Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul Exits 'X Factor'

30 Jan 2012 23:48:08 EST

Fellow mentor Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones are also out; a source tells Deadline 'none of the three left on their own accord.'
By Kara Warner

For any "X Factor" fans who are thinking season two of the Simon Cowell-created singing competition will be business as usual, think again, because Monday (January 30) marked a veritable bloodletting of the show's key talent and judging panel.

In addition to the losses of mentor Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones, original "American Idol" diva and delightfully unpredictable judge Paula Abdul will also not be returning to the program. A source close to Cowell told Deadline.com that all three personalities were asked to leave the show.

"None of the three left on their own accord," Deadline editor Nikki Finke wrote of what her insider source told her of the mass exodus. "It was cleaning house day at the so-so rated show."

Despite their frequent onscreen bickering and banter, Cowell spoke highly of Abdul when it was announced that she would be joining him on "X Factor." "I missed her the second she left ['Idol']," Cowell told Deadline last year. "Always loved working with her even though she can be a pain. I don't know what it is about her, but I've always clicked with her. You just have to get that chemistry, and she's right. I've never found anyone better than her."

Former Pussycat Doll and "Dancing With the Stars" champ Scherzinger was also sent packing, although a source close to Scherzinger told E! News that she left the show to focus on her music career. "She's spoken to Simon [Cowell], and he's given her his blessing," the insider told E! Scherzinger often became emotional during elimination episodes, shedding tears and expressing sympathy for ousted contestants.

As for inaugural "X Factor" host Jones, the cheeky Welshman broke the news himself via Twitter on Monday. "I won't be hosting next seasons X Factor which is a shame but I cant complain as I've had a great time," Jones tweeted to his more than 94,000 followers. "Good luck to everyone on the show."

Jones had decidedly big shoes to fill stepping into the gig, with comparisons instantly made to "American Idol" host/ media mogul Ryan Seacrest. Throughout the season, the reviews of Jones' hosting skills were decidedly mixed.

As far as we know, L.A. Reid will continue to work alongside Cowell on the judging panel. There has been no word yet from Fox on who might replace Abdul, Scherzinger and Jones, or when season two will premiere.

Who do you think should join "X Factor"? Share your ideas in the comments!

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Paula Abdul's 'X Factor' Meltdown: The Full Story

11 Nov 2011 09:43:12 EST

Simon Cowell calls fellow judge 'very brave,' while Nicole Scherzinger says eliminating Stereo Hogzz 'broke my heart.'
By Jim Cantiello

America, why are you so mean to poor Paula Abdul?

On Thursday night's "X Factor" results show, the emotional judge and mentor was forced to eliminate one of her groups for the second week in a row thanks to her contestants landing in the bottom two of America's vote. A distraught Abdul brought the live show to a standstill as she refused to eliminate either of her groups, eventually choosing to send home girl group Lakoda Rayne. Ultimately, she was outvoted by the other three judges, who cut Atlanta-based R&B fivesome Stereo Hogzz instead.

At an afterparty at the swanky Pepsi House in the West Hollywood Hills, "The X Factor" team recalled how tense and uncomfortable the elimination was for all parties involved.

"Part of me didn't like it, part of me was loving every minute because if it was the other way around, she would have really gone for me," Simon Cowell snarked before getting serious and defending his old friend: "She loved [Stereo Hogzz,] and it was her big hope," he said, explaining why Abdul was extra emotional.

Host Steve Jones, who's caught flack in the press for being so strict with the judges, was beside himself over how it played out on television. "I feel terrible I was complicit in that meltdown," Jones told MTV News. "I was upset. I don't want to see Paula like that. I know she's a professional but I am too and my job is to get an answer from her. And if I can't get an answer, then she abstains, and I move on. That's the way that the show works.

