Posh on hand as 'American Idol' resumes

There was no Paula, but there was a Posh for the first round of 'American Idol' auditions.

Victoria Beckham was on hand in the show’s post-Paula Abdul era, arriving at a hotel in Denver, Colorado, where call-back auditions were being held as scores of onlookers crowded against barriers.

Fox, which airs the popular singing show, said the former Spice Girl and Katy Perry would be guest judges in Abdul’s place.

But it was not immediately clear whether Beckham did any judging and Idol spokeswoman Alex Gillespie would not say what her role was. Perry was nowhere to be seen.

Judge Kara DioGuardi arrived in a limo wearing a black dress, telling local Fox affiliate KDVR that she was wearing black to mourn Abdul’s absence. DioGuardi called Abdul her mentor and the heart of the show.

“She was very kind, she showed me the ropes, so I have to give her the props for that,” DioGuardi said. “I hope she is happy and I hope she reconsiders.

Abdul announced this week she was leaving 'Idol' after eight seasons. She would not discuss details about her exit on Thursday, nor would she say whether the door was still open for a return.