Money Matters, Simplified.
Paula out, Ellen in, Simon unsure; American Idol is back
by Samia Sehgal - January 10, 2010 - comments
Simon Cowell is trying to down-play all the speculations regarding his exit from 'American Idol' to focus on the present season
Los Angeles, CA, January 8 -- As the hit talent-hunt show returns with its ninth season, the audience will be greeted with a new face on the judging panel--Ellen DeGeneres. Paula Abdul is out for sure though.
Paula Abdul made her exit from the show following reports of her dissatisfaction regarding the amount of money being offered. She has been replaced by famous TV personality Ellen DeGeneres.
Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson will both return as judges, and so will Simon Cowell.
Ellen DeGeneres uneasy over reports of Cowell’s exit
However, recently there were reports of Cowell’s plans to depart from the show as soon as his contract expires.
Simon’s brother, Tony Cowell, revealed last month that his brother planned to leave the judge’s seat on American Idol at the end of 2010 “to concentrate on bringing the American version of 'The X Factor' to US TV in 2011”.
Now, Cowell’s loud criticism for American Idol contestants has, for years, been one major draw for the viewers. And the news of his departure left many, including Ellen DeGeneres, uneasy.
In a strange turn of events, DeGeneres plunged into the negotiations between ‘Idol’ producers and Simon Cowell and threatened to leave the show herself if Simon was not kept.
“If Simon goes, I go!” Ellen told Entertainment Weekly. “I will not be there without Simon.”
Concentrate on the current season
However, Cowell is trying to down-play all the speculations regarding his exit from the show to focus on the present season. “I think right now we have to concentrate on the next season and just get through that and worry about everything else afterwards,” he says.
Echoing his tone, fellow-judge Randy Jackson has also stressed the need to concentrate on the current season, while excusing himself of any knowledge regarding Cowell’s status on the show.
“I really don't know until I hear it from him,” said Jackson. “The rumors get so wild and crazy; you just don't know what to believe.”
Whatsoever might be the case, “it is pretty much a distraction,” Jackson added. “Let's focus on what we are judging... finding that next superstar talent.”
Since its commencement in 2002, ‘American Idol’ has enjoyed massive success in U.S. Television. Ratings, in the recent past, have seen a downfall but it remains among the most-watched shows in America.