Paula Abdul's Absence Leaves Major Void in 'American Idol': Our Readers React

By The Pop Chorus Posted Apr 13th 2010 03:15PM

PopEater Readers Weigh In on Paula Abdul's 'American Idol' Absence

'American Idol' is missing a certain special something without Paula Abdul's presence, and it's getting clearer week after week, both in our hearts and in the slipping ratings. Some fans miss her wacky comments and zany manner. Some miss her positive vibe and almost maternal style of criticism. Some miss the way Paula championed artists that may have never broken through without her support (Adam Lambert, anyone?). Many griped that her replacement, Ellen DeGeneres, is a fine judge, but just no Paula. Even before Simon Cowell leaves the show, 'A.I.' has distinctly changed with Abdul's absence. We turned to our ever-growing Pop Chorus to find out who feels the major reason for 'Idol's' lackluster season isn't the talent, but the gaping hole left by Paula's departure.

Phinesse Demps says:
♦ Paula was -- and I can't believe I am saying this -- but when you look back, she was the most professional of the judges. She advised contestants from experience and really set them at ease.
♦ Ellen DeGeneres tends to feel bad about being critical and is always apologizing, where Paula did it in a tactful, kind way. Now we see Randy feeling confused as a judge and Kara trying to imitate Simon instead of giving sound advice. 'Idol' is in total chaos.
♦ Paula's departure began a downturn in the quality of the show. Now Simon is leaving after this season? Can we say bye-bye, 'American Idol'?

Tera Geishauser says:
♦ 'Idol' never suffered a dull moment with Paula as a judge. I mean, she spit her gum at Simon during a heavy audition week in season eight!
♦ She offered a weekly dosage of crazy that kept the audience wanting more of their favorite "Paula Moments." Who could forget Paula's slip-up during season seven when she critiqued contestant Jason Castro on two performances when in reality he had only performed one song? After Randy cleared up the confusion for her, she simply claimed, "This is hard!" and we were right back on the Paula-loving bandwagon.
♦ Not only are Paula Moments what we miss the most, they're half the reason we tuned in.

Josephine Gilliland says:
♦ No more weird make-out sessions between Paula and Simon breaks my heart.
♦ The whole reason I tuned in was to watch somewhat unstable people (i.e. Paula) give somewhat normal people advice. The sheer sound of her slurring her words like a drunken sailor was music to my ears -- now that music has turned into monotone voices telling the truth. I feel bad for all the singers on 'Idol' now because they're no longer given false hope by the judges.

Kimee Balmilero says:

♦ Paula was and always will be the best judge 'Idol' ever had.
♦ Gone are the days when her awkward hand clapping would lead me to wonder if that was the next big dance move.
♦ I also miss my favorite drinking game, "Take a shot when Paula says, 'First of all, you look absolutely gorgeous tonight.'"

Keira Peterson says:
♦ Paula was maternal. She wouldn't just tell a person they weren't good enough, but that they should always keep their eyes open for bigger and better things. Not to mention if someone flat-out couldn't carry a tune, she would suggest vocal coaching or maybe that singing just isn't for them.
♦ Paula kinda kept a muzzle on most of the crude comments that slipped out of Simon's mouth.
♦ Simon made everyone wonder, "Who the hell is brave enough to go up in front of that guy?" A lot of bold performers put their dreams on the laps of three judges and waited for the thumbs up. Not only was Paula the glue that held the show together, it was her kind words of criticism that always kept more people daring to try out for the next season.

Billie Nichols says:
♦ She was bubbly, funny, made interesting fashion decisions, and was just so authentically "Paula." I miss the way she went on a tangent, I miss the banter between her and Simon, I miss her scathing looks at Kara, and I'm hurting without her quirky crushes on contestants and her over-the-top enthusiasm.
♦ Paula may not have been the most technical critic, but she was a bright spot in the judging, and someone who could always be counted upon to put a positive spin on things.
♦ With any TV show, once the original stars get replaced, the show itself loses something important. And not only is Paula gone, she's been replaced with her polar opposite.
♦ Paula really seemed to bring out the best in contestants, like Adam Lambert, and without her this year, everyone seems a little lost.

