Interview with Paula Abdul on the set of “Drop Dead Diva”
CREDIT: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com
On Monday, I was able to grab a few minutes with Paula Abdul on the set of “Drop Dead Diva,” a new Lifetime show set to debut July 12.
I didn’t glean any definitive news about her status with “Idol.” But she sounded optimistic. “I will probably be back,” she told me. “What would Simon do without me?” She used stronger language with an AP reporter soon after, saying she was “confident” she’d be back next season. I’d say she is playing a bit coy simply to milk things while negotiations are ongoing. But I’d say it’s almost a done deal she’ll be back with a nice raise.
“I’m very proud of what I brought to the show from day one and helped build the empire,” she added. Here’s the unedited video of my interview:
On “Drop Dead Diva,” shot in Peachtree City, Abdul plays herself as a judge in a dream sequence featuring the lead character played by newcomer Brooke Elliott. Her episode will air in September.
CREDIT: John Bazemore/AP
During her sequence, which takes about two minutes, Abdul “judges” Elliott’s singing ability, then gives her fashion advice. Elliott has a theater background and can belt it quite nicely. I watched Abdul do the take more than a dozen times and she has no problem with the lines except for the modest tongue twister “monochromatic microfiber.” She also makes a joke about Simon. “Paula knows all,” she said at one point.
Abdul said Michael Orland, the “Idol” music director, had a good friend working on “Drop Dead Diva” and got Abdul a copy of the pilot episode. She liked what she saw and raised her hand to participate. She also knows the executive director Craig Zadan, who has executive produced the films “Hairspray” and ‘Chicago.”
“I was able to fit it in my schedule before heavy duty work,” she said.
The pilot, she said, was “charming as can be. It has this magical pixie dust spread all over it. It’s really really well written and very endearing. I don’t know why they picked me because I’m none of that!”
She was mostly jokey, saying she missed Simon Cowell during the offseason “like a cold sore.”
“But cold sores often come back, too,” I said.
“So does fungus,” she cracked.
The reaction to rumors that Simon may get $144 million: “I don’t see how they’re going to afford me after all of that!”
And she sometime went off on tangents. Strangest comment came after she heard a plane fly overhead and said, “Da plane! Da plane!” “I looked like Herve Villechaize when I was born,” she said.
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75 comments Add your comment
JTesla
July 6th, 2009
6:33 pm
It seems pretty rare that we get to read an interview with a judge. We see plenty of the contestants, but it is nice to get some info directly from Paula. Thanks Rodney.
koki
July 6th, 2009
7:12 pm
paula rocks hope she’ll b back
Deirdre
July 6th, 2009
7:13 pm
The video of Paula was interesting. She didn’t do the requisite interview responses. She seemed very relaxed with you, Rodney and willing to ramble…as only our Paula can ramble….and make a weird kind of sense all at the same time.
And Liza tomorrow?
Dan
July 6th, 2009
8:03 pm
This show looks great! Excited to have Paula on board!
Chris
July 6th, 2009
8:28 pm
Whooooooooooooooooooooooooo cares?
Deirdre
July 6th, 2009
8:34 pm
Chris… then whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy did you click the link?
Marcus Graham
July 6th, 2009
9:15 pm
Better writing Rho. At least she seemed coherent.
Malu Tonange
July 7th, 2009
12:46 am
First of all, I wanna thank you for the interview. I loved it. Paula is very talented, not only as a sweet judge, singer, and dancer, but also as an actress. I can’t wait to see Drop Dead Diva
I loved the way you also could get some things about Simon Cowell from her. She LOVES talking about him, doesn’t she? Hehe. Well, the adorable “Saula” will be probably back together next Season on American Idol. I hope Paula gets a very good raise too, she’s extremely important to the show 
The Professor
July 7th, 2009
12:59 am
Paula Abdul is an idiot. if there were any ethical standards on AI, she would have been fired when she was caught sexing a contestant while boosting his prospects. Although I don’t blame the kid for having sex with her.
Nana
July 7th, 2009
6:33 am
Good Morning Everybody!!!!!
Today’s Quote: “All that changes in history is the name we give things.”
Nice interview Rodney. I have seen ads on the show and it looks interesting. It’s a show I will most likely watch a few times to see if I can get into it. If so, I will be a regular.
Why do people have to stoop low enough to name calling is a mystery to me. Calling Paula an idiot was totally uncalled for Professor. So you maybe don’t care for her, but that is no reason to call her names. She is smart enough to be where she is and to be making the money she’s making. Can you say the same about yourself?
