Seacrest: Relationship with Abdul ‘awkward’

NEW YORK — "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest says he and judge Paula Abdul aren't speaking to one another, but Abdul calls reports of a feud "ridiculous."

Seacrest told People magazine last week that his relationship with Abdul was "awkward."

"I don't know what the deal is. It's very awkward," he was quoted as saying.

The 31-year-old Seacrest, who openly spars with "Idol" judge Simon Cowell, told the magazine: "Simon and I go back and forth with each other, but it's in a different way."

Asked if he was speaking to Abdul, Seacrest answered, "No."

Seacrest also said he hadn't talked to Abdul about the apparent rift.

"You know, I walked past her dressing room the other day and there was a group of people gathered in front of the door, so I can't even talk to her," he said.

Abdul dismissed reports of off-camera animosity in a statement Tuesday to The Associated Press.

"Reports of a feud are ridiculous," the 43-year-old former pop star said. "We are one funny dysfunctional family. There's nothing but love."

Any tension between the "Idol" host and judge might have come after their separate appearances on "The Tonight Show."

In Seacrest's March 30 guest spot, host Jay Leno joked about Abdul's "loopy" behavior in an "Idol" episode, to which Seacrest replied: "Well, have you listened to her album?"

And when Leno playfully asked whether Abdul had been drinking alcohol, Seacrest said, "Hey look, I don't look in their cups to see what's sitting before them on that table. But at times I feel like we have reeled her in."

During her April 10 appearance, Abdul shot down rumors that Seacrest was dating "Desperate Housewives" star Teri Hatcher.

"He only kisses the mirror," Abdul said. "And honestly, do you think Teri Hatcher is that desperate of a housewife?"