7 News Features: Simon Vs. Paula

WSVN -- It has become TV's most popular love-hate relationship. Watching Simon and Paula can often be more fun than watching the singers. But America wants to know -- Is it real or just really good TV.

It's brilliant television...

American Idol contestant Mikalah Gordon: "The Simon and Paula thing I think is just fabulous. I really think it brings in a lot of viewers."

So is the made-for-TV tension between Simon and Paula just made for television?

American Idol contestant Joseph Murena: "It is real. They'll even turn the cameras off and fix the situation and go back again."

Contestants like Constantine have seen the insults fly in person. And while everyone from Jessica to Jarred agree it's real, they disagree on the cause...

Maybe Robinson, the cast diplomat, summed it up best as professional differences between paula the performer.

American Idol contestant Anwar Robinson: "She's been a onstage, she's been judged by critics."

And Simon, the executive.

Anwar Robinson: "He knows what it takes to sell. He knows the business.

But others like Mario Vasquez have more titillating theories:

American Idol contestant Mario Vasquez: "Maybe they just might. You know like in high school or in elementary school when you pick on that person, you hate that person you really like them?"

American Idol contestant Celena Rael: "Maybe I think its one of those brother-sister love-hate relationships."

Whatever the reasons, the jab-exchanging judges always manage to kiss and makeup. At least until next time, and we can be pretty sure there will be a next time.

Tomorrow night, we're checking in with fantasia Barrino. What's last year's winner doing? And what's her advice for surviving Simon?

Contact: laguirre@wsvn.com