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Could (or should) Courtney Love fill Paula Abdul's shoes?

Jan 30, 2007, 07:26 PM | by Michael Slezak

Categories: 'American Idol', Reality TV, Television

Okay, so Paula Abdul has appeared to be on the brink of collapse during most of her recent live TV appearances (like this one). And yes, she's drifted in and out of a lucid state during the first four episodes of this season of American Idol. That said, today's report in Us magazine that the show has looked into replacing her with Courtney Love smells fishier than a deck hand after a month aboard the USS Tuna. We're still awaiting word from Idol's producers regarding the rumor, but think about it: What network in their right mind would greenlight the idea of Hole's unpredictable, foul-mouthed frontwoman appearing on live TV? As part of their biggest advertising cash-cow? Which happens to be popular with the family set? Maybe if Idol schedules a Hot Mess theme week, then a little mad Love would work, but otherwise, I don't see it.

Plus, I secretly kind of heart Paula. There, I said it. She cried when Elliott Yamin (who's apparently scored an indie record deal—yay!) hit his peak on "A Song for You," and so did I. So go Paula!

Anyhow, in the meantime, here's some scoop about one guest you  might see booked for a return engagement on Idol: Songwriter Carole Bayer Sager, who pitched in during the New York City audition rounds, tells EW's own Allyssa Lee that she's in talks with Idol about a theme week centered around her greatest hits. "It would be really nice to have my songs star on American Idol, and not me. I loved being guest judge, everyone was so kind. But your dream as a songwriter is to have your songs performed on Idol. I’m hoping that can happen. And no one’s going to say to my songs that they look like anybody," she said, referring to the fact that some fans and critics noted her striking resemblance to Joan Collins.

Which leaves me with a question for you, PopWatchers: Who have been the best guest coaches/judges during Idol's six seasons? Who've been the worst? And who deserves a chance to serve in that capacity this season?

UPDATE: Fox has released a statement from Idol honcho Nigel Lythgoe: "I did not call Courtney Love and am afraid someone may have misrepresented me. Courtney Love is a very talented artist, but the judges for American Idol are Paula, Randy and Simon. We have no plans to add to or replace any of them."

Mia Mon, Feb 5, 2007 at 05:13 PM EST

Hey, Michael...there's a snippet of Elliott's new single on YouTube. It's hot and you'll love it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpA9Uz4Mff8

Juju Fri, Feb 2, 2007 at 01:45 AM EST

Courtney Love looks every bit a drug addict. She would be the last person to replace Paula. And the worse judges honors goes to Kenny Loggins, Gladys Knight, for screaming all her comments-woman, get a hearing aid! And taraaa!!! Neil Sedaka, woof!

Court Thu, Feb 1, 2007 at 06:39 PM EST

Give me a break! No way. Paula obviously has some personal problems going on right now, but Courtney Love? I'm sure, if they really were to replace Paula, they could find someone better than C. Love. I like the previous suggestions of Barry Manilow and even Deborah Gibson. At least they can actually sing. But I don't see it happening at all.

Ida Thu, Feb 1, 2007 at 12:20 AM EST

DEFINITELY barry manilow - my boyfriend and roommate and I all were amazed at how great his show was last year - he really knew how to bring the best out of all the kids on the show. They should definitely bring him back!

Stephanie Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 11:21 PM EST

Best coach: Neil Sedaka

Worst coach: Brian May, only because he did not put his foot down when Ace murdered "We Will Rock You".

Catherine Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 04:02 PM EST

Phew, I'm so glad I'm not the first to nominate Barry Manilow as the best coach thus far. Sure he had an album to promote but he made an effort to share his expertise with the contestants and it showed.

David Foster and Clive Davis were condescending jerks who added little to the show but their egos.

The last time I mocked an "obviously drunk" celebrity he turned out to have Alzheimer's, so I'll keep my speculation on Paula's behaviour to myself.

A.L. Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 03:07 PM EST

Yes to C. Love! I adore her! She would be equally as entertaining, if not more so than Paula!

Yeah!

Jen Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 02:46 PM EST

It's been very hard to watch Paula on "Idol" this season. She cannot sit still, she slurs, her eyes wander all over the place, she makes very little sense. She is obviously strung out on something. Does it matter what she's using? The point is that whatever it is affects her ability to be coherent.

My husband and I are amazed that she can hold down a job. In any other field she would've been fired ages ago.

G-Man Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 02:31 PM EST

I'd like to see George Michael, Billy Joel, Steven Tyler and Tina Turner participate as guest judges.

Tim Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 02:04 PM EST

I would love to see Stevie Nicks as a guest judge...love her songs too! Paula can go at any time for me...doesn't really add anything, she just detracts from the good things about the show. Seacrest should be "seacrest Out" as well!

Ep sato Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 01:26 PM EST

I don't think Paula's hiding anything. The medicine she takes for her rare condition is known for causing loopiness as a side effect. She's been pretty open about it, but she could do an ad campaign for people who suffer from the same malady. At least folks would stop assuming she was smoking sinsemilla in the parking lot before doing taping the show.

