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)

Thursday 06 August

By Ed

Vote down Vote up Report this

Who could replace Paula Abdul? Who couldn't?

By jude

Paris Hilton's dog would do just as good judging as Paula. Glad she's gone!

By Cocia

Jennifer Lopez as a replacement. Ha! She is worth way more than that skit's-zhorde in need of a straight jacket, Paula Abdul.

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

Response: Actually if Sarah Palin is the better replacement as a judge, it would be fun to see her whip out her Uzi and hunt down, kill and then mount the head of any untalented piece of work in her den.

By Spider

A drunken chimp could replace Paula, and probably look better doing it!!!!

By Chattie

There is no replacement for Paula, she is the whole show. Give her a big raise and get her back.

By RLQFogarty

WHO REALLY CARES WHO REPLACES ANY OF THE JUDGES ON IDOL. It's the contestants that make the show, not the judges. I can definately do without the side banter from the judges.

By tivo guy

Why are we even having this conversation? Everyone can be replaced. In Paula's case, all you need is a 1/2 in the bag, pretty faced bimbo, who's happy making around 10 million a year for 8 hours of work each week. Problem solved.

By THE JUNK MAN

Replace her with Joy Behar

Friday 07 August

By Steve

If Perez Hilton ends up as a judge on this show, I will never watch it again! This is a narrow minded little princess with his own agenda, to pad his insecurities by making others look bad! It would be the worst mistake in the history of Idol if they allow this crazed maniac to judge!

By Qwitbugginme

The perfect replacement for Paula would be LaToya Jackson. Almost no talent, and with Michael gone the family needs a new source of income.

Sunday 09 August

By jona

If michael jackson were still alive I would want them to replace her with michael jackson.

Tuesday 11 August

By christine

Why replace her, Dioguardi is her replacement. 3 is company, 4 is a crowd. Last year they went overtime because of all the judges, and they couldn't all say what they wanted to say. If they keep 3 judges maybe Kara will get a word in edgewise for once.

Page 3 of 3