There has been a lot of talk this week about what Paula Abdul is going to do next in her career. This of course makes a big change from before American Idol when most people would have said, "Oh, isn't she that woman who was in the music videos with Arsenio Hall and Keanu Reeves." Now of course because of the show she walked away from she has some great name recognition. She doesn't have a job but she has great name recognition. For about a year she will be able to guest star on television shows or make surprise appearances and still play off that American Idol fame but those won't last long. There will be some other person that will be more relevant in a year and Paula will be forced to examine other career options.
One thing that everyone has said is that she is going to be on Dancing With The Stars this season. Not as a judge, but as a contestant. Why? Why would she be on the show? I can't think of any good reasons. It is not going to expand her shelf life. She is used to being the center of attention and on DWTS she will be just one of 35 people. Yep. They are increasing the number of celebrities to 16 which means they will be diluted to the point of barely being celebrity. The dancers they are partnered with will be more famous in some cases. Then you have the judges and the host and Paula will be nothing more than a number. You might be saying, "But she is a dancer, she can win." Did you see her dancing on American Idol? That was not ballroom. I think what is likely to happen is that she will get hurt and have to drop off the show. The salary is only about $250K so I hope she isn't doing it for the money. Oh, $250K is about what Victoria Beckham got for her work in Denver for American Idol. A much easier way to earn $250K.
Also Paula and Carrie Ann Inaba dislike each other immensely. Hate would probably be a better word to describe their relationship so if Paula gets a low score from Carrie how does everyone handle that? Is it because Paula sucked or is it because Carrie hates her or a little of both? I think the best bet for Paula right now is to talk to the people over at American Idol and arrange for some kind of surprise return to the show. Do whatever it takes, but if she doesn't get on that show she will fade away.