BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — The new president of Fox Entertainment sat in front of a roomful of TV critics and said, "The credibility of that ('American Idol') competition is incredibly important to us, and we will do everything possible to secure that credibility."

And Peter Liguori said it with a straight face.

C'mon, the credibility of the "American Idol" is not in question. It doesn't have any credibility.

This has never been a show about who's the best; it's about who's the most popular. And — even if you eliminate the increasingly self-parodying judges — the viewers' voting is often utterly ridiculous.

That said . . . Paula-gate just isn't going away. And Fox still hasn't dealt with allegations that judge Paula Abdul had a sexual relationship with contestant (and one-time Utahn) Corey Clark during the competition.

It's almost surreal, but Fox has hired an independent counsel to investigate the charges. Liguori won't tell us who that is — really — but we do know that the investigation is "winding down."

Abdul's profile seems to be higher than ever despite the scandal (and her utter lack of talent). Not only has she not been fired from "American Idol" (at least not yet), she's been added to Fox's latest series, "So You Think You Can Dance."

"Given the fact that we were in the throes of the inquiry, Paula was just a natural for the show," Liguori said.

Huh? She hasn't been cleared of charges she had sex with a contestant on one talent show so she's a "natural" to be on another talent show?

"Look, the audience loves Paula. She continues to get support," Liguori said. "She continues to light up our online sites or message boards. She is part-and-parcel of that show, and her specific style seems to be working quite well. So no change is required from my position."

Not even if the allegations turn out to be true? Liguori wouldn't comment on that.

After initially telling critics that Abdul denied the allegations, Liguori backtracked a bit and said that she denies she in any way unduly influenced the outcome of the show. And he seemed to be building a defense for her staying on "Idol," even if his own investigator determines she did have an affair with Clark.

"In terms of our rules for fraternization, they're all geared toward — is, in fact, a judge or any of the producers affecting the outcome of the show?" Liguori said. "We also recognize that America votes. I mean, ultimately, it's America that decides on who moves forward.

"But with all that being said, the credibility of the competition is job one for us."

(He said it with a straight face.)