The Blemish

Paula might come back

By , 1:59 PM on Aug 18, 2009, 274 Comments

paula-abdul-letterman

departed on Twitter and as of yet has not landed a new gig. There were talks of her being a judge on So You Think You Can Dance, but that was nixed by judge Mary Murphy. Then she was supposed to make a guest appearance on Ugly Betty, but that didn’t go through either. Paula isn’t on Dancing With the Stars either despite higher-ups campaigning for her to sign on.

“They actually really needed her as that big name,” said person who had direct knowledge of the talks. “They didn’t really want Tom DeLay as their most-buzzed-about contestant.”

So when are we going to hear her incoherent rambling again? Most likely back on American Idol if MSNBC is right. Paula is negotiating with execs, but isn’t budging on her salary. She wants at least the same $45 million 3 year deal Ryan Seacrest has. Since producers are saying hell no to that, they’re thinking of limiting her appearance to live shows to justify their lower salary.

Maybe execs have it all wrong. Who can understand what the hell Paula is talking about half the time anyway. Maybe she didn’t want a $45 million deal like Seacrest. Maybe she said she wanted Gummi Bears and an unlimited supply of rum and it only sounded like $45 million. People need a damn decoder ring just to figure out whether or not she liked a contestant.

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  • craig & diana

    how about meeting half-way; you know, a compromise? the show just won’t be the same without paula. love her, hate her, or just in-between, that’s just a fact.

    • roz

      so true , so true

    • Helen

      They need to bring Paula back. Idol will not be the same without her, I love watching her with Simon. If Paula doesn’t return I will not watch Idol again

      • Helen S.

        I’m in Florida, but like you Helen, whereever you are, will not watch unless Paula comes back. Maybe we should start a petition for her return.

      • Paula

        I agree that the show will not be the same without Paula. I love trying to figure out what she will say. She always adds a touch of tenderness to every responce.

      • Karoline

        Paula is the soul of American Idol — she should definitely be brought back — she brings humanity to the show with regarding her comments to the top 12 — after all, when the contestants make it that far, they all have some talent — and Paula helps them keep their perspective when Simon can be extremely harsh — and frequently wrong, as he was with Jennifer Hudson and Daughtry.

    • Nate

      Cmon now will you all listen to yourself… We wont watch it oh no… booo hooo.

      Paula is as she always has been an entertainer. The real show is about the people who want to win not the judges. They could get anyone to judge that isn’t the important part…. We will watch no matter who judges… The talente dpeople who put themselves out there under scrutiny are the stars….. Thats why you should be watching….

      • Susan

        I agree with Nate. This show should be like So You Think You Can Dance. About he singers; not the judges. Why do we even need “judges” anymore when it comes down to the American vote. O yeah, that’s right.. it’s fixed?

      • Helen S.

        You appear to be in the minority and you can’t type. I’m glad I’m not judging your typing skills

      • Linda

        NATE…Where do you get the ‘we’ from? You haven’t asked me yet. I certainly will not watch if they take the only element that is consistently entertaining off of the show. Paula is so loved by so many due to her personality. Quirky works for her and works for AI. She has been part of the show from the start and I know I could not stand to watch the show without the judges table being interesting. Right up to the en, almost, I find some of the “talent” really hard to watch. The judges table on AI is the only constant we can count on for being interesting. “We” won’t be watching if Paula is not back and that is our choice. We don’t need you to tell us why we should be watching.

      • Linda

        NATE…Where do you get the ‘we’ from? You haven’t asked me yet. I certainly will not watch if they take the only element that is consistently entertaining off of the show. Paula is so loved by so many due to her personality. Quirky works for her and works for AI. She has been part of the show from the start and I know I could not stand to watch the show without the judges table being interesting. Right up to the end, almost, I find some of the “talent” really hard to watch. The judges table on AI is the only constant we can count on for being interesting. “We” won’t be watching if Paula is not back and that is our choice. We don’t need you to tell us why we should be watching.

      • Debbie

        You are correct, the show is about the contestants. However, what a marvelous opportunity we have here to stand up for woman and equal pay. It may seem like a silly thing to protest the show if she is not called back and paid as her male co-workers are. But we have got to start demanding what is right and just in this country. Perhaps we should take it a step further and go into the streets like they would in France. By the way as long as I’m ranting; Has everyone heard that Chrystler (sic) is going to take their government assistants money and open a plant in Mexico?? They have a perfectly good plant here in St. Louis that has been all but closed with hundreds laid off. I say everyone should find the dealer nearest them and commit to one hour per week walking the line with a sign saying, ‘Americans don’t work, Americans don’t buy’. By the way, I really like Paula; I think she just has a bit of ADD. I say she stays and we fight for her.

    • Darryl

      Did you ever stop to think that this could all be a ploy, to see the reaction of the fans?….After all, the show has lasted longer than was expected. this is getting them a lot of attention during the summer months and into the fall, so they will have maximum viewership in January to see her back.

    • r.buckley

      4 families in our neighborhood “rotate” dinner and idol night every week during it’s season. We all agree, no Paula, no idol night. These guys are making so much money they should give her whatever she wants.

      P.S they should get rid of Kara

      • Hilary

        i agree i think they should get rid of Kara, i dont really like her. But as for paula leaving, American Idol wouldnt be the same. The three judges are Simon, Paula, and Randy. Thats how they started & thats how it should end :)
        Kara should have just been a guest judge, i think 4 judges was way to many, and kind of a waste of time.

      • Carol

        I totally agree with R. Buckley. They should get rid of Kara, she doesn’t seem to know what she is talking about half the time and I personally don’t think they need 4 judgesat

  • Lisa

    Paula

    Please come back to American Idol? I won’t watch it if you not a full time judge. I respect you and look forward to your comments. You give the contestants, Hope, truth. Please comeback and sit where you belong

  • pat

    Will more than likley drop American Idol.

  • http://Twitter Leslie

    I think Fox is Insane not to have Paula Back. At Any Price. She Is Part of the Entertainment!
    Visually Interesting…Compassionate…The Best Counter
    Balance to Simon. She also brings more Free advertizing and Press to the show . Would cost Fox More for that Press than Paula’s salary. Bad, Bad, marketing Stratgey!

  • http://AMAZINGPLUMBING.NET ROBIN TURNER

    I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE NO (MIGHT). THEY NEED TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET PAULA ABDUL BACK ON AMERICAN IDOL. SHE IS THE TOTAL HEART AND SOUL OF IDOL. THE ORIGINALS NEED TO STAY FOR IDOLS SAKE. SO PUT ALL DIFFERENCES ASIDE AND WORK OUT WHAT YOU ALL NEED TO. I HAD A HARD TIME ACCEPTING KARA BUT MY GIRL PAULA WAS SEATED RIGHT BESIDE HER. PAULA IS SMART AND KNOWS HER STUFF. AND OF COURSE RANDY AND SIMON ARE THE DUDE BOMBS. WE LOVE THEM. SO WORK THIS OUT.

  • tori

    Without Paula, I wouldn’t waste my time watching. She’s the essense of the show and the heart without those things the show will be a bomb. The exes that be are nuts and women should be protesting bigtime seeing what Simon and loser/star wannabe Seacrest are getting paid compared to Paula whose been there just as long!

  • Diana

    I really hope Paula will come back. The show wont be right without her.

  • Barb

    You go girl, another case of giving the women a lower pay, Ryan is good but he was just a DJ getting a big break, you on the other hand have been there done that, so if anyone deserves the pay it’s you Paula. Sexual Discrimination. But they always find a reason don’t they. Good luck! I won’t watch unless your on the show in support of you and all women. Wake up America and for women think about this and support Paula…………

    • richard

      robin turner and barb said it all, nothing else need be said, FOX WAKE THE HELL UP, Make the THREE MUSKETEERS WHOLE AGAIN, If not I’m gone and Ihave been with you from the very first show

  • Suzanne

    Of course Mary Murphy doesn’t want Paula on So You Think You Can Dance. Murphy is so loud and annoying I am unable to watch the show anymore. Paula would be a perfect replacement.

    • richard

      Mary Murphy is a slug and couldn’t make a good pimple on Paula’s ass, ditto
      Suzanne

      • Susan

        I so disagree. Mary has a passion for what she is doing and genuinely cares about the kids. Paula seems to rehearse her lines and most of the time they don’t make sense. JMO

    • Janet

      Oh, suzanne! You have got mary Murphy exactly right! She is the most obnoxious judge on any tv show. I literally mute the television when she comments on a dance. Paula would be perfacet for her job. I don’t care how much she cares about the contestants shes really annoying!

      • http://www.rosabutton.net Rosa

        I agree. I also mute when Murphy opens her mouth. I can’t stand to hear her irritating voice and yelling.

  • http://Facebook Emily

    So Sad To See Paula Leave.
    Idol just Lost 5 viewers in this Household.

  • Mike

    The show is not about Paula and will go on. She is not worth 45 million the money could be spent better elsewhere

    • http://Facebook Emily

      Paula is not worth 45 million? And Seacrest Is?
      Can you please explain Why?
      Just How did Seacrest “pay his dues”?
      Paula has Paid them several times over!

