American Idol: Paula Really Gone?

Paula Abdul's manager, David Sonenberg says Paula has been talking to every network but FOX about new Paula opportunities. Sonenberg claims there have been no discussions whatsoever about American Idol.

Paula Abdul's salary demands were in the Simon Cowell, Ryan Seacrest range, which FOX thought her not worthy of, apparently.

FOX is believed to be doing some audience reaction focus group studying to determine what, if any, damage will be done to American Idol if Paula Abdul is gone.

Presumably, if the focus group studying shows that the show will be hurt, American Idol will then make Paula an offer she won't refuse.

Paula's manager also claimed she "feels fabulous, she feels free", that "I think in some ways she was typecast in Idol and she was kind of restricted from doing anything she wanted to do---and now she's free to decide. She really is very excited about the future and that there's support for her."

I am betting on those focus groups showing that American Idol will survive just fine without Ms. Abdul.