Tag Archive for 'simon cowell'

paula abdul and workplace inequality

When last season of American Idol added fourth judge Kara DioGuardi, many speculated that Kara’s addition was a potential test to see if she could replace Paula Abdul in case Paula decided to leave the show (because a woman can only replace another woman, obviously). Now, Paula’s embroiled in difficult contract negotiations that leave her status on the show uncertain. Her manager has complained to the press that Paula is being lowballed – she makes far less than fellow judge Simon Cowell and host Ryan Seacrest, and she’s holding out for more money.

As an avid Idol fan, I could go two ways with this. One is that Ryan and Simon both provide more value to the show than she does – Simon’s also a producer and helped create the show, and while it seems like hosting a reality show is easy, compare Ryan with a lesser TV host and you’ll see how talented he is at moving the show along and smoothing transitions. Ryan’s the only host, but Paula is one of three – or four – judges. Besides, her commentary is often rambling or irrelevant – do we really care that you like someone’s personality or outfit when they can’t freaking sing? Part of me thinks she should be grateful to Idol for resurrecting her career and making her a pop culture icon. After all, would she have had her reality show, jewelry line, endorsement deals, or other side gigs if she hadn’t made her Idol-fueled comeback? I doubt it.

On the other hand, there’s the Randy Jackson factor.

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susan boyle gets an assistant

How do you tell when a celebrity has really hit the big time? Is it when they’re on the cover of People magazine? Maybe the first time they’re invited to Diddy’s White Party?

I’d venture a guess that a celebrity is really famous when he or she gets a personal assistant. So in that case, let’s now welcome Susan Boyle to the big-star table. The Scottish woman who turned into a YouTube sensation when she sang “I Dreamed A Dream” on Britain’s Got Talent has been coping with the effects of fame. She’s going on tour, has had to learn how to use a cell phone for the first time in her life, is purchasing the house she’s been renting for years, and has a brand-new PA named Julia. With help from Julia and her mentor Simon Cowell, Susan is also recording her first album.

As long as you’re nice to your assistant, Susan, I won’t have to say anything mean about you on this blog. But you’ve been warned.