Abdul "Idol" Shocker a Negotiating Ploy?

Source: Her Resignation Stems from Wanting More Money, Not Wanting Out

(CBS)  A huge shake-up at "American Idol" is already touching off whispers that it may not be what it appears to be.

Paula Abdul, a judge on the show since it started in 2002, announced to her fans on Twitter that she's quitting, saying she's doing it "with sadness in my heart."

But, "This all came down to money," reports CBS News Correspondent Priya David, citing a source "on the inside." Abdul, David says, "was being offered a 30 percent pay raise that amounted to an eight-figure deal, but that, apparently, wasn't enough."

The announcement, David notes, comes after a protracted contract battle, and the day after Kara Dioguardi, added as a fourth judge last season, announced she'll be back next season. The show's producer called Dioguardi a "breath of fresh air."

Last month, David points out, producers reportedly tripled the salary of host Ryan Seacrest. Abdul, 47, had been asking for a big payday of her own and, with season nine rehearsals about to start, time was running out.

Despite slipping ratings, the program continues to be one of the most popular on TV, with over 26 million viewers per show last year, and 100 imitators around the world.

In a statement, Fox called Abdul "an important part of the 'American Idol family,' adding that Fox is "saddened that she has decided not to return" and wishes her the best.

David suggested Abdul may just be engaging in negotiating hardball.

And EW.com Senior Writer Michael Slezak told "Early Show" co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez Wednesday nothing can be ruled out. "You never know," he remarked. "It's Paula Abdul. And this certainly makes for a nice summer soap opera while 'Idol' is off the air. So, it (Abdul returning, after all) could happen."

Still, he said, "It probably will be (about the money). She may have overplayed her hand just a bit. You look at her projects outside of 'Idol' -- they haven't exactly been blockbusters. Her Bravo showed averaged less than half-a-million viewers. Her music career is kind of stalled. So she sort of needs to wonder what is she worth outside the 'Idol' universe and sort of think about that."

It would be "kind of a shocker" should she actually be gone for good, Slezak said, since she's "sort of like the whacky aunt who shows up for Thanksgiving dinner and you're sort of holding your breath, wondering, 'What is she gonna say?' But, if she didn't show up for Thanksgiving one year, you'd actually kind of miss her."

Should Abdul have seen the writing on the wall when they brought in Dioguardi last season?

"That's a very crowded judges table," Slezak responded. "I think most 'Idol' viewers felt there was a lot of chatter and not enough time on the performers. So, somebody kind of maybe had to be cut. You just wonder why it wasn't Kara and why it was Paula, given her popularity."

EW.com just did a poll in which 21 percent of respondents said "Idol" would be better off without Abdul, 34 percent said she's an integral, if "loopy" part of the show, and 45 percent said Dioguardi should be the one to go.

So Abdul exiting "doesn't really make any sense," Slezak said. "It's kind of a head-scratcher."

Nonetheless, "I think the show will survive without her," Slezak predicted. "The cast changes every single year (in terms of performers)... and the show goes on. I just think it'll be missing a little bit of that unpredictability that Paula brings, and it's a little sad to see her go."

[credibility2]

There's nothing wrong with what Abdul did. And, why should a mere show host like Seacrest get $15M. The show's powers that be must really be stupid to think that a judge would remain idle without pressing for comparable compensation, especially considering they're a judge and not just an occasional mouth piece that moves. Sports and other entertainment figures do what she's doing all the time to get the ante up with their contract renewals, yet no one thinks that's strange and ridicules them for it. That's the price of doing business. The show made a major mistake by raising Seacrest's salary as much as they did. He's definitely not worth $15M per year.

[dennisall77]

Paula an example of America's love of mediocrity. She is only amediocre in everything, but when compared to the contestants she seems hot and when played aginst mean old Simon, she is a victim. Which means she could be US! Without Simon she would be far less popular. America falls for the cheap reality show crap because it is at least unpredictable in some areas. Every once in a while something startling happens and that intermittent reinforcement keeps us coming back, just like ONE good golf shot per round will keep us paying the green fees. If she leaves, she is history, but she may have enough bucks saved to last her till she is some doddering old Elizabeth Taylor, living off of past glories.

[HGOODGUY]

YOU PEOPLE REALLY BUY IN TO ALL THIS CRAP DON'T YOU!!!!

[Jazznme]

Paula will be missed. A LOT!!! She was an icon before the show. And sure, her salary was nothing to sniffle about. However, have you looked at Simon's or Ryan's. They're not hitting more "home-runs". Paula was part of a special group--of THREE--that offered amazing balance and interest. This Kara chick offers nothing. Like having a 5th wheel (annoying the balance) when you only needed 4. (Simon, Randy, Ryan and Paula). Each of them brought something special to the show. Randy and Paula are each gifted producers and talents. Though I could sometimes gag on the sweetness dripping from Paula's lips, I was always amazed how she could find something good to say. There should be more of that in our world and lives. My hope is that the show will go on and find it necessary to bring Paula back after this next season--and they can make her a good offer. And then shut-up and GET ON WITH THE SHOW!! The best talent based show on TV (WITH Paula Abdul). Like baseball players, I HOPE THIS IS a ploy. And Paula gets signed!!

[daisyjingles]

What a bummer. Paula is worth whatever she wants.

[lucilioness]

DAMN IT, PAY PAULA WHAT SHE WANTS! THIS IS A LONGSTANDING PROBLEM IN AMERICA, WHERE A WOMAN IS PAID LESS FOR DOING THE SAME JOB AS A MAN. WHY DID IDOL HIRE KARA DIONOBODY? SHE JUST WANTS A PLATFORM TO ANNOY US WITH HER MEDIOCRE SINGING. THE PANEL WAS FINE JUST THE WAY IT WAS. AS THE SAYING GOES, "IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT! PAY PAULA, DAMN IT!!

[poochie44]

As much as I like Paula I think it's a stupid move. If she wanted more money and didn't get it, how much will she be getting from the show now that she won't be there?

[erasmus111]

"So, somebody kind of maybe had to be cut. You just wonder why it wasn't Kara and why it was Paula, given her popularity."


Exactly. Why wasn't it Kara? I don't know why they brought her in to begin with. The woman makes me ILL. Everytime she opens her mouth, she makes me CRINGE. Just like Palin does.

Paula can get on your nerves once in awhile, but so does my mother. That doesn't mean I want her to go. : )

[Jazznme]

Well stated!!

[MichelleJJ1]

Sadly, it?s ageism and sexism ? and a reflection of the real world. They keep Simon and Randy, but trade Paula for a younger model.

[credibility2]

With Seacrest now slated to get at least $15M per year, compared to his approximate $5M for last year, Abdul made between $5-7M last year. Given the egregious increase to Seacrest's new salary, Abdul should receive more than Seacrest. After all, he's just an inconsequential show host. The fourth judge wasn't very good and whatever she was earning last year, was too much.

[sly_64]

And I should care why ? Never seen the show.

[anti-global2]

how funny will that be if she resigned as a negotiating ploy and they end up saying OK bye bye. She is so unstable I bet she is climbing the walls regretting her move. HAHAHAHA

[thincaboutit]

Bye bye Paula. We'll miss you???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7Opl3TCK0o

[kellfiore]

im so sad that paula is leaving! i really never thought the day would come. i personally think that the show is going to loose so many viewers now.. im pretty sure fox will regret that move lol. heres a link to vote on your opinion. does anyone feel the same way? http://www.iheartradio.com/cc-common/news/sections/entertainmentarticle.html?feed=104665&article=5833245&cmp=sam_paulaleaves