Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell -- Together Again on American Idol!

Lots happening with the American Idol final!!

First, there will be the highly talented vocals by Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze. Just that would be plenty enough!

But former judge Paula Abdul, who is slated to host "Got To Dance" next season, will show up for judge Simon Cowell's farewell -- Christina Aguilera too! Simon and Paula delighted fans during past seasons with a weekly comedy routine -- of playfully giving each other jabs back when Paula sat right next to Simon on the judges panel.

There has also been speculation that best friends Simon and Paul might work together on Simon's "The X Factor" next season. Cowell has been vocal in admitting that he has missed Paula on Idol -- and opined that at least part of the reason for American Idol's drop in ratings this season is Paula's absence.

What a team -- Simon and Paula. Next year could be quite a year with American Idol returning -- and Simon and Paula with shows too! Sphere: Related Content

Curtains for Casey James on American Idol

Did anyone think that Casey would survive this week's American Idol cut? Notes posted around the Internet overwhelmingly opined that it was time for Casey to leave -- and, indeed, the Idol judges seemed to be ready to lead him to the door.

But what a run it has been for North Texas' Casey James!

"I'm so thankful for the opportunity," smiled James -- even after his elimination. "It's been an amazing, amazing journey and I'm so thankful that I'm here.

As with departing contestants, James got to sing a farewell song. He chose John Mayer's Daughters -- which had been judges Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi's choice for him in this week's competition. Confident, smiling and seemingly still happy, James delivered the song with ample tenderness and style.

There was a sense that Casey may have expected that it was his week to go -- and that he was ready to move on to the Idol tour and showing America that he deserves to be a star.

Indeed, elimination from the American Idol competition often signals less about defeat and more about moving ahead in a career. Runner-up Adam Lambert has become a super star -- as has Chris Daughtry. And how about Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Clay Aiken and Kimberley Locke -- none of whom won the American Idol coveted crown!

“I never thought I'd get this far,” Casey admitted to host Ryan Seacrest. “But to me, it's like winning $10 million in the lottery and $100 million in the lottery. It's so much more than I expected, so it can't be bad.”

As the Dallas News reports: "For a guy who doesn't own a TV — and drove all night to auditions in Denver at the urging of his mom, who lent him her truck because there was no way his would make the trip — landing in the semifinals of the world's most popular talent show proved a bit overwhelming. As James Casey watched footage of last week's screaming-filled visit to North Texas Dallas/Fort Worth and his hometown of Cool, he fought back tears." Sphere: Related Content

ADBUL 'MOVED 2 TEARS" OVER OUTPOURING OF KINDNESS

American Idol judge Paula Abdul, who wants to return to the popular television talent show but has received no contract proposal, is garnering a heavy and heartfelt outpouring of love, support and tweets from her fans.

And if the multitude of "#Paula" messages circulating and snowballing on the social network utility Twitter are any example, fans definitely want Idol executives to know that they want Paula back.

Noted among those lending support to the campaign with #KeepPaula messages are this past season's American Idol finalists Danny Gokey, Matt Giraud and Anoop Desai!

Abdul, obviously very emotional and appreciative that fans have jumped to her defense, has tweeted her thanks to her fans.

"I'm actually moved 2 tears upon reading the enormous amount of tweets showing me your kindness, love,&undying support," wrote Abdul. "God bless all of you!" And then she continued, "If it weren't for you, this specific time and situation would feel a whole lot worse! xoP"

One Tweeter wrote, "ok guys paula abdul is not gonna be on idol she need are help we can all help by making #keeppaula number 1 trending topic." Another wrote, "AI is nothing without Paula and Simon, and without Paula, Simon is nothing. Sorry but it's true! #KeepPaula #KeepPaula #keeppaula." And still another pleaded, "help needed pleaseee I beg of you come and help us #keeppaula #keeppaula #keeppaula #keeppaula."

