Now we know the reason that producers of the popular reality show ‘American Idol’ played frugal with Paula Abdul. They were saving their money to buy their star judge, Simon Cowell. Cowell is now finishing up a deal as judge for ‘Idol’ and his payout is estimated to be $45 million per year, an increase from his current contract of $36 million. Paula Abdul reportedly wanted only $10 million a year. Robert Sillerman, head honcho at CKK, which is the parent company of ‘Idol’, said Monday that obviously “they green lit Fox’s efforts” to buy Cowell. ”We’ve heard from Fox, who have asked us for approval for Simon Cowell to appear for three more years on ‘Idol,’” Sillerman said. ”They, in their negotiations with Cowell, have asked us to pre-approve him not only for ‘American Idol’ ‘09, which has begun taping, but they have also asked us for approval for ‘10 and ‘11, indicating to us that they’re finishing their negotiation with Cowell. We did grant approval for that quite obviously.” Fox and Cowell did not give a comment yet on the reported deal. His current contract will end after the current season.
The show’s fans may not care how much Cowell receives from the show but everyone believes he deserves a big amount. But Paula Abdul, who officially left the show just last week after unsuccessful negotiations for a pay increase, might be bristling at the news. Sources say Abdul wanted a $6 million raise, from $4 to $10M per year. However, in last week’s reports, Paula said she’s been receiving wonderful offers since she left ‘Idol.’
