Paula Abdul knows how to play through the pain.

On Tuesday (April 20) night's "American Idol," Paula Abdul had her arm in a sling. Clearly the normally peppy and positive "Idol" judge wasn't at her best, distributing her positive comments without her typical enthusiasm, but the cause of her anguish was never discussed on the show.

Apparently the "Straight Up" popster had to undergo surgery at Los Angeles' Cedars Sinai Hospital on Monday after a botched manicure left her with an infection. The nail on her right thumb was accidentally punctured and had to be removed entirely.

"I almost lost my thumb," Abdul told "Entertainment Tonight." "I didn't think it would hurt this bad and I didn't realize how many limitations I would have -- I can't button my pants and it'll be hard to turn and bark back at Simon [Cowell]. I guess I'll just talk to Randy [Jackson] all night."

Viewers can tune in tonight to see if Abdul's energy has returned, or if her sling is still in place.