Paula Abdul – Nightline – VIDEO

hehee, i don’t get rich people…seems like they have no contentment when it comes to money… me, i won’t care if i make 10 million dollars a year and someone else makes 50 million dollars…it’s still more money than i would know how to spend…

but i probably think this way coz 10 million dollars is like 500 million in our money so that’s why i just don’t get where these people are coming from hahaha

Maybe she should just take Vicodin already, if she’s in such continuous pain that she can’t sleep or function. And, maybe she shouldn’t have taken a job that requires being on live TV either. It’s not up to the producers to make sure that she’s functional at airtime. I didn’t hear her take responsibility for one thing in that entire interview. I was particularly disgusted when she started talking about the sacrifices she’s made in order to continue her career as a fame whore. She’s fun on Idol, but I can’t say that I respect her much as a person.

I think she has a very big ego but I guess that’s what most people in the entertainment industry have. Also, I don’t think Idol producers really mind when Paula tries to play the publicity game because the last few bad publicity stunts (her acting loopy, the affair rumors) made the ratings stay high. Even though I don’t like all these games that she plays (the economy sucks and she wants a raise?! geez.. her wearing her jewelry line on the show is free publicity for her already!), I don’t want her to leave until Simon leaves because they have good chemistry for the show. Just a thought- if Simon does bring Xfactor here, I wonder if he will bring Paula over.. and I wonder how long Ryan and Randy also have in their contracts.. hmm..

I haven’t watched Nightline yet, I am on the west coast so it is on in a few minutes so I can’t respond to her ego and demands but it seems like in the entertainment industry, money seems to be a factor in the success these people feel, kind of like athletes. I can address her “loopy” behavior though since I suffer from a nerve injury the last 4 years. The pain can keep you up at night and sometimes the pain medications do nothing to help it..other days it does. Pain meds for nerve injuries don’t work like vicodin or those types of drugs. There are some that I tried that really effects the brain. It tries to fool your brain that the nerve pain isn’t hurting…but the down side is it can make you “loopy”. You can forget common words that you use all the time. I thought I lost my mind many times while I was on this particular nerve pain med. I was doing and saying things that were so unlike me I had to have my meds changed and although my pain control is not as good, at least my vocabulary is back and my behavior is normal again. On every nerve medication I have been on, the same warning was on the pills which is don’t combine it with alcohol. I don’t know if Paula is adhering to those warnings or what type of pain pills she is on but I can see that her behavior can be due to the nerve medication.

Pauler Pauler Pauler………

I don’t think it’s about money at all, if it were, she wouldn’t have stayed around for all 8 seasons. I’ve heard before that she wants to do AI and her other projects on the side too, I think the biggest thing is it’s about her schedule. She doesn’t want to give up AI, but at the same time she wants to be able to do her other stuff too. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if she left, she has a lot on her plate and I think that’s a part of her problem. I know she likes to work, but she is trying to do too much and with her health issues it’s not helping that at all.
Paula reminds me of my mom, she has a pain related illness that is similar to Paula’s and my mom is go go go all the time. It’s hard for them to have to slow down and finally admit they can’t do it all anymore. I do feel bad for her, because I do understand what she goes through, I see it every day with my mom.
I really wish all the BS with her being drunk and on drugs would stop, it’s so old and not true anyway. If it were, they wouldn’t have let her continue on the show and besides that, why would she risk losing everything she worked for? Especially with being back in the spotlight since being on AI. If you can read people and you watched the interview, she didn’t give me any indication that she was lying. I do think she is telling the truth about everything. In a way as far as I’m concerned, if she left AI, it wouldn’t be such a bad thing, mostly for her. It’s come up before in interviews and it doesn’t seem like she has very much support from the others on the show, except for Randy, but that’s not saying much either. I don’t know, I’ve been a fan of hers and still am, I think she is beautiful and very talented. I guess in a way I will always sort of defend her, just because of her personal fight with RSD and I can understand because my mom is going through some of the same things, it’s horrible to have to live with something like that. So many people who don’t have an illness like this themselves, or someone close to them battling it every day, they just don’t understand, it definitely changes you.

She resents him for not sticking up for her while her reputation went through the wringer.

