The former “American Idol” judge, who was recently fired from her judging gig on “X Factor” along with fellow female judge Nicole Scherzinger, is reportedly not okay with her dismissal. A source tells RadarOnline.com:

“Paula loved doing the show and was blindsided by the news… Everyone is afraid this is going to send her into a deep depression and cause her to revisit some of her old destructive behavior.”

But the sad thing was, Simon didn’t even do Paula the courtesy of telling her the news himself. The insider continues:

“It was actually Simon’s lawyer who phoned her two days ago to tell her they made the decision to axe her, and although part of her expected the news, she was shocked.”

The source adds:

“Paula phoned Simon [Cowell] to ask him if the rumors were true, and he admitted that the powers that be at Fox didn’t think she was ‘edgy’ enough to be brought back, but that he was working on trying to convince them to keep her on. And he told her if by some twist of fate he couldn’t save her job, he would line something else up for her soon.”

Paula is reportedly distraught about the whole thing, despite her claims that she’s “OK” with getting the axe from “X Factor.”

“She loved doing the show and never thought Simon would let her go…again…this makes twice that he’s booted her from the judging chair – once on Idol and now X Factor – and she says she doesn’t know if she can trust him again even if he does come up with another project for her.”

The insider continues:

“Simon is doing his best to blame the firings on Fox – but like Paula says, ‘Studio Execs obviously have a lot to say about what happens on their shows, but come on, I find it hard to believe anyone is going to tell Simon Cowell what to do.’”

We do too. We can’t imagine Simon taking orders from anyone… can you?

Ouch!

Paula and Nicole, who sat on the “X Factor” judging panel with Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid, will no longer be returning to the second season of the show.

Nicole’s departure doesn’t come as a surprise after her judging “mishap” with axed contestant Rachel Crow, for which she received death threats from overzealous Crow fans. Paula, however, is another story… especially since she’s very popular and was personally recruited by “X Factor” creator and executive producer Simon Cowell.

And it wasn’t just the two female judges who found themselves out of a job … “X Factor” host Steve Jones was also fired from the show.

Deadline reports:

“…none of the three left on their own accord… it was cleaning house day at the so-so rated reality series.”

No word yet on who will replace Paula, Nicole or Steve for the second season of “X Factor.”

Photos By PR Photos

When Paula Abdul walked the red carpet at the premiere of “The X Factor” in September, she wore a sparkly sequined cocktail dress that was colorful and attention-grabbing, but fab.

This time, she walked the red carpet in an outfit that could have damaged the retinas of everyone present with its vibrant colors and shiny, light-reflecting fabrics. Her look consisted of a cleavage-baring hot pink top with long sleeves, a bright red high-waist skirt with a slit in front and a long, dramatic train in the back, and attention-grabbing turquoise peep-toe pumps.

To top it all off, Paula accessorized with gigantic crystal chandelier earrings.

While the outfit was all wrong from head to toe, Paula’s hair and makeup was perfect. Her half-up, half-down hairstyle was appropriate and her makeup was flawless (although we don’t really like the over-the-top falsies).

Sorry, Paula. We hate to say it, but this outfit was completely tacky.

Better luck next time.

Photos By PR Photos

Before parting with his pants, “X Factor” hopeful Geo Godley said to the judges:

“To win this competition I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

And the man stayed true to his word. Although, to be perfectly honest, dropping his pants in front of the judges was the last thing he should have done if he really wanted to win.

Geo was in the middle of singing a song entitled “I’m a Stud”—a song he wrote himself—when he decided to drop his trousers and expose himself to everyone.

Upon seeing the disgusting display, the audience (which included little kids) began screaming and covering their faces. As for the judges, the two men sat in horrified silence, Nicole Scherzinger shrieked, and a disgusted Paula rushed backstage and almost vomited.

After Paula’s exit, Geo immediately stopped singing. Simon Cowell said:

“What the bloody hell was that?!”

Antonio “L.A.” Reid added:

“That was offensive, disgusting, distasteful, upsetting…get him out of the building please!”

Gross.

Do you think it was scripted?

image via video screen grabs

Get ready to be seriously dazzled.

Paula, who is a judge on “X-Factor” alongside Simon Cowell, graced the red carpet in a long-sleeved Balmain dress with blue, silver and gold sequin stripes. She completed the outfit with gold chandelier earrings, a gold chain necklace, and an electric blue YSL clutch.

But wait—here’s the part that we truly, truly love about Paula’s red carpet look: those to-die-for heels! The former “American Idol” judge upped the sparkle factor with gold peep-toe Ruthie Davis pumps that were covered in gold glitter, rhinestones and spikes.

Honestly, Paula looked great. The dress was fun and youthful (although those shoulder pads look a little weird), the clutch is perfect, and the shoes… don’t get us started.

Now, here’s the thing… there’s already too much sparkle and glitter all over the outfit, so accessorizing with equally sparkly jewelry would just be overdoing it—and that’s exactly what Paula did. If only she had left the bling at home, this look would be perfect.

