Paula Abdul's reality TV shocker: 'I've never had anyone just vomit on me like that'

As a judge on a live talent show, Paula Abdul knows it's the unscripted moments that make for TV magic.

So hopefully that thought sustained her as she was showered in vomit on Monday night's episode of So You Think You Can Dance.

Giving a young dancer a congratulatory hug after the 12-year-old's routine to Beyonce's Countdown, the veteran star found herself splashed with a stream of bile, reports the Daily Mail.

Luckily Abdul kept calm - reassuring Chi Tahani that, "It's okay, honey".

The Opposites Attract singer even saw the funny side, managing to joke that she had "never had anyone just vomit on me like that".

Abdul, who was wearing red, had noticed something was not right as she congratulated little Chi after her energetic performance.

"Are you okay, honey?' she asked in concern as the youngster's cheeks filled and her eyes widened.

Then the judge simply stepped aside and loosened her hug as Chi let go.

She rubbed her back, along with her fellow judges, as they consoled the child, who told them, "I'm so sorry!"

For her part, young Chi explained that she was simply overwhelmed by the once in a lifetime experience.

"I hugged Nigel, and I hugged Paula," she explained afterwards.

"And she just squeezed me too tight. And all the happiness came out on her jacket."

Despite the public sickness, it was a good day for the schoolgirl, who had earlier been praised by the judges for her fancy footwork.

"I'm so proud of you," Paula had told her. And all three judges voted to give her a ticket to the next round.

And Chi was obviously delighted by the experience, which came as her parents cheered her on from the sidelines.