daylies music: Idol Stalker - Watching American Idol

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Idol Stalker - Watching American Idol

Posted: 21 Aug 2009 11:39 PM PDT

Michael Johns has become a good friend of Paula Abdul's since his time on American Idol and he's weighed in on her departure from the show. According to E! Online, Johns said: "She’s not asking for what [Ryan] Seacrest is getting paid. She’s asking for $20 million over three years, so I think she totally deserves that money. She’s a huge reason people tune in to the show…I think Fox should pull their finger out and pay her what she deserves."

Apparently, she confided all of this to Johns who seems more than happy to spill the beans. If what he says is true, then I'd have to agree with him – I think $20 million over three years is fair for Paula.

He continued by saying: "We talk all the time. She was a bit upset. She just doesn’t understand why Fox made the decision they made—especially when a lot of people got upgrades in money. But she said, ‘Look I’m not going to budge on this. I really think that’s my worth.’ "

He also shared some insight on who could be a good replacement for his dear friend, Paula. "I think Chelsea Handler would be pretty funny," he said. "Chelsea would be my first pick."

I don't know if Chelsea would be a good fit for the show. Yes, she's smart and funny and very entertaining but I don't know if she could say anything truly positive. Besides, what does she really know about the music industry?

Also, I know this has nothing to do with Paula's contract negotiations but what do you think of the judges becoming friends with former contestants? I guess there's nothing in their contracts that prevents that but I do think it's a little strange, especially if she's going to confide information about her dealings with the show with these former Idol contenders. How do you feel about it?

image © FOX BROADCASTING CR: Ray Mickshaw / FOX

Post from: Idol Stalker