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 Cissy

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I miss Paula, but I think American Idol has outlived its time. It has gotten mundane and boring. I watched once this season, and I can't bring myself to go through another episode.

By Eastwood Fan

The contestants are mostly horrible.

By desrtdrmr

I miss Paula. I will miss Simon and think that his leaving will be the death of AI. I really dislike Kara on the show..........didn't like her last year, like her even less this year. She should have found another path last year........she hangs on Simon so, it's just kind of slimy. She has a real attitude, and sort of puts herself above everyone else. You never have the feeling that she's really rooting for those kids, like Paula did. Her attitude seems to be that she is so much better than they, or anyone else is/are. Ellen is fun and funny, but isn't one to give singing advice. Randy is Randy, but will not be able to carry the show alone. I do believe that Simon, Ellen, and Randy are truly interested in the contestants.

By smitty

nice try AOL, with this biased slant pro Paula piece. For me the show hasn't missed a trick. It's about the singers. Randy is Randy. Kara, despite writing a poor finally song last year, forgot more about music than Paula knows. Ellen, although not a musician, is funny, smart, clear, and concise. Paula was none of those things. Simon is Simon, but that's a problem for the future, because of all judges, he is the most interesting. The quality of the show is still good. Ratings are still good, but dropping because the show in general is losing steam. Paula was ok, but it ain't broke because she's not there.

By Darr247

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AI's not doing so well? Imagine that... I wouldn't know, since I haven't watched a single episode of it this season. Still, way to teach Paula a lesson for thinking she deserved pay equity with the 'stars' - Simon and Seacrest.

Idiots.

By Konrad Kayne

Miss that goofy old drunk chick? No.

Growing ever soooo bored with Idol anyway....hmmm YES!

By T-BONE

GEEEEE PUT PAULA BACK I HATE DEGERMNESS AND IM GAY....I HATE HER PHONY BUTT...PAULA WAS ABOUT MUSIC WHAT SONG HAS DEGERMNESS MAKE AND WHAT THE HELL SHE KNOW ABOUT MUSIC,NOT A DAM THING F HER AND HER FAKE ACT ...LOL

By cessileclam

The whole e-mail confirmation thing keeps me from posting but for Paula I will do it! I deliberately have NOT WATCHED this year in protest about the Paula and the whole vote thing last year. Ellen was NOT the right choice and no wonder Simon decided to leave the sinking ship! Ha-ha.

By ED

What they should really consider for replacing Simon is Adam Lambert..I watched him critique the contestants tonite and he didnt sugar coat it.

By reaganw

I stopped watching this year.... I miss AI. Why can't we go back to the AI we all enjoyed watching the last eight years? (Sigh....)

By joey

Paula was a good role model for my daughter - now she has to watch a lesbian with no talent and a bimbo who is posing naked in magazines - ellen should go on the logo channel and kara should go into pornos

By Debbie

I too, quit watching American Idol after Paula left. Why do the producers have to mess with a good thing, by not treating the people who make the show, with fairness. Paula & Simon made the show, so after Simon leaves, what is left?

By jimmy

please bring paula back - I am so fed up with all these lesbians on tv - I want to see straight sexy woman who dont look like young boys - now oprah is a lesbian - no surprise there

Wednesday 14 April

By K

First of all, this year sucks, I have never seen such horrible singers, if you can call them that. Half of them should not even be on the show..... this is the best talent out there? Its just BAD. I dont like Ellen or that other woman... Kara? Ryan has been acting like he has been smoking something. Its just not like it was, and next year Simon is gone. I wont be watching any more, I am done with this boring, dull show.

By souldust

It is not Paula that is leaving a void. It is the lack of singing talent.

By pppsfan

I really can't stand the show this season. I like Ellen but I think they should change the rest of the judges. Randy is just sickening with his same lines every singer, Dog, Dog I didn't really feel it Dog. It was kind of pitchy etc. Kari, if she was any further up Simon's backside she should beable to see his tonsil's. She is just sickening also. Simon is Simon!

Friday 16 April

By Annie

American Idol died the day Paula left. Its a shame that Idol let her slip away. They are real fools I say!

By Donna

We hate HATE Kara. We Love LOVE Ellen.

By Amanda

What?! I don't agree at all, in fact the only reaason why I decided to keep watching American Idol was because Paula was gone, I couldn't stand her rambling on and on and her draumatic tears and applause. I find Idol a lot more entertaining this year. Too bad the talent isn't very good!

By Adam

I'm glad Paula is gone. She was so much of a ditz head. She would ramble on and on about nothing. Not a very clear headed person.

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