I'll miss Paula's antics on the show and her interaction with Simon but I won't miss her effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) as a judge. Paula's always had battles with money going back to when she toured. On Idol, she's getting millions for practically doing nothing and she doesn't have another gig going on. Only in America.

Oh, Ryan is ridiculously overpaid too. He's easily replaceable too.

The quintessential person on that show is Simon.

Ratings are on the decline. I don't care if Idol is cancelled. Fox wouldn't be too happy though.

I liked Paula a lot, like someone else mentioned she played her role, Simon was the mean one, Paula was the nice one and Randy fell in the middle. Last season when they added the fourth judge (who I could not stand the whole season), it threw off the "rhythm" and I was hoping they would go back to just the original three. I think letting Paula go is really going to come back to bite them in the ass!

I actually thought Paula did great last year but I can't say I'll miss her very much. I just don't care any more. And Cowell sucks now

I think Simon is bored to tears with Idol. I think he will bail after 2010 and launch the American version of X-Factor, which he has full control over.

Good riddance. She should have been gone years ago, getting high/drunk and living with Corey Clarke somewhere.

I'm surprised that she was paid only $2 million per year. Fox makes billions from the show. Even Ryan Shitcrest makes $15 million.

Oh well. I liked her on Idol a lot, even though her commentary is mostly useless. Three judges is plenty.

I wonder how this will effect the ratings. The show is all about Cowell, though. When he decides to leave, that's it.

I don't think Cowell will bail out of American Idol for one reason: the per-year pay for one season of this show for him is nothing short of breathtaking. This is more than any other show he hosts by a LONG way--and Fox is more than willing to keep it that way.

i heard everyone was getting raises, apparently they didn't want to give her one. i hope there is some judge drama, because without her the show will be boring

"Not cool, dawg."

Please just keep her away from So You Think You Can Dance.

I'll miss her, but having four judges was one too many and as mentioned before, Simon is the key to the show. The other two can be replaced. Sorry Randy.

I'll miss her kooky behavior. It's always good for a laugh or two.

If she is indeed leaving by her own decision, she is dumber than I though. Haven't people learned yet you stick with a hit no matter what?
*cough*Brian Dunkleman*cough*

What the fuck else is she going to do that gives her $2 million a year for a few months work? idiot.

Gotta agree with everybody, this woman is dumber than a brick. But I think her train-wreck critiques were some of the most entertaining parts of the show and -- mark my words -- Idol will not be the same without her.

I'm a little sad that Paula won't be back. But in the past two years she has gotten really annoying. The others judges do annoy me at times. The judge I can't stand at all is Randy.

I can't wait to see what disaster she puts together next. Please be a horrible rival music competition where everyone gets good marks from the judges.

I don't think this will affect the show in the short run, but it could in the long run if Simon or any of the others also bail. She's not a vital cog in the machine, but if collectively enough elements of the show change it could eventually have that 'pale imitation of its former self' feel.

Also, if Simon does skip out to start X-Factor USA, I wouldn't be surprised if he hired Paula for that show, just for the 'Simon and Paula reunited' publicity... plus it would make the show seem even more like the 'new Idol'.

I bet you they can get Brian Dunkleman back for half of what they're paying Seacrest.

Hey! Quit stealing my stuff.

I bet she will break down and make a deal with them in end.

Simon and Paula are the only reasons to watch. His opinions are usually spot on, and her craziness keeps things interesting/comedic.

she works almost the entire year, auditions start August 6th

Great. Now you just gave MTV another idea for a show...

Fixed.

Apparently, she was making $4 million/yr and was offered a 30% raise. She wanted $20 million but lowered it to $12 million.

So, as a has-been singer/dancer she was offered more than $5 million/yr to spend a couple hours a week four months of the year to be a goofball on a stupid talent competition? I mean, I like her and all, but shit -- dumb as a brick.