RUMOR: PAULA HAS DROPPED HER ASKING PRICE -- AND FANS CONTINUE TO SAY THEY WANT PAULA BACK, NOT DioGUARDI

Rumor has it that Paula Abdul, perhaps feeling a bit antsy now that Kara DioGuardi has inked a deal to return to American Idol, has dropped her asking price by nearly 50 percent, reports EW.com.

Sources now claim that Paula is willing to return to American Idol for just $12 million annually -- slashing her previously hoped for $20 million.


American Idol fans, who are largely also Paula fans, have questioned why the show's executives are playing hardball with Abdul after inking a $45 million deal with host Ryan Seacrest -- and paying Simon Cowell what is estimated to be $30 million a year from judging, along with the right to sign management contracts with "Idol" contestants. Rumor is that Cowell, for a new contract, also wants an amount in the $45 million range.

And they are also questioning why Fox is bringing back fourth judge Kara DioGuardi, largely considered unnecessary by viewers. On Monday Fox tried to place a pretty powerful spin on DioGuardi's return. "We are so happy to welcome back Kara for her second season with 'Idol' said executive producer Simon Fuller. "She is a breath of fresh air, and her passion for music and her understanding of talent is invaluable. This show is all about discovering new talent, and Kara's championing of Adam Lambert is proof positive of her great instinct."

But the message boards have been and remain overwhelmingly filled with calls to bring back Paula -- and messages saying that fans couldn't care less about DioGuardi's return.

On PopWatch writer Michael Slezak penned a poem that in part reads:

"They’re bringing Kara back to Idol

I say ‘no, no, no!’

Please give her the sack

Paula’s stabbed in the back

That’s low low low

Could this news be one big tease?

Never forget ‘No Boundaries’

They’re bringing Kara back to Idol

But she should go go go."


On MTV message boards, one individual wrote: "Wow! Talk about selective memories! Kara wanted approval from Simon before she'd even admit she'd vote to pass Adam on to Hollywood. After several performances she said he was too "theatrical" -- and even said he wasn't connecting with the audience. ... But Randy and Paula were total Adam supporters from day one. ... Paula needs to come back -- PLEASE bring her back! We'll put up with 4 judges -- just bring her back!"

Another poster wrote: "PAULA is the one who championed ADAM!!! ... Paula said in the first audition he was the best they'd had from every city!!! ... Why haven't they signed Paula back on??? That's just wrong. KEEP PAULA!"

And another message reads: "Disappointing that she (Kara) will be there again. Paula makes the show interesting. ... Why don't the Idol producers listen to viewer comments? Wake up!"

On LATimes message boards:

"Boo!!! Yet another indication that the producers have stopped caring about the show. ... Kara brings absolutely nothing to the show. The show is not about the judges no matter how hard they try."

Another message: "Damn! I didn't mind her but, if she replaces Paula I will not be happy. Keep Paula!!!"

And at okmagazine:

(In response to an article saying that fans can breathe a sigh of relief that Kara DioGuardi will return as a judge), one fan wrote -- "'breath of relief', is that some kind of joke??? no fans wanted Kara back. all we care about is that paula comes back"

Another message poster added: "No one in their right mind wanted Kara Simonwannabe to come back!"

While some fans have written of their support of DioGuardi, the overwhelming response has been that she adds nothing to the show. And overwhelmingly fans say that they want Paula! Sphere: Related Content