Booked on a sold-out flight from San Jose to Burbank, California, the pop singer-turned American Idol judge reportedly became upset when she was not seated first.
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Told that only young children and people with disabilities received preferential treatment, she allegedly said "But I'm famous! I need to go on first!"
According to the U.S. tabloid newspaper The Star, amused passengers then told her she was "no Sanjaya" - referring to popular and controversial Idol contestant Sanjaya Malakar. She then pushed her way to the head of the line, and once on the plane attempted unsuccessfully to keep the seat next to her vacant.
Paula Abdul's spokesperson had no comment.