With news of Cheryl Cole being dropped from ‘The X Factor’ and replaced by Nicole Scherzinger, a judge the Girls Aloud star briefly shared the stage with is offering Chezza praise. Paula Abdul told her Twitter followers (@PaulaAbdul) earlier today:
Cheryl is amazing. We have forged a wonderful friendship & have been & will continue to stay in touch..
..I’m excited for everyone to see and hear what she is about to do next. xoP
Paula Abdul will join Cheryl Cole, Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid and Simon Cowell as a judge on the U.S. version of ‘The X Factor’, the singing competition series debuting this fall on FOX. Abdul will again sit alongside Cowell after doing so for eight seasons as a judge on ‘American Idol’.
“This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can’t believe I am saying this - I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she’s on the show,” Cowell said.
“I am excited beyond words to be a part of ‘The X Factor’. I couldn’t be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show,” Abdul said. “I’m looking forward to being back with the FOX/FremantleMedia family and know that it will be an extraordinary journey - we’re going to have a blast. I’m also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again… but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!”
Simon Cowell tells Nikki Finke of Deadline.com that he’s negotiating to have his former ‘American Idol’ co-judge Paula Abdul join the panel on the U.S. version of ‘The X Factor’, as well as current UK ‘X Factor’ judge Cheryl Cole of Girls Aloud.
“I’ve always wanted Paula,” Simon insisted. “Always been very vocal about that. I missed her the second she left the show. Always loved working with her even though she can be a pain. And I’ve been consistent about this. I don’t know what it is about her, but I’ve always clicked with her. You just have to get that chemistry, and she’s right. I’ve never found anyone better than her. I think there’s a good chance it will be her.”
As for Cheryl, the British pop singer’s low profile in America wasn’t impediment for his backing of someone who insiders tell Finke is “pretty much a shoo-in for the show”, with an announcement within a week to make it official. “I never think about it as an American or British audience. I genuinely don’t,” Cowell explained, which makes sense given his own low profile when ‘Idol’ was launched stateside. “I think that’s what’s happened on a lot of these shows now is it’s almost like you’ve got to hire well known celebrities to be a judge. And with Cheryl, when I hired her initially, I’d only met her literally once when I offered her the job on [British] ‘X Factor’. I thought she was bright, cute, knew what she was talking about, ambitious. And you meet someone special a few times in your life.. And this girl is special. She’s just got a great ability to communicate. She’s a great judge. She’s smart. It’s just a hunch. If people take to her like the British public did, I think she’s going to do really well in America. And Fox was desperate to hire her.”
Paula Abdul checked in with her Twitter followers (@PaulaAbdul) on Tuesday (March 8), which happens to be International Women’s Day. The former ‘American Idol’ and ‘Live to Dance’ judge said:
So it’s International Women’s Day… ladies, we are BEAUTIFUL! :)) this is a day for all the amazing women of the world!…
My grandmothers, my mom, my aunts, my cousin Tara, every stay-at-home mom & single mom, Maya Angelou, Princess Di, Michelle Obama…
…I KNOW you all can name a few phenomenal women! so many powerful women in our families & in history who aren’t mentioned enough.
January 5, 2011 - ‘The Early Show’ co-anchor Erica Hill spoke with Paula Abdul about her new CBS dancing competition ‘Live to Dance’ on Tuesday (January 4). “It’s a gem of a show, and what drew me in was the UK format, it’s called ‘Got To Dance’ there, was charming,” Abdul said. “When I was taking time off after I left ‘Idol’, I wanted to get back to what drives me with passion and heart, and this show just had my through line of my brand all over it.” Watch the interview below the cut. (more…)
Paula Abdul attended Variety’s 1st Annual Power of Women Luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on Thursday (September 24).
Note: The original image provided by Bauer Griffin has since been removed.
