Despite what the public pronouncements may be coming from American Idol about a fourth host, what it really means is that it is bye bye Paula. Enjoy her this season, because the goofy, is she or isn't she drunk game will bid us adieu.
American Idol announced that songwriter Kara DioGuardi will be joining the show as a fourth judge. Idol tried to spin it by saying that international editions have four judges and that it benefits both the contestants and the viewers. Uh huh. If I seem to recall from my early experiences watching the show, didn't they used to have a celebrity judge each week? And if I recall, the practice was dropped, not for a lack of volunteers, but because they were always running short on time.
Well, if you noticed, this year's show has already been given a reduced time slot, yet they are adding more minutes of talking from a fourth judge. So, at the end of the year, the producers are going to realize there is simply not enough time for four judges and that Paula's contract will not be renewed. They will probably invite her back now and then, just for the humor, but this will be the last season of Paula.