Could anything offer more drama than an afternoon Soap Opera? Well, these days, it seems that the highest drama is reality, not the fiction of afternoon soaps. The question of whether Paula Abdul will return as a judge on American Idol has been a series of twists and turns.
First, Abdul announced that American Idol executives wanted her for the entire duration of the talent show’s run. Fans breathed a sigh of relief. Paula was coming back.
Then Abdul’s attorney, David Sonenberg, said that Paula was “hurt” because 19 Entertainment had never come forth with a contract proposal for her. Perhaps Paula was not coming back.
Former American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe chimed in to reassure fans, saying that (Fox) “would be crazy to let her go.” And some Idol contestants sent Twitter messages in support of her too. Perhaps Paula would be back after all.
First, Abdul announced that American Idol executives wanted her for the entire duration of the talent show’s run. Fans breathed a sigh of relief. Paula was coming back.
Then Abdul’s attorney, David Sonenberg, said that Paula was “hurt” because 19 Entertainment had never come forth with a contract proposal for her. Perhaps Paula was not coming back.
Former American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe chimed in to reassure fans, saying that (Fox) “would be crazy to let her go.” And some Idol contestants sent Twitter messages in support of her too. Perhaps Paula would be back after all.
Of course, some opinions have been expressed that perhaps Abdul might simply be holding out for more money. The Chicago Sun Times in an article wrote Abdul “clearly wants a big raise from the estimated $2.5 million she’s been getting per season – particularly since Seacrest has inked a $45 million, 3-year deal.”
That seems something to ponder – Seacrest’s new deal triples his previous salary. And there are rumors that Cowell wants something in the neighborhood of $100 million to stay on Idol beyond this next year. If Abdul truly earns $2.5 million, as the Times reported, clearly she might feel unfairly rewarded and entitled to a raise. After all, she is one-half of the cute little love-hate joking with Cowell – and she devotes the same amount of time to assessing on-air performances as Cowell, Jackson and last season’s new judge Kara DioGuardi.
It is possible that what Abdul really expects is fairness and respect. Supporting that possibility is an interview with American Idol contestants on tour. When the contestants were asked whether any of the Idol judges would likely watch them perform, the response was that they didn’t know – but if anyone came, it would be Paula because it is not all about money with her.
Whether Abdul wants fairness, respect and/or a raise, all three would seem reasonable. So the real question is why are those in charge of negotiating and sending a contract proposal not doing that? Do they want her back, or do they not want her back? Whatever their intentions, it is time for them to make their intentions known. Enough is enough. Obviously, Abdul would like to know. And, obviously, fans would like to know as well.
And, of course, days are passing quickly -- and the earliest American Idol tryouts are less than a month away.
Is Paula coming back – or is Paula not coming back?
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Is Paula coming back – or is Paula not coming back?
Very nice article! I totally agree that it's about fairness and respect and not about the money. This is Paula Abdul. The woman who cares deeply for those contestants and goes through every one of their emotions with them, supporting them until the end. It's the woman who goes to watch them rehearse to their tour and goes to dinner with all of them. She truly loves her job. And saying she's doing it just for money is just unfair. When Simon is asking for a raise from his 36millions and Ryan is now making 15 millions, her 2 million are ridiculous and totally unfair, bordering on disrespectful. Especially when she's the only one who truly seems to care about her job and dedicates a lot of time to it, being the first one in and the last one out. Not to mention the amount of publicity she brings in, being among the top2 favorite/most talked about American Idol stars. 20 million is the least they should give her. And talking about people suffering from poverty and hunger is ridiculous when we're talking about Hollywood. That's how things are in Hollywood. She's only asking for respect and equality, in a world where that is shown primarily through money.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have faith they'll give her that, otherwise Idol without Paula would be like Christmas without presents and would lose part of its magic and appeal. I definitely wouldn't watch. That original cast was the one who made AI what it is, and without one of them, especially Paula, it just wouldn't feel like Idol.