'American Idol' host Ryan Seacrest seemed blindsided by Paula Abdul's announcement that she would not be returning to the show. "The news stunned me last night," he said on his KISS FM radio show. Seacrest denied all the rumors that this was a publicity stunt and admitted he's "bummed" to see her leave on such abrupt terms.Hot Photos
Seacrest 'Bummed' About Paula
'American Idol' host Ryan Seacrest seemed blindsided by Paula Abdul's announcement that she would not be returning to the show. "The news stunned me last night," he said on his KISS FM radio show. Seacrest denied all the rumors that this was a publicity stunt and admitted he's "bummed" to see her leave on such abrupt terms."She's a dear friend. I love her to death and am really sad that it came to fruition. I'm just bummed because we've worked together for so many years. It's sad," he said.
"Everyone that I've passed today here has asked 'Is it true? Is it a publicity stunt?' As far as I know, it's real. At this point she's decided to leave," he said.
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'Idol' Judges Hit the Town
Take a look at the 'American Idol' judges and host out and about.
AP
A-SAYLES
Idol' Host and Judges
(FILES) TV personality Paula Abdul arrives at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, on February 8, 2009. Abdul announced on August 4, 2009, she will not be returning for a ninth season as a judge on the hugely popular television reality show "American Idol." FILES/AFP PHOTO GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
FILE - In this April 6, 2008 file photo, from left, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Ryan Seacrest, and Randy Jackson are seen backstage at the "Idol Gives Back" fundraising special of "American Idol" in Los Angeles on Sunday April 6, 2008. Fox said Tuesday Aug. 4, 2009, Abdul has decided against returning to "American Idol" as a judge. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)
AP
FILE - In this March 5, 2009 file photo, "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul arrives at the American Idol Top 13 Party in Los Angeles. Fox said Tuesday Aug. 4, 2009, Abdul has decided against returning to "American Idol" as a judge. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, file)
AP
FILE - In this April 6, 2008 file photo, Randy Jackson, left, Paula Abdul, center, and Simon Cowell are seen on stage at the "Idol Gives Back" fundraising special of "American Idol" in Los Angeles. Fox said Tuesday Aug. 4, 2009, Abdul has decided against returning to "American Idol" as a judge. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
FILE- This jan. 13, 2009 file photo shows Kara DioGuardi of "American Idol" arriving at the FOX Winter All-Star Party in Los Angeles. DioGuardi will be back for her second round as a judge on "American Idol." (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello,File)
AP
©AXELLE/BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Los Angeles Premiere of "Funny People". ArcLight Theatre, Hollywood, CA. July 20, 2009. Job: 90720A1. www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com Pictured: Ryan Seacrest.
AXELLE/BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM
©AXELLE/BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Los Angeles Premiere of "Funny People". ArcLight Theatre, Hollywood, CA. July 20, 2009. Job: 90720A1. www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com Pictured: Ryan Seacrest.
AXELLE/BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM
"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest arrives at the premiere of the film "Funny People" in Los Angeles, Monday, July 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
AP
HOLLYWOOD - JULY 20: TV personality Ryan Seacrest attends the premiere of Universal Pictures' "Funny People" held at ArcLight Cinemas Cinerama Dome on July 20, 2009 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ryan Seacrest
Getty Images
HOLLYWOOD - JULY 20: TV personality Ryan Seacrest and director/writer/producer Jude Apatow attend the premiere of Universal Pictures' "Funny People" held at ArcLight Cinemas Cinerama Dome on July 20, 2009 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ryan Seacrest;Judd Apatow
Getty Images
Amid rumors about Adbul's contract negotiations, Seacrest revealed the salary might not have been close to what she wanted. According to TMZ, she was pulling in somewhere between $2 and $3 million a year, and she wanted more. Allegedly, she changed management twice and made it difficult for the producers.
Just last month, Seacrest announced he got a raise to host the show, bumping him up to $45 million for three years. "Obviously she has her reasons for doing it and if she didn't feel like she was getting what she needed. I understand that too," he said.
On his Twitter, Seacrest wrote, "Idol and the cast have grown with each other over the last 8 seasons. I can't imagine the panel without Paula. She's a star. a great friend."
But he hasn't given up all hope yet. He's crossing his fingers that Abdul will come back. "I would love that. I think that would be fantastic for all of us. That would be great," he said.