Well, that’s definitely not true. I clearly remember Simon in interviews saying vehemently that Paula doesn’t drink – most particularly, right after the Jason 2 song debacle.

Their relationship looks flirtatious to me – not resentful.

Self-absorbed and needy, with a huge persecution complex is my armchair analysis of Paula Abdul. And as far as coming back next yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦this interview is probably just a publicity ploy to put a fire under the producers. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll bet my hat Paula wants to come back.

She sure is needy. And, she take responsibility for nothing. Her “give me more money” press tour is getting pretty old at this point. Time to negotiate that contract or shut up.

I agree w/your take on Paula mj. If she truly believes she deserves more respect, she needs to show it on the show rather than behave impishly playing coy next to simon making incoherent comments. she clearly understands anything Simon says sells on this show, so brings up his name for her shortcomings. I like to see both Simon and her leave the show; AI needs a major overhaul if it wishes to survive for some more years

I think she won’t be back, it seems like whenever she opens her mouth she is bashing the producers… I guess she just lost her spot on the american x factor :laugh_tb:

“She resents him for not sticking up for her while her reputation went through the wringer.”

Well, thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s definitely not true. I clearly remember Simon in interviews saying vehemently that Paula doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t drink – most particularly, right after the Jason 2 song debacle.

Yes, but Simon said in interviews years ago that she drank and did drugs. He was kidding, but most people didn’t take it as such. Even though he’s taken it back now, it caused a lot of damage to her reputation.

Personally, I love Paula. She’s not a particularly useful judge, but she’s fun. And, like someone else posted, I also think the problem is more with her schedule than the money she makes. Of course, it could be about the money – the cost of living as a celebrity is higher thn most would think. With the big houses come bigger house payments, and the unspoken rule is you can’t be photographed in the same outfit twice. It adds up, specially with all her medication, doctor visits, and surgeries.

Just out of curiosity,does anyone know how much Pauler makes a year ?

Ryan Seacrest is reputed to be making at least $15M a year. I would think Pauler could match that.

First of all there is no way Paula will ever make me believe that at some point she was not using narcotics for pain and/or alcohol….thus the “loopiness” we saw so often. The producers thrived off of her idiocy and welcomed the free advertising.

Secondly, ya right, like Paula will give up this gift she has been given as a judge on the worlds most popular tv show which Im sure is paying her grandiose amounts of money to do what, Im not exactly sure. What a gravy job and what in hell would she do AFTER Idol? She isnt going anywhere, she needs the spotlight.

What new news did this interview reveal, exactly?

Paula’s my favorite freak in the whole world.

Paula is my favorite judge; however, I think that this interview is a desperate attempt to bring the spotlight onto her.

same with Kara’s eating disorder

and Simon’s “Will he/won’t he” come back next year.

All this crap should be dealt with during the off season. Stop trying to bring the focus onto yourselves judges, it’s not about you, it’s about the idols.

Good ole’ stable Randy Jackson !? :blink_tb:

Lol, Paula blames Simon for giving her the reputation of being “strung out” on the show? Um, yeah, right. Maybe it’s the fact she looks completely stoned 90% of the time that has something to do with it?

Never drunk and no pain killers? Sorry, Paula, but you are a liar. I know stoned when i see it.

I agree with CathyMK here

maybe she shouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have taken a job that requires being on live TV either. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not up to the producers to make sure that sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s functional at airtime. I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t hear her take responsibility for one thing in that entire interview.

I was just starting to be OK with her this season. After watching this, I hope she doesn’t come back. If lack of sleep & pain make her this way, she shouldn’t be on the biggest show in America. Give me someone that can guarantee functionality.

And spreading the blame around on Simon, producers & editting….really? Ridiculous. After Paulagate last season (prejudging jason), everyone covered up for Paula. And can’t she put in her contract not to sit by Simon. It just all seems like ridiculous deflection.

i just have to say i am so sick of Paula get her off the damn show.

and I dont believe all the hype about all the “judges fighting” its all for ratings. its annoying and dumb

EGO = Paula. Ego = Randy. ego = judge 4. EGO = Simon.
Ergo: It all adds up to ego.

