Live at American Idol: Was That Ryan and Simon Fight for Real?

We're live on the scene with scoop from the elimination show

First these two were bickering frenemies, then behind-the-scenes besties...but tonight, Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell were back at it again on the American Idol stage.

So what's the real deal?

We had a front-row seat for all the action, including the spat and its aftermath. Here's what really went down:

Simon and Ryan are indeed good pals. Cross our hearts, it's the whole truth and nothing but.

During their brief on-air tiff about the judges giving mixed messages to the Idol contestants, the two traded barbs once again for the cameras.

But then Ryan walked right up to Simon to settle the whole thing. Apparently, the audience was just too loud and our E! pal couldn't hear the Brit-wit Simon was dishing out. Thus, miscommunication ensued.

Face it, folks, these two are pals, amigos, compadres, and no matter what you see on your TV screens, there are always tons of hugs behind the scenes.

Some other fun notes:

• Simon's ex, Terri Seymour, arrived just after the first commercial break with Ellen DeGeneres' wifey, Portia de Rossi. Hmmm, isn't he kinda engaged?! (We kid! These two have remained close pals.)

• Ellen and Simon locked eyes with Katie Stevens, who was the first of the bottom three saved. Ellen raised her eyebrows in shock, and Simon rolled his eyes.

• That contestants corner would be a total dullsville without the fun times had by buddies Andrew Garcia and Michael Lynche. Those two danced the night away during each of tonight's performances—including Diddy's. After the rap icon rocked the show, Andrew and Mike ran over to meet him, then returned to their bench and squealed like bubbly little schoolgirls (or very enthusiastic grown-ups, anyway).

• Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, Shioban Magnus and Lee Dewyze didn't even try to hide their shock and sadness over Didi Benami's elimination.