Simon Cowell: Idol Is "Different" Without Paula
Credit: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images
American Idol isn't the same without Paula Abdul, says Simon Cowell.
On the Fox show's upcoming ninth season, judges Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi return - along with celeb guest judges, including Victoria Beckham, Shania Twain and Katy Perry.
Cowell, 49, tells Extra the show is now "different. It's like comparing a carrot to a banana."
See Paula Abdul's craziest outfits of all time
Though the judge says he doesn't want to "get in the middle" of Idol execs and Abdul, 47, he says, "I miss her."
He adds that Abdul - who denied to TV Guide that she left the show over money - is "someone who will always work."
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So what's next for Abdul?
"I definitely want to do a talk show because it would be different," says Abdul, who has shot a guest role on Lifetime's Drop Dead Diva and will host VH1's Divas Live Sept. 17. "It would be a lot of fun variety with a ton of unexpected stuff and tributes to everyday people getting their big chance."
Tell Us What You Think
28I think Paula definately made the show a winner and i will really miss her. I haven't decided if i will watch again. I do enjoy the talent but not at Paulas expense. Come on bring her back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Give me a break! Anyone's better than Paula...
aww, thats so sad. idol, just offer her the money, and you will without doubt, make the world happier!!! gosh!! just do it. simon's practially in mourning without his little paula! hehe. they were soo cute on the show together! it just upsets me that they couldnt offer her the money, when they were giving simon more than the 4 judges all together needed!! i wont watch the show without paula!
We love Paula. Get ride Kara
It's just not right without Paula. Love the interplay between Simon and Paula--total opposite approaches, and they may annoy each other, but that makes for great tv.
why did paula have to go, it should of been that damn kara or whatever she is let her go home
i hate kara. i'll miss you paula
that Kara Diowhatever should be gone instead of Paula. Why in the friggin world do they even have her on the show? someone tell me.
Wont be watching anymore - HATE DioGuardi; all she does is slap her hands on the table and doesn't add anything to the show. Would rather have seen DioGuardi leave and Paula stay if money is the issue.
Well, good luck to the next contestants of AI. This is gonna be awful for all of us. I am sure gonna miss the Paula- Simon scenes.
Duh! "Idol is different" Tell us something we didnt know! Even when Kara joined "Idol got different"
Paula and Simon TOGETHER made American Idol what it was-now I could care less to watch the show!
Idol won't be the same without Paula. We love Pauala!
Yes it won't be nearly as watched without Paula. Paula and Simon are the ones that made the show!! They feed off each other. The Kara chick nothing special and the "fill-ins" for Paula such as Katy Perry, or stupid Victoria Beckham are no good either. Shania would be interesting though! At least she has real talent! Come back Paula! Idol execs make it happen!!!
Let's have a petition to bring Paula back!!!
Just bet that we will see Paula on her little AI throne-ette (next to Simon's) before the season gets seriously underway. There are way many more reasons why this can/will happen than not. Guest judges in early rounds add interest, but no one does mother-hen and dopey sweetness better. Come home, Bo-peep!
American Idol is SO FIRED FOR ME. It should be Randy, Paula and Simon. How cares about Gaycrest. Unless they bring Paula back - I refuse to watch this show!!
Won't watch w/out Paula...she was the heart.
Will not watch AI anymore! What they did to Paula was wrong!!!! Equal pay! Ryan making more than Paula? Hope women everywhere stand up and not watch! This shouldn't be still gonna on! EQUAL PAY! Bet they pay Randy what Ryan makes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have watched AI since the beginning, but NEVER AGAIN. What they did to Paula is disgusting. Goodbye AI.