What do you think of Paula’s sparkly outfit?

images via WENN

She inhaled six in one seating and says she ended up hallucinating. In one of the more entertaining Hollywood gossip news, DioGuardi said:

“There were these, little nuggets, little, you know, take six, not a lot. Six hours later I was like, ‘heeeey, what’s going on?’” DioGuardi remembered. “I fell out of bed, on the floor, I stumbled downstairs and I was like, ‘I ate too much.’ And the ambulance comes and is like, ‘this b*tch is as high as a kite.’”

Abdul had her maid remove the brownies when she heard DioGuardi spent three days in the hospital. While she claims the baked goods weren’t hers (suuuure), doesn’t this explain Abdul’s years of wacky, wacky behavior?

Photos: WENN

Sources close to the show reveal the reason behind Cheryl’s dismissal: her thick British accent. Producers were concerned that her accent might be a hindrance in her effectivity as a judge, since the show will be catering to an American audience.

Additional reports reveal that there was another issue behind the removal—the “lack of chemistry” between Cheryl and fellow ‘X-Factor’ judge Paula Abdul. And since Cheryl was more expendable, she was the one who was dropped.

Producers want Cheryl to return to the UK version of ‘X-Factor’, but sources tell TMZ that Cheryl was pretty miffed about the whole thing and didn’t like how the situation was handled, so she may sever ties with the show completely.

Will you still watch ‘X-Factor’ with Cheryl gone?

image via WENN

Paula, who left ‘American Idol’ to start her own show, ‘Live to Dance’ (which was a flop), was Simon’s first choice for his show. She signed the contracts last Saturday, making her an official part of ‘X-Factor’, which will be airing in September.

Rounding out the judging panel is singer Cheryl Cole and record mogul L.A. Reid.

Don’t you kind of wish that Randy was there, too?

images via WENN

Cowell told Deadline.com all about how he’s been assembling his judge’s panel.

“First of all, it’s like casting a dinner party. You’ve got to have people on the panel you get on well with.” Cowell has made it clear that he has finally decided on his judging panel.

Hallelujah!

His number one choice is to bring back Paula Abdul! Cowell wants to bring back his old American Idol co-star to sit alongside him and the confirmed judge; Antonio “L.A.” Reid. Cowell also wants Cheryl Cole to be one of the judges. Cole is one of the judges on the British Version of The X Factor.

Didn’t we figure this one out a long time ago?

It’s not yet a done deal as negotiations have yet to be completed.

Simon said, “I’ve always wanted Paula. Always been very vocal about that. I missed her the second she left the show. Always loved working with her even though she can be a pain. And I’ve been consistent about this. I don’t know what it is about her, but I’ve always clicked with her. You just have to get that chemistry, and she’s right. I’ve never found anyone better than her. I think there’s a good chance it will be her. We’ve agreed that we would meet as many people as possible, and now we’re reaching the deadline we’ve got to make the decision soon. But I think she’s got a really good shot.”

I think as long as Simon wants.. It’s pretty much a done deal. Do you think Paula and Cheryl are great choices? I missed Paula, the minute she left Idol too. Would love to see Paula as a judge on the new show, wouldn’t you?

images via WENN

Simon and Paula worked together a lot, so he would know if she was good or not. Jessica could be a wild card, but supposedly she is a strong contender.

Cowell said that George Michael, Nicole Scherzinger, Mariah Carey and Paula Abdul are possibilities, but that Christina Aguilera and Katy Perry are not. He also said that Elton John is absolutely not in the running “He’s so grumpy nowadays.

Ha! Simon calling someone else grumpy is too funny. I wonder if Elton will reply or just let it go. Jessica’s name was tossed about a few days ago in an interview, but not this one specifically. Did she get dropped already or is he just throwing out names to keep people interested?

Photos via WENN

Huh? Huh, indeed.

Paula cries and sobs hysterically and says, “I wanna go, and he won’t let me!” Seconds later Paula says, “Are you gonna drop me off ’cause I have emergency on the phone” — and shortly after that she says, “He’s dropping me off.” Officers got in touch with Paula about an hour later and she said it was just a verbal dispute.”

The cops are said to have made a house visit later and Abdul was “fine.” Her rep later said that she and a “loved on” got into a heated argument. Sounds like it.

Photos: WENN

More pictures of Paula after the song…

Paula left, but then she just signed a huge contract to judge a reality dance show, Got to Dance. That contract prohibits her from appearing on any other show.

According to a source familiar with Abdul’s recently executed contract with CBS, she is prohibited from appearing on any competition show on any other network, both broadcast and cable.

She signed the 7-figure deal in the spring, when it was announced she would judge and executive-produce the upcoming American version of the U.K.’s Got To Dance.

“If Paula did Idol she would get sued big-time by Viacom,” says the source. “She’s locked in exclusively with CBS.”

