Idol Stalker - Watching American Idol

Are Paula Abdul’s “American Idol” Days Coming to an End?

Posted: 20 Jul 2009 12:16 AM PDT

I tend to avoid all the gossip and speculative posts about contract negotiations since nothing is final and we really don't know what is happening. I do, however, take it a little more seriously when someone representing one of the parties makes a statement.

On the LA Times blog, they reported that Paula Abdul's manager, David Sonenberg, had the following to say: "Very sadly, it does not appear that she’s going to be back on ‘Idol.’ 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."

He goes on to say that he has "reached out to the head of business affairs at 19" and told Fox that "Paula would love to be on the show" but has "not received any proposal whatsoever."

Sonenberg continues his verbal diarrhea by adding: "She’s not a happy camper as a result of what’s going on. She’s hurt. She’s angry. I think at this point we’re going to be considering everything, including some kind of a competition show. She has tremendous ideas for a whole variety of shows."

First of all, I think this guy could be getting overly dramatic for nothing. I realize that Fox is really going down to the wire here and American Idol host, Ryan Seacrest, has been given a mammoth deal but surely he has some hope that this show would not go on without Paula. Especially after Fox publicly said that she can stay on for "however long it [the show] lasts."

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Ryan Seacrest to Host Ronald McDonald House Charity Gala

Posted: 19 Jul 2009 11:14 AM PDT

As if he doesn't host enough events, Ryan Seacrest has signed on for the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities Hearts and Hands Gala on Saturday, October 24. The American Idol host is from Atlanta so it makes sense that he'd like to give back to his hometown for this black-tie affair which will include live entertainment and a silent auction.

President/CEO of Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, Linda M. Morris seems very optimistic about the gala: "We are grateful for the generosity and ongoing support of The Coca-Cola Company. And we are thrilled Coca-Cola's longtime ambassador, Ryan Seacrest, will host the evening. Despite a tough economy, we expect this inaugural event will be successful in raising funds to support families in need at our two local Ronald McDonald Houses.

This year marks our 30^th anniversary and this new event is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness for Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities and the organization's important work throughout the area."

The Ronald McDonald House is such a worthy charity so I hope that they get a lot of donations and can continue to be so helpful and supportive to the families who have sick children (they provide accommodation for families who must travel in order to get medical help for their seriously ill or injured children).

image: Business Wire

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