"But I got like five producers screaming in my ear, 'Steve, we need an answer. OK, she's not gonna answer, move on. No, wait, she is gonna answer. Move back!' And chuck Simon Cowell into the mix going, 'Back off! Leave her alone.' Whoa, everybody's giving me major major abuse here from both inside my head and outside my head," Jones recalled through the haze of a head cold.

Despite having words with Jones on the air, Cowell praised the way the host handled the situation. "Steve was in a difficult position. He had to explain the rules, and I think once the rules were explained to us, I didn't even know [them], then she had to make the decision. I think [Paula] was very brave."

Judge Nicole Scherzinger added, "I was crying as well. I'm an artist first, not a judge. And I know what it feels like [to be rejected,] and I know how much it means to them, and it broke my heart. It broke my heart to send someone home."

Meanwhile, Abdul chalked up her category's rough start to producers not introducing groups in a way that endears them to viewers. "Our job is to really help America connect with [group members] individually as well as who they are as a group. It's a learning curve, first season."

Abdul was still upset at the afterparty, visibly wiping away tears after huddling with her remaining group, Lakoda Rayne, on the red carpet. But the Rayne girls insist they have no hard feelings towards their mentor, even though she had just cast a vote against them. "I could only imagine what Paula's going through emotionally," Lakoda's Hayley Orrantia said. "We can't blame her for what she said and had to do. We know that she does love us and support us, and we're here to win this for her."

Fellow judge L.A. Reid was also sympathetic to Abdul's sticky situation. "What was going through my mind is: 'I'm glad it wasn't me,' because Paula's put in so much time with these contestants. She really mentored them. She did not delegate responsibilities to others. She did the work, so it's tough for the second week for her talent to be at the bottom of the voting. I didn't want it to be me." When asked if he'll shed a tear if he lands two contestants in the bottom two, the music mogul responded with an eye roll: "Yeah, right."

The top 10 will battle it out Wednesday night when "The X Factor" takes on rock music, a theme Cowell spilled to MTV News. Good news for Abdul: She has only one group left, meaning another judge will definitely have a contestant up for elimination next week. Her "Sophie's Choice" days are over.

Sound off about the "X Factor" elimination in the comments below!

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'X Factor' Mentor Paula Abdul Fights For Her Groups

09 Nov 2011 17:26:35 EST

After an all-group bottom two last week, MTV News' Jim Cantiello says Abdul isn't taking any chances.
By Jim Cantiello

MTV News' own Jim Cantiello is exclusively covering "The X Factor" rehearsals. Read on for his fly-on-the-wall backstage report!

"X Factor" mentor Paula Abdul is determined to keep her remaining groups — the Stereo Hogzz and Lakoda Rayne — out of the bottom two come results time Thursday night. She's always hands-on with her contestants, whether TV cameras are around or not, but last week's all-group bottom two have made her even more passionate about her job.

This week in "X Factor" land, Abdul was everywhere you looked, from inside the house powwowing with choreographer Brian Friedman and vocal producer Claude Kelly to the middle of the studio's parking lot, where she had the crew erect a giant set piece so one of her groups could rehearse on it before they got thrown onstage.

Once it came time to rehearse inside the house, Paula huddled with her groups. Literally, they formed a huddle, like football players. Unlike the NFL, however, the quarterback was wearing showstopping stilettos, which made huddling all the more impressive. Breaking news: Paula Abdul has great balance!

During rehearsal, Abdul was up on her feet behind the judging table, rocking the choreo for her groups. If a camera caught her, she'd look like one of those overzealous pageant moms on "Toddlers & Tiaras," only way more fabulous. (Her stilettos deserve a second shout-out, you guys. They were that fierce!) Not only that, she can still really dance, straight up. And her enthusiasm for her acts is infectious.

But it's not only the groups that are jazzed for Wednesday night's (November 9) performance episode. I overheard one of the Over 30's telling a producer how all 11 remaining acts will look especially good this go-round. "We're all so comfortable with our song choices this week," the contestant gushed.