      • Deede

        Exactly. When did Seacrest become so important? Anyone can do his job. Paula is…well Paula. Of course she should be paid!

    • david

      Yeah like you a new brain…your an idiot

    • joe

      I totally agree with her GONE!

    • Lynn

      And you think Simon is worth 100,000. I doubt the show lasts 2 seasons without Paula. It is about everyone, the judges and contestants. Paula and Simon have something that cannot be replaced and without them the show is history. Just watch, she’ll be back!!!

      • Carol

        I tryly hope you are right, because if she doesn’t come back, I will not be watching come January.

  • kay

    I doubt I will watch if you lose Paula. I can’t stand Kara.

  • Tina

    I personally will not watch American Idol if Paula Abdule isn’t on it. I cannot bring myself to liking that Kara D. I don’t know what it is, but that woman just doesn’t cut it as a judge and she’s very very annoying to watch. The show will in no way shape or form, be the same without Paula sitting there in the middle.

  • Riley Sanders

    Every thing I’ve seen on twitter, ditter, other is it might be wise to/for the program to bring Paula back, I believe the popularity of the program would benefit by doing this.

  • Heath

    Paula is an idiot! She couldn’t get a job as spell checker at an M&M factory. Why should she receive 10Mil for looking, acting, and talking like a lobotomized funny farm fugitive? I say, say goodbye to ugly and stupid, and hello to someone cute, and intelligent.

    • ro

      To Heath, looks like you are the only real unintelligent one here, ha read all the other comments. She has definitely done more than Ryan..While I like Ryan also, he doesn’t hold a candle to Paula…who knew who he was before American Idol, Paula on the other hand had already made her mark. What stupid comments from you Heath, you must be from the funny farm …..

    • david

      And your an idiot…is paula is a waste of money, then your a waste of skin and fresh air.

    • Sandy

      Heath you sound like someone that has sour grapes. Did you try out for the show and get kicked out. I hope so, as you are the tipical low life that doesn’t really know what life is all about. We really look forward to the little bickering between Simon and Paula. She brings real life to the show, as well as a little human heart and compassion for young people. You obviously don’t have any heart, you just think with your pants.

  • Aggie

    GIVE HER EQUAL PAY AND SHE MAY RETURN.

  • amanda

    Paula I really hope you come back it will not be the same it will be diff, to whom it may concern producers pay Paula whats she’s worth the ratings will go down will be hard to bring back viewers she has a lot of followers I’m one of them, Come on back Paula your needed to keep Simon Straight your the only one who will stand up to him
    LOL.

  • Joan Hackel

    I have been an Idol “addict” since Season 2, and I feel Paula Abdul makes or breaks the show. Like it or not, AI is at such a high rating point mainly because of Paula and Simon. Bring her back, please, or this addict might have to switch stations!

  • jaye

    get rid of Kara..she is just soooooo not Paula…Yuk

    • mary

      I totally agree with you. Get rid of Kara and pay Paula what she is worth.

  • glin

    get rid of Kara give Paula her salary all is right with the world. Ido will not be the same without Paula. I love her and Simon together. Paula please come back but stand your grounds for the money….you work the show more than anyone. All that dancing takes energy…what does Seagrest do to exert energy…and Simon…I just love his corrective comments.. He really tells it like it is and Paula then calms it down…they are a perfect blend for the show…come on Fox you can come up with the money…appease Paula and keep your ratings up!

  • http://aol Freda Wilhite

    I think Simon is right…Paula is the heart of that show..and without her you’ve cut the heart right out of it…and I for one of a million will have no interest in it if she leaves…

    • Donna

      Without Paula the American Idol is without me.

  • http://aol betty

    i want paula back….or it won’t be the same……period

    • Melita

      That so true….

  • Mary

    First ABC makes some BIG blunders with selection of DWTS contestants this season, and now FOX is apparently not listening to what fans say about Paula as a judge for IDOL.

    What’s the matter with the big stations? I suspect they are allowing their legal departments to get involved with decision making. It’s all about the bird they have in their hand and not wanting to let go of money if they don’t have to.

    Well how about this? Suppose all the people who say they won’t watch the shows anymore are true to their word. Wonder how the sponsors of these shows will feel about that. Does the word “RATINGS” mean anything to these suits who sit in the big chairs of these TV companies? For too long they have been ruling the world.

  • http://Blemish Marti

    Get rid of the annoying Kara and give her salary to Paula. They never should have kept Kara to begin with. Don’t be stupid again Fox and let Paula go.

  • http://twitter Joanna

    PAULA IS FAR MORE VALUABLE THAN RYAN SEACREST! SHE DESERVES TO GET AS MUCH AS HE DOES! THEY WILL LOSE MANY VIEWERS IF SHE DOES NOT RETURN TO THE SHOW-I BEING ONE OF THE MANY THAT AGREE. SHE MAY BY KUKIE AT SOME TIMES, BUT SHE MAKES THE SHOW INTERESTING-ESPECIALLY WHEN SHE AND SIMON GO AT IT. WHY DOESN’T SIMON OFFER TO TAKE LESS MONEY PER YEAR AND LET PAULA HAVE IT. IF HE REALLY WANTS HER ON THE SHOW -HE SHOULD DO THAT! HE MAKES TONS OF MONEY!

  • emma

    Bring Paula back or you will lose viewers.
    Want to save money? Get rid of Kara. She
    stinks as a judge and annoys lots of viewers.
    I only watched to see/hear Simon and Paula.
    BRING PAULA BACK!

  • Roseann Engstli

    Barb, I do agree with you a million times over. If they would get rid of Ryan Seacrest and keep Paula I would continue watching the show BUT without Paula you can forget it.

  • Emily Reiferdone

    She HAS to come back!!!

  • Paul

    Since Paula doesn’t want to come back – why not just cancel the show. It’s had a good long run anyhow – so now would be a good time to call an end.

    • Jo Culbertson

      Paula was the show. Certainly NOT Ryan. I will not continue to watch as I cannot warm up to Cara D and one of the little Jonas boys. Give me a break

  • http://AOL Belinda

    I think losing Paula is no big deal. She rambles on and half the time I think she is drugged up. She is not worth the money that she is asking for.

  • nicky cacew

    The show just wont be the same with out her!! If she dosen’t come back to the show I wont watch it!!!

  • Mel

    My entire family is sad/mad over Paula leaving – that’s 4 adults and 2 kids who will not be watching the show. It makes me boiling mad the “men” get these salaries but a proven woman of talent can’t get the same!!!!! American Idol – studip stupid stupid sexist move!!!!! And I was beginning to believe women were being treated as equals in our world! How native! Shame on you American Idol!

    • Jane

      Why is “men” in quotes? They are men, you moron. Why did Ryan get such a large contract? I have no idea. Why did Simon get such a large contract? He’s one of the producers, moron. He gets more because he DOES more.

  • Daniel

    MIKE and HEATH you guys got your head up your as_
    number 1 she deserves at least what Ryan(fairy who happened to be in the right place at the right time) is making. It’s disgusting to have this kind of sexism in 2009. As commented before Paula has paid her dues. Ryan I have to assumer “blew” his way to the top.

  • Jessica pooperoo

    I love Paula! Kara is nice, but if Paula dosen’t come back this season, the new contestents will have nothing to fall on!
    If you get rid of any one it should be Randy.

  • elizabeth sullivan

    American Idol will not be the same…..the show/program started to go down hill when Kara was seated…losing Paula will be another blow….Our family loves her and will support her by saying good-bye to what used to be a great family evening. What a shame.

    I think Symon & Randy should intervene.

  • http://TheBlemish Kim

    Paula is a unique integral element of American Idol. Maybe if she could purchase a “strap on” she would be valued more by the conservative, testosterone driven Fox network. They are making a big mistake if they end their negotiations with Paula. She was the soul & spirit of American Idol. The show will not succeed without her. Kara can not hold a candle to her, her ego keeps blowing it out.

    • jay

      and use it on kara?

  • http://google jill mcdaniel

    PLEASE keep Paula ,she is the best!!!!

  • http://theblemish.com Terry Gorant

    IF PAULA DOESN’T RETURN, I WON’T WATCH THE SHOW.
    THE FIRST MISTAKE AMERICAN IDOL MADE WAS HIRING THAT MOST ANNOYING WOMAN IN THE WORLD, KARA. WHO THE HECK IS SHE ANYWAY. DON’T ANSWER… I REALLY DON’T CARE. GET RID OF HER AND RETURN TO THE THREE JUDGES. THREE WAS ENOUGH.

    • mary

      YES YES YES, I agree with you. They are making a HUGH mistake not giving Paula what she deserves. Get rid of that Kara, and the show will go on.

  • http://TheBlemish Patti

    Idol would not be the same without Paula. She is great.
    Ryan is not worth the money he is getting. BRING PAULA
    BACK!!!!!

  • Sureshot

    im sorry but i dont think ANY entertainer is worthe that much money. our minds our so messes up. when entertainers make more money the the president of the United States to me that is an issue. Because somebody can pick up a ball or dance or act…..get a real job working 12 hours days in a factory at 9.00 an hour and then complain to me about money. i like paula but NONE of them are worth that much money. NONE of them.

