Paula Abdul was the most coherent I’ve seen her in years at the VH1 “Divas Live” concert – she even turned in a not-too-shabby impersonation of her American Idol replacement, Ellen Degeneres. But even though Paula showed off her new-found lucidity, not to mention a sense of humor, one person she still doesn’t find funny is comedian/reality star/best-selling author Kathy Griffin. Abdul has been the punchline of many a Griffin joke, and when the two were asked to work together at the VH1 event, Paula bristled at the idea of sharing stage time with Kathy.

After a barrage of insults from Kathy Griffin, the former “American Idol” star nearly refused to co-present with the comedian at Thursday night’s VH1 Divas concert.

“Paula had to be coaxed onstage to present with Kathy,” an insider reveals. “Kathy has made fun of her A LOT in the past, and she’s still pretty offended. She was leery about what Kathy might say about her in public.”

The flame-haired funnygirl continually roasts Abdul for her alleged penchant for popping pills, calling her a “junkie” with a “Vicodin problem.” She’s even mentioned in Griffin’s new release, “Official Book Club Selection.”

“It’s very tough for me emotionally,” Griffin has joked of Abdul’s departure from “Idol.” “I can’t imagine my life without Paula. In a way that Paula can’t imagine her life without, let’s say, a little Vicodin.”

Griffin certainly didn’t seem to realize anything was amiss at the concert, where she delivered zingy one-liners like “I see you giving me the evil eye, Paula,” and asking if the former judge had ever seen her co-star, Simon Cowell, naked.

Abdul finally got her chance to get Griffin back. She took an uncommon amount of pleasure in retaliating, “Have you ever banged anyone? Hey, listen, Firecr—h!”

But is all well that ends well? Hardly. Paula asked Kathy to promise – in front of the live audience – that she won’t make fun of her kooky ways anymore. But unlike Paula’s scripted question, Griffin went off the TelePrompTer and said, “I pinky swear I won’t make fun of you … until Kelly Clarkson comes on.” Since that moment was about 10 seconds later, it looks like Kathy still isn’t ready to make nice.

And although the ladies were cordial backstage, a second source says they definitely wanted to go their separate ways once the cameras were off. Griffin ditched the Divas’ Save the Music post-concert fete in Brooklyn, while Abdul was the life of the afterparty.

Chances are the harmony won’t last. “You know Kathy,” laughed the insider. “She’s going to make fun of Paula the very next chance she gets!”

Griffin and Abdul reps didn’t respond to calls for comment.

[From NY Daily News]

I love me some Kathy Griffin. She sure does have a lot of showbiz enemies, though. I like how she has built her entire career out of being snubbed by celebrities – it’s to the point where a lot of stars are afraid to even be in the same room with her (including Barbara Walters), because their Hollywood antics will undoubtedly end up in her stand-up act. My take on it is this: if you’re famous, and you walk around acting delusional, full of yourself, or like a self-entitled jerk, then you should expect a few of Kathy’s barbs – but for heaven’s sake, don’t take it personally. It’s a comedy act! Let’s face it: anyone who’s watched American Idol can see that Paula Abdul, sweetheart though she may be, is definitely popping a few pills. I mean, there were nights when she could barely speak! It’s the worst kept secret in Hollywood. Kathy doesn’t take any prisoners – that’s how she rolls. If a few fragile egos can’t handle that, then maybe they should stop acting so loopy in public. Just a suggestion.