Smallscreen News

Paula Abdul without a contract for 'Idol' still

By April MacIntyre Jul 18, 2009, 19:53 GMT

Paula Abdul - "Very sadly, it does not appear that she\'s going to be back on \'Idol,\' " David Sonenberg, Abdul\'s manager, told The Los Angeles Times. © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

Paula Abdul's team has let the Los Angeles Times know that the petite judge is not confirmed to join Simon Cowell and company on the next season of FOX's hit reality franchise.

"Very sadly, it does not appear that she's going to be back on 'Idol,' " David Sonenberg, Abdul's manager, told The Los Angeles Times.

Time is upon show producers FremnantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, as auditions for season eight are coming up in August.

The new season will premiere in January.

"I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful," he to the Times of the contract holdup. "I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven't stepped up and said what they want to do."

Neither producers nor FOX has made any comment regarding Abdul's negotiations.

Idol host Ryan Seacrest recently inked a deal for $45 million that will keep him on the job for at least the next three years.

Simon Cowell's contract is rumored to be upwards of $144 million, and judge Randy Jackson's contract deal is sealed; he is booked through 2011.

Also unknown is what fourth judge and recent newlywed Kara DioGuardi will make if she returns.

"She's not a happy camper as a result of what's going on. She's hurt. She's angry," Sonenberg relayed to the Times. "I think at this point we're going to be considering everything, including some kind of a competition show. She has tremendous ideas for a whole variety of shows."