The judge's manager, David Sonenberg, confirms his celebrity client has not yet received new contract negotiations from the show despite the fact that its new season will be aired early next year.
- Jul 18, 2009
AceShowbiz - After weeks of chatter and speculation, Paula Abdul's camp finally opened up to reporters about the star's future in "American Idol." David Sonenberg, Paula's manager, told The Times that despite his client's optimism to return to the show, there have been no new contract negotiations offered to her by FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, the production companies behind the hit singing competition.
"Very sadly, it does not appear that she's going to be back on 'Idol'," David said in a statement. "I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful. I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven't stepped up and said what they want to do."
Representatives for Fremantle, 19 and Fox have all declined to comment on why Paula has not yet received new contract negotiations despite the fact that the ninth season of "American Idol" is due to be aired in January 2010.
Contrary to Paula, fellow judge Randy Jackson is booked to stay at the show until 2011. Music mogul Simon Cowell, in meantime, has a contract that expires next year. Most recently, host Ryan Seacrest was reported to have signed a new deal to return to the show for at least the next three years. His new contract was said to be worth $45 million, which is double his previous salary.
Paula Abdul's return as one of the judges in "American Idol" has been questioned ever since the show recruited new judge Kara DioGuardi. From that point, the two were often hit with rift rumors, which were refuted by either of them. Kara's fate on the show is also unknown as no word has been issued just yet by her.
