Paula Abdul's Absence Leaves Major Void in 'American Idol': Our Readers React
'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.
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i didnt think i would miss her,, but the show just isnt the same ,,, i dont look forward to it , like i used to when paula was on the show
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I stop watching after the LIZ got on
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Are u people mad? Paula was stoned on every episode. Im sure the ratings drop has a lot 2do with there being no talent this year.
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I really don't agree that Paula is the reason the show has its drop in ratings
Could it be the contestants?
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If it weren't for Adam last season I would have stopped watching then. He made season 8. Paula and Randy And Simon were the success of the show.
"If it Ain't Broke don't Fix it." !! It was bad enough when they added Diaguardo (whatever!) But now without Paula, and Simon leaving,and they certainly didn't need Ellen, I wouldn't even give it a year. I'm waiting for Simon's XFactor and I hear Paula will be hosting Star Search. I can imagine how the ratings have gone down. At least I'll be able to watch Adam for two nights.
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I couldn't agree more with what you said. I only wish I knew Adam was on tonight. I will watch tomorrow to see HIM.
I DON'T MISS HER AT ALL, SHE GOT ON MY NERVES AND I'M GLAD SHE IS GONE,THIS IS MY OPINION, AND YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT OPINIONS, BUT I'M GLAD SHE IS NO LONGER THERE AND I LOVE ELLEN SO I'M HAPPY,I JUST THINK THAT THE REASON THE SHOW IS DOWN IS THAT THEY PICKED SOME SINGERS THAT ARE NOT VERY GOOD, LEFT OUT THE BETTER ONES, I LOVE LEE,MIKE, AND OF COURSE MY GIRL MAMASOX SHE IS THE BEST.
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There is absolutely no talent this year and without Paula it's not worth watching at all.
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The talent is soooo lacking this year, its hard to listen to some of these people. the dread lock girl, crystal is the only one that is good. the others are just slim pickens.
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We miss Paula so much on the show...We are huge fans of American Idol and they made a big mistake letting her go. I dont pretend to know the details of her exit, however, if it was money, they made the wrong choice. Many friends of mine will not watch now. I hardly do. It is just not the same...we miss you Paula...bring Paula back..........
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I didnt watch it at all this year eather. Paula leaving was the beginning of the end, and when Simon is gone its all over. It was fun while it lasted
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Every week, my husband says - this show is not the same without Paula. It's missing its voice of reason, of positive reinforcement, of consistency. This year, it's a mess. The kids don't know what to do. This one says this, this one says that. It's a joke. I'm glad Simon is leaving this year. We can stop watching it then! Paula - you are missed!!!!
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I couldn't agree with you more!!!!! On all counts!
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Good. I hope this is a major step toward the show's cancellation.
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WITHOUT PAULA I'M JUST NOT INTO AMERICAN IDOL NOW :O( PAULA JUST CANNOT BE REPLACED. SORRY AMERICAN IDOL BUT THIS WAS NOT A WISE MOVE.
WE MISS YOU PAULA!!!!!!!!!!
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A "VOID"?? WHERE? I seem to enjoy the new judges..Especially Ellen...I think it's going great without Paula.
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Paula stunk on Idol. All she could say is "you look great". As for Ellen - what does she know about singing?? Simon is the only good one on there. He tells it like it is.
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Why Ellen? She's not a singer...not a song writer...not a producer...never worked in a studio...can't even dance! She has no business on a music show. I guess when Simon leaves, he'll be replaced by Tiger Woods!
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I miss Paula a whole lot - and for all the reasons listed above in the article. She adds so much to the show - and I can't imagine what it will be like without Simon. The talent this year sucks - I watch it, but I am bored silly. Ellen ain't no Paula - she is doing an acceptable job, but she doesn't have the bizzazz that Paula does. Could this be the last season?????
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I have not watch Idol this year
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