HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Paula Abdul's return to "American Idol" may be in jeopardy based on her stalled talks for a new contract with FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, the production companies behind the hit Fox singing competition.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Abdul's manager, David Sonenberg, said he has yet to receive a proposal from either side despite the reality show's latest season looming in January.
"Very sadly, it does not appear that she's going to be back on 'Idol,' " said Sonenberg, who has been managing Abdul since June.
While the show's ninth season is still months away, auditions are set to begin on Aug. 6, which makes Sonenberg wonder if the handwriting is on the wall for Abdul's exit.
"I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful," Sonenberg said of the lack of respect being shown at the negotiating table. "I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven't stepped up and said what they want to do."
"She's not a happy camper as a result of what's going on," he continued. "She's hurt. She's angry."
Sonenberg appears to be taking his negotiations public after "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest reportedly inked a three-year contract extension last week worth $45 million. Representatives for Fremantle, 19 and Fox all declined to comment when contacted by the Times.
Sonenberg said Abdul has plenty of ideas up her sleeve should this be the end of her "Idol" days.
"I think at this point we're going to be considering everything, including some kind of a competition show," he said of Abdul's future plans. "She has tremendous ideas for a whole variety of shows."
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