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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
I don’t think it’s that big of a deal, especially since it’s usually Paula or Randy the contestants are friends with. I don’t think that Paula really would’ve wanted Michael to go into all those details, but it does shine a little more light on the topic of Paula leaving. If it’s true, she wanted that amount over three years, than yeah I think should have received that, it’s fair.
I don’t think it’s a big deal especially after they’ve left the show, I think in a way all the contestants are going to be more pulled towards Paula than any of them and she’s like the mom of the group, so it’s understandable.
I’m devastated that Paula’s gone. I really think it will hurt the show… she’s way more of a drawcard than Ryan Seacrest and he’s getting fricken $15 million a year… what a bloody joke. And don’t even get me started on Simon’s earnings! I still can’t believe it, but good on Paula for putting her foot down and not budging!! I hope the show fails now, I really do.
I don’t see any problem at all with her being friends with former idol contestants. Why not? Where’s the line that’s being crossed? I can’t even comprehend why you raise it as an issue. As for her contract demands, I don’t personally find Paula some great talent, nor do I think any of thesd people merit that kind of money, particularly when so many are having difficulty even putting food on the table. However, that being said, her demands don’t seem out of line with what comparably situated personnel are going to be paid, so why not? She doesn’t deserve more than the others, but certainly didn’t rate less.