Meanwhile, the backup dancers are quickly becoming the hardest-working members of the "X Factor" team, and their multitasking skills have reached new heights. Exhibit A: Two shirtless male dancers were spotted outside the stage doors working on their suntans while also devouring a plate of craft service and going over some dance moves — at the same time!

Dancer skin is pretty common around the "X Factor" stage, actually. In between numbers, you can usually find dozens of backup dancers switching costumes right in front of everyone. (They're not getting buck naked, mind you. This isn't "XXX Factor.")

Other tidbits: One contestant had no trouble maneuvering stairs onstage but, hilariously, was confounded by a mic stand. (Turns out the sparkly prop looked great on camera but was faulty. A standard mic stand will suffice.)

Willow Smith will be popping in to make an appearance on "The X Factor" this week. All eyes are on whether she'll say hello to her dad's old double-decker trailer, which is parked directly outside the studio and houses none other than Simon Cowell. Rumor has it Cowell is angling for a new triple-decker trailer to one-up the Fresh Prince. Amazing.

Speaking of Simon, Nicole Scherzinger banned him from her Over 30's rehearsals. I imagine she doesn't want him taking credit for her contestants' success any more. Smart move, Nicole!

I have a sneaking suspicion Simon will get plenty of raves for his own contestants this week. After one girl finished a run-through, Simon leapt out of his chair to smother her with a bear hug.

Simon was so stoked, in fact, he even stayed around for L.A. Reid's boys' rehearsals and — dare I expose him — actually danced during one of L.A.'s contestants' upbeat numbers. Full disclosure: he does not move like Jagger, but he definitely has impressive rhythm.

The $5 million question: Will he boogie during Wednesday night's live show?

You can catch Jim on the "X Factor Pepsi Pre-Show," streaming at 7 p.m. ET tonight on TheXFactorUSA.com!

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'X Factor': Simon Cowell X's Out Xander Alexander

22 Sep 2011 22:52:36 EDT

But Melanie Amaro wins the judges over with a powerful Beyoncé cover.
By Adam Graham

If Wednesday night's "X Factor" premiere focused primarily on positive auditions and warm-and-fuzzy backstories, Thursday's (September 22) episode upended that formula by highlighting failed singers and auditions that went nowhere.

The episode began in Miami, where not even a pep talk from Gloria Estefan could rile up any good fortune for the masses. A parade of hapless singers marched before the judges, with some of their stories backed by the sort of cozy instrumental beds that usually foreshadow a pass from the judges, only to have them, in the end, not quite pass muster with Simon Cowell and his crew. It wasn't until halfway through the first hour when the first singer was given the thumbs up to go to the next round.

That contestant was 21-year-old Nick Voss, who sported a modified Vanilla Ice haircut and looked a bit like onetime "One Tree Hill" hunk Tyler Hilton. With a hip-swiveling version of Elvis Presley's "Trouble," he impressed L.A. Reid, got Simon Cowell to say he "loved" him and prompted Nicole Scherzinger to dub him "Jim Carrey meets Jerry Lee Lewis, with a sprinkle of Elvis." He earned a green light to the next round.

Following a quickie montage of singers who made it through — including girl group 2Squar'd, soprano Jeremiah Pagan and bearded music instructor Brendan O'Hara — viewers were introduced to Melanie Amaro, the evening's standout who stopped the room cold with her impassioned take on Beyoncé's "Listen." Amaro wasn't given a hard-luck backstory or presented as a singer making her last ditch effort to sing for her life; she was simply a solid performer with strong vocal chops who managed to knock out the judges with her voice. Said Reid: "You have the gift, you have the soul, you have the spirit, you have the swagger. You have the X factor." Paula Abdul said Amaro's vocals were like nothing she's ever heard "in any audition that I've ever been on," and Cowell went so far as to say singers like Amaro were the reason he brought "The X Factor" to the United States. And instantly, the competition's early front-runner was born.

