’s remark particularly threatening (watch his audition HERE).
Just another example of Idol stereotyping gone awry. Now, who needs to be careful…