The source adds that the former chart-topper’s obligation to CBS is for “about five years” and that the only way for her to appear on Idol would be if CBS to amended her deal.

After all the hubbub with Paula’s departure from Idol, do you think she’d even want to return?

Photos: Fame

More pictures of Paula after the walk out…

Paula walked away from American Idol, then it was rumored SYTYCD and now this? From Entertainment Weekly:

Knowing Paula Abdul, this news could change as quickly as it’s posted. But for the moment, insiders at ABC tell me that she is not going to do the network’s new Star Search reboot after all.

Anyway, the source adds that the ousted American Idol judge is only off the project “at this time,” meaning, obviously, that she can do a 180 as fast as you or I could down a Diet Snapple.

I think Paula would be really good at it, don’t you? Why do you think it got canned?

Paula Abdul Doing Star Search

Photos: Fame

More pictures of Paula after the song…

Since Paula left American Idol, she has been rumored to be on X Factor, So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With the Stars – what else? From Entertainment Weekly:

Sources confirm to me exclusively that the ex-American Idol judge is finalizing a deal to headline an updated version of Star Search, the great-granddaddy of all televised singing competitions, for ABC. Abdul’s role is still being defined, but I hear it will likely include some combination of hosting and judging. An ABC rep refused to comment.

I can see her doing that show. Do you think Paula will fall back in to a TV judging role?

Simon and Paula on X Factor

Photos: Bauer Griffin

more Paula, Simon and Howard after the hop…

She told TMZ.com reporters:

Paula’s reply: “I don’t think that’s gonna happen … I don’t know … funnier things happen.” When the cameraman asked why Stern would be qualified for the gig, Abdul responded, “He hates the show … I don’t even know why … He doesn’t hate a hundred million though.”

Photos: Bauer Griffin

more pictures of Paula after the jump…

Many are speculating Paula Abdul, who left American Idol over the summer, is being considered as a judge for X Factor. Simon just added fuel to the fire at the press conference yesterday in Pasadena, Ca.

At the conference, Simon talked about his move from American Idol after this season (which by the way premieres tonight on Fox) to focusing on his new U.S. version of popular UK talent show The X-Factor, Simon had some serious comments about Paula 

“I adore Paula,”“Whatever happens, I’ll be working with her in some capacity because I miss her,”  “You’re going to have to watch this space.” – via OK! magazine

We adore Paula too and it would be terrific to see Simon and Paula reunite, wouldn’t it?

photos: PCN

more Paula and Ellen after the hop…

After flopping on the chair, Paula reverted back to her old self and told Ellen to not hesitate if she needs some Simon pointers.

“All kidding aside, [I have] nothing but love for Ellen, and I wish you the best of luck and congratulations on your new gig,” added Abdul, who hosted the show from the Brooklyn Academy of Music in NYC.Abdul said DeGeneres could reach out to her if she ever needed advice.

“And call me! You gotta call me if you have any Simon problems, ’cause you know, I know him best,” she said.”

We gotta hand it to Paula, though. Her impersonation was spot on. Couldn’t have done it better ourselves.

Photos: Bauer Griffin

more Paula after the hop…

As it turns out, Abdul now wants to be the next Tyra Banks. Or Ricki Lake. Paula wants to bring her own brand of craaaazy to the talk show circut. She told TV Guide (via usmagazine.com):

“I definitely want to do a talk show because it would be different. I’d be Paula,” she says when asked to explain what her show would be like. “It would be a lot of fun variety with a ton of unexpected stuff and tributes to everyday people getting their big chance.”

Hm. OK. On the one hand we can see this, but is Paula bold enough to headline a show all by herself?

Photos: Bauer Griffin

More pictures of Paula after the break…

It seems that Paula’s ego may have gotten the better of her. When Paula was offered the role, she handed over a list of demands herself. From US Magazine:

First, it was American Idol. Now, Paula Abdul has lost her upcoming role on Ugly Betty — to former 3rd Rock From the Sun star Kristen Johnston.

Johnston is replacing the ex-Idol judge in the recurring role of Helen — Mode’s crazy new office temp — after contract negotiations fell through, reportedly due to her long list of demands. (Entertainment Weekly, which first reported the news, says she wanted a private jet.)

A private jet for what? Shuttle to and from filming? These rumors sound outlandish, but I guess crazier things have happened. Good luck to Paula on finding a role that suits her.

Photos: Bauer Griffin

More pictures of Shania after the hop…

Shania has been working on a new album, which would probably release late this fall or winter. What a better way to get some publicity – well, besides your husband having an affair with your assistant – than be an AI judge? From People Magazine:

PEOPLE confirms that the country superstar will take a seat next to Simon Cowell as a guest judge at upcoming American Idol auditions.

Twain will fill Paula Abdul’s vacant spot on the judging panel in Chicago on Aug. 30-31.

Good for her!Shania had a huge career and then dropped off with her husband in France. Glad to see her coming back and strong!

Photos: Fame