The American idol judges and host are finalizing contract negotiations before the show returns for the ninth season. Ryan Seacrest recently renewed his contract for three years, a $45 million deal to continue as host, perhaps making him the highest paid host in the history of reality tv. Randy Jackson also signed on through 2011 while Kara DioGuardi has expressed interest to return. Though Simon Cowell will return for another season, his long term future on AI remains uncertain.
There were several reports that Paula Abdul will be returning to the show, however Paula’s manager is not certain of her return since the producers are not agreeing to their demands.
“Very sadly, it does not appear that she’s going to be back on Idol,” Abdul’s manager, David Sonenberg, who has yet to receive a proposal for her return, told The Los Angeles Times.
According to Sonenberg, who began managing the star in June, he told the network Abdul would “love to be on the show,” but is yet to get a response from the producers.
“She’s not a happy camper as a result of what’s going on. She’s hurt. She’s angry,” Sonenberg said. “I think at this point we’re going to be considering everything, including some kind of a competition show. She has tremendous ideas for a whole variety of shows.”
Tell us: Will you continue to watch American Idol without Paula Abdul?