AMERICAN IDOL's Randy Jackson Responds to Betty Buckley's 'Too Broadway' Criticism

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Tony Award winner Betty Buckley took to Twitter to vent her frustrations on AMERICAN IDOL judge Randy Jackson's use of "too Broadway" as a critique against contestants on the reality singing show. Click here to read the exchange between Buckley and IDOL producer Nigel Lythgoe. 

Today, Jackson replied, posting on his WhoSay page: "Just for the record; @bettybuckley I love you, I also love broadway, I am a huge broadway fan. There are tons of broadway stars that are dear friends of mine. I have the upmost respect for all broadway actors and singers. To me the greatest thing in life is a true thespian. One who can be a great actor, singer, and great dancer. The all around performer.

"Last I checked, America is land of the free, home of the brave, and freedom of speech is still allowed. But what I was merely saying to the singer, or any singer who wishes to be in popular music is that you have to be able to have control of your vibrato and have amazing talent. A lot of people who sing broadway, do not have control of their vibrato, which does not easily lend itself to singing other styles of music. The wide open vibrato doesn't work everywhere. Was not dissing anyone, and if you know our show carefully, we have been using the words 'Too Broadway' for 11 seasons now, and we have all said it.

"FYI: If you are a fan of the show, then you would know, we had a giant win with a broadway
singer named Adam Lambert. One of our greatest contestants, 4 years ago, And yo Betty the dawg ain’t got nothing but love for you. Ever since eight is enough. I want everyone to realize their dreams."

Buckley, in turn, responded via Twitter with: "Thank you, Randy. I have been your fan for all these yrs. And yes, I am aware this has been Idol speak for all these yrs. And, yes, we live in the land o free speech. Thank the Lord. And, dearest Randy, w respect U have begun 2 use 'too bway' as a negation. Just sayin'. I'm sure you have lotsa Bway friends. I have lotsa pop rec. prod. & bass player friends. 

"And yes, vibrato as part of an instrument require deft manipulation & so many POP/rock stars use them. Thanks for the response. You're a courtly dude, Dawg! Wishing you always all the very best always. : ) x O, and as I recall, you guys gave Adam Lambert a hard time n the beginning suggesting he couldn't do more than 'Bway'. ; )"

Buckley guest starred on ABC Family's hit show Pretty Little Liars in August 2011. Last winter, she co-starred in Dallas Theatre Center's smash hit ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. She's arguably best known for appearing on Broadway and in London in hit shows such as SUNSET BOULEVARD, CATS (for which the actress was awarded a 1982 Tony Award), THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD and 1776. She appeared in the 1976 film version of CARRIE as Miss Collins in addition to starring in the 1987 Broadway production as Margaret White.