She claims that she didn’t leave because of her reportedly lower salary.  “I stand on principle where many people stand on money,” Paula said.

Would she ever come back to the show?  “That’s a hard question to answer right now. I mean, I don’t think I can answer that right now.”

Is she going to boycott this next season of Idol.  Nope.  Paula said: “I’ll watch it as much as I can. I had some really unforgettable moments that hit plateaus for me and I’m very blessed to have been a part of what made television history.”

What about the talk show rumors?  What kind of host would she be?  “I’d be Paula,” she said.  “It would be a lot of fun variety with a ton of unexpected stuff and tributes to everyday people getting their big chance.”

So I’m wondering about a few things.  First of all, do you believe that this was not about money?  Secondly, would you watch a talk show hosted by Paula Abdul?  I’m going to say that it would be unlikely for me but I imagine that some people might tune in.

image: Bauer-Griffin

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There’s talk that Paula could be a guest on Ugly Betty.  EW.com says that the details are being kept a secret but that she might play a new temp at Mode who becomes friendly with Amanda (Becki Newton).  I guess that could work but I have to admit that I’ve lost interest in the show.  Any Ugly Betty fans out there have an opinion on this?

Also, while there was speculation over the possibility of Paula being added as a judge on Dancing With The Stars that has pretty much been ruled out due to Abdul’s feud with resident DWTS judge, Carrie Ann Inaba.  It is possible, however, that Paula could be added as a contestant and I have to admit that I might actually like to see that.  Of course, Carrie might not judge her fairly but who cares?  America gets to vote, right?!

Of course, fellow celebrities have also weighed in on Paula’s departure from American Idol with the most recent comment coming from Jamie Foxx, who served as a mentor last season.  In an interview, Foxx said that he was “hurt” when he heard that she had quit the show and said that it was “a let down” and that he’ll miss the special sensibility she brought to the show.  I think a lot of people are feeling that way.

There have been all sorts of rumors about the real reasons Paula suddenly tweeted about her exit from Idol but now the New York Times is claiming to have some real insight.  They are claiming that all of the attention that she’s now getting is a little suspicious.  Just a couple days ago, she wrote: “I’ve got a busy week filled with network meetings. I’m looking forward to all the new projects up ahead.”

The most common assumptions are that she left for money and because Kara DioGuardi was offered a contract extension.  After Ryan was given a blockbuster deal and we all know that Simon makes a lot of money, I think that Paula wanted to feel like she was valued.  Clearly, the network had enough money to bring on a fourth judge and I’m sure she wondered why they didn’t just increase her salary.  Paula supposedly asked for more than $10 million a year since she was making something like $3.5 million ($2 million and another $1.5 million for wardrobe and other expenses).  I don’t know if I think she should have gotten a full $10 million (although, former Idol winner, Ruben Studdard seems to think that Paula is “probably worth” that much) but $3.5 is too low.  Fox allegedly was prepared to offer no more than $5 million a year and I think that was a slap in the face.  I think $7 million would have been a good compromise but I guess Fox wasn’t willing to budge.  One “source” told the New York Times: “A lot of people at Fox had mixed feelings about Paula.  Some of the people who were having to deal with her on a day-to-day basis didn’t want her back.”

Oh well.  Hopefully, Paula lands on her feet because I think a lot of people love her, in spite of all of the controversy.  Singer Nadine Cole (of the group, Girls Aloud) has just been given a song that Paula wrote which will be used on the artist’s debut album so that’s some good news for the former Idol judge.

What do you think will happen to Paula?  Some people are even suggesting that she could come back to American Idol but I’m not too sure about that.

image: Bauer-Griffin

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