In what is most certainly a dramatic negotiation play, Paula Abdul’s manager told the Los Angeles Times that the singer and choreographer might not be back on next season’s “American Idol.”
“Very sadly, it does not appear that she’s going to be back on ‘Idol,'” said David Sonenberg, the manager. According to Sonenberg, after reaching out to producers to convey Abdul’s interest in returning for the ninth season, he was told he would soon hear back.
“I have not received any proposal whatsoever,” he said.
“I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful,” added Sonenberg. “I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven’t stepped up and said what they want to do.”
The going belief in the industry is that Abdul will receive an offer, although there is at least some reason for media to ponder Abdul’s future with the series. Following last season’s addition of fourth (and female) judge Kara DioGuardi, there was speculation that “Idol” was planning to slowly phase Abdul out of the judging lineup. Fellow judge Simon Cowell, however, has stated that he would not judge without Abdul on board, and given his value to the series, it does not appear likely that “Idol” would deliberately drop Abdul from the panel.
Most likely, Abdul’s manager’s public expression of disappointment with the negotiation process is being done to put pressure on producers. Host Ryan Seacrest recently locked up a $45 million contract for the next three “Idol” years, and Abdul’s management most certainly wants to do everything possible to secure a payraise for its client.
