Paula Abdul leaving American Idol?

Paula Abdul may not be returning for next season’s American Idol. Fans have long speculated that the 80’s pop cheerleader, choreographer, dancer, and Fox reality tv’s most talked about co-judge may be ending her reign on the popular singing contest. Paula Abdul has been viewed as an integral part of the show, however, questions regarding her addiction to pain killers, cohesiveness, and relationship with fellow judge, Simon Cowell, have left many fans wondering how long the show would go on, that is with Paula Abdul as the sole female co-host.

Kara DioGuardi joined the panel of judges in 2009, drawing speculation that Paula’s replacement had been found and was being introduced to American viewers. Though Paula is known for sugary-sweet critiques, she exhibits a stark contrast to Cowell’s brutally honest and often times harsh criticism. Abdul joined the cast of American Idol in 2002. Bloggers and die-hard American Idol fans had mixed reactions to DioGuardi joining the cast. Some felt that Paula Abdul is too important to be replaced and that her drawn out, often difficult to interpret comments would long be missed.

Many have found Paula Abdul’s behavior, both on and off-screen, best described by the word “erratic”. With the constant shadowing of substance abuse allegations, the public has long drawn its own conclusion that Abdul was addicted to pain medications. These allegations follow the statements that Abdul has made regarding living in chronic pain after a car accident that occurred in 1992, and a 1993 plane crash.

Controversy arose between media gossip and Paula Abdul’s relationship with the “powers-that-be” at American Idol after a long time stalker of Abdul’s was allowed to participate on the show. Paula Goodspeed, an obsessed fan and stalker of Paula Abdul, was found dead outside of Abdul’s home on November 12, 2008. Reports surfaced that Abdul was upset that legal action was not taken when Paula Goodspeed arrived at the audition, as Paula Abdul, had contacted L.A. police several times regarding complaints against Goodspeed for stalking and showing up at Paula Abdul’s personal place of residence. Many wondered if Paula would return for the 2009 season.

According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, Paula Abdul’s manager, David Sonenberg, stated that Abdul has not been offered a contract yet; new auditions begin August 6, 2009. Sonenberg states, "I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful. "I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven't stepped up and said what they want to do."