14 DAY TRIAL // Losing Paula Abdul, American Idol lost one of the best judges out there, a woman whose heart was filled with compassion, understanding and sympathy, Adam Lambert tells the latest issue of Rolling Stone magazine. Having been a contestant himself, Adam knows what it’s like to deal with so much pressure from all sides, which is why Paula Abdul will certainly be missed on the upcoming season of the singing competition.
Lambert knows a lot about pressure, perhaps even more than all the other contestants on all the other seasons. He not only had to live up to the expectations of his supporters, he also had to fight the prejudice of those who had seen the photos that leaked of him and his former boyfriends. At the same time, he also had to prove that he could make it big on AI despite not quite fitting the criteria of a pop star of today. A big help with all of this was Abdul, who constantly made Adam feel “safe,” he says.
“She made me feel safe and loved. It’s hard when you’re facing intense criticism from some of the more harsh judges on the show and you have millions of people behind the camera watching you, it’s nice to have a presence in the room that will root for you and smile. And not only after the performances, but during the performance, she stands up, she claps, she smiles at you – it s like a safety net.” Adam Lambert explains.
The flamboyant singer, who is now working on his debut album, also tells the mag that he was completely shocked to learn that Paula had quit the show on Twitter – before the network even got to announce it officially – but he’s convinced her future is nothing but bright. Abdul is a wonderful person and an extremely talented artist so whatever she chooses to do next will undoubtedly be equally successful as her appearance on American Idol, last season’s runner-up believes. Of course, that’s not to say that she won’t be missed, he adds.
“She obviously is going to miss interacting with all the Idol contestants, she really loves that process of discovering new talent. I think she brings so much heart to the show. She’s so supportive, she knows what it’s like to be a performer and she really provides a sense of safety for the auditioners in the room. I have no doubt her future endeavors will bring her success and happiness. She’s got a lot that she’s capable of.” Lambert further says.
As fans must already know, Paula Abdul has officially quit her position as judge on American Idol. No replacement has yet been announced, but Fox got Victoria Beckham for a one-time appearance on the show.