    • jay

      That is NOT a true statememt,at all.If anyone could do it,everyone would.

  • ekim

    WAKE UP AMERICA—–PAULA NEVER LEFT IDOL NOR HAD ANY INTENTIONS TO LEAVE IDOL. THIS IS ALL A PUBLICITY STUNT BY IDOL TO INCREASE THE POPULARITY OF THE SHOW AS TO REFRESH PAULAS ROLE ON THE SHOW. SO WHEN THEY DO ANNOUNCE THAT SHE CAME BACK EVERYONE WILL BE SO CURIOUS THAT THEY WILL WATCH THE SHOW JUST HOPING FOR SOMEONE TO MAKE A COMMENT ON HER RETURN. GREAT IDEA SIMON FULLER, YOU FOOLED 99% OF THE PEOPLE INTERESTED IN IDOL AND PAULA.

    • http://Facebook Emily

      Yoy Are So Right! The Best Publicity STUNT EVER Pulled On American Audiences! And All Free Publicity Too.
      The Idol Ratings Were Slipping. Of Course They Were.
      YOU Added Kara and “Changed The Formual” That Worked! There Is and Never Would Have Been An Idol Success If Paula Had Not Drawn In The Public Interest. Paula Is a Tough and Smart Business Woman.
      Admired by womwn for years for Her Many Talents. Her Antics, caused by Pain Meds from Over working and Injuring Her Body Are Accepted and even Looked Forward Too. Simon Fuller You Are One Smart Man. Take Your Best Asset and Use It. I hope Paula Is Getting a Big Bonus for Going Along With This, As Well As The Salary She DESERVES When….SURPRISE..She Does Come Back! And Lift’s Your RATING’S..ALL The While Using Your Audience To Make Them Feel Like Part Of Paula’s Success….Warm Fuzzies For ALL. ..BTW…I Hope Paula Also Receives The Academy Award She Deserves For Her Performance In This SCHEME For Ratings…Hope Your Almighty Buck Helps Stimutate The Economy.

      • Sherry

        EXACTLY! This is what I have been thinking the whole time. Ratings have been down the past few seasons and what a great way to start this season. I don’t think anyone is an idiot – I think it’s great P.R.

  • http://aol Mary

    I think it’s a huge mistake on American Idol’s part to part ways with Paula. Her chemistry with Simon and Randy is wonderful and I for one don’t know if I will continue to watch.

  • Jeannie

    Idol just won’t be the same without its original cast. I know I won’t watch it. I was upset last year when I felt the results were fixed and now that Paula’s not on there, we won’t see the fun and comradery we saw with Simon and Paula.

    Its gonna be boring as heck. Everytime execs change anything on a show with regards to cast, the shows always get cancelled or fold. I predict that will happen to idol as well.

    Personally I don’t think anyone is worth $10,000,000 per year but hey – if they pay the guys that – they should pay her that. I agree with Paula completely – they all contribute equally to that show!! This will be the first year I haven’t watched idol – gonna miss it but not budging until they bring Paula back.

  • Fifi

    I love Paula and agree her and Simon make the show, but I include Randy in that also. I can’t stand Kara. Last year was the worst ever having to listen to her every week. I do not think Ryan is worth what they are paying him but I do think he does more work than we think he does for the show. My question would be what does Randy make? His job is equal to the job of Paula. Paula, Randy and Simon make the show and that is who I want to see. I recorded many nights last season but I would fast forward over Kara because she annoyed me so badly. Bring back Paula and pay her in line with Randy, who I think is her equal.

  • BEVY

    AI is “Full of It” I had already decided not to watch Idol after the Adam and the Voting Debacle. However, I believe the ratings will really drop without Paula. If it Ain’t Broke Don’t Fix It. The formula was at it’s best with only three judges. Kara’s the one who shouldn’t be there. I can’t imagine watching Posh Spice as a Judge or Katy Perry, or Shania Twaine. The whole thing is turning in to ( What do I mean turning) a CROCK.

  • sue

    My family of 6 will not be watching American Idol this season if Paula is not on it. Get rid of Kara…give her check to Paula. Why fix a good thing. They never needed Kara.

  • sue

    Why in the world whould they keep Kara? Do this execs even listen to what is being said? No one liked Kara from the beginning.
    Without Paula that show will lose a lot. They will lose the heart of the show and I believe the ratings will drop significantly. Of course the higher ups will come up with some lame reason the ratings drop because why would they admit they are wrong.
    For those of you who think Ryan deserves the money he is getting and Paula doesn’t, what are you thinking????
    I will truly miss Paula and I know that I will not watch the whole season. I may tune in for the finale

  • Jim

    What the hell are you guys talking about. I frankly am glad to see Paula go. Nothing against her but the shows stars should be the singers. All to often they get put on the back burner to give the judges the star time. I’m looking forward to the next season.

  • lamblee

    Give me a break! Ryan is worth if and Paula is NOT! Down with American Idol! I will not watch and Paula should sue them for discrimination.

  • http://AOL CHERYL

    I WILL NOT WATCH THE SHOW IF SHE DOES NOT COME BACK.

    • bj

      PAULA AND SIMON ARE PART OF THE ENTERTAINMENT, KEEP HER!!!!!

  • bj

    PAULA AND SIMOM ARE PART OF THE ENTERTAINMENT, KEEP HER!

    • Henry Bennett

      Bring her back. Show no good without her

  • K. Culige

    Has no else figured this out yet? It is just a big PR scam to keep people interested in the show…

    Having said that, I also will no longer watch this show if Paula Abdul is gone and the other woman stays. For me, it is not so much about who I like better, it is about who has been there since day one and who has earned their place.

    As far as Seacrest goes? They could fire him tomorrow and I would not lose any sleep over it. $45 million? NO ONE is worth that kind of money. Not him, not Simon, not Paula or Randy. And, especially not that other woman…

    Simon and Randy? We’ll miss you. But, IDOL? You lost another 7 viewers in this household, as well. Bye, bye!

  • http://lndawiley@sbcglobal.net linda w

    I have watched ameican idol since the first time it aired. I like the original judges kara sucks, Paula at least has an opinion of her own! Kara bounces off of what randy says no opinion of her own! I like Randy but he could be replaced! Simon is my favorite anh he & Paula compliment each other!

  • Dennis

    Well, this appears to be the last season for American Idol. How stupid! They could have completely dropped Seacreast and the new lady. They add no value what so ever to the show. But Paula, is part of the team that makes the show magic and fun to watch. With that part of the team gone, the show is over. In the dozens of folks that I have talked to, everyone without exception has indicated they will have little to absolutely no interest without Paula.

  • http://aol.com sarahb

    I would get so angry at Paula and her rudeness to Simon, and wanted her off the show; however, seeing how Simon handled her and laughed it off, I decided that he obviously wanted it that way, otherwise he had the power to get rid of her. Then, when they put Kara on the show, I loved Paula. Kara is about as entertaining as a monkey’s armpit. Whatever made them think she could replace Paula, I go to the bath room or go for refreshments when she is putting in her two cents worth and I mean that literally because that is what her opinion is worth, usually copying Randy. You could put her personality in the hull of a sunflower seed.

  • Dennis

    The really sad part about this is, they are not paying one of the best team members the amount that they are willing to pay a no one, namely Seacrest! That is really insane! Well, just goes to show, the person that made that decision is not an american idol, and has no talent. Crazy, they are going to cost the station, the network, and leave the nation with the loss of the enjoyment of something so many loved. I concur with Simon, they have taken out the heart of the love.

  • http://aol AJ

    Ditch Kara–give her salary to Paula in addition to Paula’s present salary!! All your problems are solved. Kara adds nothing to the show–sorry Kara–but it is the truth.

  • http://aol.com kyleb

    Photography can do miracles for you. In the Picture of Britney Spears on another Website she looks much bigger. Not fat, just bigger. I don’t know why she feels that she always has to look almost naked in her appearances. She would be so attractive with some classy clothes on. Her body is nowhere near the body she used to have, not really any curves, just blah!!!!
    Naked is out, clothes are in.

  • LindaP

    Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee bring Paula back and pay her want she wants. Idol will not be the same without her and you are going to lose lots of viewers without her.

  • Bev

    I love Paula! If the execs let her slip away, many if not all of their veiwers will go away with her. I, for one, will not watch the show if Paula is not in the middle seat on the first night….and every night after that.

    Ryan isn’t even in the same stratosphere as Paula, he only wishes he was. She is leagues above him. For the execs to give Ryan more money than Paula is rediculous.

    I’m sorry, bring Paula back or there won’t be an Idol anymore. The show will die without her.

  • Zia

    I won’t bother to watch if Paula isn’t on. She’s the perfect balance to Simon … the human touch. Kara I can live without, she’s too self centered. Paula has always been just as important to the sucess of the show as either Simon or Randy. Yet now Fox is willing to stiff her on salary while paying huge salaries to(all)the males. If FOX doesn’t bring Paula back my guess is they will lose more in viewership/revenues than what it would have cost to pay her a comparable salary.

    If this is how they treat someone like Paula who helped make that show what it is, I wonder if they also stiff their female employees elsewhere in their organization.
    Not good PR, FOX.