SAR
July 7th, 2009
7:29 am
It’s all about money and ratings. She isn’t going anywhere. Paula would be less than nothing without this show; another has-been from the 80’s whose music collecting is dust in the ‘For Sale’ section. She’s no fool, she’s making more money than she can spend.
Deirdre
July 7th, 2009
7:40 am
Morning!
I agree with you SAR. Paula is no fool and the longer she holds off on signing her contract, the more publicity she gets. And she might get more money, too.
I’m not sure I will turn on the tv today. I’ve pretty much said my goodbyes to Michael Jackson. Not that he cares one way or another. I wonder how much longer this spectacle will continue.
harriett
July 7th, 2009
8:16 am
Good morning, and thanks for the interview, Rodney! D, I agree about the MJ thing. They have now dropped any pretense of it being a memorial service and are now calling it “the show” in interviews. I noticed that change last night as various folks were interviewed.
Deirdre
July 7th, 2009
8:20 am
Here’s a little video of the Idols closing the first show of their summer tour:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjlZCSB_oFw
Rickster
July 7th, 2009
9:00 am
I will be so glad when the “the show” is over today. Let the poor man rest in peace. Let the celebrities crawl back under the rocks from which they came in a blatant attempt to further their careers.
Atl Resident
July 7th, 2009
9:23 am
I don’t really care, but this has to be the money to come back on idol cause previously on one of late night shows she looked as if she didn’t either know or want to come back on the show because of so-called conflicts with Simon.
harriett
July 7th, 2009
9:24 am
Thanks for the link, D. It was interesting to read yesterday that Lil Rounds has made a mark on the tour out of the spotlight of the judges.
Atl Resident
July 7th, 2009
9:26 am
I agree, I like MJ music and always will, but media needs to chill on him and wait for tests to reveal some facts.
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 7th, 2009
9:27 am
Agree on the MJ thing – my son for 3 days has been saying pretty much the same thing, Rickster, just let it GO for God’s sake!
Rodney, great fun with the interview, thanks. I enjoyed it.
Nana, since you already called Professor on his OWN brand of idiocy, I’ll bite my digital tongue here…
Deirdre and others, I agree Paula’s milking the publicity for the money, but she wouldn’t be able to do it (for her detractors) unless people were willing to pay — wouldn’t you do the same???
ok, “hi ho hi ho it’s off to work i go”
catchya later, gang…. have a Stress-Free Day!
harriett
July 7th, 2009
9:48 am
This really is not “news-news,” but I found it interesting, as will several of the “Losties” on this blog. http://www.charlotteobserver.com/118/story/820724.html
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 7th, 2009
10:59 am
I’m with his wife…never say never … Lost could branch out into quite a few side-stories if they don’t want to continue the main story line … too many of us are hooked!!! i already own seasons 1-4, gonna buy 5 — and if i ever get where i can’t afford cable, i can watch THAT a few times around!!! LOL
Highlander
July 7th, 2009
11:17 am
Thanks for the update and the interview, Rodney. Good work as always.
I think Idol would lose a bit if Paula weren’t there. Much rather see Kara go. The producers should have remembered that old axiom, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, last year! The addition of the fourth judge was a complete mess!
On another front, completely over all the MJ coverage! First, when was the last time (while he was alive) that you ever saw a picture of MJ and Al Sharpton together?! Give me a friggin’ break! How anyone cannot see Sharpton as a leeching opportunist is beyond me.
Second, when will we see some REAL journalism come back to the media? Report the news, for God’s sake! Not every other has-been’s and wanna-be’s opinion about the subject!
Oops, sorry. Kinda went on a little rant there. But I meant every word of it!!
supernes
July 7th, 2009
11:24 am
Ringo Starr is 69 today.
JTesla
July 7th, 2009
11:28 am
This random moment brought to you by supernes.
Deirdre
July 7th, 2009
11:31 am
harriett, thanks for the Lost news. Can’t wait and…I think I agree that it should be over when it’s over.
Highlander…I completely understand the rant. Why is it that Jesse and Al show up everywhere the cameras are pointing?
This MJ stuff is going to be in the news for years so we might as well get used to it. Custody battles, doctors going to jail, money being made off his image, estate problems, tell-all books from his wives, friends, and some of his opportunistic family. MJ may have left the building but there’s money to be made talking, writing, making documentaries & tv specials, and singing farewell songs about him. A lot of people are going to want a piece of this particular pie.
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 7th, 2009
11:33 am
LOL JT…. super made me think of this…
Beatles
When I’m 69 [slightly edited, with apologies to the beatles...]