On Friday her manager, David Sonenberg told the Los Angeles Times that Abdul had no contract proposal -- adding that he had contacted both 19 Entertainment and Fox and said that "Paula would love to be back on the show." He added that Fox's response was that he would hear from them, but that they had received no proposal at all.

"She's hurt," said Sonenberg. "I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful. I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven't stepped up and said what they want to do."

With Idol auditions scheduled to begin on Aug. 6th, Sonenberg said, "Very sadly, it does not appear that she's going to be back on 'Idol'.

But Idol fans have made their sentiments clear -- they want Paula back! Sphere: Related Content

WILL SIMON COWELL BECOME A $144 MILLION DOLLAR MAN?

If Simon Cowell actually inks the $144 million deal reportedly in discussions, he will become the the highest star in television history. Fans have been waiting anxiously to know whether the popular judge will return to American Idol for more than simply this next season, but it appears that the answer hinges on money.

While Cowell probably has no bionic limbs, as did The Six Million Dollar Man of the 1970's hit television show, with a $144 million dollar contract he would probably have more power than that tv hero and most likely could well afford a mechanical arm or leg or two if he so desired!

"If the deal with the American network Fox goes ahead," reports telegraph.co.uk, "Cowell, 49, will quadruple his current 25 million pound annual pay, netting him 2.2 million for every hour he appears onscreen."

Cowell's negotiations are being conducted by Cowell's new business partner, Topshop mogul Sir Philip Green, according to the Daily Mirror.

But Cowell, according to the Insider, is implying that no such price-hefty contract is in the works. He was quoted as responding, "I wish! Come off it."

However, a Fox insider reportedly revealed, "The word went out from on high to pay Simon what he needs. Without him the show would be a shadow of itself and without American Idol, we're in the dumper. We're confident of getting our man."

Last month it was announced that Cowell and Sir Philip expect to start an international entertainment company. While the pair are reportedly old friends, this would be their first joint business venture. With bases in both London and Los Angeles, the company would be involved in such show business areas as television production and new formats for programs, talent management and merchandising, according to telegraph.co.uk. Cowell would likely be at the helm of presenting and producing shows, and Green would oversee finances, strategy and merchandising.

Meanwhile, the entertainment world also awaits word of contract negotiations being conducted by American Idol's other judges, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi. Sphere: Related Content

RYAN SEACREST INKS DEAL BELIEVED TO MAKE HIM THE RICHEST REALITY SHOW HOST EVER!

It is official! Ryan Seacrest just masterfully inked a $45 million deal that is believed to make him the absolute richest realty show host in history!

This comes just one day after American Idol Frenzy authored an exclusive article highlighting Seacrest’s rise to fame not just in front of reality show cameras, but as one of the most successful masters on the business side of reality television.

Seacrest’s new contract – which more than triples his previous almost $5 million contract -- will keep him as host of “American Idol” for another three years. And it provides for the opportunity for Seacrest and his Ryan Seacrest Productions to take on addition projects with “American Idol” creator Simon Fuller.

Already Seacrest anchors E! Entertainment News, as well as hosting a syndicated radio talk show and the radio countdown show “American Top 40.”

CKX, the parent company of American Idol producer 19 Entertainment, will have exclusive primetime rights to Seacrest for not only American Idol, but also for any other show that might succeed it, according to industry sources.

Meanwhile, word has still not come of breakthroughs in contract negotiations with American Idols’ judges – so that is likely next on the CKX agenda. But Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi all say that they want to return for the next season, and Simon Cowell, regardless of the outcome of his contract negotiations, will return for one more year under his current contract. The British media have reported that Cowell, whose current deal has been estimated at $36 million a year, wants $100 million a year under a new contract, according to Reuters.com.

While ratings have slipped for American Idol, it still remains the highest-rated series on television. Currently auditions for the show are being held around the country, and the show’s last season contestants are in the midst of a summer tour. Sphere: Related Content