  • Lynn

    Why in the world would A.I. pay Ryan Seacrack that much money? Do you think that he is valuable?? He is an announcer and certainly not, as valuable a,s Paula! He just rides on their coat tails. I wouldn’t blink if he did or didn’t come back…but Paula, who is just a huge part of the dynamic…WHAT??? Bad Decision on the American Idol Producers part. Simply put, it is just Idol Idiotic!

  • daycraft

    Paula has the heart and soul to make Idol work forever, if that is what the exec’s want. Ryans good, but not a necessity for me when watching Idol. The sparring between Simon and Paula is legend. Why stop the act when it contributes to the essence of a live show. The reality is, that Paula’s comments as judge are usually the most introspective, since she has been ‘there’ and knows how the contestents feel more than Simon does. Make her happy, change her mind, pay her what she deserves and look out for another terrific season!

  • lin morris

    It is going to be a hard thing to do to have another season like the last…Adam Lambert raised the bar and kept everyone else on their toes…The season finalle will never be the same…And to lose Paula too…It hurts

  • Duncan

    Fire Kara !! She adds nothing to the show. You made a big mistake when you added her. Bring Paula back, she and Simon are the reason millions of people watch the show. Even an idiot can understand that. what is wrong with the producers of American Idol? We all know that without Paula, the show will not succeed! BRING BACK PAULA!!!!

  • tito

    Who really thinks people watch American Idol for the talent? The reason most people watch is for the exchanges between the judges. Paula is an integral part of the interplay between the judges and the reason Simon is popular. After all, who else would soften Simon’s barbs and contrast good with bad?

  • http://Windows Carol

    Love Paula, will not watch your show if she is not there. Is this how you treat your fans?

  • Jon

    Geez, What is wrong with you guys on FOX. Check out the polls. The public wants more of her ramblings no matter what. I mean you brought Kara in last yeat who sounded more like a Randy Jackson Clone with most of her remarks.Particularly the one about I want to know who you are as an artist. Who gives a crap what she wants, BUT ONE THING IS FOR SURE THE PUBLIC WANTS PAULA!!!!

  • Mary

    Please “Fox” – do whatever you have to – get Paula to sign the contract……

  • AM

    OUT WITH KARA IN WITH PAULA

  • http://theblemish.com Nancy

    I have been a devotee of American Idol since it began. If Paula is not a judge, I will not watch the show. She’s a perfect foil to Simon and I love their “bickering” It’s an intregal part of the show.

  • Jim Muskera

    I think withour Paula a lot of folk’s will not watch, i will never understand why she get’s picked on so much, I have loved Paula since the start of Music career, lets all get behind her to come back on the show, Go Paula

  • http://theblemish smitty

    it’s really sad that so many people are worried about paula and if she comes back or not. we live in a counntry where more people vote for american idol than Presiident. I personally could give a rats ass if Paula comes back or not. Im more worried about the failing economy of America and the unemployment rate of our country.

  • Dot Otto

    Keep Paula and let Kara go. Kara has no entertainment value and is actually painful to watch. Paula should be there just for the interaction with Simon and the outfits she wears. And what a message for women about salary!!!!!!!!

  • Kimme

    I Have watched the idol show since the beginning and it is a way of life for me during that time.Iam a Paula abdul Fan and have all her albums, She is a great performer and artist.It is alot about the fact that she is a woman. It is discrimination and I think from the early shows until now ryan has really let the postition go to his head.Some of the things he says are out right mean in this ongoing thing with simon. I just think now he is a big turn off.Randy is just great.I too do not like cara, she is full of herself, by that I mean when she did the bikini thing. How outragous.Where is her dignity. I guess she had to though…to inlighten us on who she is.LoL…Paula is indeed the heart of the show just imagine if Simon were not there anymore…same thing..I hope FOX or who ever is to blame can get it together and DO THE RIGHT THING!!!They could send cara on her way and then that could save them some bucks…Of all the people I have spoken to and read their comments cara is not very well liked… (just sayin)

  • http://aol susan

    No Paula = No show!

  • mke

    Paula is a key ingredient in the show. I watched the show at first just to see if she was as screwed up as everyone said she was…boy did I get sucked in….its not going to be the same and all of us who loved the show in 09 are going to miss her…..I don’t know if it was her or the contestants in 09 ..it was magic nonetheless

  • http://POPEATER.COM Stormy

    Well if paula isnt on the show everybody is gonna be upset and american idol is gonna lose at least half or even more viewers.So hey idol if you want to continue idol for some moe years your best bet is to put paula back on.If not the show will be gone after everyone sees the show sucks without paula.maybe idol should think about what there doing.why in the heck dont all the judges get paid the same anyways thats shitty.they all do the same thing and should get paid the same.right…… yes….well have paula on the show or lose just about all the viewers if you read the comments 99% of them are voting to bring paula back or they want watch… so bye idol….luv ya paula…i would do the same thing as you thats bullshit you should get the same amount as simon all the judges should make the same…well have a gd day paula be tough maybe idol will pull there head out of there ass and pay you what your asking and the show will go on but if not idol will crash..

  • Myrtle

    If Paula is not on Idol the show will go belly up! I won’t watch it if she is not on there.
    PLEASE BRING PAULA BACK! GIVE HER WHAT SHE WANTS!

  • Deb

    Paula is part of the entertainment. The show will suffer without her. Fox should be ashamed for not paying equal pay for women. That alone sets the tone for me…just lost another AI fan and I’m considering a Fox boycott.

  • fran

    I am 72 years old; Most women are still under paid just like we were way back as long as I remember. Paula deserves equal pay for her experience. She contributes a lot to up coming Idols! Top Managers never get it!! They will pay a man top dollar even if they are not worth it (believe me I had to train them, and they were paid double what I got paid). “”Guy thing”!!! She is entertainment besides dancer, singer and other experience and qualities. She is entertainment that cannot be replaced as she is not replaceable by anyone who is listed to replace her. Dolly Parton was a buzz, well she will command top dollar as she is also entertainment. So why are the people holding the purse strings letting Paula go??? She deserves equal pay for equal work, actually she has more experience on stage then anyone on the panel. Everyone I talk to say the samething.

    • Janet

      You’re right on the money, Fran (no pun intended, lol). I’m 62 and I’ve seen and experienced the same thing for years. They used to use the excuse that a man has a family to support. Well, I was a divorced mom raising two kids back in the 70s and 80s, and believe me, the fact that I had a family to support didn’t faze the powers that were. It’s still the same today, just as you said.

  • Janet

    I’m with the rest of you. Idol will lose it’s charm without Paula – particularly her love/hate relationship with Simon – it adds SO much to the show watching the two of them. Why Fox doesn’t realize that the judges are just as much a part of the entertainment as the contestants are I don’t understand. We need to all bombard Fox with emails or snail mails saying BRING PAULA BACK OR WE WON’T WATCH!!! (Then we need to stick to it!)

  • fran

    Yes, my husband said if Paula is not on, he is not watching Idol! Everyone we have talked to say the same.

  • kathie

    i disagree with this paula situation, greed does come into play, i dont think she should come back, that is the price we all pay in the real world if we decline a good thing, it may not be the exact pay we want, but a person needs to look at the overall picture, for this reason, i think think paula should not come back, whether she was a big part of the show or not, she should have taken that in to consideration, if the show didnt offer her more cash, then maybe they felt she really isnt worth it, now ryan seacreast by no means deserves the salary he is getting whatsover,

    • Helen S.

      Have you ever heard of equitable pay? As female, I know how it feels. I worked in an office doing the same work as two males, and more of it, and they were being paid more with even less experience. I contested it, and WON!! Why should it be any different for Paula. You sound like a stay at home Mom,

  • Tania

    Why don’t you get rid of the other woman judge? Then bring back Paula……….

  • regina

    i hope they wise up and give paula the money she’s entitled to. i hear simon is on her side. i don’t have a clue as to why kara was hired. she’s cold and just plain nasty at times to paula. i think the lineup was perfect without kara.they should pay paula more and dump kara. works for me.

  • Johnny

    I’m not watching if Paula is not on. American Idol is not Idol if Paula is not a judge on it. Bring back the original judges, Randy, Paula and Simon. (no Kara, whatever her name is)…

  • http://Google Shirlee

    Idol will not be the same without Paula. Whatever it takes, try to get her back. I will not be watching if Paula is missing.

  • dk

    paula needs to stay!!!!!!!! and get rid of kara!!!

  • Talia

    Paula – Kara – Ryan: I PICK PAULA. She creates the chemistry that makes it all work between Simon and Randy. Kara is a sincere, intelligent and serious person but the chemistry just isn’t there. Ryan? He looks uncomfortable half the time with contestants and judges alike. His replacement would really go the smoothest. C’mon American Idol, wake up! You’re ruining a winning recipe – not even Julia Child could save it without one of the main ingredients!

  • Johnny

    I agree, dump Kara (who is she anyway????) and bring back Paula………..

  • deb

    Idol needs Paula. Cara sucks and it’s too bad they didnt’ replace or eliminate Cara:) The public loves Paula and her craziness….SIMON, Ryan and Paula make the show #1

  • SMT

    Paula’s whole personna, weird or not, is what makes the show. Let Simon go back and do his little show in England and employ an American on American Idol! Paula and Randy can handle his job. What is he, a producer? I dunno, but without Paula American Idol would be a drag.