When I get older, losing my hair,
Many years from now,
Will you still be sending me a Valentine
Birthday greetings, bottle of wine?
If I’d been out till quarter to three
Would you lock the door?
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I’m sixty-nine?
oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oooo
You’ll be older too, (ah ah ah ah ah)
And if you say the word,
I could stay with you.
I could be handy, mending a fuse
When your lights have gone
You can knit a sweater by the fireside
Sunday mornings, go for a ride.
Doing the garden, digging the weeds,
Who could ask for more?
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I’m sixty-nine?
Every summer we can rent a cottage
In the Isle of Wight, if it’s not too dear
We shall scrimp and save
Grandchildren on your knee:
Vera, Chuck, and Dave
Send me a postcard, drop me a line,
Stating point of view
Indicate precisely what you mean to say
Yours sincerely, Wasting Away.
Give me your answer, fill in a form
Mine for evermore
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I’m sixty-nine?
Whoo!
Happy Birthday, Richard Starkey!
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 7th, 2009
11:36 am
i guess i should have taken the time to make the rhymes work, LOL
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 7th, 2009
11:47 am
oh, and a quite i quite like, today (nana see what you started!)
“Freedom from something is not enough. It should also be freedom FOR something. Freedom is not safety but opportunity.” Zechariah Chafee
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 7th, 2009
11:48 am
err, “oh, and a quOte i quite like…” sheesh. sorry!
Deirdre
July 7th, 2009
12:19 pm
Question: Has Jordin Spark’s new album cover been given the JHud treatment?
http://mjsbigblog.com/jordin-sparks-battlefield-leaks.htm#comments
harriett
July 7th, 2009
2:23 pm
Jennifer Hudson is singing on the MJ tribute show right now and doing a fantastic job. I am not watching the whole thing but was waiting for her.
Nana
July 7th, 2009
2:52 pm
Wow, my day has just flown. Here it is time to head home and I didn’t realize it.
Everybody have a great evening. Be safe, be happy and keep a song in your heart, a smile on your face and a tap in your toes. Be careful when on the roads.
Bye for now.
Deirdre
July 7th, 2009
3:51 pm
I must admit that I am surprised by what I saw and heard today. Michael Jackson’s memorial was truly a memorial, not a spectacle. It was respectful, heartfelt and touching. My condolences to his children and his family.
harriett
July 7th, 2009
4:02 pm
I feel the same way, D. I did not watch all of it, due to work stuff, but saw most of it. His daughter at the end broke my heart.
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 7th, 2009
4:13 pm
Thanks for the update Deirdre — i would not have seen any of it anyway, with work, but it’s nice to know that somewhere, somehow, cooler more sensitive heads prevailed and the media circus was held at bay (as much as is ever possible).
But cynical me — how long before someone starts making $$$$ on t-shirts from today’s memorial? and of course the family fighting over who gets the kids (because that means control of at least some of the money) and who gets to control the business end of Michael’s life.
I foresee circuses to match the Elvis mania that has lasted what, 40 plus years?
RxDawg
July 7th, 2009
4:13 pm
Hello all. I just wanted to say that I watched the rerun of the 13 contestants singing MJ songs. It was probably the best show of the year next to the finale. I still can’t believe how good everyone did in that episode. Even some of the mediocre contestants did incredible. I didn’t want to kick my TV over when Megan sang Rockin Robin. And Lil, LIL!!! where was that kind of performence all year. I remember when she sang that is when everyone (including myself) said she was going to be a finalist. Adam sang great because he refined that high note stuff he does. He did it once, and it was right. It was really funny watching it because no one saw Kris as a possible winner. Anyways, hope all is well guys. Just wanted to comment on the show
harriett
July 7th, 2009
5:11 pm
Well, a student kept me late. AGT tonight. Bye all.
Neg wins, you lose
July 7th, 2009
8:35 pm
Missed the memorial, but I did save a bunch of money on car insurance by switching to Geico.
Nana
July 8th, 2009
6:55 am
Good Morning Everybody……
Today’s Quote: “Our ultimate freedom is the right and power to decide how anybody or anything outside ourselves will affect us.”
I will make one comment concerning Michael Jackson’s memorial yesterday, then that’s it for me on this subject. When his 11 y/o daughter got up and made her eulogy to him, the tears flowed like a river. She broke my heart and I felt her pain.
Since we have had a bittersweet two weeks, let’s get the jokes rolling today. I think we all can use a good hearty laugh (at least I do). I’ll think of a good one and post it later this morning.
