leighdu

As a big American Idol fan, I sort of suspected that Paula Abdul would not be back for the next season, but I was not expecting to resign via Twitter! That was a bit strange, but then again this is Paula we are talking about.

That having been said, and knowing that AI likes the four judge format they introduced last season, who do you think will take Paula's seat?

bicker

Personally, I'd be happy enough with just the three judges and then perhaps some guest-fourth every so often.

Jay

Hopefully someone who can disagree with Simon and stir it up a bit. or a guest musician/artist.

bicker

Remarkably, Kara and Simon don't disagree much, but I think Kara would, if Simon was actually wrong.

Jay

lol, which he rarely is, but it's his nastiness that got to Kara a couple of times this past year. Now that we're talking about it, I'm really interested to see how the show's dynamic changes this next season. With the first few episodes, I think ratings will be even higher for the "what's it going to be like" factor.

bicker

Good point on both accounts: And I think that's really what Simon needs: Not someone who disagrees with him and is cluelessly misguided, but rather someone who agrees with him but objects to what he says because he's not nice about it. He needs a humanizer.

Aaron62

Victoria Beckham has been rumored to have tried out on American Idol, so it looks like they're going to keep the formula of moron+moron+genius.

As it turns out, looks like Paula's dispute on the show was over money, Paula wanted more money than the 5 mill they offered. It was probably especially offensive to her after Ryan Seacrest was offered 45 mill over 3 years. For the amount of effort she put into the show, she should have taken the 4 mill.

leighdu

According to TV Guide, though, the show will keep its current four-judge setup; apparently Kara's addition helped boost this season's ratings significantly.

flojever

Paula will not be returning for the 9th season of American Idol. Reports say that Victoria Beckham may replace her. Apparently, Posh Spice will start shooting for the new series and has agreed to appear in at least two episodes.

bicker

Katy Perry has also been mentioned as filling that role for at least one of the audition cities. Sounds like they'll be rotating the spot among several female industry peeps.