Are Ryan & Paula Feuding?

Ryan Seacrest told People magazine that “it’s awkward” between him and Paula Abdul.

Although Ryan, host of “American Idol,” often trades barbs with Simon Cowell, the friction between him and Paula, has escalated, according to People.

“It’s awkward. I don’t know what the deal is. It’s very awkward,” Seacrest told People.

When People asked if Ryan was still talking to Paula, he said: “No.”

Ryan told People he hasn’t yet confronted his fellow “Idol” cast mate. “You know, I walked past her dressing room the other day and there was a group of people gathered in front of the door, so I can’t even talk to her. Simon and I go back and forth with each other, but it’s in a different way.”

An unidentified source close to Ryan said the “Idol” host was joking about the feud, People reported.

But a second inside source told People that Ryan and Paula’s manner toward each other has been “icy” since they each appeared separately on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

During Ryan’s March 30 appearance, Jay mentioned that Paula seemed “a little loopy” on a recent episode of “Idol,” People reported.

“Well, have you listened to her album?” Ryan joked.

When Jay asked whether Paula had been drinking, Ryan said, “Hey look, I don’t look in their cups to see what’s sitting before them on that table. But at times I feel like we have reeled her in,” People reported.

Paula appeared on the show on April 10. Jay brought out an issue of Rolling Stone magazine that displayed the three “Idol” judges on the cover, but Ryan was only in a small photo, according to People.

Was Ryan mad about being excluded, Jay wanted to know, according to People.

“I heard plenty mad,” Paula said.

Jay also asked Paula about Ryan and Teri Hatcher’s alleged tryst on a Malibu beach where the “Desperate Housewife” hardly seemed desperate after sharing a smooch with Seacrest.

“He only kisses the mirror,” said Paula. “And honestly, do you think Teri Hatcher is that desperate of a housewife?”

Weeks later, Ryan would talk to Simon and Randy Jackosn during “Idol” commercial breaks, but not to Paula, People reported.

Paula could not be reached for comment, according to People.