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.
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publicity stunt to get more money... Ryan just scored a huge deal, so Paula wants one also. She'll be back. Tomorrow's headlines will state that they've "reached an agreement".
This is a shabby way to treat Paula who has been on the show since day one. Why hasn't Simon Cowell stepped in to help. He has always stated he wouldnot do AI without Randy and Paula. Is he just a big mouth and no action? Save our Paula, we loveher.
Another thing stop bringing Carrie Underwood back...you can see she doesn't want to be bothered and is now above the show. I can't forget last year at the finale she looked as if the show was charity work she did not want to be a part of. she was so above the show. Let her do what she is going to do with her career and stop including her in American Idol shows. Her attitude SUCKS big time not only on the show but in person as well. She is not Americas Sweetheart as she puts out to be. Sincere..I don't think so.
It's really sad that they would treat Paula like this, when they used her name to get the show started in the first palce no one knew Simon and could have cared less about Randy. I hope they understand that Kara is not really likable and even though she has had a lucky break writting songs...this does not give her a listening ear. She's contradicting and a follower when it comes to judging the contestants...she SUCKS!!!! Paula connects with the contestants because she has been there...Paula has had to deal with audition after audition as a dancer and singer. Of course I believ she dances better than she sings, but she gives the positive support these young entertainers need after being judged by Simon. Who I believe is right on when he makes a judgment call. I have grown to love Randy as well...but the show needs Paula. simply said.
I agree that the producers have treated Paula poorly according to what has been released through the media. And I loved her Hey Paula! show, it really showed us how hard she works and she can never, ever sleep. I think she is a sweetheart! I have been a loyal AI fan since the beginning, voting, buying CDs, attending concerts...but without Paula on the show... I am like Seacrest...OUT!!
I will be sad if Paula doesn't return. I loved her connection this year to Adam. He should have won, and I think there's something wrong with their voting process. I don't know if I'll even watch this season. You should see the response of people to Adam at the Idol tour! Unbelievable!
i m so sad
The show producers should at least tell Paula what is going on. I have no use for the show because of the voting that cost Adam's victory. There is no doubt he should have won as evidenced by the crowds at the tour. Adam is the show. Paula may be departing a sinking ship.
It is disgusting to treat Paula in this way. She has been on the show since day one, and is always used in any publicity, so she is obviously popular. American Idol will be boring without her.
I have to say I think they were smart with not renewing Paula's contract. Does everyone remember the one girl contestant who had stalked Paula, and then auditioned for the show and ended up committing suicide outside of Paula's home? After this incident Paula said she was returning to the show only because she had to because of her contract, and she had the way the studio handled this by letting the poor girl audition. So Paula said it herself she didn't want to come back. Also lets go over her behavior: she claimed to have an addiction to prescription medication in a magazine interview then later said she didn't, she look completely mentally unstable in her reality show "Hey Paula, and her behavior on American Idol has been completely erratic over the years. Are we really surprised she wasn't asked back to American Idol?
I'm shocked, I think it's a bad idea to not bring her back. She is part of the original formula that made the show so great.
This sucks she is the reason I watch the show.
this is messed upppppp Why the heck are they waiting so long? They didn't tell her when kara was hired either until she was already on the road to go to auditions, the day before filming. They don't seem to treat her very well on that show and it SUCKS because they're gonna lose her for it. She does all the publicity for them, and she seems to be the only one that actually *CARES* about the contestants, going to their first concerts and things like that. They are being really stupid. I wouldn't come back either, I don't blame her. ughhh. but I will say this, I'm not watching idol without paula. Talk about boring.
pure idiotic move,she brought sweetness into show.shame that they treat her the way they do.im pretty sure that simon wont be plaesed with it.it only proofs that even big producers make colossal mistakes.if shes gone,they going to need a lot of time (with some other judge)to increase their already questionable ratings,R.I.P. AI