Idol Stalker - Watching American Idol

Paula Abdul Reportedly Turned Down 30% Raise
Nigel Lythgoe Weigh in On Paula Abdul Shocker
Ryan Seacrest “Stunned” By Paula’s Departure

Paula Abdul Reportedly Turned Down 30% Raise

Posted: 05 Aug 2009 11:19 AM PDT

I have no idea what is true or false any more but CBS is reporting that Paula Abdul left American Idol after producers offered her a 30% raise! Wow!

CBS News correspondent, Priya David, is quoted as saying the following: "This all came down to money… [Abdul] was being offered a 30 percent pay raise that amounted to an eight-figure deal, but that, apparently, wasn’t enough."

The article speculates that this turn of events has occurred because Kara DioGuardi was offered a contract (maybe Paula thought Kara wouldn't be sticking around?) and could all be part of negotiating hardball.

EW.com writer, Michael Slezak, was on the CBS Early Show this morning where he said that Paula could be coming back to the show after causing this big "summer soap opera" even though she "may have overplayed her hand just a bit." Watch the video:

Post from: Idol Stalker

Nigel Lythgoe Weigh in On Paula Abdul Shocker

Posted: 05 Aug 2009 11:11 AM PDT

Nigel Lythgoe is no longer the executive producer for American Idol but he definitely had some things to say about Paula Abdul's decision to leave the show. While he said that it's unfortunate (and he said that he doesn't know if it's an official thing) but he stressed that she's only part of the show since it is the talent that makes Idol the popular show that it is. He did go on to say that Paula was the heart of the show and she was always there to pick up the contestants and dust them off after a bad performance (or some harsh criticism from Simon Cowell).

He did seem to take aim at Kara DioGuardi, though he didn't mention her by name. He said that he hopes that whomever replaces Paula has the "ability to understand these kids and praise them." Yeah, I hope so too!

Post from: Idol Stalker

Ryan Seacrest “Stunned” By Paula’s Departure

Posted: 05 Aug 2009 11:01 AM PDT

If Paula Abdul had planned to quit American Idol, she definitely didn't let co-worker, Ryan Seacrest, know about it. On his radio show this morning, he said the following: "The news stunned me last night. I was shocked… She's a dear friend. I love her to death and am really sad that it came to fruition. I'm just bummed because we've worked together for so many years. It's sad."

I speculated that it might be a stunt to pressure the Idol bosses into giving in to her contract demands. Apparently, people are asking Ryan the same thing. He said "everyone that I've passed today here has asked is it true? Is it a publicity stunt? As far as I know, it's real. At this point she's decided to leave."

Would he be happy if she changed her mind? "I would love that," he said. "I think that would be fantastic for all of us. That would be great… Obviously she has her reasons for doing it and if she didn't feel like she was getting what she needed, I understand that too."

His message to her? "Paula, please go back to Idol," she said. "It would mean the world to me."

Awwww! Who knew that Ryan could be so sweet? For what it's worth, I hope she does return to the show. It just will not be the same without her!

Post from: Idol Stalker