Celebrity Mound

From “American Idol” judge to temp at a fashion magazine.

Well, it’s not quite as bad as that for Paula Abdul, since the magazine is the fictional Mode, featured in ABC’s popular “Ugly Betty.”
According to Entertainment Weekly, the now ex-”Idol” arbiter is in talks to appear in the show’s upcoming season.

It’s unclear if this will be a one-episode stint or a recurring role, but she’ll reportedly get friendly with cast member Becki Newton, who plays catty receptionist, Amanda.

This would mark the latest in a short list of television appearances Abdul has made as an actress. She showed up in an episode of “Less Than Perfect” back in 2005, and also did stints on “That’s So Raven” and “The Wayans Bros.”

The “Ugly Betty” gig, if it does happen, would be the first job she’s locked down since leaving “American Idol” last week.

(source)

Fox plans to replace Paula Abdul on “American Idol” before the show begins airing in January, network execs said Thursday.
Guest judges will replace the mercurial Adbul – who quit Tuesday after not striking a new contract – starting today for the audition process in Denver.

Fox said singers Katy Perry and Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, have signed on as guest judges – and more bold-faced names are expected.

“I think that the four judges were getting in a rhythm last year,” Fox entertainment chairman Peter Rice said at the Television Critics Association gathering. “We’ll probably have four judges again.”

Abdul, who’s been with “Idol” since it’s 2002 inception, announced via Twitter she was done with the singing competition. She reportedly wanted $12 million a year, up from an estimated $4 million.

Judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi will return, along with host Ryan Seacrest.

“We very much wanted [Abdul] to return,” Rice said. “In the past few weeks, the negotiations came to a conclusion. We made an offer that we feel is very fair to Paula.

“It was a substantial raise on money she has made in the past. Paula has decided not to return …It’s something we didn’t want to happen.”

Rice said despite initial feelings of loss, Abdul’s exit has opened the door to new possibilities for “Idol” and a chance to reinvigorate the brand.

“[Abdul's] been a very important part of the family but we’re looking forward to the season,” Rice said.

“There’s going to be a different dynamic … and there’s something exciting about that.”

Abdul’s departure gave the network the chance to return to the three judge-format, but Rice and Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly said they felt four judges was the way to go.

“The finale last year was one of the best shows we’ve ever done,” Reilly said. “Not only did [the four judges] get in a rhythm, but it was also an incredible moment for Kara.”

Ex “Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe, who produces Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” said he’s talked with Abdul about guest judging on his show. He also said he’s not convinced she’s done with “Idol.”

“Until Idol’s on the air, there’s always opportunities for renegotiations,” Lythgoe said.

Abdul spent Thursday filming a second episode as a guest star on Lifetime’s series “Drop Dead Diva.”

(source)

Paula Abdul is bowing out.

The controversial judge ended weeks of speculation Tuesday night by announcing via Twitter that she was leaving “American Idol.”

Abdul, who has been part of the show since it started in 2002, made the announcement just as judging rounds of the popular series were set to begin.

“With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to ‘Idol,’” she wrote. “I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day one become an international phenomenon.”

FOX, the network that broadcasts “Idol,” said it wishes the former Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader the best.

“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.”

The stunning announcement, done in bursts of 140 characters online, came after weeks of chatter over Abdul’s contract. Her deal expired at the end of last season. She was reportedly seeking $12 million, up significantly from her old contract price of $4 million.

Abdul recently told the Associated Press that she was invited to stay with the show as long as it was on, provided her team could reach terms on a new contract.

Abdul’s announcement came on the heels of the official confirmation that first-year judge Kara DioGuardi would join Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson on the show this season.

Also, producers recently signed host Ryan Seacreast to a three-year, $45 million deal to remain on the show and produce other programs.

Since the show launched, Abdul has been a lightning rod for the show. Her often quirky, always effusive, comments to contestants served as a counterbalance to Cowell’s often critical and caustic assessment of weaker players.

However, her occasionally oddball remarks on camera, along with wacky activities in interviews, led to ugly speculation of drug or alcohol abuse, which she repeatedly denied.

Outside of “Idol,” Abdul starred in a short-run reality series that followed her daily life, and she’s got a successful line of jewelry she pitches on the Home Shopping Network.

(source)