No more judging while intoxicated?

Did anyone else notice something missing last night from American Idol?

There were only two Coke glasses on the judges table last night. Randy had his. Simon had his. Paula? Not so much.

After her debacle last week forgetting the difference between one song and two songs, one has got to think that the Coke really was topped off with something (she looks like a Vodka Diet type as opposed to rum) this whole time.

So what's the big issue about Paula's pallet staying dry all night? Product placement. For all these years, Coke has had 3 strategically placed pieces of advertising. With the judges getting all that face time, so was the soda company's logo. But whose choice was the missing middle cup?

Maybe it was the producers of the show attempting to damage control. Maybe it was Paula herself (highly unlikely). My guess...it was Coca Cola. Put yourself in their shoes. With the internet buzzing more than usual about Paula remixing the celebrated soft drink, perhaps they felt it was time to step in. If this is indeed the case, it is about time. When the camera is rolling and those cups are on the table, whoever is drinking out of them represents the product. And last time I checked, Coke didn't sell a product where an ID check was necessary at the register.

On a related note, she did seem different last night. What Coke may be losing in product placement they can make up for in the sentimental value that leading Paula on a road to sobriety can bring.