Bear Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 12:34 PM EST

I do think Paula should be replaced. I feel sad for her because I think she's going through something pretty bad that she's just not speaking about, so I don't want to be harsh. But she's not getting the job done. Plus, let's be real. She's not a singer. She's an awesome dancer who capitalized on her fame through a recording deal, and that's an old trick. Just look at Lindsay Lohan or--barf--Paris Hilton.

I do think the legitimate singers on AI deserve to have someone who can give them knowledgeable advice and comments--not tell them their entire song was off pitch when it wasn't, or say they sang some diva song an octave higher than written, which they couldn't possibly.

There are plenty of talented people who could take Paula's place. Let's get someone with actual singing credibility who isn't hiding a medical condition, and get on with the show. PLEASE.

William Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 11:58 AM EST

Ever since the Beckhams announced their move to LA, I have been expecting AI to replace Abdul with Posh. Simon Fuller created both AI and the Spice Girls. He is also a close friend to the Beckhams.

KathyG Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 11:24 AM EST

I doubt they are looking to replace Paula, Didnt she just sign a new 5 year contract with AI? Shes a huge reason why people watch the show, who else could we make fun of the next day?? And Michael your not the only one who "hearts" Paula ;) Shes fun and unpredictable, the show was boring without her on day 2 in Alabama.

Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 11:21 AM EST

Best: Elton John & Barry Manilo

Jmay Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 11:18 AM EST

best judge: LL Cool J ... I loved it when he got up to hug one of the really bad singers to comfort her and all the other judges followed suit!

EP Sato Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 11:00 AM EST

I'm not a big fan of Courtney Love's and believe she was a major factor (if not the one responsible for) in Kurt Cobain's death. She's not a good person, and has been given multiple chances to clean up and get her stuff together. She drops the ball every time. How much patience can the public have for someone so undeserving of the attention she gets?

Guest judge wise, I'd love to see some more session muscisians. Randy was one, and he seems to have a pretty good ear for this sort of thing.

Chris Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 10:52 AM EST

I'm so relieved I'm not the only person who thought Barry Manilow was the best coach. "Uber-cheesy," yes, but he worked with the contestants in a thoroughly professional way, changing keys, working through rough spots. Songwriters are probably the best coaches, so bring Carole back for a show.

Joe C Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 08:57 AM EST

Oh by the way, can we replace Ryan Seacrest too? He's even more annoying than Paula....

Joe C Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 08:57 AM EST

I actually thought that Barry Manilow was the best judge. ANd I know it will never happen, but I would have replaced Paula every year, including this one. With Courtney Love????Probably not, but I still would vote for Debbie Gibson(who at least can kind of sing)

Jason in MI Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 07:35 AM EST

Wait! That WASN'T Joan Collins? I tuned in late and totally had a conversation with my wife about why the heck Joan Collins was a judge on "American Idol."

I really did!

dundee Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 12:25 AM EST

andrea bocelli worst!

Cyndy Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 12:04 AM EST

Best coach - Barry Manilow
Worst coach - Kenny Rogers

Kat Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 11:59 PM EST

Best coach would be Barry Manilow. For the 2 seasons he was a coach, the finalists shined during his week.

Best guest judge would be Quentin Tarantino. It was obvious that he was a fan and knew what he was talking about. He didn't give any generic comments. He knew the contestants from watching the show.

Ceballos Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 10:57 PM EST

As uber-cheesy as he is, Barry Manilow as the best guest coach/judge on Idol. He provided advice, support, and actually looked like he enjoyed being there.

blue Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 10:56 PM EST

alex-while i agree that carole bayer sager was an irrelevant guest judge, she was/is still a talented, prolific songwriter. they are talking about featuring her music, not having her back as a judge.

skbnwinters Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 10:52 PM EST

H E L L , N O !

Ellipsian Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 09:34 PM EST

C'mon, Mike: do you really not read the comments of the posts you...um, post? I told you about Elliott a WEEK ago in your Joss Stone...post. "SLEZAK! Did you hear about Elliott Yamin?? http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272611157.shtml"

Sniff, sniff. Alright--my love for you is strong and I'm over it. Just a little attention to your devotees, though, eh?

Stephanie Travitsky Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 09:18 PM EST

Oh come on! If they want punk or garage rock get Patti Smith, Sousxie Souix,Grace Slick,Ann Wilson or Chrissy Hynde. Someone who CAN sing.

bb Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 09:12 PM EST

Good God......NO!

Peter Lynn Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 08:45 PM EST

So they're going to replace a drunk washed-up singer who didn't write her own songs with another drunk washed-up singer who didn't write her own songs? Sounds like a good trade-up.

mjb Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 08:27 PM EST

This show is so heavy on the formula that anything unexpected or crazy just makes it more interesting. Simon is still the best judge, but Paula being unintelligible is part of the fun!

Alex Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 07:39 PM EST

I'm actually a little shocked about this. Bayer Sager added absolutely nothing to the show and was barely even featured. I'm surprised they even bothered to have her sit in on the show in the first place. Really, Carole Bayer Sager? Is that the most relevant judge you could find? Is there NO ONE better out there that wants the free pub from the biggest show on TV? You've gotta be kidding me!

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