Victoria Beckham was “beyond excited” when she sat as the guest judge on American Idol, replacing Paula Abdul, at the Season 9 auditions in Denver last week; too bad that excitement didn’t translate once she took her seat at the table.

Spywitnesses say the former Spice Girl — known for her pout — was very aloof during the auditions.

One source told RadarOnline.com: “It didn’t go too well…She tried too hard to be ”nice,” but came off as icy and wooden.”

The New York Daily News reports that even contestants auditioning were reportedly upset about the absence of Paula — and some even said the same during their camera.