The second hour came from the show's Dallas auditions, with more hopeless singers appearing before the judges. A good deal of time was spent on the story of Dexter Haygood, a 49-year-old entertainer who could give Wednesday contestant Siameze Floyd a run for his money in the would-be James Brown department. The discovery of Dallas was 21-year-old Caitlyn Koch, a rugby player in her off-time who reinvented the Supremes' "Stop! In the Name of Love" as a piano ballad, the first time we've seen a singer do a top-to-bottom makeover on a song so far. Koch was given four "yes" votes from the panel and lived to see another day.

Thursday's episode closed with a singer who called himself Xander Alexander, a sassy 27-year-old who claimed he wanted to be "the next Donald Trump meets Martha Stewart without the jail time, meets Britney Spears meets Beyoncé without the ugly husband." He has a way with words, we'll give him that, but ultimately his tongue got him in trouble with Cowell, who didn't appreciate his constant backtalk (at one point, he referred to Cowell as "Simone"). Alexander's segment looked like it was going to build toward a happy ending for the performer despite his toxic attitude, but the judges pulled the rug out from underneath him at the last minute by not sending him through and ending the episode on a down note. Maybe we don't know everything there is to know about this show yet after all.

What did you think of Thursday's episode of "The X Factor"? Let us know in the comments!

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Paula Abdul Officially Joins Simon Cowell on U.S. 'X Factor'

09 May 2011 09:29:35 EDT

Nicole Scherzinger, British TV personality Steve Jones announced as co-hosts of the show.
By Gil Kaufman

Everyone's favorite reality-TV couple are back together. After weeks of rumors and a reported 11th-hour contract signing that nearly derailed the first day of auditions, former "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul has officially taken her seat beside her ex-"Idol" sparring partner Simon Cowell on his upcoming U.S. version of "The X Factor."

Announced on Sunday evening, the addition of Abdul to the show completes the judging panel, which also includes former music executive Antonio "L.A." Reid and British singer and U.K. "X Factor" judge Cheryl Cole.

"This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can't believe I am saying this — I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she's on the show," said Cowell in a statement announcing the long-rumored news. According to reports, Cowell was prepared to pull the plug on Sunday's auditions when Abdul didn't sign her contract until just before taking the stage.

"I am excited beyond words to be a part of the 'X Factor.' I couldn't be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show," said Abdul in the announcement. "[I] know that it will be an extraordinary journey — we're going to have a blast. I'm also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again ... but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!"

Abdul was onstage on Sunday during the first round of auditions, which Entertainment Weekly reported featured a parade of not-great singers, as well as Reid taking a not-so-subtle dig at "Idol" judge Randy Jackson. He reportedly said, "To be clear, I'm not the Randy of the panel ... I don't say 'dawg,' but I do judge talent honestly ... I may not even agree with what you guys think ... I've had more success at it than you." Reid also apparently clashed with the audience later on, disagreeing with them about a 35-year-old female rapper/singer, whom the crowd loved though he voted voted no for, leading to loud boos for his harsh judgment and a second chance for her due to the audience's demands.

Open auditions for the show will continue in Dallas on May 26. Unlike other reality singing competitions, contestants on "X Factor" sing in front of an audience of thousands as well as the four judges in their first audition.

Though Cowell told the audience that they would serve as the "fifth judge" and be relied on to help decide who will get the $5 million grand prize, The Hollywood Reporter said the crowd apparently was taking that advice too far and had to be asked by producers to boo the singers less as a way to "temper negativity on the show."

The program also revealed its co-hosts over the weekend, former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger and British TV personality Steve Jones. Though her solo singing career has struggled to take off, Scherzinger has found success as a guest judge on the U.K. version of "The X Factor."

Virtually unknown to American audiences, Jones is a popular former male model and host of a variety of British TV series, including the children's variety program "T4" and the "Guinness World Records Smashed!" special, as well as upcoming shows "Drop Zone," "Wedding Crashers" and "101 Ways to Leave a Gameshow."

