Paula Not Returning To Idol!

[Tiggermom]

So, it's official, Paula won't be returning to American Idol. I think they may have underestimated her popularity. Or perhaps I am overestimating it. But I don't really care to watch this season. She made the show worth watching and while I tried to give Kara every chance I really don't like her enough to have her be the only female judge. I think the dynamics of Simon, Paula and Randy were great. I didn't think adding Kara was at all necessary and she sure as heck can't replace Paula in my eyes. I feel sad about it. I think she brought something special to the contestants and that the show will be worse for losing her. And I think they're idiots to have just signed a $15 million dollar a year deal with Ryan and then only offer her $10. Of course I think they're all grossly overpaid, but I don't think another $5 mil a year for her was going to make or break the show.

[mtj]

I don't think they wanted her back, T-Mom.
Another five million is nothing, in industry standard.
I think bringing in the new female judge was the beginning of
the end for Paula.

[Tiggermom]

I think you're right mtj. I was thinking the same thing. But then how much more respectful to just tell her that, then to lowball her and treat her with such disrespect after she really helped build AI into what it is today? But I think it's wrong and personally, I hope it comes back to bite them! I know it's just part of the business, but she was as essential to Idol as Simon, imo. For me Kara is too abrasive and even though sometimes Paula was wacky, for me, her and Idol go hand in hand.

[KrisMich]

I agree, Tiggermom. Paula, along with Simon and Randy are AI. I also am not fond enough of Kara to have her be the only female judge. And Lord forbid, but I hear rumors that Victoria Beckham is coming on as a judge too. Please no! Paula is wacky, but she softens the hard blows to the contestants and they need that.

And, I'll just add that when I went down for a taping of AI a couple of years ago, Paula was a jewel. It was still the top 16 or so when they were in the small studio, so there were only about 100 people in the audience. Paula came over and talked to us and she was so sweet. At the end, she came over again and thanked us all for coming and standing in line for hours to get in. She asked where we all came from and when she learned that I drove nearly 4 hours, she was amazed. You see, it's a chance you take. Just because you get called to go down, it's not for sure that you will get into the show. And she was amazed that I came so far for a "possibility". So, I hate to see her go.

[dylanangel75]

To be quite honest with you I wont be watching because the show is a joke. None of the winners since Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood have made any kind of musical impact or even sold enough albums to be considered anything. The show should just be called American Popularity. Thats all it is. Really has nothing to do with talent anymore. I lost interest in this show years ago when Paula was still on. I only tune in for the auditions week because it cracks me up. Yea and I couldnt stand Kara durin any of that