Tags: american idol, paula abdul, the pop chorus

Comments

(90)

Tuesday 13 April

By brad

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I deliberately stopped watchin Idol this year as a protest of the Idol producers not giving Paula a raise like the others got.

By Basscop

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Idol is having one of it's best season for having talent. I loved Paula and I'm sorry she is gone, but she left Idol. It's business for them and I don't pretend to know why she did not get the raise she wanted nor what they offered her. Ellen is great, and I'd love if Paula would replace Simon next year when he leaves. That would keep Idol rolling on.

By SHUSH

I also refused to turn Idol on,
NOT ONE EPISODE in protest to Paula
being pushed out/leaving.
She was the heart&soul of the show.
No two ways about it.
PLEASE GET RID OF BOTH NEW PEOPLE

By Cathy

I am apparently one of the few that does not miss Paula. The last couple of years, I got so sick of her slurring and hanging on Simon. She played games for more money and this one backfired. Get over it!

Friday 16 April

By Barbara

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I liked Paula a lot more than Ellen ( who is not funny to me just stupid) and thatother woman who thinks she replaces Paula. She is a joke too.

By gobluespartyon

I miss Paula and her crazy as well never knew what she would say. I still really like American Idol as I said I do miss Paula I hope she will be a judge on X-Factor in the fall of 2011.

By Randy

Paula is an integral part of Idol and the producers blew it by not giving her a raise like everyoner else got. I am not watchin this year in protest of Paula's absence.

By hollyberrie

I stopped watching because I just thought Paula Abdul was awful...just a train wreck...it was so obvious that she was under the influence of something...I just couldnt be a witness to that but now that she has gone I started watching it again...sooooo much better!!

By E.T.Kares

not only Paula"s leaving AI but Producer Nigel Lythgoe's departure...took the tone out of the show...Nigel kept the show fresh and moving at a faster pace...kept Ryan crisp and the show had a terrific "pacing".....now it really drags...there isn't the build-up and the excitement....it just doesnt work.

By ouglas Clark

The show has had no excitment this year. Most of the contestants talent is in one small area of the music industry. There is not much in the way real music talent.

By patrick douglass

When Paula left we did too with out her the show is just not the same'
two and a half men is loosing c. Sheen, when he goes, so do I.

By Tina

Unfortunately, I miss PAULA too, but have continued to watch because I like ELLEN. Ellen is really not a good judge though, she just copies stuff from Randy and the others, this type of job is not for her. I don't like....hhhmmmm whats her name, and didn't like her when they first brought her on. If anything, they should have gotten rid of her kept Paula and gave Paula what she deserved to make the show.

Vote down Vote up Report this

I agree. Thay could have gotten rid of the flake girl and left Ellen off the show and paid Paula what they pay those to.

By kenhp1

I have not watched Idol and do not plan on it. Ryan is easy on the eyes. However, since Paula left the show and the way she was treated reference her contract I have lost interest in the show. I wonder why one of the males weren't offered a contract. Also wonder if discrimination was involved. No accusation being made. Hope everything is going well with Paula. If she returns to the show I would certainly give the show another chance.

By TORI

NO PAULA, NO ME. SHE MADE THE SHOW SO POPULAR, HER AND SIMON THE HECK WITH THE REST!

By B-Bo

Unfortunately, AI cannot go on forever. It will eventually fade like all the other shows who were once powerhouse #1's. Paula is certainly missed, Ellen is adding nothing than she doesn't already do on her talk show and Kara kind of thinks she is the female with the seniority. Shockingly, Simon will be missed.

As with the boy bands of the 80s, N-Sync, B/S Boys, 98 degrees, they grow up, we grow up and eventually that #1 status fades.

Please do not fall prey to the hype that is no longer there!people,

By Belladonna

I miss Paula!! :( I wanted her back. American Idol has jumped the shark!

By kathy

funny how most people griped about Paula and now they want her back. I don't miss her, but I will miss Simon.

By Sharon

I can't even watch it this time. I keep trying to watch but I end up turning the channel.It nothing against Ellen Love her. It is just that there is a void.

By mil

I totally agree, AI is not the same without Paula, it used to be one of my favorite shows, and now I don't even bother to watch it anymore.

Page 1 of 5