Paula Abdul confirmed she is still in talks to return to “American Idol” for the show’s ninth season, but will only return if she can secure a “fair” deal.
“Hi everyone. I’ve been quiet as we are trying to work out details of how I can return to #Idol,” she posted on her Twitter page on Thursday.
Earlier this month, Paula’s manager said there was a possibility the reality judge wouldn’t be returning to the FOX competition show.
“She’s not a happy camper as a result of what’s going on. She’s hurt. She’s angry,” David Sonenberg, the “Idol” judge’s manager, previously told the Los Angeles Times.
Paula herself Tweeted on July 18, that she was moved to tears over the support she received from fans, who heard the news she might not be back.
And on Thursday, she once again thanked her fans for their support, but said she would only come back to the show if she and “Idol” came to an equitable arrangement.
“Your support & encouragement means so much to me. I hope you understand I can only return to #Idol if the deal is fair,” she added.
Paula is reportedly battling over salary, just weeks after show host Ryan Seacrest inked a new contracted reportedly worth $45 million over three years.
According to Radar Online, she wants $20 million to return to the show. The Web site reported that “Idol” wanted to offer half of that amount.
Judge Simon Cowell is also in negotiations to renew his contract, while third judge Randy Jackson is attached to the show through 2011.
In related news, a source told E! Online that judge Kara DioGuardi’s “deal is done” and she would be returning to the show.
Auditions for Season 9 are underway, with the show set to return in January.
Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.