14 DAY TRIAL // As rumors gain momentum that Paula Abdul might still return as judge on the next season of American Idol if the price Fox offers her is right – and right means somewhere in the range of $10 million a year, sources say – the network has already moved to find replacements for her. Victoria Beckham is said to be one such substitute, having been signed for just one appearance but leaving open the possibility for more if everything goes well, the Daily Mail says.
Trying to prevent the show from falling apart or the audiences from leaving because of Abdul’s departure, Simon Cowell apparently turned to good friend Victoria Beckham for a little help, asking her to put in a special appearance on the show. If audiences like her and the chemistry with the contestants and the other judges is good, chances are Victoria will be offered to become a fixture on AI, permanently replacing Abdul, sources in the industry are saying.
“Yes Victoria will be making a ‘one off’ appearance as a guest judge.” Beckham’s publicist confirms for the Mail. The same British tab also reports that, for this just one appearance, Posh will pocket no less than £155,000, while also remaining open to talks of taking permanent residency on the popular singing competition. Victoria’s appointment as judge on Fox’s show, which continues to be one of the highest rated at the moment, did not fail to surprise many, though, especially since she repeatedly insisted publicly she could never cut it as a solo singer since she was not really that good at it.
However, as of now, says the Mail, the thought of taking Paula’s seat on a permanent basis is not exactly thrilling for Victoria Beckham. As a matter of fact, the star is said to be facing quite a dilemma as to what to do since, on one hand, she’s been trying to break America for many years, while on the other she wants to pursue her fashion career, now that critics have finally taken heed of her efforts.
“A source says Posh is not interested to take over Paula’s role permanently. She is still determined to concentrate on her fashion projects, according to the insider, and is currently working on the upcoming launch of her new collection at New York fashion week in September.” the Mail writes. Yet, the chance that she might become a judge on AI “full-time” should not be discarded just yet, other sources are whispering.