Paul Abdul: Don’t Ever Count Me Out
No one can replace Paul Abdul on “American Idol.”
According to ABC News, Paula Abdul was unaware that a fourth judge would come aboard.
“I found out on the way to the airport, she said. “Randy found out hours before me. I was surprised because Simon has always been against the fourth. We’ve had guest judges come in before and he banned that from happening anymore. I didn’t understand the concept of what was happening.”
However, Paula Abdul wants to make it clear that DioGuardi is not going to replace her once she leaves the show.
Ironically, it was Abdul who helped DioGuardi break into the music industry. However, there is no negative tension between them. According to fellow judge Randy Jackson, the four judges have a family dynamic with “friendly camaraderie.”
“I don’t think anyone [can replace me]. First of all, Kara says, ‘I could never replace you.’ And I said, whenever there is change, it’s not about replacing anybody. It’s about possibly moving on.”
After she leaves “American Idol,” Abdul is planning to go back to the recording studio.
“I’m making a new record,” she said. “What really matters is don’t ever count me out.”
Paula Abdul Says She Cannot Be Replaced
That’s a confident statement.
Paula Abdul invited Nightline backstage for an extensive interview and Paula tells Cynthia McFadden, “This is my last season under contract. I love the show, I do. I love what I do on the show and I’m loving it more this season than ever. Don’t bet against me because the most powerful kryptonite I possess is the connection with the people.”
When Simon Cowell brought on a fourth judge this season, Kara DioGuardi, Paula says that she was caught off-guard by the decision, “I just got out of this hospital this past August. I had three days to pack and go on the road. I found out on the way to the airport. … Randy found out hours before me. I was surprised because Simon has always been against the fourth. We’ve had guest judges come in before and he banned that from happening anymore. I didn’t understand the concept of what was happening.”
So, does this mean that there are plans to replace Abdul with DioGuardi? On this subject, Abdul says, “I don’t think anyone [can]. First of all, Kara says, ‘I could never replace you.’ And I said, whenever there is change, it’s not about replacing anybody. It’s about possibly moving on.”
Paula Abdul’s full interview airs tonight on Nightline at 11:35 p.m. ET.