The self-deprecating host made light of his anonymity in America, joking, "You're probably wondering, who the hell is this douche?" while taking the stage for Sunday's Los Angeles auditions, according to reports. "I just moved here two days ago."

"These two are going to be great together," said Cowell. "I have always wanted Steve to work with us; I think he is a real star. Nicole is fantastic. I loved working with her on the U.K. 'X Factor' last year. She is gorgeous and super-talented."

Scherzinger, too, said she was excited to be on the Stateside version of the program, which is slated to launch in the fall. "I am thrilled to be asked by Simon Cowell to host 'The X Factor'," said the singer, who also is a one-time "Dancing With the Stars" winner. "I loved working alongside Simon on the U.K. show, and cannot wait to see what he has in store for the U.S. I'm so excited to work with Steve Jones and help discover astounding talent from across the country!"

How do you feel about Paula Abdul joining "The X Factor" and the newly announced co-hosts for the show? Share your opinions in the comments.

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Paula Abdul And Cheryl Cole To Judge 'X Factor,' Simon Cowell Says

25 Apr 2011 09:28:46 EDT

Pair would join L.A. Reid on judging panel of singing competition.
By Gil Kaufman

The hype machine for Simon Cowell's upcoming U.S. edition of "The X Factor" has really begun to crank up. But with the exception of announcing that former Island Def Jam chairman L.A. Reid had quit his label gig to join the judging panel of the fall reality singing show, we've heard nothing but rumors about who will fill in the other two chairs next to Cowell and Reid.

But in an exclusive interview with Deadline Hollywood, Cowell finally tipped his hand about the laborious process of finding the perfect panel. And wouldn't you know it, he's bringing Paula back: After both took leave of "American Idol," Cowell and good pal Paula Abdul could be reunited on "X Factor." (More on that later.)

But it's the fourth choice that may elicit some head-scratching from American fans: Cheryl Cole. Though a major star in England, singer Cole is a virtual unknown in the U.S. (Cowell said negotiations for Abdul's deal haven't started yet and Cole's contract hasn't been completed.) An insider told the site that Cole is "pretty much a shoo-in" for the show and that a formal announcement should come within a week.

Fashionista Cole, a former member of the female pop group Girls Aloud, has been a popular judge on the British version of "X Factor" for three seasons, during which she's been a staple of British tabloids thanks to her messy marriage and divorce from former soccer player Ashley Cole.

"I never think about it as an American or British audience," Cowell said in support of Cole. "I genuinely don't. I think that's what's happened on a lot of these shows now is it's almost like you've got to hire well-known celebrities to be a judge. And with Cheryl, when I hired her initially, I'd only met her literally once when I offered her the job on [British] 'X Factor.' I thought she was bright, cute, knew what she was talking about, ambitious. And you meet someone special a few times in your life. And this girl is special. She's just got a great ability to communicate. She's a great judge. She's smart. It's just a hunch. If people take to her like the British public did, I think she's going to do really well in America. And Fox was desperate to hire her."

He also said that he was very interested in reuniting with Abdul, with whom he had legendary on-screen chemistry on "Idol." "I've always wanted Paula. Always been very vocal about that," he said. "I missed her the second she left the show. Always loved working with her even though she can be a pain. And I've been consistent about this. I don't know what it is about her, but I've always clicked with her. You just have to get that chemistry, and she's right. I've never found anyone better than her."

Cowell blanched at the rumors of the celebrities who have reportedly turned him down for the show. "I keep reading about all these people we've approached and have turned us down for the show," he said. He shot down a number of rumors about stars who were reportedly in consideration: Snoop Dogg (Cowell says he never spoke to him about the show), Cee Lo Green (met with him, but talks cooled when he accepted spot on "The Voice"), Jennifer Lopez (talks broke off after she took the "Idol" job), Diddy (never approached because of his reported insistence on owning a part of the show), Gloria Estefan (showed up at Miami "X Factor" auditions, but never in discussions), Mariah Carey (unavailable because of pending birth of her twins).

