Is Ex-American Idol Judge Paula Abdul Bitter of How Much Current Judge Katy Perry is Making?
Paula Abdul recently appeared on "Watch What Happens Live" with Andy Cohen on Wednesday. While there, she was asked about her thoughts on Katy Perry's reported astronomical $25 million paycheck on the 'American Idol.'
"Well, good for her. Good for her! Why not?" Abdul quickly responded.
Abdul was an American Idol judge from 2002 to 2009. Along with Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, they were the judges of previous seasons of now-superstars Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee and Fantasia Barrino.
Cohen then replied, "Good for you for not being bitter about it."
Abdul jokingly said: "I take it out on my chihuahuas behind-the-scenes."
The ex-judge will be seen on a couple of episodes of the reality singing contest, where Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Ritchie are currently judges.
Abdul later told Cohen that she considers Perry and Ritchie to be her friends.
"Katy and Lionel are friends, and I love them. And I'd like to know Luke."
According to a 2018 report, Katy Perry is reportedly the highest-paid judge on the new 'Idol' group. Ritchie is the lowest-earning in the panel with $10 million, while Bryan is earning $12 million.
In 2016, the series ended its run on FOX after 15 seasons.
The revival of 'American Idol' is back for a second season on ABC earlier this year. In March 2018, before the first show in ABC debuted, it was reported that the network paid the judges and showrunner and host Ryan Seacrest a total of $59 million combined.
The show broadcasted on FOX for years, but it was eventually cancelled because of the cost and decreasing ratings. Before the cancellation, FOX paid then-judges Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. $3.5 million each to judge, while fellow then-judge Jennifer Lopez and Seacrest earned $15 million each.
Dana Walden, FOX TV Group Chairman, told the Wall Street Journal that her network spent about $25 million promoting the final FOX season of 'American Idol.' However, she believes that ABC's decision to revive the most-coveted singing show, which was off-air for only one season, was "extremely fraudulent."
Then-ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey defended reviving 'American Idol' so soon, saying, "Audiences are looking for storytelling that is joyful and optimistic. We're offering something to watch together as a family."
When the show was back for a second season on ABC, it was a minor shock since its overall audience was lesser compared to FOX's final season. Yet, what likely got the show another year was its triumph among the commercial-friendly 18-49 age demographic.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Sunday episodes averaged a 2.1 rating in stated demographic, while Monday's averaged 1.9 with live-plus-3 lifts -- only slightly more than the 1.8 ratings ABC reportedly engaged advertisers.
'American Idol' is under pressure though, especially with the decreasing ratings of aging franchise, 'Dancing with the Stars,' The show has already been renewed for the 2018-2019 season, but it has not aired in spring and will not likely to return this fall.
