The crowds came for Howie Carr, but some got a glimpse of an even bigger celebrity.

Not only was Carr at Wines and More in Wareham Crossing, but shortly after he arrived, Grammy-award-winning, chart-topping singer, dancer, and former American Idol judge Paula Abdul made a brief surprise appearance with her boyfriend John Caprio, franchisee of multiple Wines and More locations.

“I didn’t know Paula was going to be here,” said Linda DeLima of Mashpee. “We came to see Howie Carr.”

DeLima said her kids grew up dancing to Abdul’s songs on the radio.

“I’m a huge fan of her — I love her. She’s a doll.”

Caprio said he likes to visit his stores whenever he gets the chance.

“I always come here for the holidays,” he said. “It’s always nice to see the employees and the customers.”

The two were joined by 19-year-old Australian up-and-comer Michael Dameski, a dancer/singer/actor who recently won Season Four of Australia’s version of “So You Think You Can Dance,” which Abdul hosted.

“He’s the biggest dancer in Australia,” said Caprio. “He’s played on Broadway — he’s gonna be a big star.”

Aside from the hubbub surrounding Abdul’s appearance was the large group there for Carr. A long lined formed about a half hour prior to the popular Boston talk show host and Herald columnist’s scheduled meet-and-greet and book signing.

“I like to listen to him whenever I’m around,” said Paul Rasmussen of Wareham. “He’s a troublemaker — he’s been around a long time. He knows Boston politics, I’ll tell you that.”

Erin Schaaf of Buzzards Bay said she also came out to see Carr.

“I read him online. I came to get (Carr's) books signed for my dad as a Christmas gift. He’s an even bigger fan — he reads him in the newspaper.”

“We really like him,” said Betty Averill of Rochester, who was at Wines and More with her friend Gerri Pearle.

Debbie Marshall of Carver said that she, too, came to see Carr, but was delighted by the appearance of Abdul.

“I just wanted to say hi — I’m a huge fan. It was awesome,” she said. “What a shock. It’s the best store I’ve been to all day! What a nice holiday surprise. And she was so nice. She gave me a big hug and said, ‘Happy holidays.’”

It was Abdul's second appearance at the store. Her first was in 2011.

“It’s great to see the crowds are out, people are shopping,” added Wines and More manager Kathy Mello. “It’s been a festive day with Howie here and Paula, and it was great to see John here too.”