In a strange turn of events, Cowell's own rep denied the very things the "X Factor" boss said in the Deadline interview in a subsequent talk with The Hollywood Reporter. "It's still playing out," the unnamed rep told the entertainment business magazine. "Nothing is set, and Paula is one of many people Simon is talking to. He's said the same thing many times, including on the radio last week. There's nothing new."

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Paula Abdul's 'Live To Dance' Premiere Showcases Multiple Generations

05 Jan 2011 08:53:10 EST

Kids and seniors steal the show, as new CBS talent competition kicks off.
By Kara Warner

Nearly a year and a half since she left her post on the "American Idol" judges' panel, Paula Abdul returned to television on Tuesday night with her reality dance competition, "Live to Dance." The choreographer-turned-pop-star was joined by former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt and longtime Michael Jackson choreographer Travis Payne on the new panel for the CBS show that takes from the playbook of other talent competitions like "Idol," "America's Got Talent" and "So You Think You Can Dance."

"Live to Dance" begins with a large pool of contestants competing for a $500,000 prize. They are to be narrowed down by the judges and then voted on by the American public. There is also a plucky Australian host, Andrew Gunsberg, who seems to be channeling a mix of "SYTYCD" host Cat Deeley and "Idol" superstar Ryan Seacrest.

Tuesday's two-hour premiere kicked off with audition rounds in Los Angeles and New York, where the judges watched hopefuls of all ages, shapes and sizes. Abdul said she's looking for the best new dance act in America — specifically bold, daring dancers who are "willing to break barriers."

Whether any barriers were broken is yet to be determined. In order for a dancer or group to move past the audition round into the semi-finals, they had to receive two out of three stars from the illustrious panel. If an act was especially convincing or received support from the audience after receiving only one of three stars, the judges had the option of changing their initial judgment in order to move that act through to the next round.

Highlights included the first contestant of the evening, 9-year-old hip-hop dancer Jalen, whose energetic performance wowed the judges and made his dad cry.

"You have so much joy that comes out of that face of yours," Abdul told the little dancer. "I just want to squeeze it!"

Other memorable acts were senior dancers Bev, 83, and Hap, 68, who surprised the audience with a funk/jazz routine and celebrated their three gold stars from the judges by doing victory pushups right on the stage.

The last acts from the Los Angeles round that stood out were young contemporary partners Jill and Jacob, who sweetly danced around the issue of whether they were romantically linked or not. Paula Abdul superfan Stone wasn't the most talented contestant, but because he performed his "dance" to Abdul's hit "Forever Your Girl," he won the audience (and Abdul) over. Though he didn't make it, he received a hug from his idol, who told the audience that "Forever Your Girl" was a song that can only belong to one person, her father (who was shown beaming up at his daughter from the audience).

And then it was time for the New York auditions. Highlights from the Big Apple included another senior, Bonnie Buchner, a 90-year-old woman who tapped her way into the audience's heart, but not into the semi-finals. Abdul did call Buchner a "precious gift," though.

Other stand-outs were a troupe of kids dressed as creepy zombies dancing in and around a mausoleum, a contortionist who looked like he popped joints and bones out of place, a group called "Twitch" that featured a bunch of girls and one guy (Abdul told them they inspired her), and the closing act of the evening, a very young ballroom dance pair (they looked to be no more than 8 or 9 years old, if that), D'Angelo and Amanda, who admitted to "maybe" being boyfriend and girlfriend.

There were definitely memorable performances, but two hours seemed a bit lengthy. We'll have to wait and see how they continue or change the format in later episodes. And the host, if he is indeed the host, could use more to do than just chatting with contestants backstage and occasionally attempting to engage the audience.