Nana
July 8th, 2009
7:09 am
A friend was in front of me coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door as he always is to shake hands.
He grabbed my friend by the hand and pulled him aside:
The Pastor said to him, “You need to join the Army of the Lord!”
My friend replied, “I’m already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor.”
Pastor questioned, “How come I don’t see you except at Christmas and Easter?”
He whispered back, “I’m in the secret service.”
Deirdre
July 8th, 2009
7:36 am
Morning!
Mom had a very bad night so I got very little sleep. I’ll try to keep up my end of the conversation but if I come across cranky and disoriented, you’ll know why. And no cracks about “cranky and disoriented” being my usual state, please!
Nana
July 8th, 2009
8:23 am
I came across this and thought it was one of the sweetest and funniest videos I have ever seen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PHnRIn74Ag
Nana
July 8th, 2009
8:24 am
Deirdre is your Mother okay?
harriett
July 8th, 2009
8:28 am
Good morning. Yes, D, do tell us about your mother.
Deirdre
July 8th, 2009
8:46 am
She’s ok, nothing life-threatening, just painful and annoying. She’s better this morning.
I’m looking forward to my CA son coming home tomorrow night. His birthday is Sunday and he decided to take some vacation time to breathe some good old Georgia air and get R & R. His company has been extremely busy since January and he needs a break.
amanda
July 8th, 2009
8:52 am
I LOVE PAULA SOOO MUCH SHE IS MY IDOL AND THE ONLY REASON I WATCH AI
Idol girl
July 8th, 2009
8:53 am
Paula rox!
Josie
July 8th, 2009
8:56 am
love her. she better be back or i am definitely not watching Idol again!
harriett
July 8th, 2009
8:57 am
Glad it is not anything really bad, D. And, you will have a great time to look forward to with Mr. Hollywood home!
paula is awesome!
July 8th, 2009
9:03 am
Paula is so awesome. I absolutely LOVE her! American Idol would be so boring without her presence. so predictable. just the kids singing their usual predictable songs and then “check it out dawg” from randy every time and then simons mean comments that seriously are becoming quite predictable after 8 years… But as long as Paula is on American Idol, it will NEVER become boring!
b
July 8th, 2009
9:04 am
i wish i could meet Paula. shes my idol.
harriett
July 8th, 2009
9:10 am
He’s baaaaaack.
Deirdre
July 8th, 2009
9:10 am
OK…..b, paula is awesome, Josie, Idol girl, and Amanda…we get it…you’re bored…and we’re aware that you are just one person. LOL! Cute! Now go play with your friends.
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 8th, 2009
9:35 am
maybe she IS playing with her friends — her multiple personalities!!!
morning y’all. Okay. Negster wins for the best comment regarding the memorial. Wins what? um. haven’t figured THAT out yet!
i’m having trouble waking up this morning… not sure what except that my bedroom was actually COOL last night… maybe snuggling in while sleeping was just too good to want to wake up from, eh?
last night’s AGT only had a couple of good moments — LA did NOT represent! The 34 year old black guy that sang like Paul Robeson was by far and away the best — guys with voices like that don’t come along often!
harriett
July 8th, 2009
9:46 am
linny, you are right. The Paul Robeson guy was outstanding. Lots of cute little kids and dance ensembles, but nothing else much.
Big Boom from NY
July 8th, 2009
10:29 am
Paula, too bad i was not able to come down to the set and meet you. wifey told me you woud be there this week.
harriett
July 8th, 2009
10:46 am
Wifey sounds familiar.
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 8th, 2009
10:53 am
The Scott Brothers (pop-lockers) were quite good and very entertaining. I am constantly amazed at that style of dance, how incredibly flexible and versatile those folks are! i don’t think i was EVER that flexible!!!
harriett
July 8th, 2009
11:22 am
Yes, they are the type of acts that Ed Sullivan was famous for–but this is more like Ed Sullivan on steroids.
I have got to go find some lunch.
Mercedes S.
July 8th, 2009
11:25 am
Sorry abt your Mom, Deirdre, hope she’s better today – and thanks for link to AI perf. Interesting how so many posts following the piece concentrated on Adam.
Enjoyed the interview with Paula. Irritating as she may be sometimes, American Idol would not be worth watching without her. Rodney, I look forward to your comments about her small part in “Brüno”. At least you didn’t make her sit on Mexican gardeners posing as chairs.
