Paula Abdul' pay fury

Friday, 7 August 2009

Paula Abdul reportedly asked for a $4 million rise to continue as an 'American Idol' judge.

The 47-year-old singer - who revealed she had left the show earlier this week - is believed to have dismissed an offer to return to the US TV talent show for $8 million, and was upset when her request for higher pay was turned down.

A source told Life and Style Weekly magazine: "Paula had demanded a raise from $8 million to $12 million to stay on as a judge on 'Idol'. And her management took a tough line with the show's bosses and refused to negotiate.

"Paula's managers issued a statement in July saying Paula hadn't been offered a deal at all, which only inflamed the situation. After that, the relations between both sides deteriorated to the point where Paula's management was slamming the phone down on 'Idol' staff."

It has been claimed Paula was unhappy because her fellow judge Simon Cowell and host Ryan Seacrest - who recently negotiated a three-year contract for the show which will see him pocket $15 million annually - are on large salaries.

The source added: "Paula has been having daily meltdowns over the negotiations and has been left feeling hurt and abandoned by her 'Idol' colleagues."

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed the show will continue with four judges, meaning a new person will join Simon, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi.

While a replacement for Paula is found, guest judges including Victoria Beckham and Katy Perry will stand in.

Fox chairman Peter Rice said: "There is going to be a search.

"We'll have these guest judges do one week each during the audition period, there is no thought right now any of these judges will be long term for us.

"All of the people we are talking to have successful careers. I don't even think they'd be available to judge full-time."