"Idol" fans who were hoping for some signature kooky Abdul moments were probably mildly disappointed that her comments were more of the sweet-and-heartfelt variety ("You are a bright ray of sunshine!") than filled with loopy non sequiturs. But the show is young!

What did you think of Paula Abdul's "Live to Dance"? Share your reviews in the comments!

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Paula Abdul's New Dance Show to Face Off Against 'American Idol'

28 Oct 2010 15:48:16 EDT

'Live to Dance' will kick off week before 'Idol' returns in January.
By Gil Kaufman

So much for "Forever Your Girl." A year after leaving "American Idol," former judge Paula Abdul is plotting her return to prime time in the dance competition "Live to Dance."

And wouldn't you know it? Abdul's new CBS show will air opposite "Idol"! According to Variety, Abdul's program will launch with a two-hour special on January 4 and then move to its regular one-hour Wednesday night slot on January 5 at 8 p.m.

Though Fox has not yet announced the launch date for season 10 of "Idol," if the show re-boots as it typically does in the second week of January, there could be a face-off between the two shows beginning on the night of January 12. Fox has tentatively scheduled the weekly results show for "Idol" on Wednesdays at 8:30, so if both schedules hold, Abdul's show would have a half-hour jump on the competition on results night.

On "Live to Dance," Abdul will not only be a judge, but also serve as mentor and executive producer running contestants through their paces as they compete for a $500,000 prize.

Abdul, who is also rumored to be in the running to join another "Idol" alum, ex-lead judge Simon Cowell, on the American version of his hit British singing reality show, "The X Factor," recently spoke to Entertainment Weekly about her expectations for "Live."

"This show is unlike any other show if its kind," she said. "It's open to everyone who lives in that glorious place of passion and unique ability. And you're not too young and you're not too old, and because we've opened it up like that to all demographics and styles and genres of dance it just automatically brings the most good-willed and passionate people you've ever seen." Abdul will be joined by Michael Jackson/ Lady Gaga choreographer Travis Payne and former Pussycat Dolls dancer Kimberly Wyatt.

Are you excited to see Paula Abdul's new dance show? Tell us in the comments!

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Nigel Lythgoe Wants Paula Abdul Back On 'American Idol'

05 Aug 2010 09:19:59 EDT

Producer talks about his plans to refresh the show in season 10.
By Gil Kaufman

We still don't have an update on the judging panel that will greet contestants for the upcoming 10th season of "American Idol." But now that former executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has confirmed that he's returning to the show, the witty Brit and "So You Think You Can Dance" judge has hinted about some of the changes he wants to make.

One of his first ideas is to bring back one of the show's most beloved judges: Paula Abdul. Lythgoe told Daily Variety that despite her commitment to headline a new dancing show on CBS, he'd love to get Abdul back in the "Idol" fold. "I still love Paula," he said. "She's signed to CBS, probably exclusively, but I'd recommend we have her in a heartbeat."

Lythgoe would not discuss the rumored imminent deals to bring in Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler as replacements for Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell, but Variety reported that he gave a "thumbs up" to both. "They can knock her film career, but (audiences) know she's a good actress," he said of Lopez, who has struggled at the box office of late with a string of duds. "And as J-Lo, she has had some great pop records. If she joins, I'm happy."

And despite some recent issues that landed him back in rehab after decades of sobriety, a nasty near split with his longtime band and some erratic behavior, Lythgoe said he likes Tyler for his unpredictable nature. "He has come through that whole rock 'n' roll circus," Lythgoe said of the wiry 62-year-old rock icon. "Why wouldn't you want a legend there? You never know what he's going to say. That, as a TV producer, you're interested in."

Lythgoe shot down rumors that he might seat himself at the judges' panel, but seemed to secure lone original judge Randy Jackson's place at the table, referring to the producer and former Journey bassist as a "barnacle." He did not address rumors that two-season judge songwriter Kara DioGuardi might be on her way out. Spokespeople for Lopez, DioGuardi and Tyler have not returned requests for comment.