Kept the MJ Memorial show running, waiting for Jennifer Hudson to come on. She did well, as did the brother who sang “Smile”, and Smokey Robinson reading Diana Ross’ note. Brooke Shields, visibly moved, was as honest and awkward as a true friend is at an occasion like this. The daughter mourning her dad was heartbreaking. Don’t understand was Al Sharpton was doing there, though.
Mercedes S.
July 8th, 2009
11:26 am
As for AGT, it finally dawned on me (it’s my forst year trying to watch) that these are auditions. Please tell me that the final acts have some merit!
Mercedes S.
July 8th, 2009
11:27 am
That should be “first” – my computer glasses have been mislaid.
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 8th, 2009
11:42 am
Mercedes, by the time they weed out the chaff, yes, it’s much better. The next round after auditions is referred to as “semi finals” they will group like 40 acts into groups of 10 (at least how they did it last year) and i think HALF each group is eliminated, then they regroup and do it again, somehow coming down to the final 10 acts — THOSE 10 are usually VERY VERY good. Usually one or two “novelty” acts will slip through into the competition — like the guy with the chain saws and the hot wife last night — but they’re generally voted off by the public pretty quickly.
Last year there was a twist that no one could have expected — a fan favorite, Donald Braswell, was eliminated by the judges just before the voting rounds. One of the novelty acts that was put through, a russian team where two guys held a flexible rod and a cute gal jumped and tumbled on the flexible rod — jumping very very high at times — the girl hit her head and the act had to be withdrawn — so the judges chose like 8 or 10 of those eliminated at the last round for the public to vote on — Donald Braswell won THAT vote and the judges were grateful that he had a second chance — he did not win the overall competition, but came in like 4th i think it was. So things happen that change the complexion of the show.
what i’m trying to say is stick with us on this, and i think you will enjoy the last few weeks — tho’ if you pick a fave and he/she/they get eliminated, you’ll be as frustrated as the rest of us, LOL!!!
idolblogwatcher
July 8th, 2009
11:45 am
I agree linny & harriett…loved the Paul Robeson guy on AGT! His sincerity and love of singing came across.
The MJ tribute was really touching. Jermaine singing “Smile” and MJ’s background singer Jill Hill singing “Heal the World” along with the choir, guest and family were my favorite moments. Of course I lost it as did most parents when his daughter Paris spoke!
Deirdre
July 8th, 2009
12:04 pm
Here’s something interesting from a Tacoma blogger after being persuaded(forced) to go to the Idol’s concert:
http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/ej/2009/07/08/scenes_from_american_idols_live
Brenny
July 8th, 2009
12:22 pm
Evidently, Rev Al Sharpton was there because the family wanted him to be there!
JTesla
July 8th, 2009
12:30 pm
Thanks for the link Deirdre, nice picture of Megan in there. Why don’t we get pictures like that on every blog entry?
Nana
July 8th, 2009
1:42 pm
I missed AGT last night. Did I miss a good show?
Harm – what ya think about Jillian not giving Wes a rose? I am so glad he’s gone. He was a total jerk in the cab. She is well rid of him IMO. I think the final two will be Reed and Edd. I hope Jake will be the next Bachelor. He is a hottie!!!
harriett
July 8th, 2009
1:46 pm
You didn’t miss much, Nana!
Idol Headlines for 07/07/09 | Most Interesting Info
July 8th, 2009
4:01 pm
[...] AJC.com [...]
harriett
July 8th, 2009
4:25 pm
Time to go. AGT and SYTYCD tonight!
Paddy
July 9th, 2009
8:26 am
MJ is a “short eyes”. They would have loved him in prison. It is where he should have been anyway. NO MJ POSTAGE STAMP for “short eyes” in this country, PERIOD.
Beth
July 9th, 2009
11:16 am
I read somewhere in an article (since MJ’s death) that Paula Abdul actually taught Michael how to do the Moonwalk. Don’t know if that’s true or not.
Can’t imagine that Paula WON’T be back for Idol. Part of all these big negotiations Simon’s doing probably include making sure Paula’s there ’cause he has said in the past that he wouldn’t want to do the show without her. And now that they are supposedly an “item” (since last summer) I’m sure it’s all connected. Simon is even trying to move X-factor to the U.S. so then he would probably be based more here than London.
aveRichJoe
July 10th, 2009
1:44 pm
Michael Jackson Autopsy Photo:
http://hubpages.com/hub/jacksonautopsyphoto
JSS
July 11th, 2009
11:35 pm
Why is that a certain poster provides quotes but never attributes the person she is citing?
And to clarify…
Harry Thurman
“There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know. “