  • Debra Roller

    I agree that the world needed to know just where Paula sits on the judges panel, but with that being said, American Idol just isnt AI without her, Kara acts like she be somebody, and she isnt in this catagory, she can NEVER be a Paula, and Simon needs her to be there by his side, even on those off days of Paula’s. Simon and Randy needs that quirkyness about Paula, Another 5 viewers lost with out Paula, FOX. WAKE UP!!!!

  • GiGi

    Publicity manipulation? I’ve thought that from the get go but whether Paula is in trainwreck mode or operating on all cylinders, she is part of the structure of that show. She is the maternal warmth needed to balance out the alpha male overload and Ryan’s love affair with himself.

    Nothing against Kara but warmth doesn’t flow from her. And if the winner’s anthem that she wrote is the best she can crank out, her credibility is seriously lacking.

  • http://TheBlemish Dorothy

    I will miss Paula because I enjoyed making fun of her. She is the most stupid “entertainer” I have ever witnessed.

    • Silverstreak

      Paula is not stupid. I am exasperated with women who denigrade other women. Isn’t it time for women-bonding? Can’t you see how the world suffers from testosterone poisoning. Can’t you see how we need women’s input into the world as the only antidote to that poisoning. It is time to stop jumping on the woman-hating band wagon endorsed by our society and start praising our successful women? Geez!

  • Leslie

    They need to reach an agreement would much rather see Paula than Kara or Ryan, maybe they should get rid of both of those and take their salary to keep Paula and get a new host! Let Adam host and while they are killing kead time on the show which is a lot he can perform much better than Ryan and his stupid comments. He is not worht the salary nor is Kara. Will not watch if Paula is not back for every show.

  • El La

    Paula needs to come back because she is of utmost importance to the people that audition and participate in Idol. Paula provides the human element and thus gives the contestant permission to error and ultimately succeed in their endeavor. I do not intend to watch Idol without Paula.

  • Beth

    Simon did a publicity stunt like this on the X-factor, so maybe that’s what it really is. Anyway it’s making Paula look good because almost everyone wants her back. I want her back (with just Simon and Randy). Don’t need four judges, but I guess Fox isn’t listening to any of us. At least put Kara on the end so Randy can sit next to Paula. I think she’ll be back because if Simon wants his girlfriend back, he’ll probably get his wish. And I don’t think there’s anywhere Paula would rather be than right next to Simon!!!!!!!!

  • Silverstreak

    When Paula found out how much she was being paid compared to Simon she was insulted. She is taking a stand for women’s worth and it is NOT less than half of a man’s worth. I applaud her for her stand. I hope she wins out big for ALL women.

  • Isabel

    GET RID OF KARA AND IN WITH PAULA!!!

  • Trudy

    I won’t be watching Idol unless Paula returns. I’m not “just saying that”. Actually, everyone I know who is an Idol fan feels the same way. Maybe Idol needs a reality check…or needs to take their collective heads out of their collective a**es. Oh well – maybe politicians will start getting more votes than Idol contestants – now that no one will watch.

  • Cjeean

    Drop kara and bring Paula back! it’s soo unnecessary to keep the newbie and drop the old judge!

  • LYNDA CARLOS

    HOW MANY OF YOU REALLY KNOW ABOUT PAULA? I REMEMBER WHEN ANNETTE FUNICELLO WAS BEING ACUSED OF BEING DRUNK AND SHE HAS MS. PAULA BRINGS GREAT ENTERTAINMENT TO THE SHOW AND WELL MAYBE SHE IS ASKING FOR TO MUCH MONEY, MAYBE SHE SHOULD SETTLE FOR LESS, REGARDLESS I PRAY THAT THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS WILL STOP AND LET HER DEAL WITH WHAT EVER SHE NEEDS TOO.

  • Jim

    To be perectly honest, I’ve lost interest in the Idol contestants. After several years, they all seem to blur together. The only reason I now watch the show is to be entertained by the judges. Not having Paula there will give me a reason to jump ship and channel surf. Please bring her back.

  • Anthony

    Very simple…. No Paula, No Idol! Don’t these producers remember what happened when Coca Cola tried to switch in the 80′s???? Big, big mistake! But, at least they could recover… Idol won’t get fans back once they are gone, and gone they will be without Paula!

  • http://aol penny

    I like Paula and if Paula do not come back to idol, i will stop watching the program!!!!!

  • http://www.jamaica-fact-fest.com Pierre

    I wish Paula well in whatever she does next.

  • Patricia Pattillo

    I THINK PAULA GOT UPSET THE MINUTE THEY BROUGHT THE “4th JUDGE” ON AND I DON’T BLAME HER. IDOL NEEDS TO GET PAULA BACK AND DITCH THE OTHER GIRL. I DON’T EVEN KNOW HER NAME BUT WHY WOULD THEY PUT ANOTHER GORL ON A SHOW THAT HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD? DITCH THE 4th WHEEL, GET PAULA BACK, PAY HER THE SALARY SHE DESERVES(WHICH SHOULD BE WAAY MORETHAN RYAN) AND GET ON WITH THE SHOW. THE IDEA OF GUEST JUDGES IS NOT SO BAD, BUT LOSE THE “LOSER 4TH JUDGE”.

  • Lily

    Get REAL! This show has always been and will always be about the judges. Paula and Simon primarily. I’d love to subject all the fools who think elsewise to one year without Paula on the show to see just how unwatchable it would be. Bad perfomances, whiny kids. BORING

  • Dolly

    The solution is soooo simple. Get rid of Kara (the majority of viewers have expressed they do not like her)….give Paula her previous salary plus Kara’s salary…problem solved. I really like Simon and Randy and Paula as a team….they are entertaining. Kara is a detractor with her self-absorbed opinions. Let her go!!!

  • Loveee

    OF COURSE MARY MURPHY ISN’T GONNA LET HER ON THE SHOW. MARY MURPHY IS AN IDOIT AND SHE DOESN’T KNOW WHAT THE HECK SHE IS TALKING ABOUT. PAULA DOESN’T BELONG ON UGLY BETTY OR ANYTHING, SHE BELONGS ON IDOL. IF PRODUCERS THINK THAT JUST CAUSE THEY GET BIG STARS LIKE JOE JONAS, SHANIA TWAIN, MARY J. BLIGE, AND VICTORIA BECKHAM THAT THEY’RE GONNA GET THE SAME RATINGS THEY ARE WRONG. PAULA MADE THAT SHOW WHAT IT IS TODAY AND WITHOUT HER THEY ARE GONNA LOOSE EVERYONE!

  • Lynda Jeffery

    I won’t watch America Idol if Paula does not come back. Take Kara off the show. I do not like her.She does not fit in. Paula has been their ever simce day one.

  • mo

    Paula is like watching a train wreck but she’s our train wreck and is part of the reason we watch. Good idea of getting rid of Kara whats her name and give her salary to Paula. I do think how ever for as long as I’ve been on this earth the woman always take it in the shorts when it comes to equal pay and with things they way they are in the world, what she was offered to keep her job, I would have done cart wheels to keep my job. I dont think Simon or seascrest are worth what they are getting. Whats with Jackson? He’s the only one that has any class as we know nothing of what he was offered. Way to go, dog!

  • Tina

    I have watched Idol from the beginning and every year I look forward to seeing all of the judges, Simon, Randy, and Paula! I do not think the show will be the same without Paula Abdul and she certainly deserves the salary she has asked for. She is just as much responsible for the success of Idol as any other judge and host! It is extremely unfair that her salary should be any less. Give the lady what she has earned and get on with the show…. With Paula! Shame on the network execs!

  • Maureen

    Lets face it, they are all over paid. What we need to see is everybody in show business taking less. Don’t they know we are in a recession. I am sure these salaries come with travel expense paid as well, so the money just piles up really helping no one, while we have more and more homeless in this nation.
    I could not stand Kara last year and was hoping she would go. If Fox can’t afford four judges,Kara should go and let her salary go to Paula.

  • steve short

    I most definitely will never watch even 1 performance on one show of A I if Paula does not come back.The show NEEDS all 3 of the original judges. Certainly not Kara and not Ryan.Sexism or not Paula is MUCM MORE important to the show than woosy boy Seacrest.I am not a gay man, I have a family who watches every week. Never again if Paula is not on the show. If it ain’t broke , why try to fix it? Paula is worth AT LEAST twice as much as Ryan !!!

  • Ron

    I do not plan on watching IDOL, next season, it’s getting old and now with Paula gone, they will not have me watching. Sponsors should pull their sponsorship and that would get Paula back

  • Terry

    I WILL NOT WATCH THE SHOW IF SHE DOES NOT COME BACK. I think it’s a huge mistake on American Idol’s part to part ways with Paula. Her chemistry with Simon and Randy is wonderful and I for one don’t know if I will continue to watch. Bring Paula back or you will lose viewers.
    Want to save money? Get rid of Kara. She
    stinks as a judge and annoys lots of viewers.
    I only watched to see/hear Simon and Paula.
    BRING PAULA BACK!

