12/10/2008

Michael Pascua

The real question: Can Paula Abdul survive without Idol?

There have been rumors of Paula Abdul dropping out of *American Idol*. At the moment, she is stuck in her contract for at least one more season. She's been hampered with the death of an alleged stalker recently. There are also rumors that Abdul hasn't slept in her house since the incident. This turn of events have disrupted Abdul, giving her the idea of quitting the show.  
  
If the rumors are true that the production actually let Abdul's stalker audition in front of the judges, clearly they know how to stir up drama. They knew that they may have unleashed a Pandora's box by bringing her stalker through the cattle calls. It's not like every person who tries out could get through the stadiums filled with hopefuls.  
  
Abdul's show on Bravo, *Hey Paula*, stirred up a lot of questionable press for the singer. Even if Abdul complained about the editing, she can't question the fact that these events were taped. Paula Abdul gives a negative impact on any show that she is on based on her quality.  
  
There was always an incentive for viewers when Paula would have some breakdown or make some unhelpful criticism. Last year's multiple critique of Jason Castro when he only performed one song made Paula look insane and made it look like *Idol* was not as live as they say. These outbursts can become water cooler talk for the show and thus a motivator to watch the show.  
  
When did the death of a stalker become disturbing for a celebrity? Wouldn't it be a good thing for a celebrity *not* to have a stalker? I understand that there may be some emotional connection immediately afterwards, but there should be no real connection between the two. Paula should feel better that there isn't anyone hovering around her house. The real irony is the fact that Paula made her house Feng Shui friendly. I guess bad energy was hovering around the outside of her house.  
  
Paula Abdul makes press. It's questionable whether it is good press or bad press. The fact that Abdul's stalker died near the beginning of *American Idol* brings the show back after a year past the battle of the Davids. With Kara DioGuardi joining the judging panel, there needs to be a useless judge that doesn't give constructive criticism and Paula Abdul is the one.