PAULA Abdul’s debut as a QVC pitchwoman was witnessed in person by a studio audience of 57 people.
More were watching at home, including Katie from Alabama, who called the show.
In a voice barely above a whisper, Katie reported that she had bought four pieces of Paula’s new jewelry line, and the one-hour show was only about a third over.
Katie sounded ill. She said she hoped the jewelry would make her feel better. Paula and QVC host Jacque (pronounced “Jackie”) Gonzales thanked her for calling, and she said goodbye.
Welcome to the world of TV home-shopping at 1 o’clock in the morning. That is when Abdul made her QVC debut – early last Friday morning (Thursday night) – from QVC’s studios in West Chester, Pa., 35 miles west of Philadelphia.
She returned later on Friday, at 9 p.m., for a second hour. That one attracted a capacity crowd of 157.
Both telecasts were live, as all QVC shows are.
Paula, who had flown on a red-eye from Los Angeles after “American Idol” late Wednesday night, seemed more sure of herself in the evening telecast.
At 1 a.m., she was no match for Gonzales, who sells as if her life depends on it.
In the evening, Paula worked better (and was possibly better rested) with host Rick Domeier (pronounced “Dough-myer”), whose sales style is more congenial.
On both shows, Paula described her jewelry and complained about Simon Cowell, a bit she trots out in every public appearance these days.
She calls her line “inspiration jewelry” and some of the pieces come with sayings etched on them, such as the Inspiration Charm Set, with your choice of shapes and a tiny dogtag with a related, inspirational message. “Love yourself, it’s the beginning of a lifelong romance,” says the message accompanying a heart charm.
She revealed that Simon annoys her by whispering nonsense such as “the moth that’s inside the wonton” in her ear during “American Idol.”
Throughout the two shows, Paula explained the symbolism of her jewelry, such as the Single Feather 56″ Chain Necklace ($35).
“I love feathers,” she said, “because feathers then join as wings and, for me, I always say, Spread your wings, fly without strings. Don’t ever be attached to anything you don’t want to be attached to!”
Sales were brisk, according to QVC. A spokeswoman said Paula “practically” doubled her sales goals and a number of items were sold out (until they make more available any minute, presumably).