I sincerely believe that she was not on drugs and alcohol, and that her perceived loopiness was a combination of pain, lack of sleep, and her fondness for Simon. I think the both of them have playful flirting, and he gets her to lose focus by messing with her because she has to speak before him. She does not help herself when she allows it, or plays back.

As for salary and contract negotiations, why shouldn’t she get as much as she can. She is a vital part of the show, and quite frankly, loopiness aside is the judge that I believe actually sees the talent in the contestants and encourages them to do their best. Simon just likes his stupid mean soundbites which half the time don’t match the performance.

Why should she be content, knowing that another judge is being paid so much more. Anyone who has ever worked and found out a coworker doing essentially the same job is getting more money would feel the same way.

All the judges casting doubt about their futures with the show, just keeps the show on everyone’s mind. All the interviews, Kara, Simon and Paula have AI production and backing written all over them.

edit: please don’t criticize your fellow posters. keep your remarks focused on the topic

What did the guy say during the USA interview? The “real” Paula, when she was freaking over something… I heard she’s a real… Bit$#

Madmike, you are certainly right that that AI is behind this and encouraging it, controversy equals ratings.

Having seen the episode of her reality show where her various injuries etc were discussed – got to see those metal plates in her spine along with Paula getting a Humira injection in the tummy for her rheumatoid arthritis, I find it very hard to believe that any responsible doctor would not have prescribed some kind of painkillers at minimum and other medications. And a responsible person would not be drinking when on those kind of medications.

Knowing what she has been going through explains it all to me and has made me more sympathetic so I don’t know why Paula is so defensive. Given the number of people facing these kind of issues she could have been a role model as someone who seems to have found a way to deal with her pain effectively at this time.

Paula otherwise can be a typical diva, she shows her diva side on the show but that’s Hollywood baby, diva is the norm and you need ego to survive this business or they eat you alive.

I havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t watched Nightline yet, I am on the west coast so it is on in a few minutes so I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t respond to her ego and demands but it seems like in the entertainment industry, money seems to be a factor in the success these people feel, kind of like athletes. I can address her à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“loopyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  behavior though since I suffer from a nerve injury the last 4 years. The pain can keep you up at night and sometimes the pain medications do nothing to help it..other days it does. Pain meds for nerve injuries donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t work like vicodin or those types of drugs. There are some that I tried that really effects the brain. It tries to fool your brain that the nerve pain isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t hurtingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦but the down side is it can make you à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“loopyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . You can forget common words that you use all the time. I thought I lost my mind many times while I was on this particular nerve pain med. I was doing and saying things that were so unlike me I had to have my meds changed and although my pain control is not as good, at least my vocabulary is back and my behavior is normal again. On every nerve medication I have been on, the same warning was on the pills which is donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t combine it with alcohol. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know if Paula is adhering to those warnings or what type of pain pills she is on but I can see that her behavior can be due to the nerve medication.

goldenlpb, thanks for that. That would explain a lot about Paula. Totally makes sense.

As for salary and contract negotiations, why shouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t she get as much as she can. I really think for people to say that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“in this economy she should be happyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  yada yada yada is nonsense.

Let me say that I agree with this. If I was part of the on-air talent, and saw the revenue streaming into AI, I’d want my piece of the pie too. And, everything is relative. It may seem like an obscene amount of money to the average American, but if you’re one of the franchise players, so to speak, you want to be paid on par with the other franchise players.

So, I totally understand the renegotiation of the contract. It’s just the poor me, victim-vibe she’s got going on isn’t necessarily the best way to go about it. Although, I don’t think she can help it at this point. As MJ said, she has a serious persecution complex – it’s evident in all of her interviews – and it was clearly revealed on her trainwreck of a reality show.

I take it the slurred words on air were because of vitamin water?
A whole evening on nightline for Paula? Ted Koppel, where are you? Please come back.

Dingo
Your comment about her needing the spotlight made me think maybe Taylor could add a new verse about Paula( and even Simon and Randy) to his “Keepin’ It Real”. The last verse talks about how OJ has to get back in the spotlight. I guarantee you Taylor could get some publicity if the lyrics were cute. Now that I think of it Taylor’s fanbase can write them and send them to him.

