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Hey, Paula: You're still our 'American Idol'

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Contra Costa Times (MCT) - It makes sense that Kara DioGuardi is getting most of the ink as "American Idol" returns for its eighth season Tuesday night. The talent show's new judge is a fresh face, an unknown commodity.

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Highlights

By Chuck Barney
McClatchy Newspapers (www.mctdirect.com)
1/12/2009 (1 decade ago)

Published in TV

But, please, let's not forget Paula Abdul, who has been forced to abdicate her title as sole female arbiter. Paula is in the final year of her "Idol" contract and rampant speculation has it that, with DioGuardi stepping in, she could be the odd judge out.

Let's halt that kind of chatter right now. Yes, we realize there are some haters who regard our sweet little Paula as clueless and useless (not to mention loopy), and therefore believe the show wouldn't miss a beat without her.

But we beg to differ. Dumping Paula would be a monumental blunder. She's absolutely essential to "Idol" and now we're going to tell you _ straight up _ why it's so:

1. The singers need a cheerleader: Sure, we dig Simon's caustic put-downs, and word is DioGuardi can be a blunt instrument as well. But all snark and no warmth makes for a dull show. And think of how psychologically battered the contestants would be by the middle of the season if they didn't have Paula, with her cuddly puppy-dogness, to lick their wounds. Moreover, she serves as a true barometer on the performances. If, for example, Paula rambles incessantly about how lovely a singer's dress is, you know the song was a train wreck of catastrophic proportions.

2. She provides comic relief: Between the nail-biting tension of the competition itself and the relentless rage we build up for Ryan Seacrest, we desperately need a few laughs. Paula routinely brings the funny by spouting her wacky gibberish and rocking her whimsical outfits. And, tell us, who else possesses the comic brilliance to appraise two performances by a singer when said singer has delivered only one?

3. She's a soap opera unto herself: There's simply no need for "Grey's Anatomy" and/or "General Hospital" when we've got Ms. Abdul on the scene. Rumors of a steamy affair with a former contestant? Check. A scary association with a stalker? Check. Allegations of substance use stemming from erratic behavior? Check. A broken nose after tripping over her pet Chihuahua? Check. "Idol" wouldn't be nearly as fun and juicy without its reigning drama queen.

4. Who else would Simon pick on?: Every TV bad guy needs a foil and Simon's is Paula. Their spicy sparring matches have become part of "Idol" lore, and so has their flirtatious shtick. And in an indirect way, Paula even helps to prop up fellow judge Randy Jackson, making him sound more clever and witty every time she opens her mouth.

5. Her enthusiasm is infectious: While Simon remains welded to his chair and stews in his chest-hugging T-shirts, Paula isn't too cool to bounce up and shake her groove thang. Conversely, she isn't ashamed to let the tears flow when a song has touched her heart. She brings passion and humanity to the show _ along with a valuable perspective none of the other judges can: Paula is the only one who has experienced what it's like to be all alone up on that stage as a solo artist.

Is it any wonder, then, that she'll forever be our girl?

___

CHANGING 'IDOL'

Television's No. 1 show, "American Idol," returns for its eighth season Tuesday (8 p.m. EST) with a few tweaks. Here's a rundown:

_HERE COMES THE (NEW) JUDGE: Kara DioGuardi, 38, joins Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson on the panel. She's a Grammy-nominated songwriter whose work has been recorded by Gwen Stefani, Faith Hill, Marc Anthony and others, including past "Idol" winners.

_MORE SEMIFINALISTS: Instead of taking the usual 24 singers from the Hollywood round, the show will move 36 singers into the semifinal phase, which begins Feb. 17. Group performances also will be revived in Hollywood.

_PLAYING THE WILD CARD(S): The judges will have more influence on determining the final 12 performers with the restoration of wild-card picks that were abandoned after Season 3. They'll determine three of the final 12 choices.

___

Chuck Barney: cbarney@bayareanewsgroup.com

___

© 2009, Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.).

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