It seems like we've heard some variation on the Paula-Abdul-might-leave-American Idol rumors for years now, and every time, Paula's returned to her place at the judging table come January. But this year, Paula's own manager is saying he doesn't think she'll be back on the show — unless something changes fast with the show's producers.
Her manager told the LA Times that Paula doesn't even have a contract offer yet: "I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven't stepped up and said what they want to do," he said. She and Kara DioGuardi are the only two Idol judges not under contract: Simon Cowell's deal runs through next year, while Randy Jackson's on board through 2011. Plus, Ryan Seacrest has a new contract that includes a huge raise.
Meanwhile, according to her manager, Paula has never been particularly well-paid for her work on Idol. (Though that's gotta be relative . . . ) Even if the producers do propose a contract, he said she's "not a happy camper" at the way she's been treated and is already tossing around ideas for new shows she could do after Idol.
A lot of times, this kind of thing is just a PR negotiating tactic (Remember Katherine Heigl?), but still, Idol and Paula don't have a ton of time. The first round of auditions is nearly done for season nine, and the LA Times said the judges are supposed to get to work on Aug. 6. So tell me: Do you think Idol would be the same without Paula? Would you miss her judging antics? Or do you think it's time for her to sign off?
Photo courtesy of Fox
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Emily And Fin
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I think Paula's stupid, or just heavily medicated; but she does bring the watercooler. Really, does anyone talk about Randy?
Idol is Simon and Paula.
1She is crazy but it wouldn't be the same without her. If they need to get rid of someone they should get rid of Kara, i didn't like her.
2I think Paula is the kind of thing you don't know you will miss until she's gone. I get very nervous about a crazy-free judging panel. I just cannot imagine Paula would walk away from this either. It's the best thing she could possibly have going for her and it's really really good. She tried rebooting her music career: fail. She tried reality TV: epic fail. She even tried the movies (Bruno)-- haha just kidding. No but seriously, next stop, QVC if she leaves Idol.
3I did want the panel to go back to 3 judges, but certainly not with Kara instead of Paula. Ugh. I think even Simon will become less tolerable if Paula isn't there. This is a bad idea.
4Actually, I would miss her.
5Seriously, they need to get rid of Kara.
6I hadn't watched american idol since the 2nd season and I'm glad I started watching last season with the addition of kara. she's just the type of cool person that calls someone a b*tch when they deserve it (*cough* bikini girl)
but yea... I think it's good paula is asking for more dinero. seacrest gets $40 mil and she gets $2 mil? that's not even a comparison. I bet she brings more viewers in than him.
7With the new four-judge panel sometimes the comments seemed kind of redundant... A few shows last season they even cut it down to two comments per singer, since they were tight on time. They only hired Kara as a backup plan in case Paula went off the deep end (seriously) so maybe they don't need her anymore.
8I don't mind Paula. Sure she's loopy half the time but I don't thunk it would be the same without her.
9I hope that Paula comes back. If she doesn't, then I am not watching American Idol. They need to get rid of Kara instead.
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