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Comments
(81)Add a comment
Wednesday 05 August
By don
If the producers have a brain they will work out
a deal to get Paula back. She helps make the show
the success that it is. Money is only paper but
the right people make the difference.
Reply
Wednesday 05 August
By Sheryl
Amen, I agree totally!!
Wednesday 05 August
By Joelle
I totally agree...I'm sure the ratings will not be the same if Paula doesn't return...Also with the amount of $$$ Simon & Ryan are getting why aren't veterans like Paula & Randy getting paid more.
I really hope they work something out with her!!!
Wednesday 05 August
By Elvira S. Lopez
I will not see the show without her, she is the plus of this show!!!
Wednesday 05 August
By ele
they need to dump DeGarmo and bring Paula back
Wednesday 05 August
By Juanita
Sorry, it is not the money, they can't afford her drinks each week. She is one dumb azz drunk.
Wednesday 05 August
By Janet
Part of the reason Simon is so wickedly fun on American Idol is the chemistry he has with Paula and with Randy. That chemistry was nonexistent with Kara last season. All I can think is that the American Idol Producers must have been droppped on their heads in the off season. I've been a devout fan every season but I don't plan to watch if they don't keep Paula. She has a great connection with her fellow judges and Ryan S., with the fans and especially with the contestants on A.I.
Wednesday 05 August
By Susan
Right on...Paula is a huge part of Idol
Wednesday 05 August
By Roy
The producers do have a full brain, where Paula has less than a half a brain. Her comments are stupid, and she must always wait to hear what Randy and Simon say, before she can make a comment. Compare her to Britains Got Talent, female judge, Amanda Holden, Paula is a complete novice.
I wish Simon would import Amanda, for us to see real talent
Thursday 06 August
By Irene Giallanza
Paula is the twinkle in everyones eyes. Without her on the show, the spark will surely fad away. I hope something can be worked out to bring her back. Many will miss her if she goes.
Thursday 06 August
By patty
I agree I think they should get rid of the new woman on the show. She made such an impression i can't even remember her name.
Wednesday 05 August
By 231
For producers not to pay Paula as much or more is insane. I'd rather that Simon didn't come back. They can always find an insulting Brit but Paula's personality is irreplaceable. She's one of a kind. I'm not watching it this season.
Reply
Wednesday 05 August
By terri
producers you need to suck it up and pay paula what she really deserves.all you did was a slap in the face to her. she is a great judge on america idol and a wonderful person, and as it may seem simon will be lost in words without her, and you all know it.Get Her Back....
Reply
Wednesday 05 August
By Catherine
Idol won't be the same without Paula. I know I won't watch it. This has been an extremely successful show and she was part of making that happen. If this is about money and they wouldn't give her what she asked for, then think again, and give her what she wants and deserves. All the men on the show make way more and I'm sure Idol can cough up some more $$ for Paula. It's a no brainer guys!
Reply
Wednesday 05 August
By Robert
This is business, both sides are playing hard ball.
New single.
"Distant Side Of You"
myspace.com/anotherblackseason
Reply
Wednesday 05 August
By K&M
Spend the money, keep Paula.
Reply
Wednesday 05 August
By Lucille Haycox
My heart actually hurt after reading that Paula is not returning to American Idol.....Unbelievable........she makes the show...and I love to see her and Simon...What are the producers thinking???? I am sick sick sick...we all want Paula back....Please...is there any way that the problems can be solved? Paula is dear to us!!!!!!
Reply
Thursday 06 August
By Rachael
I agree with you! Please find a way to get Paula back! We love her and there is no Idol without Paula!
Wednesday 05 August
By Gina
I enjoyed Paula on the Idol show. But let this be said the whole panel? over paid.the Seacrest fellow if anyone goes should be him. he is a smart alek and when the mood hit him he berated Paula on the air.the show has become extremly boring and all winners should have been the losers.to hell with this low life show.put on your thinking caps people take the show off.enough is enough.and Paula you were offered quite a vast sum to stay you should have accepted.
Reply
Wednesday 05 August
By gobluespartyon
You don't know what your talking about Gina. American Idol is a pretty good show the talent on the show is amazing it never gets old it's always fresh. Ryan is a pretty great host of Idol.