NEWS > ENTERTAINMENT > PAULA ABDUL “REFUSES” AMERICAN IDOL RETURN

PAULA ABDUL “REFUSES” AMERICAN IDOL RETURN

August 6 2009

Hollywood, CA – Over the last seven years Americans have flocked to their television sets to witness and play a part in the fortunes and future of some of the most talented and ambitious young singers in the country. As each season of ‘American
Idol’ has displayed the fulfillment of the American Dream the success of the show has meant almost limitless dollars for the network and the producers. With no end in sight the success of the show seems assured for the long haul no matter the obstacles facing it.

With the departure of original judge Paula Abdul that success is not likely to be affected in anyway. With millions tuning in every week and superstar judge Simon Cowell still very much aboard there’s little doubt that Abdul leaving will have a significant effect on the long term
success of the show. With drunkenness and sex scandals almost routine for the one time musical superstar her departure seemed almost inevitable. Now that Abdul has
officially ‘refused’ the latest offer from producers and decided to go her own way the show, it’s producers, and it’s fans are ready to move on with barely a blink of the eye.

“With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to (American Idol). I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day1become an international phenomenon,” said Abdul via Twitter. “What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me. It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month.”

Reportedly Abdul had been asking for upwards of $20 million in order to return to the show. Recent reports indicate that she had lowered her asking value to a more reasonable $12 million which bosses also refused to pay, leaving Abdul with little option but to resign from the most successful project to which she has ever been associated.

“American Idol has been one of those successes that baffles pretty much everyone. Most people, especially those on the show have been more than happy to go along with the ride but apparently that just wasn’t the case for Abdul. Making a couple of million dollars a year and being seen by thirty million people every week just isn’t enough for some people. Hopefully this will allow
her to pursue more satisfying ventures,” said Scrape TV Entertainment analyst Tracey Temple. “There are plenty of opportunities for former game show hosts approaching fifty-years old. She’s got a new album coming out which should do well coming out 14 years after her last one. It is very bold leaving something safe and comfortable like American Idol, especially when you’ve had such limited success otherwise and she should be commended for that at the very least.”

Abdul’s first single since 1995 was released in July to a less than stellar response from critics and fans. It’s believed with more time on her hands the singer will be able to be more hands-on with the new music and craft it into the hit she has not been able to muster since 1988.

“Really there is no better time to strike than now. She has been riding high for 7 years off the success of the show and one can certainly see how it is now her time to strike. Most people that have a shot at stardom only ever have one but Abdul has had a few and it would be foolish to let this one get away without at least giving it a shot,” continued Temple. “It’s never too late for redemption even in the entertainment world and it’s good to see that she’s giving it a shot and freeing herself from the burden of a hit television show.”

Abdul has also reportedly been in one-sided contact with former husband Emilio Estevez, apparently hoping to give that another shot as well.

Samantha Dryden, Entertainment Correspondent  

NEWS > ENTERTAINMENT > PAULA ABDUL “REFUSES” AMERICAN IDOL RETURN