LOS ANGELES — The “Idol” chatter suggested that the addition of a fourth judge hit a sour note for Paula Abdul. And with Abdul making critical comments about producers to Barbara Walters, many believed she and “American Idol” soon would come to a parting of the ways.
Nothing could be further from the truth says Abdul, new judge Kara DioGuardi, “Idol” executive producer Ken Warwick and Fox’s entertainment president, Kevin Reilly. In the first place, Abdul has no intentions of leaving America’s most-watched series. In the second place, Fox has no intention of firing her.
And finally, she and DioGuardi are close friends who have no problem ganging up on the show’s notoriously acidic judge, Simon Cowell.
“I never was quoted that there were any problems in hiring Kara,” Abdul told a group of television critics. “I’ll let you all know that Kara and I have a 10-year friendship. Kara was a stranger to me that I met in New York, and I moved her into my home in Los Angeles and introduced her to some of the top publishers and songwriters. I believed in her talent so much, I moved someone who I didn’t even know into my home. And, by the way, she was my best roommate that I ever had, except for one thing. She walks in her sleep.
“We have a great history, and it bothers Simon to no end … We’re great friends, and I think that everyone wants to make it like, ‘Oh, there’s going to be rivalry,’ but for me it’s been fantastic.”
So, no thoughts of leaving “American Idol”?
“I am a big fan of the show.” Abdul said. “I am blessed to be on the show. It’s the
greatest show on television all around the world, and a gazillion people would love to be in my shoes.”
And Fox has not considered replacing her?
“Paula’s an integral part of the show,” Reilly told critics. “As far as we’re concerned, we want to have her as long as the show goes.”
DioGuardi quickly made her presence known this season with Tuesday’s premiere episode and an audition confrontation with 20-year-old contestant Katrina “Bikini Girl” Darrell.
“You know, I’m being myself,” DioGuardi said. “I would say I’m pretty opinionated, feisty, strong, and I think you’re going to see that this season.”
I think we already have.
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