American Idol Paula Abdul Says Leaving Idol Wasn’t About Money

In one of her first interviews since announcing her departure from American Idol, Paula Abdulreveals why she left her post on the judges’ panel — and wasn’t just about money.
“I had to stand on my principle,” Abdul, 47, tells TV Guide. “I’m going to miss the experience of watching young talent evolve into a place where they get to take off and soar.”

The former Idol judge, who calls the show an “amazing experience,” says her decision wasn’t solely about a paycheck dispute. “I stand on principle where many people stand on money,” she says. “I’m a hard-working artist. I’ve lasted in this business for 23 years. And you can’t do that unless you are good at what you do.”
That success seems to have given Abdul a confidence that will last in her post-Idolcareer. “I believe in myself and you have to have your own self respect,” Abdul says. “And sometimes decisions are very difficult to make, but I’ve always believed that at the core I’m a survivor. There’s not one thing I’ve done that I’ve really set my mind to that I’ve failed at.”
So what’s next? “I definitely want to do a talk show because it would be different,” she says. “It would be a lot of fun variety with a ton of unexpected stuff and tributes to everyday people getting their big chance.”
Abdul, who’s been busy shooting a guest role on Lifetime’s comedy Drop Dead Diva, says just because she’s no longer sitting beside Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi andRandy Jackson doesn’t mean she will not tune in to TV’s top talent search. “I had some really unforgettable moments that hit plateaus for me and I’m very blessed to have been a part of what made television history,” she says.
And finally, Abdul expressed gratitude to her fans. “The fans all should know I adore, love, appreciate and respect how much they’ve expressed their outpouring of love and support for me,” Abdul says. “That’s what keeps me going in lots of ways.” –Brian Orloff

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Paula Abdul To Host ‘VH1 Divas’

After negotiations with “Dancing With the Stars” and “Ugly Betty” fell through, Paula Abdul has finally booked her first major post-”American Idol” gig. And it’s the perfect fit. The Grammy-winning singer will host the September 17 “VH1 Divas” show, which is slated to feature performances by Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Adele, Leona Lewis and Jordin Sparks.

Abdul announced the deal on Monday on her official Twitter feed, telling fans, “Hi guys! im really excited 2 announce ill b hosting this year’s “VH1 Divas”! The show will be live on Sept 17th @ 9 pm EST.”

After a four-year hiatus, the show is returning with a fresh-faced lineup of contemporary hitmakers, who join the list of legends who have graced the Divas stage since the event began in 1998, including Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston and Beyoncé. Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

The Abdul announcement comes less than a week after the former “Idol” judge’s manager told the Los Angeles Times that contrary to reports, Abdul was not holding out for a possible return to “Idol.” Manager David Sonenberg told the paper that Abdul was in talks with all the major networks about possible shows and that fans may see her returning in any of a number of different guises, from executive producer to star or host.

Abdul shocked fans of “Idol” on August 4 when she announced her sudden departure from the show via Twitter. So far, producers have announced that her seat will be filled by a rotating series of guest judges, including Joe Jonas, Katy Perry, Mary J. Blige and Victoria Beckham.

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Why Paula Abdul Really Left and Where She’s Going

Don’t cry for Paula Abdul – or expect to see her on the Unemployment line.

The exiting American Idol judge is being wooed by networks, a turn of events that started before she even decided to pull out of the top-rated FOX show, where she felt unappreciated, reports The New York Times in a detailed dissection of what happened behind the scenes and what future lies ahead for Abdul, 47.

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‘Dancing’ pro doesn’t want Abdul on the panel

“Dancing With the Stars” seems willing to open the stage door to Paula Abdul, but there could be a behind-the-scenes battle if the ex-“American Idol” judge accepts an offer from the show.

While ABC head honcho Stephen McPherson recently boasted, “We would love to have (Abdul) on ‘Dancing,’ as a contestant, a participant or a judge,” at least one ballroom professional doesn’t share that last sentiment.

“I think we’re good with our judges,” Mark Ballas told E! News. In fact, there’s only one Abdul appearance Ballas would support.

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