  • Braydon

    First Of all Paula is a Damn Hot Woman! and She can do whatever she wants when making that much money, its just the tabloids that make her out to be a drunkin mess or snortin the coke before the show. Everyone else hass the same problems. In my mind she hold A Very Higher standard than Brittney or Lindsay. OMG those two girls cant even hold their composure in public. Kudos to Paula! I think she’d do well on any show. But, she does belong back on American Idol, because that stupid woman thats on there now is completely ANNOYING and doesn’t know A THING about singing!

  • Steve Willhite

    The nitwit producers need to give her the raise she’s asking for. Why should she get paid so much less than the other judges, and even less than the MC? Sometimes decision makers are idiots.

  • http://countmeout julie

    Why should Paula not get a fair offer? Is it because she is a woman? If Fox thinks she is not as valuable as the others they are making a big mistake. My friends and I will not watch the show if she is not reinstated. I can’t stand Kara and the guest judges suck.Please FOX tell me why are the men getting more than they deserved while Paula was offered “peanuts? Something stinks at FOX

  • LIN

    WHATEVER IT IS FOR PUBLCITY OR NOT, PAULA SHOULD COME BACK…THE CONTESTANTS NEED HER MOTHERLY REMARKS..EVEN THOUGH THEY SOMETIMES DON’T MAKE SENSE..THE SHOW WOULD NOT BE THE SAME WITHOUT HER…

  • http://DSL Flo

    I like Paul, but I don’t think she or Ryan either one are worth the amount of money they are asking for. Don’t know if I will watch AI without Paula or with Ryan making so much money.

  • George R Penny

    NO PAULA NO IDOL

  • Linda

    SIMON, you should have taken a stand, Randy should have taken a stand! I believe, in my heart, that Paula wanted to know she mattered…you guys let her down. Periode!! you can say what you want, but if you meant what you said, Simom, than you all should have stuck together and said “NO PAULA, NO SHOW” in the end, as long as your pockets where lined with enough millions, was all that mattered to you guys…don’t call yourselves her FRIENDS! I for one will not watch the show unless Paula returns, BASTA!

  • George R Penny

    The money is all relative to the money the show makes think baseball players or actors why should Paula make less than Ryan or Simon or Randy?? Paula has been around in America as a singer, dancer, personality for 25 years she makes the show different from all the other similar shows how can the producers not see this could be a fatal move on their part I know I will happily not watch the show its too time consuming anyway I can find better use for my time hopefully wherever Paula lands

  • Theresa

    Get rid of Kara. Haven’t heard of anyone that necessarily will miss her. Thats more money to pay for Paula’s salary. The 3 original judges were the best combination. Do what you need to, and get Paula back!

  • patty

    No joking. If Paula is not there, I will have no more Idol dinners and watch without fail. I might check out last couple weeks to see whats up, but not the faithful I have been for years.

  • http://comcast skip

    are you 45 millon for that woman is crazy!

  • http://comcast skip

    the only person i thought could sing on that show, was katharine mcphee and carrie underwood.

  • steve short

    while simon is obviously the most import ingredient in the Idol recipe, paula is definitely the second most important. you take it out and it can’t taste the same. you already made it worse by tinkering with it ( kara ),now your going to ruin it

  • ted

    it is’nt the end of the world or Idle..I for one am getting tired of hearing all the B.S. do something,then just SHUT THE HELL UP and jet along with it. LIFE GOES ON

  • http://popstew Donna

    Pay her! Ryan Seacrest is worth more? Who is making these decisions? With the big $$ from ads, they have to bicker?
    Like it or not, she is part of American Idol from its inception and people want to see her, not the other one.
    Go back to the original three judges and move on.

  • SAM

    Oh how silly this all is…. you are absolutely right American Idol won’t be the same without Paula…. IT’LL BE BETTER. Thank goodness someone finally had some sense. Her actions and speech were nauseating to say the least. Get rid of the other female… and between Randy and Simon have a “guest” on each week, I think it would be much better and draw a larger audience, providing of course they get contestants who aren’t plants and who are serious about their competition.

  • Victoria

    Okay….is there anyone else who just can’t figure WHY Seacrest would be worth $45 milliion???? He is nothing but FLUFF – a fill in who can tell a joke or two1 $45 million for that??? He’s around now, but he’s not going to last forever. He isn’t talented, maybe a bit entertaining to some, but no real talent. I think they had the idea that he could be the next Dick Clark – but there is just sense in that either. Clark is not someone that you can easily replace and definitely not by Seacrest. Paula has been a professional in the entertainment business for years. Yes – she’s quirky at times (I think that is part of her appeal and she has used it to her advantage after realizing that it worked for her) and is a savvy business women in the music industry. Give her some $$$. I think they should replace Seacrest with Drew Lachey, he’s better looking and more entertaining than Seacrest and would probably be more reasonable to work with in the $$ negotiations!

  • pat james

    i think paula is great so compassionate and human

  • Yeahyeah

    Ditch Kara and get Paula back there pronto!! Kara annoys the SH## out of me! Pay Paula MORE $$$ too!!!!

  • patrick douglass

    Paula: DONT GO BACK, YOU ARE TOO GOOD FOR THEM AND BESIDES YOU WILL FIND SOMETHINE 10 TIMES BETTER
    LOVE YOU. i HAD YOU ON A FLIGHT ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO, YOU ARE SO BEATIFUL

  • Linda

    Ryan has so little to do on that show other than enter by the staircase for drama. He is cute and fun to watch but Paula has to sit through all those awful tryouts and early shows and judge. That is work. They all three watch and listen and know talent. They have to make decisions.
    How is that in any way LESS than what Ryan does?
    Kara took up time from the other three. I will not watch AI this year as a choice not as a stand. Bring Paula back please.

  • http://yahoo pat james

    i will not watch idol without paula

    thank you,pat

  • judy

    seriously. 45 million dollars??? well maybe she can hire someone to hold her eye lids open while she is trying to describe the talent of one of the singers. Then she would have to hire someone that can decipher what she said, then tell the audience in english. sooooo…yep, maybe the 45 million is worth it!! NOT!!!!

  • Stacy

    Paula will be back. Can you say PUBLICITY STUNT?

  • northpdx

    Would probably watch some if paula was back- Would deffinately watch if Seacrest was out!!! Talk about an irritating no talent!!

  • angie

    Paula does a lot more than Ryan Seacrest, and they pay him too much money. I think it is only fair they pay her as well.

  • David

    I will not watch american idol if paula leaves. Just get rid of Kara and Randy and just keep Paula and Simon. Afterall they are the ones that make the show. As for Ryan, he’s not worth a 1 million contract.

  • meladyinred

    I WILL NOT WILL NOT WATCH THE SHOW IF PAULA LEAVE

  • meladyinred

    KARA STINKS SHE SUXS

  • MB

    Bye bye Paula….don’t let the door hit you on the way out! Don’t get me wrong, I do like her, but enough of her rambling already…I can’t take it anymore. I may NOT watch if she comes back.

  • Paul

    Bring Paula back, if possible. I’d hate to think this whole thing is just Paula wanting to be paid as much, or more, than Ryan. But if it was, I wouldn’t be surprised. Athletes and entertainers have giant egos and measure their success in terms of how much they are paid.

  • Sue

    The show will be a bore without her.

  • dolores

    paula is not worth 45 mil? seacrest and simon are? what a crock of shit i will not watch this anti female piece of crap anymore, and all women should stand up for the disparity given sooo loudly here by these producers. fuck them paula and fuck a.i.yay paula! we yes “we” in my neck of the woods love you!

  • ted

    who really gives a rats butt. PALA LIKE kera (or whatever) are both so full of themselves, wake-up america.. NO ONE is worth that much money in this bad economy. get a life and a Real Job and stop living off the people who really care.remember its only a show. and most winners are picked long before we even see the finals not by just the judges but by the producers. we really have no real say in the winners. The millions who supposedly voted are just a number thrown up to impress every one stupid to think otherwise.

    • http://OhSpareMe! dave

      Hey Ted, you really hit the nail on the head man. We all have been duped to think WE are picking the winner. But, HELLO, the producers PICK THE WINNER! Wake up America! And Paula, STAY HOME!

  • http://AOL Gary

    It is up to the producers if they want to bring Paula back, maybe they don’t want her since they will not give her the salary she is asking for if Ryan is getting $45 million for 3 years and Simon is getting $100 million. The salary should be private. I think the producers don’t want her back. That was some of the rumor when the other judge came in.

  • lorraine

    without paula there is no show. Therefore I will not watch a noshow.

  • john batey

    who is the dips..t that reported this we want the facts not his/hers personel comments slanting the facts this idiot must be related to someone to get this job

  • http://WhatdoesRandymake? Ada

    What does Randy make? We know Simon gets $100 Mil. but what Randy makes should tell us about what Paula should make. If they are offering Paula less than they are offering Randy, then that would be discrimination. And if they do that, then I wouldn’t watch the show any longer either.

  • Kim

    No Paula, no Idol for me. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER AGAIN!!

  • Mary Ann

    Mary, I agree with you, get rid of Kara and give Paula what she wants..I will not watch the show any more if Paula does not come back….

