IS Paula Abdul serious?
Over the weekend, the sometimes unpredictable “American Idol” judge’s manager said that it was becoming increasingly unlikely that she would return to the show.
“Very sadly, it does not appear that she’s going to be back,” the manager, David Sonenberg, told the LA Times.
Negotiations have been underway since last season to re-sign Paula, who’s $5-million-a-year deal ends next month.
But speculation is high that the shocking statement is the latest negotiating ploy in the protracted talks.
Sonenberg has been representing Paula only since last month and may have wanted merely to stir up public sympathy for Paula.
It seems to have worked too. “KeepPaula” was the No. 1 topic on Twitter over the weekend, according to trend reports.
“Idol” producers declined to respond over the weekend.
Ryan Seacrest just signed a deal that tripled his $5-million annual salary to $15 million.