Regarding Paula Abdul’s stunning departure from “American Idol,” Fox executives have spoken up. “We very much wanted her to return,” said Peter Rice, chairman of entertainment at Fox. “We made an offer that we feel was very fair. It was a substantial raise. It was not our choice.” Rice denies reports that Seacrest won a $15 million a year contract to stay on “American Idol”. Rice said that Seacrest’s $45 million payday stems from a contract with the show’s joint producers CKX for opportunities beyond the TV singing competition, according to multiple sources. No word on what Fox’s “fair” and final offer to Abdul was.
In related news, Victoria Beckham (Spice Girls) and singer Katy Perry are slated to act as guest judges on “American Idol” this upcoming season, Fox television executives said on Thursday. Apparently, “Idol” is having a hard time filling Paula Abdul’s shoes, as they are still searching for a permanent, fourth judge to replace her when the show returns to TV in early 2010.