  • Karen

    If you let Kara go and give her salary to Paula…. everyone will be happy! Kara is not American Idol… Paula IS!

  • http://aol susan

    Another example of distrimination. Paula should make as much as the guys. She is just as good, if not more entertaining. I love to watch the show, but I will not watch a show that does not pay women and men equally.

  • http://OhSpareMe! dave

    Paula’s leaving is just a publicity stunt! Come on people the news meadia need to pump up her popularity for the show! I say good time for her to actually leave the show. I am tired of her garbleing antics and rambling on and on but saying nothing! Time to get out Paula you have outlived your stay. Good Bye

  • Joe

    Paula is worth a hell of a lot more then Seacrest. He is udless. I cann’t5 stand him and he make that kind of money. What a crock. Bring back Paula.

  • Joe

    Get rid of Seacrest. He isn’tt worth the money. Bring back Paula, and give her Seacrest’s money. He is not worth the money they are paying him.

  • Deb

    I think Paula should come back. American idol will not be the same without her. Everyone loves Paula. Big mistake letting her go. I won’t watch anymore. They broke up the trio. That’s right Trio! Paula, Randy and Simon. (Forget the other). Women are supposed to have equal rights. Sounds like the exec’s are a bunch of bigots. Bye Bye American Idol. I am done!

  • April

    There is something about Kara that is definitely not likeable. I don’t know why she was put on in the first place. Paula is part of that show now and she is up and fun. Get rid of Kara!!!!!!!!

    • Sharon

      You are so right! What about the bikini stunt? Who cared and she isn’t all that and a bag of chips. She adds nothing to the show. Paula is great and we love her. They are making a huge mistake is they let her go.

  • susan

    BE HONEST NATE…YOU DONT EVEN WATCH THE SHOW…PFFFT.

  • mary

    Paula was the judge that brought the human aspect to the contest, and could feel the emotion in the contestants.
    I was always waiting for her review, and the emotion that came with it.
    I think American Idol will not be the same again,
    without her. Time to rethink.

  • JJ

    Let Paula back, so more screwing to happen with the contestants, Yeheyyyy for Paula she’ll get more!

    H E L L O O O O, the contestants are the important thing here….

  • V.B.

    I know I am on the under dog here, but every time she started rambling on my husband and I could not wait for her to get finished. I know there are better judges out there somewhere. I vote let her stay gone. She is not worth the big bucks.

    • Cindy

      She is worth so much more than the big bucks. She should make three times the amount that Simon does, just for having to put up with him. He is a jerk, but as a true American Idol fan, I love him too. The show is what it is because of all three judges, Ryans comedic talent, and America’s talent/untalent. If Paula doesn’t come back then the show will probably flop because us true American Idol fans will stop watching and the support will be gone.

    • Sharon

      You are so wrong. She is great and makes the show.

  • ELIJAH

    PAULA PLEASE COME BACK TO THE SHOW!

  • Mary Barakat

    I agree, no Paula, no AI!!

  • Cindy

    Paula should be making just as much as Simon, Randy, Ryan, and/or anyone else on that show. She is a wonderful person and American Idol will never be the same or make it without her. If Paula isn’t there then I will not watch the show anymore either. I’m glad that most of the American Idol fans (from what I’m seeing so far) agree.

  • http://comcast,com julie

    Me and my friends Will not Watch or Vote for American Idol if Paula Does not come Back ! And were about 25 of us Please come back Paula’ we love you .

  • http://aol Diana

    They should choose me to be one of the judges. I almost always pick the singers who make it big even when they don’t win. What’s up with that anyway! :0)

  • merr

    Or, could this be just a publicity stunt because AI has “jumped the shark” with the past few years ending so badly. I haven’t watched it since Jordin Sparks won and Melinda was voted off – a clear sign that American got it wrong and that voting wasn’t working. It has never worked as a matter of fact. Being able to vote as many times as you want is just plain nonsense. It became a popularity contest and began getting farther and farther away from talent and looks. Until they fix the voting problems, it should be avoided. Also, Simon calling out the winner in the last few weeks is just wrong.

  • bp

    What they should do is get rid of Kara, the money they were going to pay her should go to Paula and then that would solve the money situation. I too can not stand Kara. I fast foward thru her comments as well. she is annoying more then Mary and that is pretty annoying. I use to have to turn the channel when she made that crazy screaming but now I just laugh. I love Nygil, I think he is just a nice nice guy. I can not wait till that show starts in the fall.
    In the meantime, Fox, use your smarts and take Paula back and drop the annoying Kara. If you know whats good for the ratings. JMO

  • Anne Marsh

    Paula needs to be back on Idol. Are they crazy??? She adds so much to the show – good and looney, but many of us love her. Good God, Mary Murphy needs to go somewhere. I had to stop watching SYTYCD because of HER big, obnoxious mouth. Shut up about Paula and put her back where she belongs, with a nice big salary!!!!

  • Linda Thorsteinson

    I have watched it every year. Paula needs to be there!! She and Simon have a chemistry that will not happen with anyone else. Trust me, the show will go down hill if you don’t bring Paula back. Give her the salary she is asking for. Please come to your senses…why change something that isn’t broken???

  • http://AOLWelcome Sher

    Idol is not Idol without Paula. The team is Randy(Dawg), Simon AND Paula! I’ve watched from the beginning but you’ve lost me if Paula isn’t there. She is so much fun to watch AND she’s Simon’s sounding board. Might as well take AI off the air–it won’t last long without Paula. She’s always cared about the contestants and helped them along. She brings a positive and sincere attitude like nobody else on the show. She’s joy and sunshine all rolled up in one. And very talented. Enjoyed her dancing tremendously last year!! Go, Paula, we love you and hope to see you back!

  • http://AOL DINA

    Give Paula, Kara’s salary and get RID of KARA.

    WE WANT PAULA, WE WANT PAULA, WE WANT PAULA, WE WANT PAULA!!!!

  • Pat

    Love Paula, AI will not be the same for me!

  • Betty

    Paula as well as Simon has made the show what it is today. Paula please don’t leave! We love you!

  • Chitty Chatty

    American Idol will never be fun to watch without
    Paula Abdul. I admire her and have been watching
    American Idol because of Simon, Paula, and Randy.
    I’m hoping that she will come back to the show.

  • Sharon

    They can get rid of Kara! She adds nothing as far as I am concerned and Paula is every bit as a part of the show as Simon! She is one of my favorite parts of the show to watch. Kara is too hard to take and I could care less if she left. As a matter of fact the show would be better without her.

  • caroline

    The show will never be the same without darling Paula.
    I will not watch it without her. The guest judges sound so ridiculous

    Please tell Mary Murphy she is NOthing compared to Paula,she is just jealous and afraid she will
    loose her JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • michelle

    the peoducers are dumb i will not watch idol any more and either will my hole family paula made that show u will loose viwers stupid idots

  • michelle

    pay her what she deserves and we need paula randy and simon only da i hope she returns

  • JG

    Oh wow…are people really this upset over Paula? Seriously, folks are acting like Simon is leaving. For Christ’s sake, if she wasn’t, pardon me, bitching about her paycheck, she’d still be on. In fact, maybe if she put in more constructive criticism and stop drooling over every male contestant, maybe they would have raised her payroll….perhaps..?

    American Idol is pretty much dead now anyway. Everyone’s better off watching America’s Got Talent.

  • Jordan

    Well I personally think that Paula deserves that contract. Even if you can’t understand what she’s saying half the time, without her the show is completely different. She’s constantly arguing with Simon which brings a real comedic aspect to the show. Why should Ryan Seacrest get a contract that large? I think that Paula is more important to the show then Ryan so why would he be paid more than her?

  • nancy

    All the judges should be paid about the same with Ryan making a little less,enough money for all.The Kara/Simon mix doesn’t work,when Kara sat next to Simon for a show she had to one up him that’s why they move her next to Randy.Kara doesn’t need to be on the show she is to good for everybody.Kara has a my shit don’t stink mind set.So wise up Kara has not added entertainment value to the show or the ratings,if not broken don’t fix it.

  • http://aol B. Moore

    Keep Paula get rid of Kara – very simple!!!!

  • CATHY

    I LOVE PAULA…SHE IS FUNNY,AND SERIOUS….I LIKE THE WAY SHE PLAYS UP TO SIMON…SHE IS FUN TO WATCH….I WILL NO LONGER WATCH IDOL…IF THERES NO PAULA….SHE HONESTLY TALKS TO THE WANT-A-BE’S….KEEP HER ON THE SHOW

  • http://aol B. Moore

    Get rid of Kara and add Kara’s salary to Paula’s and everyone’s happy

  • Kathy

    My family of 4 will not be watching Idol if Paula is not back on this season and as far as I’m concerned no one will miss Kara and her arrogance—put it back the way it was!!!!!!!!!!

  • amy

    I WOULD NOT WASTE MY TIME WATCHING AMERICAN IDOL IF PAULA WAS NOT ON THERE BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT BE FUN. WATCHING HER AND SIMON IS THE MOST FUN ON THE SHOW THAT OTHER JUDGE SHE CAN GO WE WONT PAULA BACK………………

  • Cathy

    Keep Paula. She is genuine. Lose Kara.

