The days of watching Paula and Simon playfully teasing each other on the American Idol judges panel are over. The days of watching Paula compliment contestants on spectacular performances are over -- as are the days of watching her comfort contestants whose performances fell a bit short. The often called "sweetest and kindest" of American Idol judges is officially off the show -- and fans say that the show will "never be the same again!"
"With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to #IDOL," Paula Abdul lamented to her fans on Twitter. "I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon.
"What I want to say most," she continued, "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. I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all."
Fox, FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment released a brief statement on Tuesday night officially announcing that Abdul's days as an Idol judge are over.
"Paula Abdul has been an important part of the American Idol family over the last eight seasons and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show," the statement read. "While Paula will not be continuing with us, she's a tremendous talent and we wish her the best."
When word spread that Paula will no longer grace television screens during the airing of American Idol, fans began expressing their sadness on Twitter and online message boards. And they opined frustration that network executives ignored their extensive campaigns to keep Paula on the show.
One fan wrote, "Why does AI not listen to us? We are the fans. Without us, there would be no show. And we have been very clear in our message that we want Paula! Do they really care about us at all?"
A source close to Abdul said Fox offered her a contract -- but that Abdul turned that down, reported online Pop Tarts.
"Paula is actually handling the situation really well," a source told Pop Tarts. "She is in great spirits. She has so many offers and opportunities and has been in New York this week taking meetings."
But after eight seasons as an American Idol judge, Paula had made it clear to her fans that she wanted to remain on the show. And it was only after negotiations stalled that she explained to those fans, "I hope you can understand that I can only return to Idol if the deal is fair."
For the entire past season rumors flew that Fox had introduced Kara DioGuardi on the judges panel as an eventual replacement for Paula. Then when DioGuardi was signed for the coming season, speculation heightened that Fox might not be serious in their negotiations to keep Paula on the show.
Whatever the reason why contract negotiations failed between Paula and network executives, many American Idol fans feel that the show has also failed them. As one source revealed, "If they could pay $45 million to Ryan (Seacrest), they certainly could have kept Paula if they really wanted to do that. It appears that they didn't really want her back and didn't care what the show's fans wanted either. There is something very wrong with that."
After the announcement, one fan wrote, "No more Paula. American Idol is doomed." Another wrote, "Paula Abdul is my idol & #NopaulaNoidol." Another wrote, "I'm not watching American Idol without Paula!" And still another opined, "EVERYONE LOVES HER! I AM NOT WATCHING SEASON 9!"
Clearly Paula has been popular with American Idol fans -- and it is the fans' and the show's loss that she will not be there for Season 9! Sphere: Related Content
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