Paula Abdul leaving ‘American Idol’
In a statement Tuesday night on Twitter, now answered by Fox, Paula Abdul says that “with sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return” to “American Idol” next season. She adds, “I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day 1become an international phenomenon.”
Fox issued a statement along with producers FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment saying:
“Paula Abdul has been an important part of the ‘American Idol’ family over the last eight seasons and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show. While Paula will not be continuing with us, she’s a tremendous talent and we wish her the best.”
Abdul had been in negotiations with “Idol” for a new contract, reportedly asking for as much as $20 million a year. Even after Fox’s statement, skeptics wondered whether her Twitter announcement was another negotiating ploy, with the producers responding by calling her bluff.
Fox confirmed Monday that judge Kara DioGuardi would return for a second season. Ryan Seacrest recently signed a new, three-year contract, and Fox is widely expected to announce Thursday, the network’s day at the Television Critics Association summer press tour, that Simon Cowell has signed a new deal to continue as an “Idol” judge.
In three later tweets, Abdul said: “What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me. It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month. I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all.”
If there are no comments about Paula Abdul leaving American Idol, does that mean the article didn’t exist? Who cares.
Man, no drunk or high comments this year, will this mean that the entertainment value is gone from wondering what she’ll do next?! Darn.. another has been out of the lime light thank god!
Paula must be a lot like the American auto worker. A victim of her own greed.
People watched Simon for the meanness, Randy for the fairness, and Paula for the niceness. Now you just got 2 mean people and a “pitchy dawg”. Where’s the balance?
Such an accomplished individual will have an easy time finding a new outlet for her impressive skills and keen insights. Perhaps she and Nicole Ritchie can form a new venture together and be in the vanguard of yet another visionary leap forward in human culture.
That’s too bad. She was a big part of the show. Viewership is apt to decline unless they get some other goofy, attractive judge to replace her. Miley Cyrus? Fergie? Paula’s “nice factor” would carry over with Miley, but Fergie could potentially make Simon look like an angel!
’bout time.
And so it goes…greed shows its ugly head.
I only watched idol for the things that Paula would do. She was always good for a laugh or two. I like Paula and wished she could stay but life goes on and idol will have to do it without me.
This is a shame… AI won’t be the same without Paula! I don’t particularly care for Kara at all…. Maybe if fans protest, they can renegotiate and bring her back!?