Producers on the `American Idol’ show allegedly considered giving judge Paula Abdul the sack – and replacing her with Britney Spears or Jessica Simpson. Paula’s erratic behaviour was cited as the reason for mounting tension behind the scenes of the hit TV show. A source tells, “Paula was being very difficult. She was crying all the time and arriving late for meetings.” According to the source, the producers discussed replacing the judge: “They liked Jessica Simpson a lot. And some were pushing for Britney Spears.” The source adds that in the end though neither of the stars were called in and Paula was given a second chance. [24 March 2006]