I would be sooo happy to never see Paula Abdul on my screen ever again. She’s embarrassing to watch. I usually leave the room. Needy is right. Scary.

Well Hell…

…I’m out of Jack Daniels, and canno stand Paula in more than minute snippets without tossing a few toddies back.

I haven’t watched the video, but what I find interesting is that THIS year, Paula is finally actually contributing something. She’s paying attention. She’s not slurring her words or appearing stoned/drunk. She is actually giving some real feedback on occasion, and she even went the extra step to work with the kids & choreograph the best group number so far. So, I’d kind of hate to see her go when she finally gets her act together….

Well, if Paula hasn’t been on narcotics for pain (yeah right), she should. I recommend percocet or vicodin. Both are wonderful…though the percocet may keep her up all night – guess she could dance. I still think her commentary is jacked up yet she’s a millionaire.

I happen to like Randy. He’s no more repetitious than any of them if you ask me.

She looks tired and frankly scary when she tried to defend herself. She’s trying so hard to vindicate herself.

When she introduced her room, she made some sardonic humor about her next door neighbor and it just sounded wrong. It was just bad vibes emanating out of her. I guess you can blame it on the editing.

Come on people, Nightline even spoke to her doctors and they confirmed everything. That little tidbit was right after the actual interview was over and the host was speaking in the studio.

I think Paula has always been one of those “easy targets” because she is such a nice person and has had a huge amount of success. Even back in the early 90s I remember when a background singer sued her record company saying that her vocals were blended with Paula’s on the “Forever Your Girl” album. She viciously defended, much like how she is now about this whole drunk/drugs thing, that she sang every note on that album. The background singer failed in court and the record company/Paula won the suit.

If you would take time to research RSD, etc. you would see that this absolutely fits. She even showed the scars on her neck from the surgeries. What more can she do to prove she wasn’t drunk and _abusing_ prescription drugs? There is absolutely nothing wrong with her properly using the meds she was prescribed. And, if she is always drunk, why doesn’t anyone smell the alcohol all over her? People only comment on how she appears on the television. She’s never seen partying or even holding a drink. Is she downing shots in the bathroom before the show? Come on.

The addition of Kara this season actually helps to illustrate how much Paula is needed and an asset to the program. I don’t think the Idol producers will let her go and should thank her for how much they have exploited her for ratings. There is no way Idol would be as interesting without the Paula and Simon interaction. It helps us get through the bulk of the contestants who should never be on a stage. I’ve been watching for the entire eight season run, there is no way anyone can deny that tinkering with the formula is a good idea.

And, I fully expect Paula to be signed on for one more year to match Simon’s contract. Then after season 9 Simon will bolt and bring X-Factor over here (and I welcome it!) and bet yourself that Paula will be involved with it.

Edit: there is no way anyone can deny that tinkering with the formula [i]was[/i] a good idea. It wasn’t!

I haven’t watched the videos yet but after watching Britain’s Got Talent and seeing what a class act judge Amanda is, I would love to see someone like Amanda over here on AI.

As for Paula, well hmmm, maybe she just has one of those loopy personalities. It annoys me when I see Paula and Simon goofing off instead of paying attention to the contestants as they perform. They don’t seem to take it very seriously.

I think Kara offers more constructive comments than Paula. Paula tends to fawn over contestants and it comes across as patronizing and insincere.

The editing slant complaint is very real especially in entertainment or new entertainment on TV – ratings, ratings, ratings. I have seen it happen over and over again and I myself have been misquoted [ in print, more out of sloppiness though- not that exciting but it was an eyeopener for me].

On the other hand, it makes sense to have a point of view in any kind of journalism and they only have so much time to convey their story or interview.

The only interviews I trust are clearly live interviews or those lusicious Q&A interviews like in Rolling Stone where they print every word or at least every Question and corresponding answer. Then you have no defence if you sound like a doofus.

Entertainment Tonight for instance is notorious for this but as a celebrity, you need them to promote your projects so you have make a deal with the devil essentially and roll with it. Keep your fingers crossed, that they like you, this time or make sure you don’t say anything that can be taken out of context. Perfect the concise soundbyte.

Edit: there is no way anyone can deny that tinkering with the formula [i]was[/i] a good idea. It wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t!

