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Paula Abdul Says She Can’t Be Replaced on “American Idol”

4/21/09, 3:54 pm EST

Photo: Mazur/WireImage

Though it’s the final year of Paula Abdul’s contract with American Idol and there are plenty of rumors that she’s been sparring off-screen with the show’s new judge, Kara DioGuardi, Abdul told Nightline DioGuardi will not replace her at season’s end — because she’s practically irreplaceable. “Whenever there is change it’s not about replacing anybody. It’s about possibly moving on,” Abdul told ABC’s Cynthia McFadden, adding that she hasn’t thought about leaving the show just yet. “I love the show, I do. I love what I do on the show, and I’m loving it more this season than ever.”

Abdul did admit that DioGuardi’s addition came as a last-minute surprise to both her and fellow judge Randy Jackson, as both were “informed” and not consulted about the decision. “I thought that respectfully all of us as a group, maybe we could even figure this out together, and I was surprised because Simon has always been against the fourth,” Abdul said. “We’ve had guest judges come in before, and he banned that from happening anymore.” As for the rumored tension between the two females judges. “None, seriously,” Abdul told Nightline. The full interview airs April 23rd.

Also in the interview, Abdul vehemently denies abusing prescription drugs or getting drunk before showtime, calls Simon Cowell a “masterful bully” that made her quit seven times during the first season and says her Hey Paula reality show that busted her napping all the time was an inaccurate portrayal of her life (Rob Sheffield has a few comments about that show in his Ruined By Reality TV). Still, Abdul never answered the question whether or not she’ll still be at the judge’s table for Season Nine, but Abdul probably didn’t help contract negotiations when she criticized judges for allowing a stalking fan to audition in front of her.

Related Stories:

“American Idol” Brings Back Quentin Tarantino as Singers Tackle Movie Tunes
New “American Idol” Judge Kara DioGuardi Talks Season 8: “The Males Were The Strongest”
Paula Abdul Criticizes “American Idol” Producers For Allowing Stalker To Audition


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Comments

paula | 4/21/2009, 4:33 pm EST

my name is paula too!!!!!!!!!

Paula4Ever | 4/21/2009, 5:14 pm EST

I love Paula. I have many peices from her jewlery line and have been a fan ever since I was 3. She will never leave the show. It wouldn’t be American Idol without Paula and Simon bickering at eachother. And she is beatiful, samrt, strong and talented no matter what anyone says. LOVE you Paula! Rock on!!

Ade | 4/21/2009, 5:59 pm EST

The 4th judge livens it up a bit but you can’t change the 3 originals, wouldn’t work otherwise

granniecookie | 4/21/2009, 6:40 pm EST

I do my best not ever to miss an Idol show. BUT it would really hurt to the point I probable would quit watching if Paula was not on that show. I love all three of them and I sure would love to see Paula and Simon hook up as a couple. I think they could be perfect for each other. I should know I am a 70 year old great-grandma and I have learned a few things over the years by observing. Observing gets more correct answers than asking questions.
Paula I love….Simon I love and Randy I love you also.
granniecookie

Vicki | 4/21/2009, 6:57 pm EST

I’m a regular fan since you started this show. I think she is a big imberessment on your show.
What the hell she is talking about?! That someone looks sexy or dressed nice? Unprofessional.
no class and no knowledge. And she gets paid “for that” soo much?! Not fare for other people inthis business.It’s too bad.
This show won’t be that good without Simon!

cs | 4/21/2009, 7:52 pm EST

Please keep Simon regardless of who else goes. I think the 4 judge decision was a huge mistake and the only judge keeping the show real and correct is Simon. His is the only comment we really want to hear and he is usually right – at least in our opinion. Thanks.

me | 4/21/2009, 7:54 pm EST

Paula is O. K. but Simon is the best judge on the show and he and Randy are the only judges that give relevant comments. Sometimes Paula and Kari’s comments seem to be from another world. Thanks to Simon for his honesty.

