Idol Chatter: For Paula and 'Idol,' There's Apparently No Tomorrow

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A FEW WEEKS AGO, a person who knew I blogged about "American Idol" asked whether I thought Paula Abdul would leave the show. The question came after her manager told a few interviewers that he thought her "Idol" days might be done.

Pish posh, I thought (channeling Simon Cowell, apparently — who also said he wanted Paula to stay on). "No way," I said assuredly. "It's just a contract negotiating technique. She's playing hardball. She'll be stumbling over her words on national TV again in no time."

I hate it when I'm wrong.

The news leaked out late Tuesday evening via this series of posts on Paula's Twitter feed, presented here punctuated like poetry:

With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to #IDOL. I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all..Cont'd... /

I'll miss nurturing all the new talent,but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day1become an international phenomenon. /

What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me /

It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month /

I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all

If it's all true, then this is a sad day for those who've enjoyed "Idol" as it was: a show showcasing a bunch of kids with dreams, who were introduced by the loud guy and judged by the hip guy, the mean guy and the indecipherable nice lady. With a new lady armed with catch phrases thrown in near the end.

Without Paula, "Idol" loses a key portion of the dynamic that defined its personality. Paula was, at first, the recognizable name that gave the show a much-needed boost of initial interest. As the show matured, her fiesty/friendly relationship with Simon became one of the go-to pillars of the program. An easy diversion for the audience if the action on stage got boring. Simon can still fight with Seacrest, sure — or Kara, I guess — but it just won't pack the same punch.

And if the judging panel shrinks back to a trio — Simon, Kara and Randy — who'll be the nice one? Please don't let it be Simon. His weird Cheshire Cat grin on "Britain's Got Talent" — it's rarely seen on "Idol" — gives me the heebie jeebies.

It's possible that Paula's departure could be the moment when "Idol" jumps the shark, when it loses a crucial stabilizing element and drifts off into a series of quips about artistry, awfulness and pitchiness.

But maybe — just maybe — it's possible that a forced shake-up could be what the show needs to rejuvenate itself. Perhaps the formula can re-invent itself. Maybe it can be even stronger.

In any case, here's to you, Ms. Abdul. Thanks for spreading a little sunshine our way for eight years. May your future be bright and the contents of your Coke cup remain questionable, but undefined.

» WHAT DO YOU THINK? Will Paula's departure be good or bad for "Idol"? Let me know what you think in the comments section below.

MORE "IDOL" GOODNESS:
» As Seen on TV: American Idols Live comes to D.C. (8/5/09)
» Our favorite "American Idol" also-rans (8/4/09)
» Golden Idol: An interview with Kris Allen (8/3/09)
» Idol Chatter: News and recaps from the previous "Idol" season

Photo courtesy Fox