Eh. I think it was a good idea. The formula was getting bland. At this point, I can guess which tired old critique Randy will spout just by the look on his face after the performance. I always know what’s coming. There are no surprises anymore. That’s why, for me, I welcome a new perspective.

What more can she do to prove she wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t drunk and _abusing_ prescription drugs?

It’s perfectly plausible that Paula is indeed clean and sober. That doesn’t stop me from thinking that she’s just plain crazy.

The addition of Kara this season actually helps to illustrate how much Paula is needed and an asset to the program.

I feel the opposite is true. The only judge that I would be disappointed to see leave at this point is Simon. But, I’m a person who really doesn’t mind change all that much. Heck, I’ve been watching Law and Order for a long time through a million cast changes. Well, and I’d miss Seacrest if we ever lost him.

I find the contestants and the actual competition far more interesting than the judges.

I say send Randy off on an extended sabbatical frankly. Kara was more instructive and then just sit Simon in between the girls. Or get a fourth judge with something more original to say, maybe someone with a quick wit. Maybe Russell Brand is available. Or Simon’s buddy Piers. Or for an Aussie slant, bring in Dicko – he’s already part of the Idol family.

ETA. Oh but then Simon would have to share the limelight.

Sorry, but using the excuse of chronic pain and sleeplessness for her behavior only go so far in my book. I have suffered from chronic pain, difficulty sleeping, and chronic fatigue for 21 years. At some point, we all have to accept our limitations, not take on more than we can handle, and stop making constant excuses. Either Paula enjoys the attention, whether it’s positive or negative at any given moment, or she needs an intervention. She invites those cameras into her life. The damaging footage is not from stalkers.

Can’t bring myself to get too worked up over Paula-she’s not the most interesting celebrity out there.

However, I would like to see her continue as a judge. She says some insightful things sometimes in the midst of her loony tunes ramblings. Simon should quit fucking with her-it’s just too easy.

She really does seem like a sweet woman but I do think that she really is a bit of a nut.

there is no way anyone can deny that tinkering with the formula [i]was[/i] a good idea. It wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t!

I deny this. The idea was good. Execution was bad.

What I find interesting is that far more than her slurring words, loopy behavior, and incoherence, Paula’s personailty suggests that she is a longtime addict. Addicts never take responsibility for anything. It is always someone else’s fault. Everyone is against them. They are completely innocent and everyone else has it in for them. They lie with abandonment and their behavior betrays their lies but we are judgmental if we call them on it.

I find it insulting that Paula denies taking pain medication as if it were some kind of evil. If she is in pain, she should be taking drugs to make her functional. If she can’t sleep, she should be taking drugs to make her functional. If her lifestyle is so hectic, she should be slowing down for both her health and her career. There is no shame in taking medication. But Paula’s reaction is typical of an addict. She is superwoman, she’s so strong and resilient that she needs no pain meds, no sleep, no R&R. She’s better than everyone and squeaky clean, never even been drunk.

One would have thought that the day Paula critiqued a performance that hadn’t happened yet, Idol would have kicked her to the curb. How much more evidence does one need of her incompetence? It is only in the bizarre world of reality TV that Paula’s strung out behavior could be turned into a ratings bonus. And then she wants more money? But of course.

goldenlpb and iluvhollywood, thank you for your posts and insight to RSD. What you said certainly fits what we see in Paula.

I agree with Paula when she proudly says, “I’m part of what has made this show successful.” You go girl! It’s okay to stick up for yourself. I’ve seen you do this more this season than last.

If Paula wasn’t already so pathetic she might be pitiable.

Glad to see Nightline is tackling such weighty issues. Seriously, this show has become pathetic.

These Idol judges probably have the best gig around. People are never satisfied with what they have.

I like Paula. I think she weighs in with some really insightful remarks sometimes and manages to do so without being mean-spirited like Simon. Sure, sometimes she sounds a bit loopy but she actually seems to have a knack for spotting talent in the early stages before the contestants are beautified via the makeover. Simon? Not so much.

I really hope she stays. And I frankly don’t care what her issues (mental, physical, psychological) are outside the show. So long as she keeps doing what she’s doing, I’m fine. She’s entertaining and sometimes insightful, and she doesn’t add any more unpleasantness into this world when doing her job. Not too bad, I’d say.

