Paula Abdul Leaves American Idol After 8 Years
Judge Refuses to Return After Allegedly Asking for $20 Million
Aug 5, 2009
American Idol judge Paula Abdul confirmed in early August 2009 that she would not be returning to American Idol for its ninth season, set to debut early next year on Fox. Abdul had been an integral part of the show since its debut in 2002 where she served as a judge along with Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell.
Abdul was well-known for her rocky on-screen relationship with fellow judge Cowell, her uncanny ability to find something positive to say about almost any performance, and her incoherence during many critiques. She was also well known for several controversies, including a bizarre appearance on a morning news program to promote American Idol which sparked allegations that she was drunk or on medication, as well as a flubbed critique of Idol competitor Jason Castro during a live show that sparked allegations of the show being rigged.
Abdul’s Idol future had been uncertain ever since the show introduced a fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi, for its eighth season earlier this year. Then, in July, Abdul’s talent manager David Sonenberg announced that she might leave the show since she had not received a new proposal yet and was upset about the producers’ “unnecessarily hurtful” treatment of her.
Paula Abdul’s statement
Abdul’s official announcement on Twitter stated, “With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to [American Idol]. I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day [one] become an international phenomenon.” She later added, “What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me” and “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.”
Why did Paula Abdul leave American Idol?
Although Paula Abdul gave no reason for her Idol exit, numerous reports have indicated that money was one of the main factors that caused her to walk away. It is believed that Abdul made approximately $2 million per year in the past, although reports that she made as much as $4 million have surfaced. The New York Times recently reported that producers offered her a 30 percent salary increase as part of a deal worth more than $10 million. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Abdul wanted a $20 million per year contract, apparently in order to earn more than host Ryan Seacrest’s $15 million per year. While Abdul may have lowered her offer down to $12 million, an anonymous Fremantle Media employee told RealityBlurred.com that Abdul was not asked to return on account of her demands for a salary increase and partly due to her past antics.
What others are saying about Abdul’s exit
Idol host Ryan Seacrest said he was “shocked and saddened” by the loss of Abdul as a judge. He followed up with, “I can't imagine the panel without Paula. She's a star [and] a great friend.”
Fellow judge Randy Jackson echoed Seacrests’s sentiments when he told UsMagazine.com, “I am shocked. Paula is a dear friend and will be missed.”
A statement issued by Fox and the show’s producers Fremantle Media North America and 19 Entertainment said that they were “saddened” by her exit and she had been “an important part of the 'American Idol' family over the last eight seasons.”
What about the other judges?
Simon Cowell has one year remaining on his contract with Idol and he has also hinted that he may consider leaving the show after his contract expires.
Randy Jackson is signed with the show through 2011. He has not made his future plans known.
Kara DioGuardi recently re-signed with the show, although specific details of her contract are being kept under wraps.
Can American Idol continue without Paula Abdul?
A non-scientific Web poll conducted on Yahoo! indicates that 55% of respondents will not watch Idol without Abdul. On the other hand, Alex Ben Block, contributing editor to The Hollywood Reporter, believes that people will still watch Idol to see the competition play out, and of course to hear what outspoken judge Simon Cowell has to say.
What’s next for Paula Abdul?
In July, Abdul’s manager David Sonenberg announced that she was considering other shows, “including some kind of a competition show.” Apparently, Abdul had a number of ideas for “a whole variety of shows” that she wanted to be involved in.
The day after Abdul announced she would not be returning to Idol, former Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe announced on Access Hollywood that he’d be asking her to join So You Think You Can Dance as a judge, performer, and dancer. It is unknown whether Abdul will accept the invitation.
What do you think? Can the show go on without Paula Abdul? Should the show replace Paula Abdul, or continue with only Randy, Simon, and Kara?
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