September 2, 2009 - Former ‘American Idol’ judge Paula Abdul confirmed to ‘Access Hollywood’ the rumors she is about to get her own show in Las Vegas. “That will be more… really announced later, when everything’s worked (out),” Abdul told Shaun Robinson. “It’s going to happen, but the details have yet to be ironed out.”
Abdul also revealed that in the midst of her life changing career transition - her mother was stricken ill with pneumonia. Calling mom in the hospital was Simon Cowell, and she told Mr. Nasty, “I’m fine.” Paula said, “The Abduls are survivors.”
Watch the interview via AccessHollywood.com below the cut. (more…)
Paula Abdul checked in with fans on her Twitter (@PaulaAbdul), talking about medical issues with her beloved Chihuahua Tulip. The former ‘American Idol’ judge writes:
Had 2 take Tulip 2 the animal hospital =( something’s wrong with her hindlegs and she cant walk-hopefully just arthritis but still painful!
It looks like Tulip has some ligament problems- she had tests done today and should know more Monday!
Hope you all are enjoying your weekend and I want to let you know that not a day goes by where your love, kindness and support is unnoticed!
August 8, 2009 - Paula Abdul arrived at the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank on Friday (August 7), where the former ‘American Idol’ judge was greeted by fans. Abdul seemed to stay in good spirits while an airport cop ticketed her driver, despite her efforts to dissuade him.
The photo provided by Bauer-Griffin has since been removed.
August 6, 2009 - TMZ hears that Paula Abdul may actually make a deal with ‘American Idol’ even after announcing that she wouldn’t be returning to the hit FOX show. If the producers offer her $10 million instead of the $4 million she felt “disrespected” by, the otter clapping judge could return. Sources at ‘Idol’ say the door hasn’t been closed on making a bigger offer as auditions begin tomorrow. Read more.
Paula Abdul reacted to a blog by ‘American Idol’ alum Melinda Doolittle regarding Paula’s departure from the hit FOX show. “Thank you for being the heart of the show that changed my life,” Doolittle wrote at mdoolittlesblog.blogspot.com. “Thank you for understanding. Thank you for celebrating with me and crying with me. Thank you for being there.”
Abdul wrote on her Twitter (@PaulaAbdul) earlier today:
Melinda, what you posted about me on your blog mdoolittlesblog.blog… brought me to tears, which my make-up artist didn’t appreciate since I was seconds away from filming a scene on the TV show Drop Dead Diva, having said that I soo appreciate your reflection of your experience with me and paying me such honor & respect. I love you Melinda and I am so proud of what you are achieving!
August 5, 2009 - Ryan Seacrest commented on Paula Abdul’s announcement that she won’t be returning to ‘American Idol’ on his KIIS FM morning show in Los Angeles earlier today, telling listeners he doesn’t believe her departure is a publicity stunt. “As far as I know, it’s real,” he said. “Obviously, she has her reasons for doing it, and if she didn’t feel like she was getting what she needed, then I understand that, too.”
The New York Times reports that the 47-year-old had wanted $20 million to sign a multi-year deal to continue her role as a judge on the FOX hit show, while producers had “only” offered over $10 million.
Audio of what Ryan had to say at kiisfm.com has since been removed.
August 4, 2009 - Paula Abdul just updated fans on her status at ‘American Idol’ on her Twitter (@PaulaAbdul), announcing that she’ll be leaving the hit FOX reality singing competition as a judge. Abdul writes:
With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to ‘Idol’. I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all, being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon. What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me. It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month. I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all.
Update: FOX television issued the following statement regarding Paula’s departure:
Paula Abdul has been an important part of the American Idol family over the last eight seasons and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show. While Paula will not be continuing with us, she’s a tremendous talent and we wish her the best.
‘Showbiz Tonight’ host AJ Hammer talked with ‘Access Hollywood’ correspondent Laura Saltman and pop culture expert Steven Smith about whether Paula Abdul will return for next season’s ‘American Idol’. Everyone seemed to agree that in the end, Abdul will be back on the FOX hit. The segment, aired Monday (July 20), has since been removed at Turner.com.