Once known as "Nasty Nigel" for his sharp barbs on the U.K. shows "Pop Idol" and "Pop Stars," Lythgoe said the reason "Idol" was criticized last year was because the judging panel simply didn't gel. "It's not because I disliked any of them, but the chemistry wasn't there," he said. "It almost felt like Simon Cowell turned his back on Ellen. It felt uncomfortable."

He would also like to see a renewed focus on the singers rather than the revolving door on the judge's panel. "Where did Ne-Yo or Chris Brown come from?" he asked. "Where did Justin Bieber come from? Where are these kids. That has got to be the priority, more than anything. More than the judges' panel." Referring to his tweaks as "spring cleaning" rather than a face-lift, Lythgoe also suggested he'd like to pare back the reliance on the telling and re-telling of contestants' backstories.

Though he won't be sitting behind the table, the music man with the Midas touch, Interscope head Jimmy Iovine (Eminem, U2, Dr. Dre), will have what the Los Angeles Times described as a "significant" role in the show next season as well. Quoting unnamed sources close to the situation, the paper reported that Iovine is unlikely to be a judge, but could serve as "mentor of sorts."

The news comes as "Idol" prepares to switch its record deal from a longtime pact with Sony Music to the Universal Music Group — Iovine is chairman of Universal's Interscope Geffen A&M label. Iovine's long tenure at Interscope and impressive track record could help bolster a judging panel that will be missing Simon Cowell's music business experience.

Lythgoe isn't the only one talking "Idol" these days. Fox boss Rupert Murdoch spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about his network's crown jewel and promised that the show would be better next season.

"All I can assure you is that next year's 'Idol' will be different," Murdoch said. "It will be better, the music will certainly be better. And we got great expectations for it." As for the eagerly anticipated announcement of the new judging panel, Murdoch was mum, promising only that, "We are very close to announcing who the judges will be. ... There are very active negotiations with a number of people."

Do you want to see Paula back as an "Idol" judge? Tell us in the comments!

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul Returns To TV With 'Got To Dance'

24 May 2010 09:43:20 EDT

The former 'American Idol' judge will be lead judge on CBS dance show.
By Gil Kaufman

Paula Abdul said she'd be back in the judge's chair. Well, a judge's chair, anyway. A year after walking away from "American Idol," the former Laker Girl and choreographer to the stars will be returning to TV on the new reality dance show "Got to Dance."

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Abdul will be the lead judge, executive producer, creative partner, mentor and coach on the CBS show that is based on an already popular British dance competition.

The network gave a green light to the show in March, and Abdul was long rumored to be one of the top choices for lead judge, in addition to having a number of behind-the-scenes and on-air responsibilities on the show. The program is likely to be a mid-season replacement, which could mean that Abdul will go head-to-head with "Idol" in 2011, which will be in its first season without Abdul's former on-air sparring partner, Simon Cowell. Cowell is departing after Wednesday's season-nine finale to concentrate on the 2011 launch of the American version of his hit British reality singing show, "The X Factor."

Abdul was also long rumored to be in the running to join "X Factor," but appears to have opted instead to headline her own program, which is being billed as broadcast TV's first all-ages, all-genre dance series, presenting everything from "ballroom to breakdance, bhangra to ballet and tap to tango." The acts will compete before a panel of judges, and viewers will vote for their favorites during the semifinals and finals.

Abdul will be wading into a fiercely competitive market, with ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" already a ratings juggernaut, followed by the popular "So You Think You Can Dance" on her old network, Fox. There are also dancers on NBC's "America's Got Talent," MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" and a variety of other shows on basic cable networks, including two upcoming CW shows called "One Mass Dance" (about flash-mob-style routines) and "Shed to Wed" (a pre-wedding weight-loss dance-off).

Is there space for another dancing show on your viewing schedule? Did Paula make the right choice? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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