Louis Lasky | 4/21/2009, 10:37 pm EST

I’ve been watching American Idol since ‘the first year’. considering I am 70 years old and a fairly cool guy – I have to give you my opinion re., ‘Paula Abdul” In short –’she is a flake’. she is so full of herself and so unrealistic when it comes to her consistantly positive comments about ALL the contestents. First Paula, shut up. Let Simon and others give their realistic,unbiased opinions – esp., Simon who is usually “right on”. Second, for heavens sake ’sit down in your seat and stop dancing while the contestants are perorming.
. Beside blocking the TV cameras you are making a specticle of yourself. The show is NOT about you.
Change or leave and give us all a break.

50 + | 4/21/2009, 11:00 pm EST

Paula is finally coming in to her own as a judge. I hope her contract gets renewed. She has a unique if somewhat querky view now that she is comfortable with expressing an opinion. She finally gets that critique is okay. It’s not hurtful. I like to hear what she has to say. It provides a balance to Simon’s strong judgements. I understand what she is saying even when Simon claims she doesn’t make sense.

SimonCowbell | 4/22/2009, 1:04 am EST

Simon and Paula’s chemistry (as well as her eccentricities) is a big part of what makes the show fun to watch. Kara is a know-it-all gasbag with zero likeability and even less personality. Replacing Paula with her would be a HUGE mistake!

yumyums | 4/22/2009, 1:26 pm EST

who
gives
a
flying
eff

crunchbird56 | 4/23/2009, 7:54 am EST

Simon can’t be kicked off the show…he owns it!

crunchbird56 | 4/23/2009, 7:54 am EST

Simon can’t be kicked off the show…he owns it!

SASQUATCH | 4/23/2009, 1:58 pm EST

Look here’s the deal Paula is struggling to revive her singing/dance career, she’s getting older, she’s single and she’s probably a little worried about being alone. Anyone desperate enough to do a reality show about finding a guy like she did a while back is desperate for a realationship. She’s gorgeous and a fun person, quirky, kooky on the show, in fact down right silly at times, but that’s Paula. Kara is a little Randy Jackson fanboy just like Paula was/is, that said Simon’s opinion are what the contestants want to hear.

JC | 4/23/2009, 8:39 pm EST

I think Paula watched a few previous season clips and realized she was providing irrelevant feedback (noting that she was brought in to be a ’stylist’ type of judge).
Reading other posts, I see a more important factor has surfaced: proper spelling.
Can’t we take a few moments and proof before we click “submit”?
Thanks for reading my input.

misskitty1987 | 4/24/2009, 12:35 am EST

I really believe Paula is an important part of that show and they will lose alot of Paulas Fans if they let her go.I dont believe any of the crap that people say about her. But I do know what it is like to have “pain” from an injury that you have to live with 24/7. And people are real jerks because they make they’re own judgement call, but untill they walk in that persons shoes they should keep they’er big mouths shut
It’s so easy for some people to judge other people when they dont look for their own dirty laundry they have hidden. Paula is an excellent singer and dancer and she has alot to be proud of.and if American Idol lets her go than it’s their”BIG LOSS”

the REAL tc | 4/26/2009, 10:51 am EST

i’m sick of American Idol. Couldn’t care less if she leaves or not.

Janice Kucera | 4/26/2009, 3:59 pm EST

I LOVE Paula! Something would really be missing without her. Janice

MM | 4/26/2009, 9:13 pm EST

Did the writer mean to say producers allowing the stalker (as opposed to judges)?

gilbie | 4/27/2009, 7:57 am EST

Paula, Randy and even Simon are cool, but who is the other female judge? Please make this the 4th judges first and final session. She Sucks PLS!

theterryb | 4/27/2009, 5:28 pm EST

I am not a fan of Paula. Her opinion is largely irrelevant and doesn’t help the contestants. However, she is a part of the shows success at this point and it could damage the show’s synergy if her contract is not renewed.

joy | 6/3/2009, 9:57 pm EST

they can’t get rid of paula.:(

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