LOS ANGELES (AP) — Be careful not to read too much into what someone from Louisville says while heading out the door — like the "American Idol" judges did.

The producers of "Idol" apologized Thursday on behalf of its judges, who apparently misinterpreted what a contestant in Louisville, Ky., said after a failed audition. On his way out, Mark Mudd said: "Take care and be careful."

Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell took that as a threat. Abdul scolded Mudd, telling him, "You don't say that to people, 'Be careful.' That's just not a normal thing to say."

It turns out that "Be careful" is a regional parting expression.

The show's producers say they had not heard that from any other contestants, so it took everyone by surprise.

A statement from "Idol" producers said: "We now know better and look forward to visiting Louisville again someday."

Speaking as a KY resident...I honestly didn't know "Be careful" was anything other than the aforementioned expression used when someone is leaving.

Poor guy, they made him look like he was deranged on national televison, and all American Idol says is "whoops our bad". ohno:

I can certainly understand why they judges would be a bit confused if it was an expression they weren't familiar with. A friend of mine was once asked by some tourists who wanted her to take their picture if she would shoot them :lol: Still, I think AI blew it way out of proportion. I won't be surprised if the guy sues for defamation.

Though I'm not from Kentucky nor have I ever been there, I thought he meant it more like a "take care" kinda thing...I didn't see it as a threat...

I can see where the judges misunderstood him. Different regions have different phrases and not everyone visiting a place will understand the common terms and phrases.