IUC Exclusive: Paula Almost Got Boot

After Paula Abdul was the target of enough groaners the past couple of seasons to last a lifetime the producers of American Idol finally came to their senses. Although they moved as quickly as a wounded caterpillar it was the show’s creator Simon Fuller who decided enough was enough. In fact, the executives at Idol voted unanimously to boot Paula completely off the show but were vetoed at the last second by Idol judges Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell. According to a source on the show, Abdul’s fellow judges insisted “if she goes we go”. Fuller succumbed, with the understanding that another woman be put on the judges panel – hence standout producer Kara Dioguardi. Obviously, this will be Abdul’s eighth and final season. She’s already shown her dismay, saying “I am concerned about the audience and acceptance. Time will tell. We’ll see. That’s gonna be weird if it’s a split decision. I’m sure Simon will get to make the final call. It takes the fun out of all the hard work I do to push those kids through.”