To improve ratings, claims report

Apr 16, 2010 14:10 GMT  ·  By

Fans were never let in on the secret reason behind Paula Abdul’s departure from American Idol, but speculation always had it that money was somehow mixed in the equation. What with her gone and Simon Cowell also announcing that he’s done with the show after this season, ratings have taken a hit – and producers are already working on bringing Paula back, reports cited by InTouch Weekly say.

American Idol continues to be among the most watched shows on TV right now but, compared to its ratings of last year, 2010 is rather lackluster, to put it mildly, it is being said. Producers believe this has to do with two things: Paula’s absence and Simon’s impending departure to pursue different projects. Since there’s no way they could ever convince him to stay on AI for another season (or more), they’re trying to get Paula back, says the aforementioned tab.

“It’s a huge secret, but America Idol producers might be trying to woo Paula Abdul back to the struggling show. Although still immensely popular, ratings are way down this season compared to when Paula was on the panel, and executives fear the loss of even more viewers when Simon Cowell leaves after this season. ‘They want Paula back,’ the insider says. ‘They’re not sure if she’d be the fifth judge, but they are talking to her. People tuned in to see Paula’s wacky antics and her chemistry with Simon. The show is just not as much fun to watch without her’,” the report argues.

At the moment, Paula is not doing anything, though Simon himself said at one point that his US version of the X Factor would include her in one capacity or another. This means that she could be open to the idea of returning as judge on AI, though whether she’d actually be able to swallow her pride to do it is an entirely different matter, word on the blogosphere goes. There is another thing to consider as well: even if Paula does agree to return, the show would still not be the same because Simon would be gone by that time.

And if there’s one thing fans know that’s how much they loved seeing the banter between Paula and Simon. Right now, Paula Abdul is not addressing the rumors in any way – should she do so anytime soon, rest assured you’ll find out about it here.