Paula Abdul is still nuts

Paula Abdul leaving Mastro's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills (5/3)

When Paula Abdul was essentially fired from American Idol last year, she left with the reputation of being a complete diva who took the art of making unrealistic demands on producers to an entirely new level. Since then, absolutely nothing has changed at all in the slightest bit. From the Chicago Sun Times:

According to people close to negotiations between the ex-"American Idol" judge and those producing Simon Cowell's upcoming "The X-Factor," as well as those planning the relaunch of a new version of "Star Search," it's Abdul's tough contract requirements that have caused delays.

Seems Abdul's reputation as quite the diva continues. Among her "needs" are very specific -- and pricey -- demands regarding office and dressing-room decoration and an insistence on a large entourage of publicists, hair stylists and makeup artists (available 24/7, even when not taping), plus a slew of other assistants.

"The added costs are scaring producers," said a source involved with the new "Star Search" concept.

Insiders at both shows also tell me Abdul had made "unrealistic" demands regarding a piece of ownership of the programs. On top of that, a source working on "The X-Factor" -- launching in fall 2011 on Fox -- claims Abdul's wardrobe allowance demands "would cost more than what most shows provide an entire cast, 'like on 'Desperate Housewives.' "

Uh oh, Paula's actually talking to producers herself instead of using her agent? You know what that means. Someone has a case of "Oxycontin Courage" . . . which isn't without its side effects, however. "Paula, why are you drooling on the conference table?"

*10 pics total in the gallery:

[Pacific Coast News]

Natalie

I think that you guys are nuts. Its obvious why idol's raitings are down. Paula left. Quit with the bashing, it's getting old.

amber

I think you're nuts because Paula was the best part of Idol and shes gorgeous.

Elina

Paula is absolutely stunning. Paula was the one who made Idol interesting, and without her, everything goes down. GO PAULA

Jo

Paula looks gorgeous and would have every right to make those demands if they're even true. It's already been proven that Idol is nothing without her. It's not even #1 show anymmore.

Sandy

ugh leave her alone. first of all, ever heard of GOSSIP. this story about her being a diva might not even be true. and if it is, so freakin what?! she deserves all those stuff and more! idol ratings are down with millions without her. SHE WAS THE ONE WHO MADE IDOL #1 (clearly, DWTS has beaten them many times now, and when she was on idol, they were unbeatable)

Elizabeth

This is a bunch of crap....as usual. Paula has already denied that she is even in the running for Star Search, and I'm sure her X-Factor contract was signed months ago. Her and Simon probably had all the details worked out the day after she quit Idol. Paula and Simon have so many people fooled. They have a plan and they know exactly what they're doing. They are probably having a party right now laughing about the fact that Idol's ratings are dropping by the second!!!!! Nobody thought Paula would be missed on Idol....guess they were wrong. I don't think Paula's nuts....I think she's brilliant.

Paul

She is so beautiful, and has such a great and wide range of talent. She is also very deserving.