Who Could Replace Paula Abdul?

By PopEater Staff Posted Aug 5th 2009 11:44AM

We hoped that Paula Abdul's 'Idol' resignation - delivered to fans via Twitter - was a prank or publicity stunt, but an official statement from FOX has confirmed the news. We thought the nurturing den mother of the 'American Idol' judges' panel would be forever our girl, but now we're forced to consider the alternatives. Will the 'Idol' judge count stay at three, as it did for so many years? Or will the producers stick with last year's formula and add a fourth to join Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi? Just in case, we've whipped up a list of possible replacements for the divine Miss Abdul. We're here to help.

Ryan Seacrest told TMZ that Jennifer Lopez would be a perfect replacement for Abdul, and though it was clearly a joke, it made us think. Brooke White said it best to MTV: "I never thought about J.Lo as a judge ... she was a good mentor, though. And when you're on the show, you see these mentors and sometimes you only get a few minutes with them and you don't really get a sense of them. But some of them take the extra time to reach out and be a little personable. And I think she was one of those."

Like Paula Abdul, Debbie Gibson shot to fame in the '80s with a few dancy hit songs. Unlike Paula Abdul, she's also appeared in numerous Broadway musicals, so she knows a little something about the music biz. She's got some experience judging, too, having been on the panel for the short-lived 'Idol' spin-off 'American Juniors'.

Another recording artist famous for her '80s hits, Lauper has released 11 albums and over 40 singles - many of which she wrote herself. Most of all, we'd love to hear that gritty baby voice critiquing the contestants, time after time.

What do we want - do we really, really want - if we can't have Paula at the judges' table? Any member of the Spice Girls - especially the artist formerly known as Scary Spice, Mel Brown, who would surely frighten the wannabes into performing their best.

Four-time Grammy award winner Olivia Newton-John is famous for unleashing her pipes in 'Grease' and we'll always love her for that. Her experience guest-hosting 'Idol' can't hurt either.

What have we learned? 'American Idol' is a great place for an '80s powerhouse performer to revamp a sleepy career. They say Whitney Houston is poised for a comeback, but if that doesn't work out, we know a certain judges' panel that could use the kind of talent that made 'Saving All My Love for You' soar.

You might know that the 'Love Is a Battlefield' singer has four Grammy awards under her belt, but did you know Pat Benetar's a classically trained coloratura soprano? Someone with chops like that could be exactly what 'Idol' is missing - the ultimate expert judge.

Love or hate her, you have to admit - Sarah Palin's got a face for TV and a lot of charisma. And just deny for one minute that you'd tune in to see the hockey mom from Alaska take on another election.... this time on FOX.

The catty gossip columnist would be perfect for Paula Abdul's job, because he just LOVES to judge. Get it? No, seriously, Perez Hilton seems to have a knack for calling out up-and-coming musicians.

Tags: cyndi lauper, CyndiLauper, jennifer lopez, JenniferLopez, paula abdul, PaulaAbdul, sarah palin, SarahPalin, whitney houston, WhitneyHouston

Comments

(53)

Wednesday 05 August

By JBaer10314

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Replace Paula? Here's a better solution that would save time and tabloid space: CANCEL THE SHOW!!!!

By Al

I don't think they will cancel the show because of Paula. I personally won't miss her babbling. 3 Simons would be more interested. Simon, Joan Rivers and Ariel (the gay guy from Miami Social). I can just imagine the cat fights. I hate the sugar-coating when someone is awful. Simon and Paula got a little nauseating this year.

By gobluespartyon

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Your out of your mind JBeaer10314 to cancell the show. American Idol is a great show it never gets old it's always fresh and great talent.

Friday 18 September

By I'm_Psychic

I predict they get Ellen DeGeneres to be the next Idol judge. Trust me. I've got great intuition.

;-)

By Cambell

Out of all of the celebs above Debbie Gibson would be the best fit..She has what all the rest dont. She can write,sing,produce has starred on Broadway and London musicals.She has her own performing boot camp for talented kids. This artist could give way more constructive feedback than any of the panel as she has had the number 1 hits/albums and still has a strong career and future big comback.

Thursday 06 August

By HEY

WHAT ABOUT JANET JACKSON!!

By jeff

Why not replace her with a real average person who does some music like Ronald Jenkees or this www.jolietjeff.com guy who like making music and have it online for free, and represent real people and not actors and pop divas!! Go check out their music for free!!

By Rich

Pick someone from the audiance. Does it matter?

By Cara

I vote for Debbie Gibson, but let's not forget, NO ONE can replace Paula.

Photographess - Twitter

By amy

Don't replace her-4 judges were TOO much-their critques took forever.3 is too many-I wouldnn't care if the only judge was Simon then the show could get on without going over. She was getting 5 million a year-and it wasn't enough for her. Hell I'll do it-all you have to do is clap like a seal-tell contestants they're "in their zone"-and try to remember when they have only sung 1 song and not comment on 2(like Paula did 2 years ago)

By Dika

NO ONE CAN REPLACE PAULA, B R I N G PAULA BACK!
I MISSED HER ALREADY.

By LaKeeta

Replace her with someone that can actually ...dare i say it...SING!!

By winger

She will be replaced by none other than, MINNI ME!

By jim forrester

A three judge panel is the best venue. Not as rushed one opinions, and will not run over on time for the show. Four was too many. They just let the wrong judge get away.

By PEGGY LEEDY

I SUGGEST IF ITS MONEY GIVE PAULA KAREN'S SHARE. I LIKED THE SHOW MUCH BETTER WHEN THERE WAS JUST SIMON, RANDY AND PAULA, SHE DID TTRY TO KEEP FROM HURTING IDOLS FEELINGS WHEN THEY GOT BAD RESULTS.
TRY TRY TRY TO KEEP PAULA.

PEG

By Nicole

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If Perez Hilton were to be the new judge I would not only never watch Idol again but I would boycott FOX as well.

By RUSTY

SARAH PALIN is the BEST REPLACEMENT for PAULA. THEY BOTH UTTER LONG NONSENSICAL PHRASES AND THEY LOOK ALIKE. I HOPE THEY HIRE SARAH PALIN.

By MJR

just think what you would get with sarah palin

By Nadine

I can replace Paula. From my house I have picked 4 Idol winners. I can do it. Call me, Idol producers, call me!

By James

I'll take the job, hire me. I can't sing (horrible voice), don't write songs. But I did pick Kelly, Katherine, Carrie, and Jordan as winners. Three out of four is not bad. Katherine should have won (whatever happened to that Hicks guy, is he alive?). So there, that's my resume. I'll even take half of what Paula made. How much better can I make it. HIRE ME PLEASE.

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