So Will Paula "Dance"?

Paula Abdul was also a popular topic at the “So You Think You Can Dance” panel at the TCA Tour today…

Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe said he would “absolutely” be interested in having Paula join “SYTYCD.” He told the critics that he had spoken to Paula yesterday morning. “I said we were going to Vegas for Season 6 and I asked her if she would be available [to join us]. She’s going to come out and meet me [and discuss it].”

But Nigel added that he’s not sure she’s done with “Idol.” “I don’t even know that she’s going to leave ‘Idol.’ Until ‘Idol’ goes on the air [in January], there are still opportunities for renegotiations.” It’s important to note that Nigel’s comments came before FOX Entertainment Chairman Peter Rice made his.

Nigel invited Paula to tonight’s “SYTYCD” finale, but she is working on the east coast and couldn’t come (Paula tweeted today that she is filming an episode of “Drop Dead Diva.”).

But before you start readying a fourth chair for the “SYTYCD” judges’ table, Nigel later clarified his comments by saying he’s not interested in Paula being a full-time judge, just a guest judge. “I don’t mind a fourth guest judge now and then…So, no, I’m not talking about [Abdul permanently] filling a third chair or a fourth chair.”

I still say there’s a possibility Paula will end up on “Dancing With the Stars”…

You can read all of the details on the “Dance” panel from Michael Ausiello at EW.com…

Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta/FOX

FOX Exec: “Paula will not be returning”

This week television critics are in LA for the event known as press tour. It’s when the networks bring out their stars to promote their shows.

But for FOX, most of the questions today were about one thing—Paula, Paula, Paula…

And FOX Entertainment Chairman Peter Rice had an answer: “Paula is not returning to ‘Idol’…We are very sad she is not coming back. She was an important part of the Idol family…[It was] not our choice, not what we wanted to happen.”

When someone asked if there was still a possibility she could return, Rice said, “We have concluded our negotiations and Paula has announced that she is not [returning].”

I think that leaves the door open a crack, but who knows?

In the meantime, FOX will use guest judges to fill the fourth seat during the auditions. Victoria Beckham and Katy Perry have already signed on (Ryan Seacrest tweeted today that Beckham will join the judges in Denver tomorrow.). Rice promised a more permanent solution will be found between now and January.

Rice also added that at this point it’s not definite that Paula will be replaced, but it is “probable.” He said they’ll be looking for someone who has “great chemistry” with Kara, Simon and Randy.

Rice also gave the critics a peek into the negotiations by saying FOX offered her a “substantial” raise. He also cleared up some details on Ryan’s contract saying the $15 million a year is for more projects than just “Idol.” In other words, he’s not getting that money just to host “Idol.” I wonder if Paula’s new manager explained that to her before she walked away?

Rice concluded his Paula comments by telling the critics, “We have to look at it as an opportunity to bring a new energy to the show.”

But wouldn’t it be a better energy if they went back to three hosts? I thought we already figured out that four doesn’t work…

Thanks to Michael Ausiello and EW.com for their TCA reports...

Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta/FOX

Katharine McPhee's New Look

The new issue of “People” features a picture of Katharine McPhee, but you may not recognize her at first glance…

Katharine will sport a short blonde shag for her new album cover. Kat says that the music is a little more edgy so she wanted a look to reflect that.

“Unbroken” is scheduled to hit stores October 6th.

You can see her new look here.

Happy 47th Birthday Jamaica

Jamaica is 47 years old today. On August 6, 1962, Jamaica became an independent nation, from our friends, the Brits. And it was beautiful. We've had many ups and downs since, but no matter what, Jamaica will continue to be great and revered. This world just would not be the same without Jamaica. God bless Jamaica today and forever. Amen.

Happy Birthday Jamaica

The Jamaican Flag


The Coat of Arms


The National Anthem (Instrumental)


The National Anthem (Words)

Jamaica's National Anthem - Words
Uploaded by BonitaJamaica. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

Don't keep Jamaica Waiting.

Paula's Departure: Her Best (and Worst) Moments

“The Hollywood Reporter” put together some of Paula’s greatest moments in one place for our viewing pleasure.

You can see the clips here.

See what I mean about the show not being the same without her?

Paula's Departure: Ryan and Randy React

Late last night, Ryan Seacrest tweeted this:

“About to go to sleep when I started seeing my blackberry blow up. I have read what u have read and I am shocked and saddened about paula. 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. Spoke to randy..hope to speak with paula privately overnight.”

He expanded his thoughts on his radio show this morning:

“I was shocked. I'm just bummed because we've worked together for so many years. I got on the phone to track down whoever I could before I went to sleep and I was told, ‘Yeah, it's sad but true. She's leaving.’ This week, Randy, Simon, Kara and I are in Denver at the end of the week so I'm sure I'll have more to tell you.”

Ryan also said that as far as he knows, this is “not a publicity stunt.”

Randy Jackson issued a statement to “Us Magazine” saying, “I am shocked. Paula is a dear friend and will be missed.”

Simon Cowell has not issued any statements as of yet. I can’t help but think he’s not doing some work behind the scenes here…

I also can't help but think that the fact Paula didn't call Ryan or Randy to tell them she was leaving before she tweeted lends some credence to the negotiating ploy theory...

Stay Tuned...

Photo Credit: FOX

Paula’s Departure: The Day After

Late last night, FOX confirmed Paula’s news with a statement:

“Paula Abdul has been an important part of the American Idol family over the last eight seasons and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show. While Paula will not be continuing with us, she’s a tremendous talent and we wish her the best.”

Though that seems to close the door, there are those that think Paula could still possibly return. My hero, EW’s Michael Slezak, appeared on “The Early Show” this morning and discussed exactly that possibility saying, “You never know. It’s Paula Abdul.”

“The Early Show” also reported that Paula was offered a 30 percent pay raise. “The New York Times” reported that she demanded $20 million after making $2 million last season. The $20 million figure makes sense since it would give her more than Ryan Seacrest just got…

Meanwhile, Nigel Lythgoe, the executive producer of “So You Think You Can Dance” has said Paula is welcome to appear on “Dance” and the “New York Post” reported that NBC is interested in doing a reality show with Paula. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Paula show up on “Dancing With the Stars” since that has been rumored to be a dream of hers for quite some time.

I rarely disagree with Slezak, but I really think the door is closed on this one. However, this is one time I sincerely hope I’m wrong.

You can see the report on the “Early Show” here…


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