NEW YORK —  Tuesday's taping of "American Idol" had to be stopped when "Kill Bill" (search) director Quentin Tarantino used the "F-word" - well, sort of.

According to an insider who attended the taping in Hollywood, Tarantino said "You're an f-in' powerhouse!" to contestant LaToya London (search) - stopping just short of using the entire four-letter word.

Normally, the word "f-ing" wouldn't be a problem and would, most likely, pass by the censor's scrutiny.

But in this climate, in which the FCC is cracking down on indecency, Fox wasn't taking any chances.

The taping was stopped, and when Tarantino was seen on Thursday's "AI," he said "You're a powerhouse!"

The FCC has been fining broadcasters, including radio giant Clear Channel, millions of dollars for "indecent" material ever since Janet Jackson's infamous Super Bowl halftime show (search).

Most broadcasters, including Fox, have installed delays on their live broadcasts to catch profanity getting out over the airwaves.

This particular "AI" episode was pre-taped, so even if Tarantino had uttered the dreaded "F word" it would have been edited and re-shot.

Tarantino was a guest-judge on "AI," which was taped Tuesday and aired Wednesday to accommodate President Bush's press conference.

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