What more can she do to prove she wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t drunk and _abusing_ prescription drugs? There is absolutely nothing wrong with her properly using the meds she was prescribed.

Well for years she was falling all over herself and slurring her words. It’s hard to believe that properly using drugs would make her that out of it. If so then maybe she was being over-prescribed.

What accounts for the obvious improvement this year, I wonder? Did she get her prescriptions under control finally? Maybe the fear of having another woman on the show made her straighten up LOL.

It’s hard to believe that Paula wasn’t high on some sort of drugs. I mean, she obviously was. Now maybe she’s mincing words about what the drugs were. Maybe they weren’t oxycontin, but what were they?

I took muscle relaxants a few times and they made me dizzy and loopy so I stopped. She said she took those, so maybe that was it.

But why would she continue to take those before a show if they made her so loopy?

I know she had surgeries and has pain, but pain can be controlled without being so intoxicated, I think.

I’m not judging her really and I like Paula (most of the time) but I think there’s a wee bit of denial going on. Which seems to be common with Paula.

I love the lip gloss Paula has bee wearing, I want to know brand and shade.

Negotiation Nude? Pissed off Pink?

Actually I do want to know, Straight Up, the name of that gloss/lipstick/lip glaze.

Keel
Apr 24th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
I like Paula. I think she weighs in with some really insightful remarks sometimes and manages to do so without being mean-spirited like Simon. Sure, sometimes she sounds a bit loopy but she actually seems to have a knack for spotting talent in the early stages before the contestants are beautified via the makeover. Simon? Not so much.

I really hope she stays. And I frankly donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care what her issues (mental, physical, psychological) are outside the show. So long as she keeps doing what sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s doing, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m fine. Sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s entertaining and sometimes insightful, and she doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t add any more unpleasantness into this world when doing her job. Not too bad, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d say.

Could not have said it better. I’ve been a Paula fan from her performing days, and even then she seemed a little off beat. It could just be her personality, I don’t knock her for it. Everyone has their quirks.

As for her slurring her words at times. I can’t say that it is due to medication. I know when I’ve worked long hours or when I worked a double shift, by the end of it, I was bleary eyes, and had to REALLY think before I spoke to make myself sound coherent. It took effort. I would also get tired, and drift a bit mid sentence. I have never taken drugs. It is just how my body reacts to over work, and perhaps Paula’s acts the same way. Remember, she has a tough schedule, more than anyone here knows, so couple all of that together, and it is very plausible that her behavior in the past was due to exhaustion. Maybe now, finally, after seeing how her schedule and behavior was coming off in public, she finally figured out how to manage her schedule and time better to make her more effective.

I read that some say she is defensive, and does not take responsibility for her own actions. Possibly, but think about it, in her mind, she probably feels that she is going out there, giving 100% to any endeavor she is involved with, probably spreading herself too thin, and what has been her reward, little praise, and hypercritical comments from the press, unsubstantiated rumors of drug and alcohol abuse, and daily mocking. She deserves better, but Hollywood eats up the weak, so she is pretty much forced to be her own advocate to get anywhere. Women tend to get the wrong end of the stick when they stick up for themselves. When men do it in Hollywood, it’s called networking.

I don’t think Paula comes across as loopy or strung out in this interview at all. However, I will say, the entire focus, by Cynthia, was negative. I would have liked to have seen a few more upbeat questions. Maybe that’s because I am a fan of Paula’s and feel she has been the best judge this year.

I think Cynthia was more than fair. She asked the tough questions but gave Paula plenty of time to explain her conditions and point of view. If fatigue causes Paula to slur or speak hesitantly then she should slow down not take on more work. It seems to me that she cares more about fame and money than her medical conditions.

Since watching Paula’s reality show, I have had the impression that she drives herself and doesn’t know how to pace herself.

I also think that Paula can never settle down with one lover and be content. She seems kind of lost and sad in that way. Always seeking, never finding.

But I do love Paula, all in all. A lot of us have quirks. Life does that to people. She’s an artist (not her singing as much as her choreography and love of music), and has a good heart. She really cares about those kids and hates to hurt their feelings.