Paula Abdul Not Returning to American Idol; Fox Confirms -- but We Shall See

It has been reported that the negotiations between Paula Abdul and the production companies that make American Idol have broken down. In fact, Paula Abdul sent a message via Twitter that she would not be returning to American Idol for Season 9. And then the people at Fox television confirmed Tuesday evening that the American Idol judge would not be on the panel. But why would the producers take a chance on tinkering with America's number one show (for five straight years)? Could this be a last-ditch effort on the part of Paula Abdul to get what she wants just before rehearsals begin for American Idol's ninth season? Could Fox and the production companies simply be attempting to call her bluff?

It's Hollywood, so you never know what is real and what is not; right?

A couple weeks ago, just after Ryan Seacrest had reportedly signed a 3-year $45 million contract, rumor had it that Paula Abdul was a bit furious. Not with Ryan, but with those that have been paying her, as one article described it, what amounted to "Hollywood minimum wage." Rumors were swirling that Kara DioGuardi was being signed (and she was). Simon Cowell was in negotiations for a multiple year contract that was reportedly worth over 100 million (which he said was ridiculous). Randy Jackson was already booked into a contract with American Idol until 2011.

And while everybody seemed to be signing new contracts, Paula Abdul seemed to be getting snubbed. Her manager said as much, publicly chiding the other side for not treating his client with more respect (read: giving her what she wanted = more money). Contract negotiations on American Idol became headline news with even the 3-year deal signed by executive producer, Ken Warwick, receiving headlines. Of course, much of it was to highlight the fact that American Idol's "nice" judge might not return after eight years on the show.

And now it seems that it just might be true. Fox announced Tuesday that Paula Abdul gave notice through "proper channels" before going on Twitter and announcing that she was done. Entertainment Weekly reported that Abdul walked away from a 30% increase in her salary and an eight-figure deal.

What she said was: "With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to IDOL. I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon. 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."

What Fox said was: "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."

Ryan Seacrest, who had said on Twitter that he could not imagine American Idol without Paula Abdul, also posted on Twitter upon hearing the news that she would not return: "I am shocked and saddened."

And the show will definitely be different without her. The one thing that Paula Abdul brought to the show was heart. She wore her emotions on her sleeve, but as there were many who ridiculed her for it, there were far more that appreciated the fact that there was someone on the American Idol judges panel that was empathetic and seemed to truly care whether they hurt the feelings and crushed the dreams of hundreds of wannabe singers. Often rambling and sometimes incoherent, Paula Abdul still endeared herself to the American Idol audience. And support for her has been non-stop on Twitter.

But it still isn't over. As Yogi Berra often said, "It's not over 'til it's over." And in Hollywood, with last-minute deals often the rule and not the exception, it would not be a surprise if Paula Abdul ended up signing just before the rehearsals. Nor would it be a shocker if she signed afterward and joined the show late. Deadlines mean nothing in an industry built on constant negotiation and renegotiation. It's not over until the final cut, the last edit.

Rehearsals begin Thursday, August 6.

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Source:

EW.com