As 'American Idol' returns, questions arise about Abdul's relationship with new judge Kara DioGuardi and the apparent suicide of an alleged stalker, outside her home last year. Last week, Abdul, DioGuardi and producers fielded a flurry of aggressive inquiries about whether she was leaving the show, because she feels threatened by DioGuardi? However, responsive and upbeat, Abdul didn't let anything, even the critics get to her!

And, at the centre of the glittering frenzy of the Paula Abdul Road Show is Abdul, and her supposed unpredictable and erratic behavior, including last year's media speculation about possible drug and alcohol use. Abdul denied this, but each season of 'American Idol' brings it's own controversy.

She puts the blame for all the controversies squarely on fellow judge Simon Cowell, even though she believes it makes the producers happy that even minding her own business results in her creating a controversy.

Reminding everyone that there is more to her life than 'American Idol', she tells us she wants to do more music, and that her newly debuted Forever Your Girl jewelry and handbag line, sold out on HSN.

So, begins San Fransciso's audition for 'American Idol', with Tatiana del Toro 'a full-time singer, a musician, a songwriter, a writer, an assistant director, model, film actor, and I live for what I do', auditioning first, who enters in a tulle mini-dress with a press kit full of 'naughty' pictures. She sings 'Never Loved a Man', is stopped by Simon, who gives her some constructive criticism, while she continues singing. Paula votes yes, Randy despite wanting this big R&B voice, Tatiana doesn't quite have, votes yes, anyway, while Kara, who doesn't think Tatiana has the vocals, yet, likes her vibe, shoos her in.

'Failed Entrepreneur' Dean-Anthony Bradford in an insane plaid coat tortures with a 'wild', very theatrical 'over-the-top' version of 'Simply Red'. Simon, not knowing Bradford's hair colour is his natural colour, calls both outfit and hair colour horrible. You can guess the outcome, though Ryan blames the coat for it!

Family man, Jesus Valenzuela who is auditioning for 'American Idol', because his children asked him to, bores with his singing whatever. Paula and Kara tell him his voice is good, which makes Jesus beg to be voted in, because he would like to bring his kids who are outside, inside. At which, Randy makes him sing a different song, so Jesus tries his luck with 'Unchained Melody'. Simon sticks to his original no, Paula, Kara and Randy vote him in.

Dalton Powell performs his Rubik' s Cube skills for Ryan, then sings in a fluttering falsetto, with eyes shut. Kara can't resist asking: 'Have you ever sung?'. Powell says: 'Not in front of people, no.' and gets voted out.

Akilah Askew-Gholston tells everyone about the anatomy of singing from a bunch of Internet print-outs, has everyone laughing when she mispronounces larynx and trachea and says 'Hello, Simon' to Randy. The judges are told that has some original songs written by her turn, which she is going to sing. She proceeds to sing a little Aretha instead, stops herself on hitting a horrible note, spouts some more anatomical terms, tells us how she gets really worked up, when she meets famous people and trying to compliment them, ends up saying all the wrong things. Paula hugs her and tries to lead her out, but Akilah won't stop gabbing, so Paula walks out. Now, its Kara's turn to hug her and even manages to get her to leave.

Up next, Annie Murdoch seems indecisive about what she is going to sing, but sings loud and not so good, which makes Simon say it sounds like she was drunk. She's voted out.

Adam Lambert, who has been singing since the age of 10, sings 'Bohemian Rhapsody', Simon asks him to stop and says its too theatrical, leading to back and forthing about whether it means Lambert is a good singer. Randy, Simon, Kara vote yes, and after he leaves Paula says he's the best, so far.

Kai Kalama, 26, last for the day gives a heartwarming audition. He plays music at night and takes care of his mom, who has a seizure disorder, by day. His 'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes', gets him Simon's vote for a very good voice, though he has 'the personality of a ship singer'. Kara tells him his performance and personality need polishing to make it past Hollywood. But, he's voted in and goes on to the next round.

Till the next episode of 'American Idol'!