  • Sissy Schmidt

    I have great respect for Paula and without her presents I feel the show can not be valued with creativity in judgement of style-charcter. Paula brightens up the show with her smile but most of all her years of experience in the music business. I will not watch the show if she is not on…….love Kara but no one will replace Paula. You just can’t do that!

    Plus, what would Simon do without his Paula.

  • http://www.hulala4you.com Melodye

    Idol needs Paula!! Get Rid Of Kara. She added absolutely nothing to the show. She was a waste of time, but Paula makes the show. Bring back Paula and Lose Kara!

  • John

    BRING PAULA
    BACK!!!!!

  • homecareking

    I have a sneeeeky feelin brewin’ in the air that just maybe there will be slurry wipps this fall after all. :P

  • dot

    LISTEN I WILL NOT WATCH IF PAULA IS NOT BACK. GET RID OF KARA

    • ps7603

      No one will care if you don’t watch … turn your TV to the shopping station and watch her and her cheap jewels there.

  • ps7603

    The show would be just as good without her. Let her go sell her cheap jewels on TV.

  • AI VIEWER ?

    WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE MEN IN THIS WORLD, WOMEN HAVE TO LIVE TOO. WHAT IS SO WRONG ABOUT GIVING PAULA WHAT SHE IS ASKING FOR? BESIDE THAT SHE DESERVE IT. I HAVE WATCH “AI” FROM THE BEGINING, I JUST WANT TO SAY IF SHE NOT BACK IN JANUARY I WILL NOT WATCH AGAIN. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IS GIVE HER KARA SALARY AND LET HER GO HOME AFTER WRITING THAT TERRIBLE SONG LAST YEAR……PLEASE

  • todd

    The other networks would be smart to schedule a good hour of entertaining because without Paula on Idol that might steal away a lot of viewers. By the way someone tell me what the hell is Randy getting?

  • Patsy

    I agree with the majority of comments. Kara should go and Paula should return to the show. She adds balance. Kara adds nothing to the show and seems to agree with whatever Randy says about a contestant. Get rid of her.

  • http://Pat Pat

    The judges, so I understand, have no final vote so what are they there for? They are there for entertainment – extra entertainment and character and Paula and Simon have that combination. I like the other girl, but what was she there for? All she did was tell us what we just heard on stage. Changes are not for good.

  • http://Pat Pat

    This is for Todd

    Yeah, I’d like to know that, too. Randy stays low.

  • Missy

    NO PAULA… NO IDOL! Plain and simple! We’re not watching!

  • shirley

    There is no talk of Randy by anyone. I think Randy is the one who keeps the comments real. He is there to promote the young people and their careers. There is no mention of his salary, but he is as important as Simon, Ryan and Paula. That said, Paula is delightful.
    Her presentation on the show is genuine. She tries to let contestants down in a nice way if necessary, and builds them up when justified. Just listen to the former contestants remarks. They love her and respect Randy.
    As for Kara, she simply was an unnecessary addition last year. Simon, well, he’s the money kid and like him or not, he says it like he thinks it is.
    Like in so many cases, when something is running like a well oiled machine, why change it.

  • Amanda

    Paula needs to come back plain and simple. Kara whatever her name was….nobody really ever heard of her till she was actually on the show so if she replaces her it will just be a major upset. I dont honestly think i would watch it without her because that is the way it has always been and the way it needs to be for years to come.

  • dave hern

    This show is about the best singers. Yes we will miss having Paula and she is a great assest to the program but the show must go on for the singers. You guys are focusing on the wrong issue. By the way we the american people are doing the voting. Don’t want to watch the show then byeeeeeeee. You all actng like spoil children. GET A LIFE.

  • shirley

    It is not just about the singers. It has been made to be about the judges too. The fate of these young people lie in the hands of the judges that are chosen for the show. It is very important to have the right people be in those seats.
    That being said, look at the careers that have been launched from this show. Apparently it is working “JUST AS IT IS”.
    Last year the boat was rocked by the addition of Kara. Every single person I have talked to think she is prbably a nice person but is out of her element on the show.
    If the boat is rocked again, the focus will be shifted from the talent to the turmoil and that isn’t fair to the young people who work so hard during the shows process to “make their mark” and who wish for a chance to showcase their talent and have their career launched.
    Execs, I think you should really rethink this one.

  • shirley

    To Dave H
    Yes, the American people do the voting, but the judges comments have a huge impact on the voting outcome. Personality of each judge plays a huge role in the final result to influence votes.
    Paula adds a demention that NOBODY else can offer. I believe her heartfelt comments take the sting out of Simons comments. Her harmony with Randy is unique. Her presence has helped to promote many contestants and the life of the show.
    Without Paula, the show would not be comparing this years contestants to those of the past.
    I think the show will lose some of its steam.
    Maybe Ryan and Simon should enjoy their salaries. This may be the last chance they have to collect from this show.

  • Don

    Put all the like Paula, Don’t like Paula, where ever you stand on that issue aside for a minute. How inconsiderate are the execs to just assume she’d settle for such a contract that expressed her worth to the American Idol enterprise to be a meger 13% of the salary of the talentless male egos. And to add insult to the mix, so publically announce the enormous contracts those nit-wits are negotated for. That reason alone makes me not so much an Idol supporter anymore. At least Paula has talent in her blood which proves to me she’s the most qualified judge on the panel. What a flash back to the 1950′s you British Fox Execs have taken pop culture. Disgrace is a term you need to familurize yourselves with. BTW, don’t bring your British irrogance to America and expect to us to accept it. We don’t. Paula honey, you stick to your demands baby. You are worth every penny. They need you. Trust me. They do.

  • LeeAnn

    I truly think the Producers will be in for a huge surprise when their ratings drop even further if they do not bring PAULA back!

    If you have followed any of the show ratings, you would know that AI really dipped when they signed on KARA. Now I know KARA and PAULA are friends and at one time Paula even allowed Kara to live with her until she made some money to go on her own, but the fact is PAULA and SIMON are a HUGE part of American Idol. If anyone should go it should be KARA and if they really want to save big money, then drop Randy Jackson too.

    What I would like to know is where does the writer of this piece come off saying that Paula is incoherent?! I have never had a problem understanding Paula but many times the “DAWG” has spoken and I wonder when the translator is going to take over!

    PAULA is VERY IMPORTANT to AI just as much as is SIMON COWELL!!!!!

  • lulu

    Where do these people think they are entitled to so much money when there are people like teachers who make a real difference and get paid peanuts.

  • Nancy

    Please keep Paula. She is extremly talented, and most of the time her comments are right on.
    Idol needs a judge that actually judges!
    She has heart, soul and compassion.
    The original “trio” were great…..adding Kara was like getting a 5th Beatle!

  • jean

    paula is worth two ryans. i think someone stole paula’s drugs. she is a wonderful person and she has heart. i will always love you paula you have “CLASS”.

  • MustangWriter

    I was looking for an excuse to stop watching and just watch the finals only anyway,so the producers just gave me that reason. Sure at times Paula was a train wreck; but she is OUR train wreck!

  • Cindy

    Everyone of you that say you won’t watch Idol if Paula isn’t back are full of baloney! You’ll be the very first ones there waiting to scrutinize the next judge. Paula couldn’t tell the truth to the singers if she had to. She tries smoothing over the truth just to make Simon look a fool and of course he could care less what she thinks. She’s no loss to the show. We need someone that doesn’t build them up if they’re not worth keeping. Ya’ll will be the first ones at your TV set….believe me, you’re not fooling meeeeeee! The only thing I agree with ya’ll on is the discrimination part. She don’t like it, sue! I think they know they can do better is why they’ve allowed her to whine and leave. Boo hoo!

  • http://HiHoe Jmarine81

    ROFLMAO!! “People need a damn decoder ring just to figure out whether or not she liked a contestant.”

    Im still trying to figure out if people watch this show to see who is gonna be the next Kelly Clarkson, or to hear Simon’s childlike remarks destroying any possible hope that they may amount to something. This show shoulda been shit-canned a long time ago, i stopped watching the first show after 15 minutes, i cant believe that it is still going after all these years…We went from TGIF to american idol..how lame

  • Lee

    Paula is a star and she should make more than Seacrest are you kidding me? If that is the issue which I cannot understand, why would a host make more than one of the true STARS of the show.

    You can replace Brian and I will get used to someone else, but Paula is a true authority on the show and has been a performing star, we know she knows talent!

    So, I hope someone is not studip enough to make this the issue that sent Paula walking.

  • Barbara

    Paula, Simon, and Randy…I have to agree that they are the originals and that’s how it should stay. Each has their own interesting personality that’s for sure. As far as the talent of the contestants, that seems to be on the decline. I think America voting is what should be changed. Talent is what should be judged and not popularity or the ability of friends and family voting endless times. As far as Salaries, keep them equal. Sorry Simon and Ryan.

  • http://aol kenene

    I LOVE ALL THE JUDGES, PAULA AND SIMON’S INTERACTIONS MAKE THE SHOW.rANDY IS THE ANCHOR.KEEP THE THREE ORIGINAL JUDGES. pERFECT SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!