CLOTHESLINE: SPECIAL 'AMERICAN IDOL' EDITION: Will Paula & Kara return? + IDOLS tour & on Broadway

July 20, 12:30 PMNashville Entertainment ExaminerJonathan Pinkerton

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Will all the Idol judges return?/fox.com

WILL ALL THE IDOL JUDGES RETURN?

In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Paula Abdul's manager, David Sonenberg said of Paula's future on the top-rated reality singing competition,"Very sadly, it does not appear that she's going to be back on Idol."  He further indicated that while he has only been Abdul's manager since June, he has attempted to reach out to FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, the show's production companies, but that no one from either company has "stepped up and said what they want to do."  One thing that is for sure, Paula has been signed to appear on an upcoming episode of Lifetime's hit new show, Drop Dead Diva.  Her episode airs later this summer.

While it is unsure if Paula will return, I personally think it's just a ploy to get the media to do just what I am doing, give them coverage during the off-season.  With Paula's return uncertain, Ryan Seacrest can rest easy.  Just last week, it was announced that Idol host Seacrest just inked a new three year/$45 million deal to return to the show.  Gruff Brit judge Simon Cowell's current contract carries him through next season and it has been rumored that he will be offered upwards of $144 million to continue beyond his current obligation.  Last year's newest addition, Kara DioGuardi, who initially only signed on for a single season, doesn't have an extension on her contract as of yet.  No word on the status of Randy Jackson's current of future deals, but both Seacrest and Cowell have publicly stated the entire foursome will be intact when the show returns to FOX in January.  Simon claimed in a recent televised interview, "Everyone's going to be back, Absolutely."  While Seacrest tweeted last week, "Lots of conversations going on behind the scenes but I fully expect you will see the whole team next year."

AMERICAN IDOLS ON TOUR AND ON THE CHARTS

While Adam 'Glambert' Lambert, Kris Allen and the rest of the Season 8 Top Ten Idols continue their live concert tour across the country, they are also racing up the charts with American Idol Season 8, the album.  The CD, initially available exclusively at Wal-mart as of June 30, contains 12 tracks.  That's right, you guessed it, each of the Top Ten wannabes is featured on a single track each, with the exception of Idol winner, Allen, and Idol should-have-been Lambert.  Both Allen and Lambert have a version of the DioGuardi penned No Boundaries.  The remaining tracks are as follows:  Stand By Me/Danny Gokey, I Can't Make You Love Me/Allison Iraheta, Human Nature/Matt Giraud, Mad World/Adam Lambert, She Works Hard For The Money/Kris Allen, I Surrender/Lil Rounds, Just The Way You Are/Scott MacIntyre, You Are Not Alone/Michael Sarver, Walkin' After Midnight/Megan Corkrey and Always On My Mind/Anoop Desai.

Just last week, Season 7 Top Five hopeful, Brooke White made Idol alumni history with the release of High Hopes & Heartbreak.  What's history making about a former contestant releasing a CD you might be asking?  A quick glance at the credits reveals White's project was executive produced by none other than Idol judge, Randy Jackson.  In his 8-year involvement with the show, this marks the first time Jackson has ever stepped up and produced a project from any idol contestant.  The singer/songwriter, who names Carole King and Carly Simon among her idols, presents a smooth blend of vocals and easygoing instrumentation throughout.  California Song, which even has mentions of the Mamas and the Papas and the Joni MItchell LP, Ladies of the Canyon in its lyrics, could easily be a track from an early Carly Simon record.  Jackson's influence as an executive producer is evident, especially on the title track, a bit-to-disco number that White still manages to make her own with a hum-able melody and thoughtful instrumentation.

There's about to be still more Idol competition on the charts this week, as Season 6 winner, Jordin Sparks' new CD, Battlefield drops tomorrow.  Jordin's second CD reflects a slightly more mature voice and singer.  The now-19 year old remains the youngest contestant to walk way with the title, having won Idol in 2007 at the ripe old age of 17.  While Jordin scored with self titled 2007 debut thanks in part to her Chris Brown duet, No Air and the hit Tattoo, the first time around she's not so lucky.  With the aide, or should I say hinderance of formulaic producer like Dr. Luke and T-Pain, the majority of the tracks could easily be Kelly Clarkson or Miley Cyrus, except the two of them would likely never record such drivel.  The title track is OK, but Jordin is much better than the material presented here.  Seems the project is rushing her to grow up.  Relax, enjoy your youth, it seems to be working for Taylor Swift, and let's face it, Jordin's voice is much stronger.

THE GREAT WHITE AMERICAN IDOL WAY

As reported previously, several former Idol contestants have hit the Great White Way of the Broadway stage after their time on the FOX reality show.  Constantine Maroulis was recently featured at the Tony Awards where he was nominated for his role in the Broadway hit Rock of Ages.  Frenchie Davis just wrapped four years on Broadway in the musical RENT.  Third season Idol winner Fantasia Barrino did a brief turn in The Color Purple, while her fellow Idol, Diana DeGarmo landed a supporting role in Hairspray following her Idol stint.  

DeGarmo announced last week that she will open August 14 in the off-Broadway rock musical version of The Toxic Avenger.  DeGarmo will play blind librarian Sarah in the production being mounted at New World Stages in Manhattan.  Toxic Avenger is based on the mid-80s cult comedy horror classic revolving around a nerdy janitor who after being ridiculed, inadvertently becomes transformed into a hideously deformed creature with super strength.  He eventually saves Sarah, then befriends her.  Think The Hulk meets Frankenstein meets Spider-Man and now thanks to the off-Broadway version, mix that with Little Shop of Horrors.

Speaking of Spider-Man, U2 frontmen Bono and The Edge are penning the music for the proposed 2010 Broadway debut of Spider-Man: The Musical.  What's this got to do with Idol?  While Brit-born Across The Universe star Jim Sturgess has been rumored to be in the running for the man in tights, Idol fans are all abuzz with talk of their own.  Adam Lambert, who has already appeared pre-Idol in LA theatrical productions such as Wicked, is apparently being considered for the lead of Peter Parker/Spidey.