Clark details ‘Idol’ claims about Abdul

Lending weight to simmering rumors, former "American Idol" contestant Corey Clark has acknowledged he had a sexual relationship with "Idol" judge Paula Abdul and received coaching from her on how to win, according to excerpts of an interview he conducted with ABC News.

Clark said Abdul provided him with off-air tips, even suggesting which songs he should sing, according to a preview of an interview scheduled to air Wednesday night.

Clark, one of 12 finalists on the second season of the Fox show, said he began an off-camera relationship with Abdul during his stint on the program -- one that began innocently but eventually became sexual.

Clark said Abdul, now 42, initially told him, "I want to look out after you like I'm your mom," then quickly changed her mind and said, "Well, maybe more like your special friend," according to ABC News' Web site.

Clark, who apparently is hoping to publish a book about his "Idol" experiences, said Abdul assisted him with his styling for the show, and provided him with prescription cough syrup — prescribed to her — to help soothe his throat, according to ABC.

Clark said he and Abdul were friends for a month, when he was 22, before they became romantically involved. Clark's parents told ABC that when their son acknowledged the relationship at the time, they expressed concern about his becoming involved with a judge during the competition.

ABC also said two of Clark's friends have said Clark told them of the relationship at the time and even introduced Abdul to them.

Clark earlier made allegations about Abdul in an interview with the Globe tabloid, which reported Clark's efforts to market a tell-all book.

In a statement to ABC News on Tuesday, Fox said Clark never notified the network or “American Idol” producers of any concerns about the show despite “multiple opportunities” for contestants to do so.

Fox has said Clark was removed from the show came after "failing to disclose his criminal arrest history."

“We will, of course, look into any evidence of improper conduct that we receive,” the network said, adding that the public should “carefully examine Mr. Clark’s motives, given his apparent desire to exploit his prior involvement with ’American Idol’ for profit and publicity.”

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'Communicating lies'
Abdul, known for her upbeat critiques of even the most hopeless contestants, has punched back at Clark and ABC. Her lawyer sent a letter to the network threatening legal action if the special airs.

“Mr. Clark is an admitted liar and opportunist who engages in unlawful activities. He is communicating lies about Paula Abdul in order to generate interest in a book deal,” said an earlier statement issued on her behalf.

Clark was pulled from "Idol" in 2003 after documents were uncovered showing a previous arrest for alleged battery against his sister; he later pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges.

ABC intends to detail Clark's claims in an hour-long special set to air 10 p.m. ET Wednesday, after the "Idol" results show at 9 p.m. ET. The Fox show is winnowing down this season's hopefuls in advance of a two-night finale on May 24-25.

Clark told ABC he has no motive but to "set the record straight."

"This is me telling the truth," Clark said. "It just so happens to be a very explosive truth."