July 19, 2009 - Paula Abdul’s manager David Sonenberg is claiming the 47-year-old will likely not be returning as a judge on ‘American Idol’ when the hit FOX show resumes for a ninth season with auditions beginning August 6th. “Very sadly, it does not appear that she’s going to be back on ‘Idol’,” Sonenberg told the Los Angeles Times. “I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful. I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that [‘Idol’ production companies Fremantle and 19 Entertainment] haven’t stepped up and said what they want to do.”
June 25, 2009 - Paula Abdul talked about the death of Ed McMahon as she left Cuvee on Tuesday (June 23) in Los Angeles. The ‘American Idol’ judge had this to say on her Twitter (@PaulaAbdul):
My condolences on the passing of a great man..Ed McMahon..xoP
Watch Hollywood.tv footage below.
May 7, 2009 - Paula Abdul spoke with WKQI’s Mojo in the Morning in Detroit, insisting that the Ladies’ Home Journal cover story claiming she checked into La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California for help shedding her dependence on pain pills was untrue. “It was very stressful for me to hear that and to be quoted saying something I never said,” Paula said. “I’ve never checked into a rehab clinic. I’ve never been addicted or abused drugs, and I’ve never been addicted or abused alcohol. I’ve never even been drunk in my life.” Paula insisted that she went to La Costa to relax, not for any addiction.
The interview audio at mojointhemorning.com has since been removed.
Several pop stars took to their Twitter on July 4th to wish American fans a happy Independence Day. Among the tweets:
Aly & AJ (@78violet): Happy 4th of July! At the house bbqing with some close friends. Its a beautiful day out so let’s enjoy our freedom! Xo aly and aj
Savannah Outen (@therealsavannah): Happy Birthday America! Can’t wait to see everyone at my show tonight!
Brooke White (@realbrookewhite): God bless America, My Home sweet HOME!!! Happy 4th everyone!!
BoA (@BoA_USA): i can’t believe it’s already July…HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE!
Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey): Happy 4th of July..Celebrate Life!
A Fine Frenzy (@AFineFrenzy): happy fourth of july!! be happy, be safe, have fun! xx
Miranda Cosgrove (@MirandaBuzz): Happy 4th of July! Have a good one!
John Mayer (@johncmayer): America, since it’s your birthday, you just lie on the couch. I’ll make you flapjacks. Today is your day. I am so happy to be your girl! XOX
Melody Thornton of Pussycat Dolls (@MelodyThornton): The 4th of july reminds me of Sandlot! Benny the Jet Rodriguez my all time love and Ray Charles! He has the best version of American the Beautiful
Kris Allen (@krisallen): “happy birthday to America. Happy birthday to you”
David Archuleta (@DavidArchie): Have a good 4th of July weekend everyone!!!
Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul): Happy 4th of July everyone! Hope you all are enjoying this Independence Day…xoP
Clique Girlz (@DestineeParis): Happy Fourth of July everyone!!!! Hope you all have an awesome day!!!! :D <333 Jordin Sparks (@TheRealJordin): Amen! Let's celebrate life today! Happy 4th of July!!! :)
Several pop stars are reacting to the death of Farrah Fawcett on Twitter. Among them:
Miley Cyrus: GOD bless Miss. Fawcett. What a beautiful woman. She will be admired forever.
Lindsay Lohan (@sevinnyne6126): R.I.P. Farrah my heart goes out to your family and friends.
Ashley Tisdale (@ashleytisdale): God bless Farrah!
Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton): Just heard the horrible news about Farrah Fawcett. So sad :( breaks my heart. My heart goes out to her friends and family. God bless. :=(
Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake): R.I.P. Farrah.
Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul): What a wonderful, beautiful woman inside & out. Kind as can be, an amazing fighter who always kept hope in her heart. We can all learn a lot from her tremendous will to keep on fighting. God Bless You Farrah & may she finally rest in peace.
